NEW YEAR 2020 IN RUSSIA with Exclusive Gala Ball at Grand Duke Vladimir Palace

Itinerary

Day 1: WELCOME TO ST. PETERSBURG

Stop At: U Visit Russia, St. Petersburg Russia
Upon arrival, after clearing passport control and customs proceed to the arrival area to meet U Visit Russia representative. You will be assisted to your vehicle and transferred to the hotel. Hotel check-in. Free time to relax, explore the magnificent city centre on your own, dine in one of the local restaurants.

Overnight in St. Petersburg.
Duration: 2 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 2: ST. PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING AND THE HERMITAGE MUSEUM. EVENING “NUTCRACKER” BALLET PERFORMANCE

Stop At: The Museum Complex The State Museum St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Isaakiyevskaya Sq., 4 Nevskiy Prospekt metro station, St. Petersburg 190000 Russia
Morning sightseeing includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral and Decembrists' Square.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Savior on the Spilled Blood, Griboyedova Kanala Emb., 2B/A, St. Petersburg 191186 Russia
Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: The State Hermitage Museum, Palace Square, 2, St. Petersburg 191055 Russia
Visit the State Hermitage Art Museum occupying six magnificent buildings situated along the embankment of the Neva River. The leading role in this unique architectural ensemble is played by the Winter Palace, a former royal residence built in 1754 - 1762 according to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Put together throughout two and a half centuries, the Hermitage collection consists of over 3,000,000 works of art and presents the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century.

The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Mikhailovsky Opera and Ballet Theater, Iskusstv ploshchad, d. 1, St. Petersburg 191186 Russia
In the evening make your way to one of the best ballet and opera theatres of St. Petersburg to admire the world-famous Peter Tchaikovsky "The Nutcracker" classical ballet in two acts, starting at 19 pm. The driver will come at 18 pm to your hotel to pick you up and bring to the theatre. After the performance, the driver will get you back to the hotel.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 3: THE CITY OF TSARS

Stop At: Catherine Palace and Park, Sadovaya St., 7 Tsarskoye Selo, Pushkin, St. Petersburg 196601 Russia
In the little town of Pushkin, visit Catherine’s Palace with your guide. A ‘Golden Enfilade’ of suites lead to the restored Amber Room, a truly unique and spectacular chamber solely decorated with amber panels, gold leaves and mirrors.
Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Peter and Paul Fortress, Petropavlovskaya Fortress, 3, St. Petersburg 197022 Russia
Later, cross the Neva River to Peter and Paul Fortress, where St. Petersburg’s foundation stone was laid in 1703. With a Local Expert, visit the fortress to see the imperial tombs of the Romanov rulers and learn the secrets of Russian history.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 4: NEW YEAR’S EVE

Stop At: Gorky House of Scientists of Russian Academy of Sciences, Dvortsovaya Naberezhnaya, 26, St. Petersburg 191186 Russia
This day is free to walk around the city and prepare for the evening celebration - the solemn New Year's Ball. At 20:00 enjoy a super special highlight – New Year Ball at the Palace of Grand Duke Vladimir! The staterooms are laid out for a “royal” banquet. World-class soloists from the leading theaters of St. Petersburg perform memorable melodies from famous operas and popular operettas. While being served gala dinner take in the masterful performance of the ballet dancers and national Cossack dance ensemble and get ready for a dance program and New Year celebration.
Duration: 7 hours

Meals included:
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in St. Petersburg.

Day 5: HIGH-SPEED SAPSAN TRAIN TO MOSCOW

Stop At: Moskovskiy Vokzal, Parkovka U Platformy, Nevsky Ave, 85Д, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 191036
In the afternoon board your high-speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay.
Duration: 4 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Overnight in Moscow.

Day 6: EXPLORING THE KREMLIN

Stop At: Moscow Kremlin (Moskovsky Kreml), Red Square, Moscow 103073 Russia
In the afternoon, explore the inside the Kremlin - the main landmarks are three Assumption, Annunciation and Archangel Cathedrals dating back to the 15-16th centuries, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Tsar Bell, Tsar Cannon, etc.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Armoury Chamber, Dvortsovaya St., 1R, Moscow 103073 Russia
Your tour will include a visit to the Armory Chamber, that houses a unique collection of crown jewels, stunning coronation finery, hand forged armour and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs, and world-famous Fabergé eggs.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Overnight in Moscow.

Day 7: MOSCOW OVERVIEW AND METRO TOUR

Stop At: Red Square, Krasnaya Sq., Moscow 109012 Russia
Start in the Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Moskovskiy Metropoliten, Moscow 119048 Russia
During your stay, you will visit Moscow Metro, see the most amazing stations, looking more like a museum rather than a subway. Explore Moscow Metro - one of the most beautiful and efficient subway systems in the world carrying. It was designed by prominent Russian architects and artists whose goal was not to create just a transportation system but a showcase to glorify socialism and its achievements. You will visit the most amazing stations decorated with granite, marble, bronze, statues and other pieces of art - making it look more like a museum than a subway.

After having some free time, proceed to enjoy delicious food, great wine or vodka and wonderful company as you toast to your travels during your Gala Dinner at the restaurant near Bolshoi Theater.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in Moscow.

Day 8: DEPART MOSCOW

Stop At: Sheremetyevo - A.S. Pushkin international airport, Khimki, Moscow Oblast, Russia, 141400
Departure day. Airport drop-off.

Today you have to say Goodbye to Moscow. We hope you've enjoyed your tour & that you return home with lifelong memories and unforgettable impressions. We wish you a safe flight and hope to work on your future trips.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.