Moscow: Russia’s Cosmopolitan Capital
Harriet is here to help give you the inside track.
Cosmopolitan, lively Moscow has been Russia's capital for a century. Iconic St Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin face off on opposite sides of Red Square, but to truly get the measure of this captivating city, spread your wings and gaze down from the Sparrow Hills viewpoint.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Check off Red Square's iconic sights: St Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum and GUM department store
- Ride the splendid Moscow metro and appreciate its grandeur
- Visit the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow's finest collection of works of art
- Pick up a souvenir Russian doll along vibrant Arbat Street
Why Book with Original Travel?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: Arrive in Moscow
On landing at Domodedovo Airport, a driver will be waiting for your private transfer to a centrally located hotel. Check in, unpack and (depending on when your flight lands) head out for dinner in one of Moscow's best restaurants, recommended in our detailed destination Dossier. We can pre-book a table.
Day 2: Explore Russia's Capital
Moscow's been the capital of Russia for a century. It's a buzzing, forward-thinking city with attitude in spades. With your English-speaking guide, visit St Basil's Cathedral, with its distinctive coloured domes, which has occupied a corner of Red Square since its construction in the 16th century. It's Moscow's most recognisable landmark and thus the perfect place to begin your tour.
Nearby, you'll find two other quintessentially Muscovite sights: the famous GUM department store and Lenin's mausoleum, where the Bolshevik leader's body lies embalmed. Then head inside the Kremlin, home to Putin's presidential quarters. Admire its striking courtyard cathedrals and pay a visit to the Armoury Museum, crammed full of Tsarist treasures. From there, your guide will take you to New Maiden Convent. Round off the day with a ride up to the lookout at Sparrow Hills, one of the best vantage points to view the Moscow skyline.
Additional Activities
- We can book tickets for a ballet or opera performance at the world famous Bolshoi Theatre
Day 3: City Sightseeing in Moscow
Today, your English-speaking guide has more treats in store, starting with the Tretyakov Gallery.
Founded by Pavel Tretyakov, a wealthy merchant and enthusiastic art aficionado, it's now Moscow's premier fine art collection. Art takes a different form as you descend into the halls of Moscow's famous metro underground system. While transit systems in some cities are stark and functional, the Moscow metro wows visitors with its stations' sparkling chandeliers, intricate mosaics, pretty stained-glass panels and bronze sculptures. Finish up with a stroll along the oldest street in the city, Arbat Street, where you'll find a plethora of restaurants, cafes and souvenir shops.
Day 4: Home Time
Today, you'll be heading home. If you have time, squeeze in some last-minute shopping in this energetic city or enjoy a last long lunch before your transfer back to the airport.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels. Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights.
From
$1,510pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
$1,885pp
Harriet is our expert for this itinerary and, as a seasoned traveller, has the inside track on the most memorable adventures.