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Experience the magic of Russia in winter on an unforgettable private train journey. Admire the snow-dusted cupolas and gilded onion-domed cathedrals, explore Moscow’s famous landmarks and St. Petersburg’s extraordinary treasures, and visit the ancient cities of the Golden Ring—Vladimir, Suzdal, and Yaroslavl'.
January 5 and 6 New York/Moscow, Russia
Depart on an overnight flight. Arrive in Moscow and transfer to the Baltchug Kempinski Hotel located in the heart of the city on the bank of the Moskva River. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. Later, gather for a welcome reception and dinner at our hotel.
Baltchug Kempinski Hotel
(D)
January 7 Moscow
Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral in central Moscow have been recognized symbols of political, social, and religious life in Russia for centuries. Visit the Kremlin and the cathedral where tsars were baptized, crowned, and buried. After a lunch of Russian specialties, explore Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Board our private train early this evening.
Private train
(B,L,D)
January 8 Vladimir/Suzdal
Arrive in Vladimir and climb into a horse-drawn troika for a ride to the nearby historic town of Bogolyubsky. Return to Vladimir and see the 12th-century Golden Gate and the Cathedral of St. Dmitry with its uniquely adorned facade. At the Assumption Cathedral, view works by the great icon painter Andrei Rublov. Continue on to Suzdal, the religious and cultural center of Old Russia. Explore the 11th-century Cathedral of the Nativity and the fascinating Museum of Ancient Wooden Architecture. After lunch in the Savior Monastery of St. Euthymius, enjoy a private concert of choral music.
(B,L,D)
January 9 Yaroslavl'
Today, explore Yaroslavl', a city nestled on the banks of the Volga River. Visit the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, founded in the 12th century and one of the region’s oldest monasteries. Also see a series of churches dating from the 17th century, including the Church of the Epiphany, known for its colorful ceramic tiles. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before reboarding the train.
(B,L,D)
January 10 Veliki Ustug
This morning, arrive in Veliki Ustug, a town with a well-preserved medieval center. Enjoy an exhilarating troika ride. Later, explore the main cathedral and visit the “Northern Chern” Factory, where beautiful decorative art, jewelry, and enamelware is made. At the Grandfather Frost mansion, meet local Russians, learn about Russian holiday traditions, and enjoy a lunch of traditional Russian cuisine. Tonight, enjoy dinner on board the train while traveling to St. Petersburg.
(B,L,D)
January 11 St. Petersburg
Arrive in St. Petersburg and disembark the train. Discover one of the world’s grandest cities and see many of its spectacular sites, including the Winter Palace, the Bronze Horseman, and Nevsky Prospekt. After lunch, spend the afternoon at the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, including Catherine the Great’s Winter Palace. Enjoy dinner at one of St. Petersburg’s finest restaurants and a theater performance.
Grand Hotel Europe
(B,L,D)
January 12 St. Petersburg
Visit the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the tsars since Peter the Great, and the beautifully restored St. Isaac’s Cathedral. After lunch, meet with Ludmila Mekertycheva, National Geographic magazine’s local Russian expert, who will share her perspective on life in Russia. Tonight, gather for a festive farewell dinner in our hotel.
(B,L,D)
January 13 St. Petersburg/New York
Depart St. Petersburg this morning for the flight to New York.
(B)
Our comfortable, private first-class train includes all lower, two-berth sleeping compartments. Bathrooms are located at the end of each car, and there is a separate shower car. Deluxe-class sleeping compartments with private bath and shower are also available. The restaurant car serves a variety of international cuisine, and the lounge car provides a place for informal talks and relaxation.
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