MOSCOW · GOLDEN RING VILLAGE OF SERGIEV POSAD · ST PETERSBURG

In the Footsteps of Russian Tsars

September 3-12, 2022 NOTE: This tour is CANCELED

TEN DAYS FROM $8499

Experience the opulence of the era of the tsars as well as the remnants of the Cold War on Zoom Russia.

Few countries evoke an immediate sense of imperial nobility, intrigue, passion, art, literature, dance, music, and architecture quite like Russia, immortalized in works and traditions of the tsars, Leo Tolstoy, the Bolshoi Ballet, Pyotr Tchaikovsky, just to name a few.

Explore historic Moscow, from Red Square and the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral to the Kremlin and the State Armory, home of artifacts that date back to the 14th Century.  Moscow is an ancient capital of churches and monasteries. Its heart, the Kremlin, brings you immediately to the 15th century, the time of grand princes and tsars, yet it is one of the most rapidly developing cities in the world, increasingly influenced by the West.

In St. Petersburg, a city built by Peter the Great as a tribute to himself, visit his Petrodvorets, the opulent summer palace designed to rival Versailles. Wander the great halls of the Hermitage Museum and see its amazing objets d'art.  St. Petersburg is an elegant city of palaces and grand estates built to become Russia’s “Window to Europe”. 

Between these two remarkable cities lies vast countryside dotted with villages of small wooden dachas and, occasionally, country estates and historic monasteries.  On Zoom Russia you will visit Sergiev Posad, a picturesque town northeast of Moscow. The town is famous for the 14th century Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius, one of the most important centers of the Orthodox religion and a major destination of pilgrims. Here you’ll find a magical place where you’ll feel transported back in time: monks roam the grounds, pilgrims come hundreds of miles to receive a blessing, and little shops operate outside of the monastery like they have since the medieval era.

Russia, the biggest country in the world, covering an eighth of the Earth’s land area, remains one of the great undiscovered destinations for travel in the 21st century. An incredible diversity of customs, culture and wildlife lies between the Gulf of Finland and the Pacific Coast’s Kamchatka peninsula.   Due to its geographical position, Russian culture is a melting pot of Oriental, European and Asian traditions. This diversity is evident not only in its architecture and art, but in the character and lifestyle of its people.

Package Highlights:

• Fully escorted with the services of a Zoom Vacations® Concierge throughout the trip

• 4 nights at the Park Hyatt Moscow

• 5 nights at the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

• Private coach service for the entire tour with our own dedicated guide.

• Welcome Dinner at one of the best restaurants in Moscow.

• Private tour of the Moscow Metro, commonly known as the "subterranean palace"

• Tour historic Moscow, including Red Square and more.

• Tour the Kremlin, a must-see attraction in Russia, a beautiful fortress in the heart of the city full of history and legends.

• Visit the museum collection of the Armory Chamber, a treasure house which preserves ancient State regalia, gold and silver items, ceremonial arms, and more.

• Enjoy a boat trip down the Moskva River.

• Be transported back in time as we visit Sergiev Posad, a picturesque town northeast of Moscow.

• Hold back your weave as we Zoom to St. Petersburg aboard the high-speed Sapsan train

• City tour of St. Petersburg, including a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress

• Private tour of the Hermitage Museum.

• Private tour of the Catherine Palace (filled with 18th century paintings and its 1400-acre park, complete with fountains, bridges, the Agate Pavilion bathhouse and the Great Pond.

• Private tour of the St. Peter and Paul Fortress, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great.

• Admire the stunning treasures at the Fabergé Museum with your expert guide.

• Visit the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (more familiarly known as the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood), a superb example of Russian architecture and decorative art from the end of the nineteenth century.

• Enjoy an elegant dinner accompanied with timeless classics from the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky.

• Visit the sumptuous Yusupov Palace, also known as Moika Palace. This long yellow building was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family, and saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia's history, the murder of Grigory Rasputin.

• Caviar Masterclass:  Learn about Russia’s ‘black gold’ with our exclusive class, led by our vodka master. Find out how to discern different varieties’ nuances to pair with the perfect vodka. Explore how Russian vodka was first crafted and—perhaps most importantly—how to drink it without suffering the next day.

• A Beautiful farewell dinner in St. Petersburg, a Zoom Signature event.

Note: this is just a sampling of highlights, in addition to discovering the authenticity and unique riches of the area.

Space is limited. Call us today to book this tour:  773.772.9666.

Gay Friendly, Luxury Accommodations

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe - St. Petersburg

A cultural and culinary landmark, this stately hotel dates back to the 19th century and has played a central role in the life of St Petersburg for over 140 years. Standing along Nevsky Prospect, it is centrally located facing the Church of the Split Blood, across from the Shostakovich Philharmonic, next to the Russian Museum and within walking distance of the famous Hermitage. With strong ties to the worlds of theatre, music and dance, a stay here will take you straight to the heart of Russia.   While our guests will enjoy the luxury of a newly renovated Deluxe Room at the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, there is also the possibility of upgrading to one of the historic suites (which are shown in the photo gallery below).

Park Hyatt Ararat - Moscow

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is located in the very heart of the capital of Russia and is one of the best situated 5 star hotels in Moscow. Just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the hotel is right next to the famous Bolshoi Theatre. Parliament House, the central business district and the luxury shopping malls TsUM and GUM are also nearby.

Air: International and domestic airfare not included.

Passports: Your valid passport should have at least two blank visa pages and should be valid for at least six months after your planned departure from the country you are visiting. 
Note: Passport pages titled "Endorsement Pages" are not visa pages.

Visas: To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate.  It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance. If you are not a US citizen, please contact your nearest Russian Consulate to determine your visa requirements.

While Zoom Vacations will assist when possible, please note that passport, visa, and vaccination requirements vary from country to country and are the sole responsibility of the traveler. If you are a US resident, you may click here for more information on passport, visa, and vaccination requirements for various countries.

*Land only Introductory rate, based on double occupancy. Prices are subject to change. Need a roommate? Zoom Vacations® is happy to match you with someone, at no additional charge. Or, you may pay a single supplement and go as a single.

Please read Terms and Conditions prior to booking.