Very Affordable Russia

Don't let the name of this incredible package fool you. There are no compromises except for the chilly weather during Russia's winter. As savvy travelers will gladly attest, low season is the right time to enjoy the very best of Russia, if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy prices that are simply impossible to resist.

Fly non-stop from JFK via Aeroflot direct to Moscow; stay at first class hotels with lavish buffet breakfasts daily; spend three fascinating days in Moscow, Russia's historic capital and modern powerhouse, and three more days in St. Petersburg, one of Europe's most lovely and artistic cities.

Our amazing package even includes a panoramic tour of the main highlights of each city to help you get oriented. Then, explore on your own, or take advantage of our specially-priced optional tours packages to see some of the most famous sights. If you've always wanted to see Russia, this is one opportunity you can't afford to miss! But don't wait, because at these prices, space is sure to go very quickly!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating trip to Russia begins as you depart today for Moscow. (Monday departures begin in St. Petersburg end in Moscow)

Day 2: Arrive Moscow, Russia. Late morning arrival in Moscow, the historic Russian capital, where you'll see for yourself the amazing and invigorating transformation from Communist monolith to modern, free-market metropolis. After customs formalities, board your coach and enjoy a panoramic tour of this famous and formidable city's major highlights.

Continue to your hotel, conveniently located in Mira Prospect, one of the thoroughfares of Moscow and a short drive from the city center. Your guide will hold a short briefing meeting to orient you to the city and its most important sites, and then the balance of the day is yours to enjoy on your own or take advantage of optional tours. Cosmos Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 3 & 4: Moscow. Enjoy two full days to explore Moscow. Your hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the city's business district, within short distance of the Moscow Metro and major attractions, as well as shopping and dining. Your professional guide will be glad to make suggestions if you prefer to explore independently.

To make the most of your visit and enrich your experience, your guide will offer you a chance to join some exclusive excursions to the city's highlights, including the famous Red Square and Kremlin Cathedrals and Kuskovo Palace, as well as memorable evening activities. Breakfast provided.

Day 5: Moscow & St. Petersburg. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the short flight to St. Petersburg, one of Europe's most magnificent cities, often called "Venice of the North." Board your touring coach for a panoramic city tour en route to your hotel, located a few blocks away from the world-famous Mariinsky Opera and Ballet Theater and the Hermitage. After a brief orientation meeting, set out to explore St. Petersburg on your own or on an optional tour. Petro Palace Hotel Breakfast provided.

Day 6 & 7: St. Petersburg. Enjoy two full days to explore one of Europe's most beloved cities. Your hotel is conveniently located in the historic center of St. Petersburg, within easy access to the Nevsky Prospect and many of the city's most important sites. Explore independently or join some exclusive excursions to the city's highlights as well as memorable evening activities. Breakfast provided.

Day 8: St. Petersburg/USA. After breakfast, say goodbye to Russia as you transfer to the airport for your return flight to the USA.

Optional Tours in Russia

To take full advantage of your visit to Russia, we offer these optional tours to other "must see" sites. These are not "seat in coach" tours that pick up passengers in various hotels. All the optional tours are operated for Friendly Planet groups only and are available at highly discounted prices. The special package price is available ony when booked and prepaid prior to departure. The same tours, if purchased in Russia, will be at a considerably higher price.

Moscow

• Half day Kremlin & Cathedrals, Russia's most recognizable and visited site
• Half day Tretiakov Gallery, the largest museum of Russian art in the world
• Five hours visit to Kuskovo, known as the Versailles of Moscow

Moscow Optionals Package Price, per person: $95 if booked and prepaid before departure.

St. Petersburg

• Half day Hermitage, one of the largest and most important museums of art in the world
• Half day Yusupov Palace, one of the architectural masterpieces of Russia and the place where the notorious Rasputin was murdered
• Five hours visit to Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo) with Catherine the Great's Palace containing the incredible (and recently restored to international acclaim) Amber Room

St. Petersburg Optionals Package Price, per person: $95 per person if booked and prepaid before departure.

Cultural Events and Tickets

Tickets to the Moscow Circus, the Bolshoi, the Nikolayevsky Palace Folklore Show, the Mariinski Theatre and other cultural events will also be available. Complete descriptive details of all our optionals will follow shortly.

Destination FAQs

For quick answers to Frequently Asked Questions about travel to Russia, click here.