Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

Discover Moscow’s rich history through its Tsarist architecture and Soviet monuments and get a glimpse inside the fabled Kremlin. As a contrast, explore the imperial opulence of picturesque St Petersburg, seemingly frozen in time on the banks of the Neva River. Day 1: UK to Moscow D Depart the UK on your flight via Frankfurt, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Day 2: Moscow B After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Russia’s colourful capital. Start with a tour of the Red Square, enclosed on all four sides by impressive Tsarist architecture, such as the immense walls of the Kremlin, the granite pyramid of Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum, the brightly coloured onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral and the palace of the State Historical Museum. Your tour guide will take you into the heart of the Kremlin, a former fortress which today serves as the official residence of the president and houses a fine collection of historic monuments. Day 3: Moscow B/D Today starts with an enchanting tour of Moscow’s metro system, also known as the ‘Palaces of the People’. Built in the 1930s as a tribute to the Soviet state, you’ll find stations that have more in common with museums and art galleries than train stations. Your trip would not be complete without a visit to the world-famous Tretyakov Gallery, home to an outstanding collection, encompassing more than 170,000 works by Russian artists. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. Day 4: Moscow to St Petersburg B/D After a morning at leisure, depart for Leningradsky rail station where you’ll board the high-speed Sapsan train to St Petersburg. Enjoy Russia’s spectacular scenery before you arrive at Moskovsky railway station and are transfer to your hotel. Day 5: St Petersburg B Take a tour of St Petersburg and experience its imperial grandeur, opulent palaces and remarkable cathedrals. Visit the Hermitage, which houses an outstanding collection of treasures and art. Afterwards, travel across the Neva River to Peter and Paul Fortress, St Petersburg’s first structure, located on Zayachy Island. Today it lives on as a fascinating history museum and is home to a cathedral and the tombs of Romanov monarchs. Your evening is at leisure to explore this beautiful city. Day 6: St Petersburg and Pushkin B/D This morning you’ll leave St Petersburg for the leafy town of Pushkin, home to the prized Catherine Palace, built for Catherine the Great in the 18th century. Modelled on the palaces of Versailles and Vienna, it screams opulence with its vast manicured gardens and intricate gold leaf décor. After returning from Pushkin, the rest of your day is at leisure. This evening, take a trip to the Vodka Museum and sample three vodkas and three snacks, before a farewell dinner. Day 7: St Petersburg to the UK B After breakfast, transfer for your return flight via Frankfurt, or continue on to your chosen extension. The Grand Capitals of Russia The Catherine Palace Tour highlights ✔ Explore behind the red walls of the Kremlin ✔ Ride the high-speed Sapsan train through beautiful Russian landscapes ✔ Marvel at St Basil’s Cathedral in the famous Red Square ✔ Discover artistic treasures at the Hermitage Museum ✔ Tour Catherine the Great’s opulent 18th century palace Tour includes • 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners • 4 H accommodation: Moscow-Vega Izmailovo Hotel & Convention Centre, St Petersburg-The Courtyard by Marriott St Petersburg Vasilievsky • Flights from London Heathrow with Lufthansa (via Frankfurt) Extend your tour St Petersburg city stay, 2 nights, 4 H B&B from £149 Explore the sights of St Petersburg further at your own pace. Tour pace: Intermediate Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 www.mercuryholidays.co.uk • 0800 298 9865  Moscow St. Petersburg Pushkin < < Coach Air Rail Single Supplement A single supplement starts from just £249 Private Tour Upgrade From £589 . Includes a private guide, transport and choice of departure date. 133 Europe 7 days from £1,129 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £589