Land tour: Best of Moscow and St. Petersburg

After breakfast, embark on a sightseeing tour of the city, including Red Square, which was originally known more prosaically as the tog or marketplace. The present name dates from the 17th century, meaning “beautiful.” Red Square is famous for its markets, fairs and religious festivals, as well as a famous place of execution. Here, rebels met their deaths beside the raised circular dais called the “Lobnoe Mesto,” from which state decrees were also read out. Independent lunch in the city downtown. See the former headquarters of the KGB, Moscow University and the Russian “White House.” Take an afternoon tour of the Kremlin including a visit to three main Cathedrals. Dinner and overnight in Moscow.

Morning arrival in St. Petersburg. Transfer to your hotel with a city tour. En route, you will enjoy the sights of this gorgeous city – Tsar Peter the Great's"Window to the West." Only 300 years old, the city was built by Tsar Peter to capture and rival the beauties of Paris and Venice. You'll love the extravagant baroque architecture of the city center, Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and Smolny Convent. This afternoon, enjoy the many wonders of the elegant Winter Palace, which now houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and cultural museums in the world. This vast collection (about 65,000 items) includes some of history's most important art. Dinner and overnight in St. Petersburg.

After breakfast, continue your tour with a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral (under construction from 1818 to 1858), largest in the city. With its tall gilt dome, is one of the landmarks of the city. The rest of the day is available for independent sightseeing, shopping and last-minute photo opportunities. Dinner. Overnight in St. Petersburg.