Why See Moscow and St Petersburg Together
Russia’s two great cities are very different places. Moscow is the political and commercial heart of the country, built around the red walls of the Kremlin, while St Petersburg is the imperial capital on the Baltic, all canals, palaces and wide boulevards. The Sapsan high-speed train links them in around four hours, so a Russia holiday package from the UAE can take in both in one short trip. Flights from Sharjah take under six hours, and Moscow is only an hour behind UAE time.
Moscow: the Kremlin, Red Square and the river
Red Square is the centre of Moscow and of Russia itself, with the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral at one end, the Kremlin walls along one side and the arcades of the GUM department store opposite. Inside the Kremlin are cathedrals, palaces and the seat of government. A short ride away, the Moscow Metro is famous for its chandeliers, mosaics and marble halls, and from Sparrow Hills the city spreads out below the towers of Moscow State University. In the evening, a cruise on the Moskva River passes the city’s landmarks lit up along the banks.
St Petersburg: palaces, canals and the Hermitage
St Petersburg was built as a window on Europe, and it shows. Nevsky Prospekt runs through the centre past Kazan Cathedral and the Stroganov Palace, the gilded dome of St Isaac’s rises above the rooftops, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood brings a burst of colour to the canals. On Palace Square stands the Winter Palace, home of the State Hermitage Museum. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, it holds more than three million objects and the largest collection of paintings in the world.
Planning your Russia trip
This Moscow and St Petersburg tour suits couples, friends and families who want history, art and grand architecture in one short trip, with a guide, train tickets and transfers arranged for you. Late November is winter in both cities, so pack a warm coat, hat, gloves and shoes that cope with cold pavements. The trip runs over the UAE National Day break and works at other times of year too. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Visa Info section before you book.
Take a look at the full itinerary and inclusions on this page, then send us an enquiry to check availability on this departure.