Imperial Capitals (including Kiev)

Our Imperial Capitals itinerary provides an insight, in logical order, of the progression of Russian history from Kiev, to the concentration of Russian power by Ivan the Terrible in Moscow, to the founding of Peter the Great’s new “Window on the West” in St Petersburg.

Kiev
Kiev is now the capital of an independent Ukraine, but it is also the birthplace of Kievan Rus, founded in the eighth and ninth centuries, and the city from which the Orthodox faith spread throughout Eastern Europe.

The skyline of Kiev is dominated by the thirteen cupolas of St Sophia’s Cathedral. The foundations were laid in 1037 under the orders of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who was also responsible for the Golden Gate Entrance to the city. Here we will see some of the best-preserved mosaics and frescoes of the 11th century.

The Dnieper Hills are dominated by the Pecherska Lavra, built almost nine centuries ago. This complex of churches, masterpieces of architecture by themselves, is famous for its catacombs and saints' relics, hence its other name, the Monastery of Caves.

Moscow
Moscow is a city built on strength and power and there is no better display of this than the Kremlin and Red Square. Upon arrival, you can instantly feel the excitement and energy of new Moscow- from high fashion to haute cuisine, this is not the Moscow of old stereotypes. We will explore the historical sights of the city including Christ the Holy Redeemer Cathedral and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, with its collection of paintings by Cezanne, Matisse and Picasso, bought by the millionaire merchants Shchukin and Morozov at the beginning of last century. We will spend considerable time inside the Kremlin and its famed Armoury Museum and also be invited into the often-missed Diamond Vaults, which house the crown jewels of Russia. This is also where we will see the world celebrated Faberge Imperial Easter Eggs.

St Petersburg
Recognised as the Venice of the North, St Petersburg is a city built on majesty and grandeur. Peter the Great began building his enchanting city on the Gulf of Finland in the early 18th century and his canals and waterways are left today much as he intended. Our tour will take us through the unique Amber Room of Catherine Palace and the fountains of Peterhof. Our visit will include an unrushed and privately-led visit to the greatest museum in the world, the Hermitage. We will walk through the former halls of the Romanov family and admire the collections that were purchased throughout the different reigns, beginning with Catherine II.

Please contact us for day-by-day itinerary.

Accommodation
Hyatt Regency in Kiev
Ararat Park Hyatt in Moscow
Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg

Single Supplement: £1,215.00
All prices per person, sharing.
Cost of flight and visa not included. We can arrange all aspects of your Russian visa.