Russian Christmas Tour
Russia is a unique Christmas holiday destination. With colorful decorations and magic lights, Moscow and St Petersburg turn into a winter fairytale.
from
€
911
Get a quote
Trip-finder Moscow and Saint Petersburg Russian Christmas Tour
Russia is a unique Christmas holiday destination. With colorful decorations and magic lights, Moscow and St Petersburg turn into a winter fairytale. The Winter season in Russia offers enchanting snowy landscapes and fun experiences such as Russian banya, ice skating, dog sledding, or riding the Russian Troika. The festive mood is in the air starting from early December.
The weather in December might vary from around 0 °C to – 20 °C. However cold winters are rather rare these days. We’d advise you to pack many layers and plan your weather-dependent activities wisely.
Late December is a great time to visit Moscow and St Petersburg museums. December 25 is a workday since Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7. If your holiday spans over New Year it’s best to book restaurants and winter activities in advance.
Estimated cost:
In the party of 4
911 €
In the party of 2
1063 €
In the party of 4
911 €
In the party of 2
1063 €
911 €
Tour duration:
7 days/6 nights
Season:
December, January
Destination:
Moscow, Saint Petersburg
Experiences which you will never forget:
#Experiences
Itinerary
Photos
Map
Day 1
Moscow arrival
- Upon arrival to Moscow, you'll be met by a Bridge to Russia driver. Transfer to the hotel.
- Evening at leisure
Day 2
Christmas Moscow Tour
- Meet your guide and driver in the morning in the hotel lobby
- Driving through snow-clad Moscow is a great way to get into the Christmas mood. We will have several stops to see Moscow churches, the impressive building of Moscow State University, solemn Victory Park. Among the highlights of the tour are Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Novodevichy Convent as well as the stunning view of Moscow from Sparrow Hills.
- Proceed to explore Moscow's underground wonderland. Moscow metro was designed to surprise the world with palatial interiors, gilded mosaics, sculptures of the Soviet heroes, marble halls illuminated by crystal chandeliers. The tour features the five most impressive stations.
- Enjoy a traditional Russian lunch. You will have a chance to try some typical Russian New Year delicacies and talk about Russian Christmas and New Year traditions over a glass of Soviet champagne.
- After a hearty meal, you'll finish your day with an evening Christmas lights stroll. With colorful decorations and magic lights, Moscow turns into a winter fairytale. Your guide will take you to the most exciting venues of the Journey to the Christmas festival and help you to find the most authentic Russian gifts.
- Finishing your say at the most glittering Christmas fare at Red Square
- Tour duration: 8 hours
- Transportation: Walking, metro, 3-hour driving
Day 3
Red Square and Kremlin
- Meet your guide in the morning in the hotel lobby
- Wandering through cozy winter streets, you will immerse yourself in the festive Christmas atmosphere of Moscow. We will walk past the legendary Bolshoi theatre and talk about the Russian ballet's glorious history.
- Explore Red Square to discover the colorful Christmas fair with its ice rinks, roundabouts, slides, and yummy Christmas treats. Marvel at most iconic Moscow sights such as The Kremlin, History museum, brightly domed St Basils, and solemn Lenin's mausoleum.
- Zaradje Park is an attraction where Moscow's past and future live side by side. Find an ancient Moscow street, walk across the floating bridge, discover a futuristic glass covering the Philharmonic Hall, and take in a perfect panoramic view of central Moscow.
- Warm up in the elegant department store Gum. Optional coffee break.
- Touring the largest fortress of Europe and Russian power's seat, we'll be amazed by Moscow Kremlin's beauty. We'll visit ancient Kremlin cathedrals that preserved the atmosphere of Russia's medieval past, admire old frescoes and icons, talk about Russian mentality and culture. Other highlights of the tour include massive Tsar cannon and Tsar bell, as well as the main Christmas tree of the country.
- Finishing the tour in the city center
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Transportation: walking
Day 4
Saint Petersburg. First day
- Meet your driver in the morning. Transfer to the train station
- Sapsan train to St-Petersburg, second-class tickets. The train journey takes around 4 hours
- Meet your guide and driver upon arrival in St Petersburg. Tour the city by car to explore the historical center with its stunning palaces, spectacular views of frozen rivers and canals, majestic cathedrals. We’ll drive along Nevsky Prospect, stop to admire St. Isaac's Cathedral, learn the history of the legendary Aurora cruiser, take a look at Kazan cathedral. Visit the birthplace of the city – the Peter and Paul fortress. The Peter and Paul cathedral houses the tombs of the Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.
- The tour finishes in your hotel.
- Tour duration: 4 hours
Day 5
The Hermitage museum
- Meet your guide in the morning in the hotel lobby. Walk to the Hermitage museum
- Touring the Hermitage museum, you’ll explore one of the greatest art collections in the world. Get an insight into the history of art, admire the most amazing canvases by European masters including Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, and many more. The Hermitage museum complex comprises several buildings including the Winter Palace, which was the home of the emperors for almost 200 years. Walk through its opulent gala rooms and admire its impressive interiors.
- After a coffee break, take a 5 min stroll to see the magnificent Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. Learn the tragic story of Tsar Alexander II's assassination and get to know why the church looks so similar to St Basil’s Catedral. Discover the unique mosaics of the church.
- After the tour, your guide will give you some tips on the best Christmas fares in St Petersburg.
- Tour duration: 4 hours
- Transportation: Walking
Day 6
Catherine's palace
- Meet your guide and driver in the morning in the hotel lobby. Driving to Tsarskoye Selo.
- Explore Catherine’s Palace, a jewel of Russian baroque and rococo architecture. Discover magnificent palace interiors, learn its fascinating history, and marvel at the renowned Amber room coated with 55 square meters and over six tonnes of amber.
- Take a stroll through peaceful Catherin’s palace gardens to get the feeling of being an important guest in the Residence of the empress Catherine the Great.
Day 7
Departure from Saint Petersburg
- Morning at leisure.
- Our driver will meet you in the hotel lobby and deliver you back to the airport.
Customize your trip
Price upon request
Armoury museum
Discover one of the best collections of jewels and unique treasures of the Armoury chamber museum, such as coronation dresses, thrones, royal carriages, crowns, and Faberge eggs.
Available on day 3
Fixed price:
95€
Price per person in a group of 2
Bolshoi Backstage Tour
Explore fabulous halls of the Bolshoi and learn most intriguing stories about the life of the theatre today. You might be lucky to watch a rehearsal.
Available on day 3
Fixed price:
28€
Price per person in a group of 2
Troika rides
Dash through the snow on a Russian Troika and enjoy the winter wonderland of Pavlovsk estate
Available on Day 6
Fixed price:
134€
Price per person in a group of 2
Husky tour
Meet friendly husky dogs and experience 3 km dog-sledding in Moscow countryside
Available as Tour extention
Accomodation
Moscow
Peter 1 hotel
17 Neglinnaya Street
Saint Persburg
Helvetia 4*
11 Marata Street
Inclusions
Private English-speaking guide during the whole trip
Meals
Day 2 - Breakfast, lunch
Days 3 - 7 Breakfast
Days 3 - 7 Breakfast
Accomodation
4* Hotel in Moscow
4* Hotel in Saint Petersburg
4* Hotel in Saint Petersburg
Transportation
Transfers to/from airport/train station
3-4 hour driving tour of Moscow
Sapsan train to St-Petersburg, second-class tickets
4-hour driving on Day 4
6-hour driving on Day 6
3-4 hour driving tour of Moscow
Sapsan train to St-Petersburg, second-class tickets
4-hour driving on Day 4
6-hour driving on Day 6
Activities
Moscow museum entrance fees
Saint Petersburg museum entry fees
Saint Petersburg museum entry fees
Exclusions
Meals: all lunches and dinners except for lunch on Day 2
Airfare
Medical insurance
Visa
Airfare
Medical insurance
Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
1 General overview
Is the tour child-friendly?
+Is it very cold in Russia at Christmas?
+