Best of Russia Small Group

Best of Russia Small Group

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Best of Russia Small Group

2 Days Starting in St Petersburg and ending in Moscow

Visiting: Russia

Tour operator:

Travel Talk Tours

Tour code:

RBSG

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

25 - 30

Physical rating:

Easy

Age range:

18-39 years

Interests:

Cultural

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Travelling with a group of no more than 12 people, our new Small Group trips provide you with more space for your comfort and pleasure. Discover the Best of Russia over 9 days from St Petersburg to Moscow, including the Golden Ring! Start off with the culture-rich St Petersburg and the incredible Hermitage museum. Hop on board an overnight train to Moscow, the vibrant heart of Russia. Witness the might of the Kremlin and beauty of St. Basil's Cathedral before embarking on a cultural adventure through the famous Golden Ring! Discover ancient capitals decorated with beautiful monasteries, onion-domes and wooden cottages. Explore the impressive ancient towns, 'open-air museums', that have shaped Russian history, religion and culture over centuries.

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1: St.Petersburg

Welcome to Russia! Keep your eyes peeled at St. Petersburg airport for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. Freshen up and meet in the lobby around 6:00pm for an informal meeting with your guide and other tour members. Afterwards, join the group for a walk and have an optional group dinner to mingle. Your tour leader can also recommend some local bars to enjoy a drink with your new travel buddies.

Included Activities Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities Group Dinner

Day 2: St. Petersburg - City Tour Incl. The Hermitage

The amazing city of Saint Petersburg was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 and was previously Russia’s capital. The city is built around a series of bridge-connected canals and rivers and our day starts with the city tour includes a drive along the main street, Nevsky Prospect, giving us a solid introduction to this beautiful city and a few stops at Church on Spilled Blood (exterior only)Then we have guided visit of the treasure-filled Hermitage Museum.



Included Activities Guided St.Petersburg Tour & Hermitage Museum
Optional Activities Group Dinner
Meals Breakfast

Day 3: St. Petersburg (Opt. Tsars Route Tour)

Today you have a free day to explore this magnificent city on your own, make the best of it! You can take on some optional activities such as the Tsar's Route tour with lunch. The route visits to Peterhof Garden and Catherine Palace during summer months (May to October) or Pavlosk Palace and Catherine Palace in winter months (October to May). Later this evening, board the overnight sleeper train bound for Moscow and rest up. Overnight train in a sleeping cabin accommodation.

Optional Activities Tsar's Route Folklore Show
Meals Breakfast

Day 4: Moscow City Tour, Red Square

Time to embark on a city tour of Moscow. Launch a guided walk tour through Moscow’s heart, meeting the amazing Red Square and Kremlin Palace. Ask your local guide all your questions on the history, challenges and the culture of Russia. The city offers amazing galleries and museums and plenty of cafes, shops and bars. After the city tour you, if you're still hungry for more, you have the option to join a tour of the World War II Museum. The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours. You can roam the main shopping streets, try out local dishes or explore the fancy nightlife.

Included Activities Sightseeing Kremlin Palace Moscow Metro Tour & Old Arbat's Walking
Optional Activities Tretjakov Gallery World War II Museum
MealsBreakfast

Day 5: Moscow, Kremlin Palace, St Basil'S, Arbat Street

Start off the day with a guided walk throughout the grounds of Kremlin and soak in mighty government buildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the Tsar bell. Stroll down the road to reach the stunning St Basil’s cathedral and the Red Square. Capture a mental picture to last forever, the multi-coloured domes create a breath-taking sight for all travellers. Continue down Arbat street; one of the oldest surviving streets of the capital and home to many historical Russian figures.

Included Activities Sightseeing Moscow Red Square & St. Basil Cathedral
Optional Activities Moscow By Night

Day 6: Moscow, Sergiyev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy

Hop on board for the astounding Golden Ring of Russia! Pass through Sergiyev Posad and arrive in Pereslavl-Zalesskiy as you start the cultural adventure with a guided city tour. Visit one of the many historical museums and sites in town, before driving to the lakeside for a BBQ lunch. If it's warm enough, you can swim by the lake beach and relax.

Meals Breakfast

Day 7: Pereslavl-Zalessky, Suzdal

Suzdal is a prime example of contrasting and complementing styles of Russian architecture. A main stop on Russia's famous Golden Ring, it's one of the sites that have played a major role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. Witness lovely wooden cottages alongside picturesque onion-domed monasteries. Roam the narrow alleys with tiny charming churches and try some local mead on the riverside.

Meals Breakfast

Day 8: Suzdal, Vladimir, Moscow

Time to discover the magical town of Suzdal with pros as you start off with a walking tour of this 'open-air museum' without walls. Take in the majestic and impressive sites as the Kremlin, Cathedral of Nativity, trading square and charming monasteries. If there is time to spare, walk the riverside decorated by wooden bridges and try out some local delicacies! As you fill up with Russia history, hop on board for Vladimir, a former capital of medieval Russia. See its UNESCO sites as the Golden Gates, St Demetrius’ Cathedral and the Dormition Cathedral, true masterpieces of old Russian architecture. Drive to Moscow for the night and have a final taste of the Red Square and Kremlin before a few final vodka shots.

MealsBreakfast
Included Activities Sightseeing Suzdal

Day 9: Moscow

Have your final breakfast on us and start bidding farewells to your travel mates before checking out of the hotel (11:00). Time to start counting days for your next adventure with Travel Talk!

Meals Breakfast

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    4 star hotels and 4 bed sleeper cabin accommodation in the train

  • Airport Transfer

    From St. Petersburg airport to the Travel Talk hotel (on day 1)

  • Meals

    7 breakfasts

  • Transportation

    Air-conditioned non-smoking coach or mini-bus and train

  • Guide

    Services of experienced guide licenced by the Ministry of Tourism

Add Ons

Local Payment: £

Check out our Q&As

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Over 20 years

Reviews of this Operator

Jessie Mae Sia  

My travel talk experience was great and memorable

24-Feb-2021

My travel talk experience was awesome and fantastic. Me and my husband was on their Morocco and Turkey tours in 2019, they operated their tours in a culturally fun manner and the tour guides were very nice and very approachable. It exceeded our expection, we love to come back with them in our future travel. Thank you travel talk you made our 2019 as one of our memorable year!

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Scarlett Lily  

One of the best holidays I’ve had

25-Feb-2021

We went on a tour of the Balkans and it was above our expectations. Bojan was the best tour leader gave us so much information about the places we were visiting but also a great laugh! The tour ran so smoothly and was the perfect way to see the area in a little amount of time. It was one of the best holidays I have been on, I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to book another tour with travel talk. They are great value for money!

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James Wilkins (Google Reviewer)  

Just completed the exotic Morocco...

29-Oct-2023

Just completed the exotic Morocco tour with our excellent guide Abdul! He was one of the best tour guides I have met, he brought so much energy and knowledge on the tour and could not imagine doing the tour without him. The tour itself was so diverse, seeing so many different landscapes. It has been one of the best trips I have done. Would highly recommend!

Caroline Barrett (Google Reviewer)  

My partner and I thoroughly...

25-Dec-2023

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our 9 Day Essential Turkey tour with Mustafa as our guide. His attentiveness to the group's needs was amazing, going above and beyond to ensure an stress-free experience. Mustafa provided valuable local insights, guiding us on the best areas to visit and helping us find good local deals. Overall, we found the tour to be excellent value for money, and we were particularly impressed with traveltalks accommodation choices—clean, spacious, and offering great meal options. Additionally, the inclusion of two drivers for our safety during long journeys added an extra layer of reassurance to our memorable trip. Thank you to Mustafa!

Tegan Bull (Google Reviewer)  

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey...

25-Dec-2023

Unforgettable Turkey Essentials: A Journey with Travel Talk I recently had the pleasure of embarking on the Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk, and let me tell you, it was an adventure like no other! From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the ancient wonders of Ephesus, this tour was a perfect blend of culture, history, and pure fun. Travel Talk ensured that every aspect of our trip was well-planned. The accommodations were comfortable, the transportation was smooth, and the itinerary was perfectly curated to showcase the best of Turkey's rich history and vibrant culture. If you're looking for an incredible adventure in Turkey, I wholeheartedly recommend Travel Talk. Their attention to detail, knowledgeable guides (Mustafa), ensure a seamless and unforgettable journey. Whether you're a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a thrilling travel experience, Travel Talk has got you covered. Thank you, Travel Talk for an extraordinary tour that surpassed all expectations. I'll cherish the memories and stories from this adventure for a lifetime.

Diane Horsman  

Fantastic tour, personable experiences

19-Oct-2021

My first tour with Traveltalk to Jordan was fantastic. Everything was very well planned, the itinerary was timed to perfection and jam packed with amazing experiences. The tour guide Issa went above and beyond to make everyone happy and have the best experience possible, taking us to local restaurants and telling us the best things to eat. Our bus broke down on the way to the Dead Sea and he dealt with it really quickly, and a replacement bus arrived in less than an hour. He treated us all like his friend rather than just a job which make the tour even more special. The hotels were fab and had everything that we needed, all I great locations to local attractions. I booked another tour but had to cancel due to Covid and Traveltalk have placed my deposit aside ready to use on the next trip. I can’t wait to book again with them.

Trustpilot
Eric Gunther (Google Reviewer)  

We did the 12 day...

12-Sep-2023

We did the 12 day Turkey tour with the Gullet option, and loved it! The price was super reasonable, Travel Talk was always extremely responsive whenever I reached out. Most importantly, we visited an amazing array of impressive historical sites, saw the profound and varied natural beauty of Turkey and enjoyed incredible experiences like hot air ballooning and paragliding. Mustafa was the best tour guide we have ever had. His knowledge and organizational skills were top notch, he helped with everything (even with arranging laundry services) and was hilarious as well. The food was tasty, the hotels were good and the boat trip was fun and relaxing with beautiful scenery and a lot of swimming. The cabins on the boat weren’t air conditioned and were pretty hot at night, so some people slept on deck where there were plenty of places with cushions where you could stretch out and get a good nights rest. I highly recommend this tour!!

Hazel Kuzu (Google Reviewer)  

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour...

03-Dec-2023

The 9-day Turkey Essentials tour with Travel Talk Tours exceeded our expectations! The well-crafted itinerary showcased Turkey's best, complemented by excellent hotel choices. Mustafa, our guide, added depth with his rich knowledge, engaging storytelling and brilliant sense of humour. The seamless experience, from transportation, meals, accommodations, sightseeing and optional activities made this tour unforgettable. Highly recommended for those seeking a perfect blend of culture and comfort in Turkey.

Tronix4eva (Google Reviewer)  

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey...

21-Oct-2023

Wow. 9 Day Essential Turkey Tour with Mustafa from Travel Talk Tours. Absolutely exceeded all expectations. I am in love with Turkey! The sights, the places, the hotels, the food, the bus and the antics of our amazing guide was seriously fantastic. This was an unforgettable experience and I am so glad I stumbled across Travel Talk and chose them. Mustafa you made me laugh and made us all feel so safe and welcome.. best guide I've ever had. ❤️

BEN LAWN  

Mustafa is the key to a fantastic Essential Turkey tour

06-Dec-2021

My partner and I did the Essential Turkey tour in November/December 2021. We had a fantastic time, and can both only recommend Travel Talk and this tour. Mustafa Kurt, our incredible guide, is really who sets this tour apart from any competition. He conducts the majority of Travel Talk's Essential Turkey, so you may get lucky if you book. Mustafa is an extremely qualified tour guide, with an extraordinary tourism CV, who wholly commits to ensuring that those on his tour have the very best Turkey experience possible. The man goes well above and beyond, without even thinking twice. He is a natural leader, whilst also being a friend. He was hilarious to have around us, bringing all the laughs and very much aiding in bringing the group together. His knowledge of Turkey is second to none, and he never lets this or his jokes get stale. The minibus that we used was better than expected - modern and comfy. We also had two drivers, adding to safety and ability to cover the long distances required. The hotels on the tour do vary, but are generally good. Travel Talk were responsive during booking, and flexible when it came to us having to delay due to Covid.

Trustpilot

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of travel talk tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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