DAY 1: UK - Moscow.
Fly to Moscow where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for three nights. (D)

DAY 2: Moscow.
Begin your exploration of Moscow this morning on a sightseeing tour with a local guide. Highlights include imposing red-brick towers, extravagant palaces and historic Cathedral Square on today's included trip to the 12th-century Kremlin, where gleaming gold domes and cupolas sit atop three of the Kremlin's best known architectural treasures: the Dormition, Annunciation and Archangel Michael cathedrals. This evening, why not join the optional 'Moscow by night' tour to see the city's beautiful illuminations? (B)

DAY 3: Moscow.
A full day to explore the sights and sounds of this spellbinding city. Perhaps join the optional visit to the State Tretyakov Gallery, a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. Or perhaps visit the gold-domed Cathedral of Christ our Saviour, rebuilt in 1994 after its destruction by Stalin in 1931 and a powerful symbol of Russia's spiritual identity and nationhood. Alternatively, explore at leisure and maybe take a stroll through historic Red Square to marvel at the brightly decorated onion domes of St Basil's Cathedral or revisit the Kremlin, where a magnificent Armoury exhibits an impressive selection of royal jewels and armour. This evening, enjoy an optional excursion. (B)

DAY 4: Moscow - Sergiyev Posad - Overnight train to St Petersburg.
Head to the Golden Ring city of Sergiyev Posad this morning for a visit the Trinity Monastery of St Sergius. Thought to be one of Russia's most splendid architectural treasures, this vast fortified monastery attracts thousands of worshippers and is a favourite film location due to its stunning, five-tiered Bell Tower. Return to Moscow for dinner before boarding an overnight train and travelling in a 2nd class couchette (4 berth, mixed gender) to St Petersburg. An optional upgrade to a 1st class (2 berth) sleeper is available at a supplement. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: St Petersburg.
Arrive in St Petersburg this morning and transfer to your hotel before enjoying the city's main highlights on a sightseeing tour. This fascinating city offers incredible sights in the shape of majestic monuments, parks, boulevards and more. Admire the historic centre and marvel at highlights such as the impressive Winter Palace façade and Nevsky Prospect, with its ornate onion-domed Church of the Resurrection and beautiful St Isaac Cathedral. Later, perhaps join the optional excursion to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the historical core of St Petersburg, ordered and planned by Peter the Great in 1703 and a monument to military and engineering craft. (B, L)

DAY 6: St Petersburg.
After breakfast, enjoy an included visit to Peter the Great's former summer residence: Peterhof Palace and Park. Inspired by Paris' Palace of Versailles, Peterhof is a treasure trove of glorious French Gothic interiors and famously fountained gardens. This afternoon, enjoy a chance to see St Petersburg's beautiful city from the water on an optional cruise along its canals before this evening's optional trip to a famous Russian ballet. (B)

DAY 7: St Petersburg.
Enjoy an included visit to one of the city's must-see sights - the awesome Hermitage Museum. This unforgettable museum houses an unparalleled collection of glorious artwork as well as antiques, jewellery and sculpture, and boasts scintillating interiors, including the famous Jordan staircase. This afternoon, join the optional excursion to Pushkin, the luxurious summer residence of Russia's Tsars and home to magnificent Catherine's Palace. Admire this fascinating monument to the architecture and gardening arts of the 18th and 19th centuries and marvel at the many lavish chambers including the splendid Amber Room, once dubbed the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. For your last night in Russia, why not enjoy a folklore show of fiery dances and original songs with snacks and sparkling wine at the majestic Nikolaevsky Palace, which belonged to the Grand Duke Nicholas in the 19th century. (B)

DAY 8: St Petersburg - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)