1. DAY ISTANBUL – ST. PETERSBURG
Meeting at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport International Terminal 3 hours before the flight. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, depart for St. Petersburg on Pegasus Airlines scheduled flight. Arrival in St. Petersburg, known as the Venice of the North and the Imperial Capital. Meet and begin a panoramic St. Petersburg city tour by private bus. During our tour, the Pushkin Monument, Gostiny Dvor, Aurora Ship, Beloselski-Belozersk Palace, Admiralty Building, and Moskovskaya Street will be among the places seen. After the city tour, transfer to our hotel and free time to rest. Guests who wish may join the optional Russian Night with Dinner and Show Program organized by our guide (per person 140€). Overnight at the hotel.
2. DAY ST. PETERSBURG
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join the St. Petersburg Combined Tour [Hermitage (entrance included) & Isaac Cathedral & Kazan Cathedral & Palace Square & Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood] organized as an extra by our guide (per person 105€). Our first stop is the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest museums, recognized as the most important place in St. Petersburg and fully deserving of this title. Its collections contain more than 3 million artworks and historical pieces from Antiquity, Western Europe, the Middle East, and many other regions. The museum’s history dates back to 1764, when Russian Empress Catherine the Great purchased a vast collection of Western European artworks. During the tour, you will visit the historical rooms where the museum’s most prominent works are exhibited. On our tour, we take a journey through history with visits to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and Kazan Cathedral, both of which hold an important place in history. You can enjoy the city with a guided walk along Palace Square and Nevsky Street. After the tour, return to our hotel. In the evening, you may ask our guide for information about concerts, events, restaurants, and alternative options. Overnight at the hotel.
3. DAY ST. PETERSBURG
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join the Pushkin Town Tour organized as an extra by our guide (per person 75€). In this famous town, where the aristocracy of the Tsarist era met the Tsar’s family, the school where the poet Pushkin studied is also located. Our tour continues with a panoramic visit to Catherine Palace. The palace, a magnificent structure reflecting the splendor of the Baroque period and built in 1717, has undergone many transformations since its original design. Known in the late 18th century as the summer palace of Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, it is now one of the important historical buildings of Russian architecture that must be seen. After our stroll in the town, return to St. Petersburg and free time. Guests who wish may join the New Holland Island Tour organized as an extra by our guide (per person 55€). New Holland, founded in the 18th century for the Russian Navy and today St. Petersburg’s most popular culture and lifestyle island, is a unique stop that blends historic atmosphere with modern art, design, cafés, and restaurants. While the island offers a lively atmosphere in summer with open-air concerts, art exhibitions, festivals, and events, in winter it transforms into a magical setting with a giant ice rink, skiing, and winter activities. During our tour, we will explore this creative island, take a pleasant walk, and during free time, those who wish can spend time in cafés and enjoy the events. After the free time given by our guide, return to the hotel and free time. In the evening, you may ask our guide for information about concerts, events, restaurants, and alternative options. Overnight at the hotel.
4. DAY ST. PETERSBURG – MOSCOW
Early in the morning, with a breakfast box, transfer by private bus to the train station. Settle into the train and depart for Moscow. Meet at Moscow train station and begin a panoramic Moscow city tour by private bus. During our tour, Tverskaya Street, the Moscow River, Poklonnaya Hill, the famous Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square, and Kremlin Palace Square will be among the places seen. After the tour, transfer to our hotel, room allocation, and free time to rest. Guests who wish may join the optional Evening Dinner and Luxury Radisson Boat Tour on the Moscow River organized by our guide (per person 150€). On the luxury boat, you will enjoy dinner and the opportunity to view Moscow under the night lights. After the tour, return to our hotel by private bus. Overnight at the hotel.
5. DAY MOSCOW
After breakfast, free time. Guests who wish may join the Moscow Combined Tour organized as an extra by our guide (per person 120€) [Moscow Metro & Arbat Street & Novodevichy (Nazım Hikmet) Cemetery]. Our tour begins with a visit to Novodevichy Cemetery, where the grave of our famous poet Nazım Hikmet is located. We will also see the graves of other important figures in Russian history. Then comes the Metro tour; beyond being a practical way to get around the city, it is a unique experience that offers a glimpse into the heart of Russian history and culture. Opened in 1935, the metro has since become one of the largest and busiest metro systems in the world with 268 stations spread across the city. It serves millions of passengers every day and is Europe’s busiest metro system. What makes the Moscow Metro truly unique is the architectural beauty of many of its central stations. Riding the metro not only quickly gets you away from Moscow’s famous traffic but also offers a chance to admire the city’s architectural heritage, with each station telling its own historical story. Our tour continues with Arbat Street, one of Moscow’s most historically important and enchanting streets. Walking along its cobblestone paths, you do not only move through a physical space, but also step through layers of Russian history and culture. With its vibrant atmosphere and history dating back to the 19th century, the street has long been a center for artists, writers, and musicians. Charming street cafés, unique shops, and street performers contribute to its bohemian atmosphere, creating a space where past and present coexist seamlessly. You will also have shopping opportunities on historic Arbat Street. After the tour, free time. In the afternoon, our first stop is Red Square. The name “Red Square” comes from the Russian word “krasnaya,” which historically means both “red” and “beautiful.” While today “krasnaya” is mostly associated with the color red, in older times it also meant beautiful or splendid. Therefore, the square’s name reflects both its striking appearance and its importance as a symbol of Russian heritage. After our walk in Red Square, we visit the Kremlin; not only the largest active fortress in Europe, but also one of the strongest symbols of Russian history and authority. Originally built to protect the citizens of Moscow, the word “Kremlin” means “fortress within the city,” which is a fitting description for its imposing walls and strategic location. Over the centuries, as Russia’s power grew, the Moscow Kremlin became the center of political, religious, and cultural life in the country. Today, the Kremlin is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Russia’s most iconic landmarks. You will feel the Kremlin’s rich history up close. After the tour, return to our hotel and free time. Overnight at the hotel.
6. DAY MOSCOW – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at the hotel, free time until the time determined by our guide. Guests who wish may join the Izmailovo Shopping and Market Tour organized as an extra by our guide (per person 40€). On this tour, with our private bus and guide, you will have the opportunity to shop at the famous market known for antiques and souvenirs. After the tour, we transfer to the airport. After baggage, ticket, and passport procedures, depart for Istanbul on Pegasus Airlines scheduled flight. Arrival in Istanbul and end of our services.