Journey Itinerary Festive Russia Days Eastbound Countries Distance Activity level 13 St. Petersburg to Moscow Russia 2,323 km Experience the frosty and festive delights of Russia in winter and visit the home of Father Frost, Ded Moroz, in remote and picturesque Veliky Ustyug, a true winter wonderland experience. Coincide your visit with either Western or Orthodox Christmas and you may even receive a gift. Sundowners Overland - Festive Russia Page 1 of 6 Itinerary Day 1 : St. Petersburg Few places are as evocative of a Christmas card as St. Petersburg’s pastel architecture covered in a layer of snow. The canals are frozen and the air crisp, but you will receive a warm welcome at the start of your journey. Join your Tour Leader and fellow travellers on Day 1 at 5:00pm for your Welcome Meeting as detailed on your joining instructions. Day 2 : St. Petersburg St. Petersburg, the ‘Venice of the North’, is often claimed as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is the former capital of Imperial Russia, home of the Tsars and unlike the capital Moscow, calm and easy-going. The city flourished under the reign of Catherine the Great and today is resplendent with wide boulevards and attractive canals that you will discover on a city tour today. Sightseeing - Panoramic City Tour including Nevsky Prospect, Kazan Cathedral, St. Isaak’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, and the Winter Palace, Excurison to Vasilevsky Island. Meals - Breakfast Day 3: To Vologda A final day to explore St. Petersburg before boarding your first overnight train which will take you to Vologda. Sightseeing - The Hermitage museum and Palace Square Meals - Breakfast Day 4: Vologda This morning you arrive in Vologda, a pretty 12th century town where the houses are dripping in crenellated wooden architecture reminiscent of the lace the region is famous for. Sightseeing - Vologda city tour Day 5: Vologda This city is full beautiful churches, cathedrals and interesting monuments. The Kremlin here is well worth a visit. This evening we head to the train station for our next overnight train. Sightseeing - City Exploring and free time Meals - Breakfast Sundowners Overland - Festive Russia Page 2 of 6 Itinerary (cont.) Day 6: Velikiy Ustug Arriving into South Kotlas train station, we then transfer to Veliky Ustyug, home of Father Frost. Sightseeing - Walking city tour including Father Frost's Post Office and Museum of Christmas Meals - Dinner Day 7: Velikiy Ustug The fairy tale continues at the home of Father Frost. Wander the streets full of festive spirit and maybe purchase a memorable decoration to take back to your own Christmas tree. Visit the home of Ded Moroz and his granddaughter, Snegurochka, who helps deliver the presents. Sightseeing - Excursion to Father Frost's Estate Meals - Breakfast Day 8: To Yaroslavl Leaving behind Father Christmas we venture to Yaroslavl. Sightseeing - Optional visit to Father Frost's stables Meals - Breakfast Day 9: Yaroslavl Yaroslavl is a UNESCO World Heritage city situated on the Golden Ring of Russia and one of the best preserved in the region. Founded in 1010 the centre is dotted with the onion domes like no other place in Russia. Sightseeing - Yaroslavl city tour Day 10: Yaroslavl to Moscow This morning we take a day train to our final destination, Moscow and begin our exploration of this magical city. Meals - Breakfast Sundowners Overland - Festive Russia Page 3 of 6 Itinerary (cont.) Day 11: Moscow Our final stop is in Moscow. Time your journey to be in the capital for New Year’s Eve for an outstanding display of fireworks or enjoy the holiday fun of ice skating and winter markets around the Kremlin complex. Whilst hard to outdo all that we have seen so far, St. Basil’s standing resplendent in the snow in Red Square will be a fitting lasting memory of your journey. Sightseeing - City tour Meals - Breakfast Day 12: Moscow The Kremlin, a walled complex of domed cathedrals and palaces, was the religious center of the Russian Orthodox Church and the residence of the Tsars. Today you will visit a collection of tsarist treasures in the Armoury Chamber; the Cathedral of the Assumption where Tsars were crowned, the Bell Tower and the Faberge jewels and icons. Sightseeing - Kremlin and Armoury Chamber Meals - Breakfast & Lunch Day 13: Moscow All good things come to an end and so does our Festive Russia journey. We say farewell to our fellow travellers and depart our hotel this morning. Meals - Breakfast Sundowners Overland - Festive Russia Page 4 of 6 Itinerary (cont.) Journey Summary Day 1 St Petersburg - journey begins Day 2 St Petersburg Day 3 St Petersburg and depart to Vologda Evening departure Day 4 Arrive Vologda Morning arrival Day 5 Vologda and depart to South Kotlas Late evening departure Day 6 Arrive South Kotlas and to Velikiy Ustug Morning arrival Day 7 Velikiy Ustug Day 8 Return to South Kotlas and depart to Yaroslavl Evening departure Day 9 Arrive Yaroslavl Late morning arrival Day 10 Day train to Moscow Day onboard train Day 11 Moscow Day 12 Moscow Day 13 Moscow - journey concludes Sundowners Overland - Festive Russia Page 5 of 6 What's included Group size Meals Transfers 15 maximum 9 breakfasts All transfers including to and from the 1 lunch airport. 1 dinner Accommodation Sightseeing Expertise 9 hotel (twin share) An experienced Tour Leader 3 trains (4-berth) accompanies the whole journey to keep your adventure on track. Local Guides are native to each destination and as certified professionals will share their immense knowledge with you. 24/7 support is available in the office and on the ground. Contact Us Client enquiries and reservations Travel agent enquiries and Client enquiries and reservations Australia: 1300 559 860 reservations Level 1, 51 Queen Street, New Zealand: 0800 770 156 Australia: 1300 559 860 Melbourne, VIC, 3000 UK: 0208 877 7657 New Zealand: 0800 770 156 Australia Europe: +44 208 877 7657 UK: 0208 877 7657 T: +61 3 9672 5300 Worldwide: +61 3 9672 5386 Europe: +44 208 877 7657 www.sundownersoverland.com [email protected] Worldwide: +61 3 9672 5386 [email protected] Sundowners Overland - Festive Russia Page 6 of 6 .