Day 2, in Moscow, Wednesday Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. Sightseeing begins at Red Square, dominated by St. Basil's Cathedral and by the massive red walls of the Kremlin. We will visit the Armory, the Moscow University and the popular Arbat shopping district, drive on wide boulevards, and stroll through GUM, the largest Russian department store. We will have an early dinner followed by a cultural performance. (B,D,O)

Day 3, to Novgorod, Thursday After an early breakfast, we depart for Tver, an ancient trading port, nestled against the banks of the River Volga. The city offers fascinating treasures, including Putyevo Dvorets, built for Catherine II, as a resting place on her journeys from Moscow to St. Petersburg. After lunch, there's a short sightseeing tour of this remarkable city. We end the day in Novgorod, founded 1110 years ago near Lake Snezhskoje. 520 km (B,D,O)

Day 4, to St. Petersburg, Friday Among many historical structures, our morning sightseeing tour of Novgorod includes marvelous Citadel and the museum of wooden buildings which displays traditional rural homes in an open-air setting. In the afternoon we proceed north to St. Petersburg, the former capital of Romanov Czars. Upon arrival, we will visit Peter and Paul fortress. 160 km (B,D,O)

Day 5, in St. Petersburg, Saturday A day of continuous sightseeing of "The Venice of the North", situated on 110 islands. In the morning we will explore Petrodvorets, Peter the Great's summer palace, standing at the edge of the Gulf of Finland. In the afternoon sightseeing includes St. Isaac's Cathedral and the highlight of the city, the famous Hermitage, which houses many treasures from the Czars' era. (B,D,O)

Day 6, in St. Petersburg, Sunday Morning excursion to Pushkin, the summer residence of Catherine the Great. Afternoon free for individual activities. Evening folklore performance. (B,D,O)

Day 7, depart St. Petersburg, Monday After breakfast we will transfer you to the airport to board your homebound flight. (B)