Imperial Russia with Northern lights

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Moscow City Tour: Begin your day exploring Moscow’s rich blend of history and modern culture. Visit the iconic Red Square, where you’ll see the vibrant Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the historic Lenin’s Mausoleum (exterior), and the grand GUM State Department Store. Continue to Alexander Garden near the Kremlin walls, then head to Zaryadye Park to enjoy its famous Floating Bridge overlooking the Moskva River. Drive past the Russian White House, admire the stunning Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and take in breathtaking city views from Sparrow Hills, accessed via a scenic cable car ride with views of Lomonosov University. Stroll along the historic Nikolskaya Street and visit Manege Square and the State Historical Museum (exterior).

• Kremlin Excursion: Enter the renowned Kremlin Territory, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you’ll explore its ancient cathedrals, the impressive Tsar Bell, and the mighty Tsar Cannon—offering a fascinating insight into Russia’s imperial heritage.

• Overnight in Moscow: Return to your hotel for a comfortable night’s stay.

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Transfer to Train Station: Proceed to Moscow’s Leningradsky Station to board the high-speed SAPSAN train to Saint Petersburg. Enjoy a comfortable journey of approximately 4 hours. (Train tickets included.)

• Arrival in Saint Petersburg: Upon arrival at Moskovsky Station, your local guide will meet the group and assist with the transfer to your hotel.

• Hotel Check-In: Check in at the hotel. (Standard check-in time: 15:00 hrs)

• Evening at Leisure: Enjoy free time to unwind or explore the surroundings. A pleasant option is a stroll along Nevsky Prospect, the city’s lively main avenue filled with cafes, boutiques, and historic landmarks.

• Overnight in Saint Petersburg: Rest for the night at your hotel.

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Saint Petersburg City Tour: Discover the cultural heart of Russia as you explore Saint Petersburg’s iconic landmarks and majestic architecture. Travel along the lively Nevsky Prospect and see highlights such as the stately Kazan Cathedral and the Winter Palace at Palace Square. View the Admiralty with its gleaming golden spire, visit the historic Peter and Paul Fortress, and enjoy picturesque views from the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island. Continue past Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, the beautifully decorated Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and Senate Square, home to the famous Bronze Horseman statue dedicated to Peter the Great.

• Hermitage Museum Excursion: Step inside the world-famous Hermitage Museum, located in the Winter Palace, and explore its vast collection of over 3.5 million works. Marvel at masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Velázquez, while admiring the grandeur of its imperial halls and interiors.

• Overnight in Saint Petersburg: Return to your hotel for a comfortable and relaxing night.

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Transfer to Airport: Head to Pulkovo Airport (LED) for your flight to Murmansk (MMK).

(Flight cost not included.)

• Arrival in Murmansk: Upon landing at Murmansk Airport, meet your local guide and proceed with a transfer to your centrally located hotel.

• Hotel Check-In: Check in at the hotel. (Standard check-in time: 15:00 hrs)

• Murmansk City Tour (3 Hours): Discover the unique Arctic character of Murmansk as you explore its key landmarks. Visit Five Corners Square, the lively city center, and continue to the impressive Alyosha Monument, a major WWII memorial overlooking the bay. See the tallest building north of the Arctic Circle and explore the Murmansk Regional Museum for insights into Arctic culture and history. End the tour with a visit to the legendary Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker—the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker—now serving as a fascinating museum of Soviet engineering achievement.

• Dinner: Enjoy a group dinner at a local restaurant.

• Northern Lights Hunt (3–4 Hours): In the evening, set out on an exciting Aurora Hunting experience (weather permitting). Travel to optimal viewing locations outside the city to witness the magical Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

• Overnight in Murmansk: Return to your hotel for a comfortable night’s stay.

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Sami Village Tour (6–8 Hours): Embark on a full-day excursion to a traditional Sami Village on the Kola Peninsula for an authentic Arctic cultural experience. Meet the indigenous Sami people dressed in vibrant traditional attire and learn about their centuries-old nomadic lifestyle. Enjoy activities such as reindeer sledding, an exhilarating husky ride, and feeding friendly animals like reindeer, rabbits, and goats. A traditional vegetarian Sami lunch is included. Experience a captivating Sami cultural program inside Russia’s largest Chum (northern dwelling), featured in the Book of Records, where you’ll enjoy traditional music, storytelling, and local crafts.

• Dinner: Enjoy a delightful group dinner at a local restaurant.

• Northern Lights Hunt: This evening is reserved for an Aurora Hunt in case weather conditions did not allow viewing on Day 5.

• Overnight in Murmansk: Return to your hotel for a comfortable night’s rest.

• Breakfast at the Hotel

• Check-Out and Private Transfer to Airport: After breakfast, check out of the hotel and proceed with a comfortable private transfer to Murmansk Airport (MMK) for your onward or return flight.

• End of Tour: Depart with wonderful memories of your Russian adventure and the unique experiences of the Arctic region.