Get to the heart of provincial Russia as you discover the unique histories and cultures of the ethnic regions of Tatarstan, Mari El, and Chuvashia. After exploring the canals and imperial palaces of the elegant city of St. Petersburg, you’ll transfer to Kazan, the vibrant capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Here you’ll discover two UNESCO World Heritage sites and the unique traditions and food of the Tatar people, with the opportunity to participate in optional activities like cultural performances and craft masterclasses. Continue to the republic of Mari El, home to the indigenous Mari people, and then Chuvashia, home to the Chuvash people. Sightseeing tours of their capital cities, Yoshkar-Ola and Cheboksary, will give you unique insights into Russia’s ethnically diverse population. The 10-day Russia tour ends in Moscow, political and cultural hub, where you’ll discover the famed Red Square and Kremlin.
Tour itinerary:
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
During your free time in the evening, we offer the following optional activities (at additional cost):
Boat tour along the rivers and canals;
Night city tour, which includes watching bridges open;
Tickets to the Mariinsky Theatre.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3-4 hours
During your free time in Kazan, we offer the following optional activities (at additional cost):
Visit to the Chak-chak Museum to learn about and taste traditional Tatar food and drink tea;
“Kazan hospitality” interactive programme – demonstration of traditional Tatar dances, songs, clothes, and food, with the chance for visitors to participate in dancing, singing, and a photo session in costume;
Master class on playing the Tatar harmonica;
Handicraft master classes: pottery, leather embossing, coin minting, casting (pendants, rings), basket weaving, fabric printing, painting on water (ebru), weaving, and making soap, candles, or folk toys;
Master class on Tatar costumes – learn about traditional Tatar clothing, see a demonstration of 16th-19th century costumes and headdresses, and dress up to have your photograph taken.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
During your free time, we offer the following optional activities (at additional cost):
Visit to the Tree Archaeology Museum;
‘Streltsy Fun’ interactive performance – a staged battle between Russian and Tatar knights at the time of Ivan the Terrible.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5-6 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8-9 hours
During your free time in Moscow, we offer the following optional activities (at additional cost):
Visit to the Armoury in the Kremlin (except Thursdays);
Night city tour: ‘Evening lights of Moscow’;
River cruise on the motor ship ‘Flotilla Radisson Royal’;
Tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre, concerts, the circus, or other performances.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
- All transfers (1-2 pax by sedan type car, 3-7 pax by minivan, 8-13 pax by 30 seat bus, 14+ pax by 40-50 seat bus);
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- Sightseeing tour programme in each city with local, English-speaking guides;
- Entrance tickets to sights as per itinerary;
- Economy class ticket for flight St. Petersburg – Kazan;
- Ticket for train from Cheboksary – Moscow;
- Visa support for Russian tourist visa;
- In groups of 11 or more travellers, 1 person travels free of charge and is accommodated in a single room.
- Tour leader to accompany the travellers for the whole period of the tour;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Hotel charges for additional services;
- Consular fees for Russia tourist visa;
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips/gratuities for guides and drivers (although these would be appreciated).
Prices per person
Accommodation
Ibis St. Petersburg Centre / Station Hotel L1 / Hotel Bristol / Mini-hotel Centre
Comfort:
Solo Sokos Hotel Vasilievsky / Original Sokos Olympia Garden / Vedensky Hotel / Park Inn by Radisson Nevsky
Ibis Kazan / Nogai / Apart-Hotel Yamskoy Posad
Comfort:
Ramada Kazan City Centre / DoubleTree by Hilton Kazan City Centre / Apart-Hotel on Pushkina 26
Ibis Cheboksary Centre / People / Dubrava
Comfort:
Chuvashia / Volga Premium / Atal