Russia 10 days

10 days Jewish Tours to Russia:

Russia in Depth

The Russian spirit unveils itself gloriously as you explore two of the world’s most fascinating cities: St. Petersburg and Moscow. Home of the unrivaled Hermitage, St. Petersburg evokes the legendary age of the Tsars. Rich with sumptuous palaces, this beautiful city also attests French taste of its founder, Peter the Great, and the grandeur of Empress Catherine (the even Greater). In the grand capital city of Moscow, experience standing in the Red Square with its onion-domed cathedrals, and explore the once-unbreachable Kremlin – and Lenin’s Tomb. In both cities, you will also gain insight into the world’s greatest writers, from the yearning heart of Chekhov and majesty of Tolstoy to the poetic soul of Pushkin. Interwoven with world-class culture, you will experience Russia’s rich Jewish culture, and visit thriving recent Jewish centers. This luxurious and fascinating journey is the quintessential Jewish Russia tour.

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Day 1 Monday St. Arrival in Petersburg

Welcome to Russia! Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel in the center of St. Petersburg. En route, enjoy an orientation to this city of palaces and canals. Check-in at the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe.

Day 2 Tuesday St. Petersburg

This morning, enjoy a peek into the world of Jewish St. Petersburg. Visit the Grand Choral Synagogue, consecrated in 1893. Thanks to the gracious patronage of Lily and Edmond Safra, this Moorish-style architectural masterpiece has recently been restored to its former glory, and now contains a thriving Jewish Day School. Then, driving along the Nevsky Prospect, pass the Square of Arts and the Field of Mars, stopping at the YESOD building. (The word “Yesod” means “foundation” in Hebrew.) This Jewish Center opened in September, 2005; it houses programs for all ages, and boasts a spacious auditorium and cafe. Continue to the multicolored, onion-domed “Spilled Blood Cathedral,” built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. From here, stroll along the Moika embankment to Yusupov Palace, once owned by one of Russia’s richest aristocrats. See the grand reception and private halls of the Yusupovs. Later, descend to the ground floor dining room – and stand on the very site where Gregor Rasputin was assassinated in 1916 by aristocratic plotters (with young Prince Yusupov at the head). Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. (B)

Day 3 Wednesday St. Petersburg

This morning, embark on a private cruise, passing under many scenic bridges. Sail past grand, pastel-colored French architectural facades that border the riverfront (as ever, the rich loved to live alongside the water). Remainder of the day is reserved for the world-renowned Hermitage Museum. This collection, begun by Catherine the Great, includes more than two and a half million works of art, representing different ages, cultures, and peoples. Admire the masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci, Titian, Raphael, and Rembrandt, works of the French Impressionists, and the magnificent interiors of the Winter Palace. A special visit to the Gold Room is included. Here, you will find the famed snuffboxes crafted by Carl Faberge, whose name is strongly associated with the golden age of St. Petersburg jewelry. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. (B)

Day 4 Thursday St. Petersburg

Begin the day with a tour to Pushkin, the Czar’s village and home of the Russian Imperial family. Visit the 18th century Baroque-style Catherine’s Palace, the largest royal summer residence (designed by famed Italian architect Rastrelli). Admire the Cameron Gallery, designed for Catherine the Great’s special dinner parties, and stroll the French and English gardens. Next, see the “Formula of Sorrow” memorial in Pushkin. This memorial was created in 1991 to commemorate the deaths of 10,000 local Jews during the Nazi occupation. Afterwards, a short drive takes you to the nearby Summer Palace of Peter the Great (Petrodvorets). Here, visit the splendid park and its many fountains. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Belmond Grand Hotel Europe. (B)

Day 5 Friday St. Petersburg – Moscow

Transfer to the train station. Travel in luxurious First Class aboard the Sapsan Express to Moscow. After lunch on the train, arrive in Moscow. Meet your Moscow guide and begin the tour of Russia’s capital with a visit to the Jewish Cultural Center and impressive Choral Synagogue. Later, experience the classic Danilovsky Market, which has continued to develop from the oldest trading place (13th Century), through the days of limited supplies during the Communist era, to today’s sprawling market of traditional and luxurious foods. In the late afternoon, check-in at the hotel located in the theater district, only a few blocks from Red Square. Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel. (B/L)

Day 6 Saturday Moscow

Enjoy a full day to explore Moscow on your own, or join an optional tour (included). Visit the Kremlin, whose foundation in the 12th century heralded the birth of the great city of Moscow. At the center of the Kremlin’s architectural layout is Cathedral Square, where the four main Cathedrals are located. Continue to the Lenin Mausoleum, where Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin’s body has been displayed since his death in 1924. Next, walk across the Red Square, one of the most famous squares in the world, to the Zaryadye Park, created on the lands of the former huge Stalinist building complex. The park, today, is a welcoming green area next to St. Basil’s Church and Red Square. Later, visit the iconic GUM department store, now home to many of the world’s most classic brands. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel. (B)

Day 7 Sunday Moscow

This morning, visit the House-Museum of Maxime Gorky, one of Russia’s pre-eminent social critics, as well as the Chekhov House/Museum, where the sensitive Anton Chekhov lived during his most fruitful artistic period. Over 100 of his exquisite short stories were written within those walls. In the afternoon, visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery. This teeming museum houses the world’s largest collection of Russian art, boasting more than 50,000 priceless items. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel. (B)

Day 8 Monday Moscow – Peredelkino – Moscow

Begin this day with a visit the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center (opened in 2012), dedicated to the history of Russian Jews. Next, depart the city for an unforgettable visit to the Estate/Museum of Boris Pasternak, world-renowned author of Dr. Zhivago. It is located in the countryside village of Peredelkino, where many writers (including Isaac Babel) had their dachas, or country estates.  Return to Moscow in the late afternoon. Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel. (B)

Day 9 Tuesday Moscow – Yasnaya Polyana – Moscow

This exciting day will take you to Yasnaya Polyana, where the great Leo Tolstoy and his wife Sonya kept a magnificent dacha. Upon arrival, visit the Estate/Museum and the  “Samovar” Museum (“samovars” are glorious urns with spouts, traditionally used for heating and serving; tea is drunk from glasses, often with golden handles). Later, experience a charming carriage ride along the estate (time to imagine being Anna Karenina – though perhaps with a brighter fortune). Before leaving the estate, pay respects at Tolstoy’s simple grave in the forest. Return to Moscow with thoughts of Old Russia and its premiere novelist. Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel. (B)

Day 10 Wednesday Moscow – Home flights

Time to say goodbye to Russia. Transfer to the airport and check-in for your flights back to the USA. (B)