Description

Highlights:

• Take pride in covering all of Moscow.
• Trek through the history of Moscow.
• Walk through ancient Russian art galleries.
• Discover the deepest metro station, highest point, oldest building, shortest street and more!
• Visit State Historical Museum of Moscow and/or Tretyakov Gallery and Museum of Contemporary Art.
• Enjoy circus performance and/or ballet show.
• Escape from the hustle and bustle of city life in Kolomenskoe or Tsaritsino parks.
• Indulge yourself at the best Russian chocolate café.

Moscow in 3 Days Itinerary:

• Day 1 in Moscow — History Day (XI-XIX centuries)

  • The Kremlin:

  • Tsar Bell. ​

  • Tsar Cannon.

  • 4 cathedrals: Annunciation Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral, Archangel Cathedral, Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles.

  • 4 palaces: State Kremlin Palace, Great Kremlin Palace, Terem Palace, Poteshny Palace.

  • 5 squares: Cathedral Square, Palace Square, Trinity Square, Ivanovo Square, Senate Square.

  • 20 Kremlin Towers.

  • Armory and Diamond Fund (optional, not included in the price).

  • Red Square:

• GUM.
• St Basil's Cathedral.
• State Historical Museum.
• Kazan Cathedral.
• Lenin Mausoleum.
• Manege Square.
• Alexander Garden.
• Eternal Flame and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Street of Kitay Gorod: Nikolskaya, Ilyinka, Varvarka.
  •  
  • Christ the Savior Cathedral.
  • Patriarch Bridge with scenic views of the Kremlin.
  • Momument after Peter the Great.
  •  

• Day 2 in Moscow — Modern Times (XX-XXI centuries)

  • Any 5 of your choice: 
  • Izmailovo Flea Market.
  • Zamoskvorechye area.
  • Kitay Gorod area.
  • Tretyakov Gallery.
  • Kolomenskoe Park.
  • Tsaritsino Park.
  • All-Russian Exhibition Center (VVTs).
  • Old Town of Moscow Walk through the historical streets and admire the architectural marvels of the past that are now the homes to modern shops, cafes, and anticafes.
  • Bunker 42 Cold War (optional, not included in the price)

•  

• Day 3 in Moscow — Entertainment (theatres, circus, street life, bars and pubs)

  • Metro Tour of Moscow
  • Victory Park & WWII Museum
  • Observation Platform on Sparrow Hills
  • Arbat street
  • Gorky Park
  • Muzeon Statues Park
  • RIver cruise (optional, not included in the price)

•  

• From our tour. Impressions of our American tourist:

Arriving at the Kremlin (which means “fortress”) made of its red brick walls, our guide noted the “swallowtail” border at the top of the wall that surrounds the 2km distance of the wall, a result of the style of the Italian architects hired for this job.

While our guide went to secure our pre-ordered tickets to see the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund, we admired the abundant hydrangeas.  It was this destination that spurred Linda and me to seek a private tour guide....Viking was NOT going to take us to the Diamond Fund....

Understandably, since the space is too small to manage 200 people, even if we are divided into 'subgroups.'  And, I am so glad we did not miss it.  Fabergé eggs are always on my list of favorite things, and I was delighted to see some I had never seen in the 3 other exhibits I have visited in the US. 

The collection of royal garments, the extensive collection of impressive pieces of silver (that tarnish to a lovely dull gold hue....not black as my silver does....how does THAT happen??) used for serving or given as gifts or used in religious worship; armaments, including intricately inlaid rifles and sets of armor and chain mail; and royal carriages.  I would not have been happy if we had not seen this collection. 

We made our way into Cathedral Square, the Kremlin’s ancient center framed by three large cathedrals in the old Russian style, the Imposing Ivan the Great Belltower, and the Palace of Facets, and the church of the 12 Apostles (because of the number of onion domes). 

The 3 cathedrals are: Annunciation Cathedral (late 1490's); Assumption Cathedral (early 15th C.); Archangel Cathedral (early 16th C.).  Our guide explained that the 3 cathedrals represented a type of 'circle of life'....daily prayer/bread taken at Annunciation Cathedral; where the heads were crowned at Assumption Cathedral, and a place of final rest for the royalty and patriarchs at Archangel Cathedral.

These cathedrals do not function as places of worship....they are museums....period!  There is no sanctuary space....there are small rooms; also, larger rooms whose high, elaborately painted ceilings rise into a dome where the face of Christ looks down upon you; and rooms with massive altarpiece art. 

I am amazed they survive, considering where the relegation of religion after the Revolution.  Thank goodness they do....the frescoes, the art, the icons are expansive and impressive.  We were not allowed to photograph; so sorry.

The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is 263-ft. high; although in place since 1329, this modern version dates from 1600.  No building was allowed to be taller than it was in that time. 

Had we stayed with the ship's itinerary today, the only noteworthy sightseeing we would have done of the Kremlin is the Tsar's Bell and the Tsar's Cannon.  Yes, they are huge.  No, neither ever 'worked.'  A wayward drop of cold water on the hot metal silenced the big bell for the ages; and the Tsar's Cannon was never fired.  Yes, we were glad we were with Inna and seeing so much more. 

*This tour can be modified to meet your individual preferences.