Description

This 7 Realms Ultimate tour of Moscow can be 3-Day tour, with 7 hours each day, or 4-Day tour, with 5 hours each day. 

This bespoke history-culture-art itinerary is the ultimate guide of Moscow with authentic Russian, Ukranian and Georgian cuisines along the way. 

Ready for adventure?

Highlights of 7 Realms tour of Moscow

• Explore Kremlin, the oldest and the largest fortress in Russia, a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage;
• Learn the stories of two Russian paradoxes – Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, both the largest in the world;
• Walk the oldest streets in Moscow and observe the ancient architecture of Moskovy;
• Discover Kitay Gorod, which used to be home to the first skyscraper and the first typography in Moscow, as well as the biggest pharmacy in Europe;
• Dive into off the beaten path of Moscow – Zamoskvorechye and get impressed with a dazzling mix of hidden architectural gems and art masterpieces of Russia;
• Visit Tretyakov gallery that reflects 1000 year-old history, art and culture of Russia;
• Explore the iconic sights of legendary Kolomenskoe including the Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, which is considered the eighth wonder of the world;
• Get scenic panoramic views of Tsaritsino park, the most romantic park of Moscow;
• Admire “Russian Gothic” of the Grand Palace in Tsaritsino, and enjoy the picturesque landscape with fairy-tale bridges;
• Have fun in Gorky Park, which is even the #1 park of Russia;
• Meet locals and catch up with local art trends in Winzavod Art Center, the oldest and most respectable art gallery in Moscow;
• And, of course, try Russian pelemeni, Soviet vareniki or bliny, Ukranian borsch, Georgian Khachapuri, as well traditional hospitality, coziest and amazingly beautiful interior of the best local restaurants.

Itinerary

DAY 1

12-14th centuries

Red Square, the Kremlin, Kitay Gorod + Russian traditional lunch

We are going to see the cradle of Russian history and track the development of Moscow.

The residence of Dukes, Tsars, Emperors, Supreme rulers, Presidents will surprise you with its cathedrals, largest in the world Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, as long as the Armory with personal belongings of Great Tsars.

Highlights:

Red Square Tour

• Walk-through the Resurrection Gate and don’t forget to flip a coin so you’ll be sure to come back one day!
• Visit the world’s famous Kazan Cathedral;
• See the State Department Store (GUM), once the Upper Trading Stalls, which were built over a century ago and still operating!
• Admire the lovely St. Basil’s Cathedral, built to commemorate the capture of the cities Kazan and Astrakhan. After construction of the cathedral, the poor architect, Postnik Yakovlev, was blinded by Ivan the Terrible, forbidding him from replicating such a beauty ever again;
• Walk by Lobnoye Mesto (literally meaning the “forehead place”, or “Place of the Skulls”), once Ivan the Terrible’s stage for religious ceremonies, speeches, and important events;
• As well as Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM, Manege Square, the Monument after Marshal Zhukov, Alexander Garden, Grotto monument, The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Obelisk to Romanov royal dynasty.

Kremlin Tour

• The Cathedral of Twelve Apostles forms the grand entrance to the luxurious Grand Kremlin Palace.
• The Tsar Bell, the largest bell in the world, and Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world.
• The Ivan the Great Bell Tower marks the exact centre of Moscow and resembles a burning candle.
• The Cathedral of the Assumption, place of coronation of the grand princes and tsars as well as the burial place of metropolitans and patriarchs.
• The Cathedral of the Annunciation, the private church of Russian grand princes and tsars for domestic and family ceremonies.
• The Cathedral of the Archangel, the necropolis of the Moscow dynasty of Ruriks and first Romanov tsars. The history of the necropolis started in 1340 with Ivan I, the great grandfather of Ivan the Terrible.
• The Armory originated as the royal arsenal in 1508 and boasting the richest collection of the works of Russian and foreign decorative and applied art of 4th-20th centuries.
• + The procession of the equestrian and pedestrian guards of the President’s regiment (April to October).

Kitay Gorod Tour

Kitay Gorod is the oldest part of Moscow after the Kremlin, emerged in the 14th century due to the expansion of the boundaries of the Kremlin.:

Experience Kitay Gorod with its it’s charming one-of-a-kind places, many with great historical significance.

There are 4 monasteries, 24 churches, cathedrals, and 8 chapels in the area of Kitay gorod. We’ll see some of them.

You will also see:

• First typography in Russia, founded in 1553;
• First “skyscraper” of Moscow, 5-storeyed building built in 1876;
• English Old Court on Varvarka street, the former home of the first foreign representation in Moscow (1553);

The Trinity monastery on Ilyinka – Apartment house-monastery of the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra (“Trinity Compound”) which is nowadays an object of cultural heritage of regional significance (1630s).

+ Traditional Russian food with a great buffet bar. 

Eat as much as you like! :) Hearty lunch in Russian traditional restaurant, with old Russian traditions, bright decor and amazing authentic food in historical Tverskaya street, the main street of Moscow.

DAY 2

14th-17th centuries

Zamoskvorechye & Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve

Highlights:

Zamoskvorechye Tour

• Explore vibrant Zamoskvorechye neighborhood full of life and character, which locals consider an epicenter of architectural masterpieces and ancient cathedrals, modern street art and best coffee in the town – Ultimate Russian Culture Experience!
• Soak in the beauty of the greatest Russian masterpieces;
• Explore the treasures of Russian art and architecture, ancient and modern;
• Get immersed into Russian history;
• Track the origins of Moscow;
• Experience Moscow’s premier art gallery – Tretyakov Gallery;
• Admire the impressive architectural styles of Russian cathedrals and temples.

Kolomenskoe Tour

Discover the oldest settlement of Moscow belonging to the Stone Age!

Kolomenskoye is a Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve in the open air: Ethnographic art, historical and architectural complex with the existing facilities of the medieval farm, stables, a forge, an apiary, a watermill.

You will see:

• Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, initially built in 17th century and consisted of 270 rooms Nowadays considered the 8th wonder of the world by Russians;
• The Church of the Ascension – a UNESCO monument and a masterpiece of Russian and world architecture.
• Palace Pavillion that served as a tea house or home theater, the main façade is decorated with Doric portico and two lioness sculptures;
• Front Gate Complex that was the main entrance to the summer residence of the Tsar for distinguished guests;
• Church of Beheading of St. John the Forerunner that Ivan the Terrible for holiday worships and his birthday feasts;
• As well as royal Food Yard, Peter I’s House, Household structure (Mead Brewery), The Streltsy Guard-houses, Moss Tower and the Memorial Pole.

+ Lunch in Korchma, Ukranian traditional restaurant. 

Dynamic interior with authentic decorations and festive ethnic Russian & Ukranian traditions in one place! Your lunch will include:

• Lean sorrel borsch
• Podolsky Salad,  incredibly juicy and crispy salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, radishes, cauliflower, carrots and greens;
• Zrazy with mushrooms and spinach

OR

• Chicken soup with noodles
• Spring salad with cucumbers, radish, eggs, green onions, lettuce and mayonnaise
• Chicken schnitzel with stewed cabbage

• DAY 3

18th-21st centuries

Tsaritsino, Gorky Park, Winzavod Art Center

Highlights:

Tsaritsino Tour

Tsaritsyno is the monument of the so-called “Russian Gothic”, unique in its style.

Enjoy the picturesque nature of the architectural ensemble, fairy bridges and castle, vintage terraces, statues, ponds and historical atmosphere!
You will see:

• Palace of Catherine II, full of mysteries, gossips, intrigues and scandals;
• Famous Bazhenov’s Bridges that are distinguished by unique artistic features that fully represented the architect’s “theater architecture”;
• The cascade of Tsaritsynsky ponds formed during 16th-18th centuries;
• Magic Slopes with beautiful landscapes that became a natural backdrop for open-air theater during Catherine II reign;
• The Ruined Tower of Tsaritsyno offers amazing panoramic views from its observation deck;
• Temple of Ceres where the Empress rested and watched holiday hay celebrations;
• Tsaritsyno Fountain with 3000 lights dancing polonaises and minuets in the evenings.

Gorky Park Tour

Gorky Park is Russia’s most popular park. It also features Europe’s largest skating rink with artificial ice in winter.

Discover Gorky Park from its early Soviet Communist history and hear the stories behind how it evolved to become the trendiest and hottest spot of Moscow.

Founded in 1923, the park has a lot to impress with:

• Rich Soviet past;
• Authentic local vibe;
• Garage Art Center, founded by Dasha Zhukova, the wife of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich;
• Gorgeous nature landscape; 
• Yoga and dance classes;
• A myriad of local cozy cafes, street food kiosks, posh restaurants and coffee places with hot pastry.

Winzavod Art Center Tour

Get away from the hustle and bustle in the peaceful spot;

Enjoy a real gem hidden from tourists;

Be a part of the city’s art scene in Winzavod Contemporary Art Center, a leading art zone in Moscow and the biggest Сenter of Contemporary Art in Russia.

See Moscow through the eyes of local artists, designers and photographers.

Meet the most creative locals in a brand new, aesthetic area for art enthusiasts;

Get a flavor of all sides of modern culture in Moscow: workshops, exhibitions, master classes, festivals, concerts, and even movie and theater premieres.

You can also find here trendy art cafes, unique bookshops, fashion show-rooms, School of Visual Arts, dance studio, and seasonal flea markets.

We finish our tour with Winzavod, as it is an ideal place to relax, wander around, meet have a friendly chat with locals, and simply sip coffee and watch people.

+Tbilisi snack in traditional Georgian restaurant. 

Ethnic food and interior, urban vibe and complementary glass of homemade Georgian wine to cool off.