The great cities of Moscow and St Petersburg provide a wealth of art, history and local character. Wild tribes first settled Moscow and later the powerful Czars of old Russia took up residence. St Petersburg was built as a bridge to the west by the autocratic and dynamic Czar, Peter the Great. It is a city built to mirror the grand architecture of Europe in the 18th century. These cities were, and still are, the centres of power and art of the Russian state.

This programme is designed to give;

• optimum time in both cities.

• complete flexibility - start in either Moscow or St Petersburg and

• flexibility to stay longer.  You can add on extra nights, or shorten your stay.

Homestay Concept

• are centrally located - no longer absolute CBD, next to the Kremlin etc, as no one with that level of real estate does homestay! All are central suburbs.

• All are near public transport. Remember the Soviet system meant a lack of cars so public transport flourished.

• mean you receive your own room (some can cater for up to four people although most are suitable for two) and you are not in a dorm with people you don’t know.

In addition, you receive breakfast. You can organise other meals with host and pay for these directly. If you take your meals at the homestay you can negotiate the time you want to have the meal.

Probably the most important aspect is the fact that you experience something of everyday contemporary Russian life. Isn’t that one of the main reasons why we all travel?

We pioneered homestay back in 1990 and have built up a reliable supply of hosts.  Sine that time the number of hosts has diminished so we work with a small group we know. Be early to guarantee a room! This experience means we know what we are doing and you can have confidence with your homestay arrangements. The hosts are accountable to us.  You can change/upgrade to hotels if you wish, at an appropriate surcharge.

Living out a fantasy

Put yourself in the picture

Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrive Moscow (train station or airport #), where you will be met and transferred to your homestay, or budget hotel.

Moscow weather facts.