Russia

Upon your arrival in Moscow, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative, and you will be transferred to the hotel.

Note: Only one group airport transfer is included in the price. Additional transports can be arranged at an extra cost.

Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Mercure Arbat htl 4* (standard room) or similar.

After breakfast, you will embark on an exploration of the Russian capital, passing by its most notable landmarks. You will start with a Panoramic Moscow city tour that will last about two hours before you reach the Kremlin, where you will visit both the grounds and the cathedrals.

Panoramic Moscow city tour: Red square, St. Basil, GUM and Zaryadie park visit

The Red Square has been for centuries – and remains to this day – the heart and soul of Russia. Few places in the world carry such historical weight and value. From the 16th-century St. Basil's Cathedral (one of the most renowned edifices in the world) to the constructivist pyramid of Lenin's Mausoleum, the Red Square is rich in symbols of Russia's turbulent and intriguing past.

GUM (pronounced as “goom”) is the Glavnyi Universalnyi Magazin (i.e., the "main universal store") and represents the leading department store chain found in many cities of the former Soviet Union. Moscow GUM (known until the 1920s as “The Upper Trading Rows”) is the most famous of all. The building was erected between 1890 and 1893, its façade extending for 242 m along the eastern side of the Red Square. The trapezoidal edifice features an interesting combination of Russian medieval architecture and a steel framework with a glass roof: a style similar to the great 19th-century train stations of London.

Zaryadie Park is a modern urban park in Moscow, renowned for its innovative design and central location. Zaryadie Park is situated near Red Square, just south of the Kremlin.
Visiting Zaryadie Park in winter provides a unique and magical experience, transforming the park into a winter wonderland.

Moscow Kremlin (Grounds and Cathedrals) and Armoury Chamber tour

The Moscow Kremlin is regarded as a symbol of the Russian statehood, its hill becoming the central sightseeing spot for all visitors. After all, the architectural ensemble “The Moscow Kremlin and the Red Square” is included in the UNESCO List of World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

You will visit the Armory Chamber, several cathedrals (like the Assumption, the Archangel's and Annunciation cathedrals, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, the Patriarch's Palace with the Twelve Apostles' Church and the Ivan the Great Bell-Tower complex), as well as the exhibition halls in the Assumption Belfry and the One-Pillar Chamber of the Patriarch’s Palace.

The history of the museum itself is exciting, as it covers almost 300 years, including periods of prosperity and rapid development with museum and research activities, periods of heroic struggles to save this national treasure, and periods of stagnation, followed by revival.

You will end the day with a spectacular show either in Moscow’s Nikulin Circus or anything similar, depending on the available performances on that day.

Accommodation: Mercure Arbat htl 4* (standard room) or similar.

Today, you will continue Moscow’s exploration, passing by, among other things, the Sparrow Hills, Victory Park, and Moscow City, the famous Arbat Street and enjoy Moscow metro tour.

Sparrow Hills observation deck incl. round trip cable ride

Sparrow Hills (in Soviet times, it was known as Lenin Hills) is one of the most beautiful and mysterious places in Moscow. Moscow State University’s main building (and an entire college town around it) is one of the most famous Stalin skyscrapers, and the nearby observation deck offers unique panoramic views of the city, especially in the evening. A 720-metre cable car connects Sparrow Hills with the Luzhniki Olympic Stadium on the opposite side of the Moskva River, giving the opportunity to the passengers to enjoy additional incredible views of Moscow.

In Victory Park, you will visit the enormous memorial complex dedicated to World War II (Great Patriotic War). There, you can take a photo next to the 142-meter obelisk and the famous military machinery that was used during the war.

The Moscow International Business Center, also known as «Moscow-City», is the main shopping district of the Russian capital, located on Presnenskaya embankment, just minutes away from the Government House of the Russian Federation. The business center is the first zone in Russia that combines business activity, residential areas and entertainment in one project.

After lunch, explore the famous Arbat Street and enjoy Moscow metro tour.

Arbat Street is one of Moscow's oldest and most famous streets, known for its vibrant atmosphere and historical charm. It dates back to the 15th century and has been a popular hub for artists, musicians, and writers.

The Moscow metro is generally acknowledged as the most beautiful public underground transport system in the world and a usual highlight in any Moscow visit. It is a real subterranean city including palaces decorated with marble, bronze, granite and gilt, as well as modern stations

Optional Radisson icebreaker river cruise (2,5h ride)

You can end the day with a touch of luxury, if you choose to board the Radisson Royal Flotilla yacht, departing from the Radisson Collection “Ukraine” hotel pier. While onboard, you can enjoy freshly prepared food and enchanting panoramic views that include Moscow Kremlin, Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Peter the Great Statue and, Moscow City skyscrapers. (Dinner is not included and paid during the cruise by each customer separately- approx. 50 EUR for course meal).

Accommodation: Mercure Arbat htl 4* (standard room) or similar.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for the domestic flight to Murmansk (cost of flight not included in the price).

Once you arrive, you may have a quick lunch break (at a local or Chinese restaurant), and then you will embark on a sightseeing tour.

Murmansk is the last city founded in the Russian Empire. Located beyond the Arctic Circle, it goes through long polar nights in the winter and endless daylight in the summer. Compared to the other Russian cities in the same geographical latitude, Murmansk boast the tallest monument, the tallest Ferris wheel, and the world's very first nuclear icebreaker. During your sightseeing tour, you will visit the city’s most important landmarks like the “Five Corners” square (the founding spot of the city), the nuclear icebreaker “Lenin” (external inspection), the “Waiting” and the “Alyosha” monuments, and the memorial complex dedicated to the sailors who died in peacetime. You will also learn a few exciting curios like: where did the fifth corner of the “Five Corners” square go, how the mass grave in the city center turned into a square, or how and where Ernest Bo invented his famous Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Check in in your hotel and rest, before you meet again at around 9pm for a 3-hour Northern Lights hunting adventure.

As it is known, during the winter months, the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, often appear in the night sky – though there is no guarantee when and where they will appear, nor how strong they will be. Murmansk is one of the best places in the world to see this incredible phenomenon, and, with the help of our expert guides, you will have great chances to finally see – and photograph – the spectacular event.

Accommodation: Azimut City Hotel (4-star) or similar, Murmansk.

After breakfast, you will head towards the village of Teriberka (120km, approx. 2.5hrs), located on the Barents Sea shore, surrounded by fascinating landscapes.

Teriberka is a remote village located on the Arctic coast of Russia's Kola Peninsula, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rugged beauty. The area features stunning natural attractions such as the barren ship graveyard, striking waterfalls, and unique stone formations. Known for its ethereal Arctic scenery, Teriberka offers a rare glimpse into the raw, untouched nature of the far north.

Nature park Teriberka

This area is known for its dramatic landscapes, including rugged coastlines and expansive tundra. Take some time to explore the diverse flora and fauna, and enjoy the fresh Arctic air.

Graveyard of ships
Head to the ship graveyard, a hauntingly beautiful site where abandoned vessels rest on the shore. This area provides fantastic photo opportunities and a unique glimpse into the maritime history of the region. The rusting ships against the stark Arctic backdrop create a surreal scene.

The famous Battery waterfall and the stone beach "dinosaur eggs";

You will enjoy a sledge riding adventure on the sea shore with a snow scooter, traveling from the Small Battery Lake to the Teribersky waterfall. (the travelers do not drive the snow scooter, but sit on the sledge)
The waterfall is located between rocks, but you can go down the left side towards the place where the water flows into the sea.

Sandy beach in a picturesque bay and the northernmost swing

This beach, though unusual for its Arctic location, provides a stunning contrast to the surrounding rugged terrain. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquility and the striking views.

Before heading back, visit the northernmost swing, which offers an unparalleled experience. Swinging here provides a unique perspective of the Arctic landscape and an unforgettable photo opportunity with the vast ocean and rugged coastline in the background.

Then you will return to Murmansk (120 km, driving time), and you relax until the group reassembles at 9pm for another Northern Lights hunting tour.

Accommodation: Azimut City Hotel (4-star; smart room) or similar, Murmansk.

After breakfast, you will head to Lovozero (a 2.5-hr drive).

Upon your arrival, you will be welcomed by the local guide and you will continue your trip to the Husky Park on a sledge.

Once at the park, you will enjoy a full tour around the husky kennels and the reindeer farm including husky sledding and a traditional lunch (Saami style) in the Russian Lapland on Kola Peninsula.

During your visit, you will learn more details on the Siberian Husky breed, you will connect with the charming dogs, and you will enjoy a dog sledding ride through forest and frozen lakes.

Finally, you will visit a replica of a Saami village where you get acquainted with the culture of the Saami people, as it was more than a century ago. There, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet, feed, hug and photograph the reindeers.

After lunch, you will return to Murmansk (a 2.5-hr drive) and you will enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

If you have not seen the Northern Lights the previous nights, you will go on a last Northern Lights hunting adventure (which is optional).

Accommodation: Azimut City Hotel (4-star) or similar, Murmansk.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to either take a flight back home (via Moscow) or fly to St Petersburg for an optional extension. (Domestic flights are not included)