Best Time

May - Sep

Ideal Length

14 Days

Flight Time

7 Hours

Currency

Rouble

Language

Russian

Bespoke Russia Journeys: Tsarist Palaces, Imperial Art Collections, and Private Rail Access

Bliss Travels curates private, customized journeys through Russia, catering to travelers who seek historical depth and avoid commercial, crowded touring packages. Russia is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Rather than using public transit or generic group tours, our itineraries focus on private, chauffeured transfers, dedicated local guides with academic backgrounds, and stays in legendary five-star historic hotels. Your Russian journey might connect private, after-hours tours of the State Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg with private access to the Kremlin Armoury in Moscow, private cruises along the canals, and first-class travel on the Sapsan train.

We coordinate every detail of your transport. Travel between Moscow and Saint Petersburg in first-class carriages, and navigate historic urban centers in private, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Our relationships with luxury historic properties, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace in Saint Petersburg and the Carlton in Moscow, guarantee rooms with palace views and absolute privacy.

Why Visit Russia

1. Historic Tsarist & Grand Palace Hotels

Russia features some of Europe's most grand historic hotels. From restored nineteenth-century palaces like the Hotel Astoria and Four Seasons Lion Palace to modern luxury properties in Moscow, these hotels offer imperial interiors, fine dining, and absolute privacy.

2. World-Class Art & Museum Collections

Explore Russia's art collections through private channels. Our guests enjoy privately guided, fast-track access to the State Hermitage Museum, the General Staff Building, the Fabergé Museum, and the Tretyakov Gallery.

3. Imperial Palaces & Gardens

Experience the summer residences of the Romanovs. Tour the Grand Palace and fountains of Peterhof, the Catherine Palace with its Amber Room reconstruction in Tsarskoye Selo, and the Pavlovsk Palace.

4. Moscow Kremlin & Armoury Chambers

Visit the historic heart of Moscow. We arrange private, guided tours of the Kremlin grounds, the historic cathedrals of Cathedral Square, and the Armoury Chamber containing royal carriages, crowns, and imperial gifts.

5. Regional Performing Arts & Ballet

Russia is the center of classical ballet. Enjoy premium seating at the historic Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg and the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with private interval access and backstage historical tours.

Signature Luxury Experiences

State Hermitage Museum Private Viewings

Explore the winter palace of the tsars with an art historian. Enjoy early morning or after-hours access to the Hermitage galleries, viewing masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt in quiet solitude.

Best suited for: Art enthusiasts, couples, families

Kremlin Armoury Chamber Guided Visits

Tour the Armoury Chamber in Moscow with a private historian. View the Romanov jewelry collection, imperial carriages, and royal ceremonial robes, followed by private access to the Diamond Fund.

Best suited for: History lovers, couples

Peterhof Palace Hydrofoil Private Excursions

Travel from Saint Petersburg to Peterhof via a private hydrofoil along the Gulf of Finland. Tour the Grand Palace, walk the Lower Gardens, and view the spectacular fountain cascades before public crowds arrive.

Best suited for: Families, couples, active travelers

Catherine Palace Amber Room Visits

Visit Tsarskoye Selo to explore the Catherine Palace. Walk through the gilded halls and the famous reconstructed Amber Room with a private guide, learning about the palace's history.

Best suited for: History lovers, families, couples

Mariinsky & Bolshoi Theatre Premium Access

Attend a legendary ballet or opera performance. Secure historic box seating at the Mariinsky Theatre in Saint Petersburg or the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, with private interval receptions and guide escort.

Best suited for: Culture enthusiasts, couples

Day-by-Day Itinerary

DAY 1: Arrival in Moscow

Welcome to Russia. Arrive at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport, where our VIP representative will meet you at the aircraft gate and escort you through fast-track customs. Transfer via private S-Class vehicle to your luxury hotel, The Carlton or Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. Spend the afternoon resting. In the evening, enjoy a private dinner overlooking Red Square.

Overnight: Moscow Palace Hotel

DAY 02: Red Square & Moscow Kremlin private tour

Following breakfast, meet your private guide for a tour of Red Square. Walk by St. Basil's Cathedral and the GUM department store. In the afternoon, tour the Kremlin grounds and the historic cathedrals of Cathedral Square. Visit the Armoury Chamber to view the collection of imperial treasures and carriages, enjoying fast-track access.

Overnight: Moscow Palace Hotel

DAY 03: Tretyakov Gallery & Metro private tour

Explore Moscow's cultural heritage. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery with an art historian, viewing the collection of Russian icons and paintings. In the afternoon, take a privately guided tour of Moscow's historic metro system, exploring the grand stations decorated with marble, mosaics, and chandeliers.

Overnight: Moscow Palace Hotel

DAY 04: Moscow to Saint Petersburg via Sapsan Train

Check out of your Moscow hotel. Your private chauffeur will transfer you to Leningradsky Station. Board the high-speed Sapsan train in First Class, traveling to Saint Petersburg in comfort. Upon arrival, meet your chauffeur and transfer to your hotel, the Four Seasons Lion Palace or Hotel Astoria.

Overnight: Saint Petersburg Palace Hotel

DAY 05: State Hermitage Museum private tour

Spend the morning exploring the State Hermitage Museum with an art historian. Enjoy fast-track admission to view the collections housed in the Winter Palace. In the afternoon, tour the General Staff Building to view the French Impressionist collection, followed by a private canal cruise.

Overnight: Saint Petersburg Palace Hotel

DAY 06: Peterhof Grand Palace private tour

Board a private hydrofoil for a day excursion to Peterhof, the summer palace of Peter the Great on the Gulf of Finland. Tour the Grand Palace, walk the Lower Gardens to see the fountains, and enjoy a private lunch near the water. Return to the city in the afternoon.

Overnight: Saint Petersburg Palace Hotel

DAY 07: Catherine Palace & Amber Room

Travel south with your private chauffeur to Tsarskoye Selo. Tour the Baroque Catherine Palace and its reconstructed Amber Room with a private guide. Spend the afternoon walking through the gardens. In the evening, attend a classical ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Overnight: Saint Petersburg Palace Hotel

DAY 08: Saint Petersburg Departure

Enjoy breakfast. Your private chauffeur will transfer you to Pulkovo Airport for your departure flight. Our representative will assist you with baggage check-in and fast-track security.

Overnight: Departure flight

Luxury Accommodation Style

Russia's luxury properties are define by imperial architecture and heritage. In Saint Petersburg, our guests reside in five-star palace hotels located near the Winter Palace, featuring historic dining rooms. In Moscow, we select luxury properties near Red Square that offer views of the Kremlin and modern amenities. Every property provides high-security, concierge teams, and absolute privacy.

The Bliss Journey Design Method

Using the proprietary Bliss Journey Design Method, we construct your Russia itinerary around historic palace access and art treasures. We coordinate private train tickets, historic castle and palace bookings, and local guide access, ensuring a customized experience.

INCLUDES

  • 3 Nights hotel in Moscow (Palace Distinction) with Breakfast
  • 4 Nights hotel in Saint Petersburg (Palace Distinction) with Breakfast
  • First-Class Sapsan train tickets between Moscow and Saint Petersburg
  • All airport and station transfers in private Mercedes-Benz S-Class vehicles
  • Privately guided museum and palace tours with fast-track entry

Conditions:

  • ***Hotels are subject to availability
  • *** Rates are Subject to change without Prior Notice.

Speak with our specialists to create a Russian itinerary tailored around tsarist palaces, imperial art collections, and private rail access.


Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Palace Hotel in Saint Petersburg? +
Palace hotels are historic nineteenth-century buildings or imperial palaces in Saint Petersburg restored into five-star hotels. They feature original architecture, marble interiors, fine dining, and absolute privacy, offering historical character.
How does Bliss Travels arrange Hermitage viewings? +
We coordinate directly with museum curators to secure early morning or after-hours entry to the Winter Palace. Guided tours are led by art historians and scheduled to bypass public queues.
When is the best season to visit Moscow and Saint Petersburg? +
The best season to visit Russia is from May to September. The summer months offer mild weather and long days, particularly the "White Nights" of June and July in Saint Petersburg.
Is public transportation practical for luxury travel in Russia? +
No, public buses and trams can be crowded and complex. We provide private, air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz vehicles with professional drivers for all transfers, ensuring comfortable transit between sights.
Can families travel comfortably on this itinerary? +
Yes, Russia is highly family-friendly. We customize itineraries to balance historical visits with active experiences, including private canal boat cruises and visits to toy museums or palace gardens.
How are Moscow Kremlin tours conducted? +
We arrange private, fast-track entry to the Kremlin grounds and the Armoury Chamber. Guided tours are led by licensed historians and scheduled to avoid tour groups.
What is the visa process for Indian travelers? +
Indian citizens require a Russian visa. Bliss Travels assists with the application process, coordinating required tourist invitations, scheduling appointments at the visa application center, and managing the submission.
Are private guides available throughout the journey? +
Yes, we provide dedicated, English-speaking private guides for all historical tours, museum visits, and regional day excursions. Guides are selected for their specific academic backgrounds.
How does the Bliss Journey Design Method customize the trip? +
We begin with a detailed consultation to establish your interests, preferred pacing, and dining styles. Whether you want to focus on imperial history, modern art, or classical music, we build the itinerary from scratch.
What is the dining etiquette at high-end Russian restaurants? +
Smart-formal attire is expected at fine-dining venues in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Jackets are recommended for gentlemen. Bliss Travels manages all reservations months in advance and coordinates any dietary requests.
Can we visit the Amber Room in Catherine Palace? +
Yes, we arrange private, guided visits to the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, including fast-track entry to the reconstructed Amber Room.
Is tipping standard in Russia? +
Tipping is appreciated in Russia. In restaurants, a tip of 10% for good service is standard. For private chauffeurs, guides, and hotel staff, a discretionary tip is common practice.
Can Bliss Travels arrange private ballet tickets? +
Yes, we coordinate premium Box seating at the Mariinsky and Bolshoi theatres, along with private intermission access and historical tours.
What is the best way to travel between Moscow and Saint Petersburg? +
The best option is the high-speed Sapsan train, which takes approximately 4 hours in First Class and departs from city center to city center, avoiding airport transit.
Are historic hotels suitable for honeymoons? +
Yes, Russia's historic palace hotels and five-star properties are world-class venues for romantic celebrations. We coordinate with property managers to secure private setups.