Benny’s Royal Tours ‘Northern Lights in Russia’ Tour begins.
Assemble at Cochin International Airport at 05.30 hrs. After emigration and customs formalities Oman Air Flight 226 departs to Muscat at 08.30hrs and arrives at Muscat International Airport at 10.45 hrs. Later connects Oman Air Flight 183 to Moscow departs at 15.45 hrs. Arrive Sheremetyevo Alexander S. Pushkin International Airport, Moscow at 20.50hrs.
Welcome to the legendary capital of Russia - Moscow. Moscow is among the world's largest cities, being the largest city entirely in Europe. The city stands on the Moskva River in Central Russia, with a population estimated at 12.4 million residents. During any season, at any hour of the day, Moscow thrills visitors with its artistry, history and majesty. Upon arrival you will meet our local guide at Moscow transfer to hotel, packed dinner & Overnight at Hotel.
Overnight stay : Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki (4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast & Lunch on board, Packed Dinner
Day 2
MOSCOW GUIDED CITY TOUR
Moscow is a capital of the largest country in the world, with its unique history, intricately combines the oldest monuments, buildings and modern architecture. Following continental breakfast at hotel, you meet your private guide at the hotel lobby and go on a wonderful city tour around the most outstanding Moscow landmarks. During the tour you explore the fairy tale Red Square that is especially charming in winter with all this sparkling snow covering the bright domes of the St. Basil's Cathedral photostop only (no entrance).
Later we explore an incredible Moscow must-see icon - The Kremlin.
Visit the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin in Lenin Mausoleum
Here we visit Lenin’s Tomb also known as Lenin's Mausoleum (Subject to the availability). This is a Mau- soleum that currently serves as the resting place of Vladimir Lenin. His embalmed body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924. Joseph Stalin's embalmed body shared a spot next to Lenin's, from the time of his death in 1953 until October 31, 1961, when Stalin was removed as part of de- Stalinization by Khrushchev and buried in the Kremlin Wall Necropolis outside the walls of the Kremlin. Here in the Necropolis we can see the tombs of Yuri Gagarin, Suslov, Kalinin, Yuri Andropov, Dzerzhinsky, Brezhnev,etc. Later proceed to Red Square ,we go inside the Kremlin walls to visit Grand Kremlin Palace, the official residence of Vladimir Putin and churches like the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, and Church of the Annunciation...etc. ( Photo Stop only)
Here we will see The Tsar Bell, the Guinness Book World record Bell. It's the biggest bell in the world and weighs about 200 tons and a height of 6.14 meters but no one has ever heard its ringing. The bell was broken during a big fire and it was never lifted on a bell tower. Later we can see Tsar Cannon, nearby which is the largest bom- bard by caliber in the world in Guinness Book of World Records. It is a major tourist attraction in the ensemble of the Moscow Kremlin. The Tsar Cannon is made of bronze and weighs 39.312 tones and has a length of 5.34 m. Its bronze-cast barrel has an internal diameter of 890 mm and an external diameter of 1,200 mm. After the French invasion Napoleon Bonaparte considered removing it to France as a war trophy. Proceed to view the Alexander Garden and change of Guards, Manezh square, Kazan cathedral, Gum Mall, Nicolskaya street, Zardaye park .(All photostop only, unless entrance specified specifically).
Proceed for Local Lunch, afternoon free for shopping. By evening 5pm (approx), we will proceed for Moscow River Cruise + Dinner. Over Night at Hotel.
Overnight stay : Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki (4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast & Lunch on board, Packed Dinner
Day 3
MOSCOW – ST. PETERSBURG ( BULLET TRAIN )
Following the continental breakfast, check out hotel and you proceed to train station to connect Sapsan Bullet Train to St. Petersburg. High-speed Sapsan trains, operated by Russian Railways, are among the most popular options for traveling between Moscow and St. Petersburg as they depart from and arrive to the train stations located right in the heart of the cities, thus connecting both capitals in only 3.5 hours. This travel gives you a chance to see Russian villages. Arrive St. Petersburg train station, meet & greet our local guide and proceed for Lunch. After lunch proceed to visit Hermitage Museum.
Hermitage Palace, St. Petersburg
Hermitage Palace was the winter residence of Tsar of Russia up to Bolshevik Revolution. The Palace was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great. Bloody Sunday or Red Sunday happened in front of Hermitage Palace. The massacre of Bloody Sunday was one of the key events which led to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. In Sunday, 22 January 1905, when unarmed demonstrators led by Father Georgy Gapon were fired upon by soldiers of the Imperial guard as they marched towards the Hermitage Palace to present a petition to the last Tsar Nicholas II of Russia. A trip to the Hermitage Museum will be one of the highlights of your Russia tour and the guide provides an introduction to the collection, focusing on a selection of outstanding paintings, as well as to the beautiful state rooms of the winter Palace. World famous masterpieces in the collection include Rapha- el's and Leonardo da Vinci's Madonna’s, paintings by Titian and Rembrandt, Mone, Renois, Picasso and Matisse. Here we can see Peacock clock, made out of pure gold is the icon attraction of every tourist in the collections of the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. Its collections, comprise over three million items including the largest collection of paintings in the world. Later visit Vodka Museum & Tasting.
Visit Vodka Museum, the National Drink of Russia
The first museum in Russia and in the world dedicated exclusively to Vodka. Vodka is the National Drink of Russia and the museum tells in detail the history of the appearance of traditional drinks of Russia. Visitors are invited to go through the "natural fermentation" (honey, kvass and birch wood to the 14th century, and the first experiments with cereals in the middle Ages) to the writing by Dmitry Mendeleev of the legendary dissertation “on the combination of alcohol with water. The visit to the museum ends with a tasting of a drink at a high "standing" table, from misted faceted glasses with traditional snacks. Local Dinner & Overnight at Hotel.
Overnight stay : St. Petersburg Moskovskye Vorota (4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Local Lunch & Dinner at hotel
Day 4
ST. PETERSBURG
PETERHOF PALACE
After the breakfast pick-up from the hotel, proceed to the most spectacular imperial palace Peterhof Palace in St. Petersburg with its beautifully manicured gardens boasting over 140 fountains, being the world's biggest fountain complex. Peterhof is one of the must visit attractions in St. Petersburg. Located on the Gulf of Finland, about 20 miles from St. Petersburg. The seaside paradise was built, as a grandiose triumphal memorial glorifying the grandeur of Russia. When your boat docks at the mouth of the Sea Channel, enter Peterhof’s enormous park complex, including elaborate gardens filled with 18th-century foun- tains, statues, palaces and pavilions built upon the orders of Tsar Peter the Great. Stroll through the Lower Park, which lies between the Grand Palace and the shore and boasts more than 140 fountains, each operated without pumps. The grandest of them all is The Great Palace and The Grand Cascade, with 60 fountains and waters that run through a canal to the Gulf of Finland. In the middle of the cascade is Samson tearing a lion’s jaw, a gold statue designed by Rastrelli. The palace used to be the official summer residence of the Imperial court. Emperor Peter the Great was setting up Peterhof facing the cost of the sea, as the kind of a memorial to the Russian Naval victories.
After lunch proceed to St.Petersburg city Tour and enjoying its splen did sights: numerous palaces and cathedrals, rivers and channels, bridges and parks. St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world on the banks of the Neva River near the Baltic Sea and the city is often called the "Venice of the North '. Crammed with splendid palaces, impressive historical monuments, tree-lined avenues and beautiful bridges, it's no wonder St Petersburg is known as Russia's cultural capital. A relatively young city, it was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great. During the visit, we will see Basil island, Menshikov palace, Academy of Fine Arts, see the Catherine Garden, Anichkov bridge,cover Nevsky prospekt , St. Isaac’s Cathedral ( Outside ) Fine Arts Square with Russian Museum, the magnificent Church of Resurrection on Spilled Blood, Field of Mars, the Alexanderinsky Drama theatre, Smolny Cathdral, The Bronze Horseman, The Statue of Peter the Great , Dvortsovaya Square, Vasilevsky island and much more. See the beauty of 3rd largest square in the world – the palace square with the winter palace and Alexander Column, Kazan Cathedral (No Entrance). Proceed to visit the traditional Russian entertainment .
Unforgettable evening of Russian Folk Dance in Nicolaevsky Palace at 7pm with Dinner.
Evening we take you to Nicolas Palace and enjoy an unforgettable evening at the magnificent Nicolaevsky Palace, a former Grand Ducal residence. The fun and interactive show is suitable for all ages and features a variety of Russian folklor traditions, including live musicians, dancers, and stunning costumes. During the hours of this dynamic colorful and pictureous show, you will hear tuneful folk songs- romantic, and full of life, watch sparkling dances of different provinces of Russia. You will find yourself right on the stage dancing like a real Russian, playing folk games and enjoying yourself. Later transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in St. Petersburg.
Overnight stay : St. Petersburg Moskovskye Vorota (4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast, Local Lunch & Dinner at hotel
Day 5
FLY TO MURMANSK
After the continental breakfast, check out hotel and you proceed to St. Petersburg airport to take flight to Murmansk. Murmansk was founded during World War I, and it was used as a port for Allied soldiers to battle the Bolsheviks prior to the rise of the Soviet Union. During World War II, Mur mansk was used by Allied forces to deliver crucial supplies during the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union.
Murmansk was subsequently named a Hero-City of the Soviet Murmansk is the largest city in the world located within the Arctic Circle. It beckons travelers to discover its arctic culture and unusual history. Nicknamed the "Gateway to the Arctic", it is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle and a major launching point for commercial ships, fishing vessels and arctic expeditions. At the height of summer, the sun doesn’t set, but in the depth of winter it’s dark all day. The sub-zero temperatures and weeks of winter darkness are tempered with extraordinary natural wonders and an adaptable, almost magical culture that dictates everyday life in Murmansk. The city is 108 kilometers from the border with Norway and 182 kilometers from the Finland border and lies over 2° north of the Arctic Circle. We can see a lot of clean rivers and lakes, untouched wild nature, you can also meet saami, the local people in Arctic and learn more about their unique culture and also watch such amazing phenomena of the northern lights.
Union and many of its sights are connected with this era - especially the giant Alyosha Statue represent- ing the Red Army soldiers who lost their lives defending the city of Murmansk. Upon arrival in Murman- sk, you have a private transfer and meet our local guide to have a city. And visit the memorial complex Alyosha in honour of the defenders of the Soviet polar region during the Great Patriotic War. You get to rise to the observation platform, opening incredible views of the Murmansk city centre. Then you continue to the monument "Zhduschey" connected with the life in the Russian extreme north. Also, you visit the memorial complex dedicated to the tragic events that took place on the Kursk Submarine, see the Spas on Water church and the lighthouse. Upon arrival proceed to visit Husky Park, to visit Husky Farms located in Murmansk, on Kola Peninsula North of Russia.
During the tour you will learn more about Siberian Husky and have a unique chance to interplay with these charming and affectionate dogs. You will get acquainted with North nature and enjoy an exciting trip through the winter forest on a sled pulled by Husky dogs. You will learn all about the wonderful “Siberian Husky”, you can hug and communicate with the charming and sweet huskies. Because you are at a Saami place you can also meet reindeers and even sledge behind them. (If weather permits) A dog sled is a traditional kind of transport of the northern people. Husky are very strong dogs; they can adjust to almost any types of weather conditions. They are very smart, clever and gentle. After Lunch, proceed to Murmansk Guided City Tour (3hrs), later visit the famous Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker show in Morskoy Vokzal Pier (Entrance subject to the availability). This is the first ever nuclear-powered icebreaker in the world built in Leningrad in 1956-1959. Now it is a museum where you can see the ship from the inside, learn the history of ice trips, the Northern Sea Route, and visit the interactive museum of Arctic nature and Arctic research.
Unforgettable hunt” for Aurora Borealis (3 hrs with Guide & Photographer)
Later in the evening, our experienced guide who organize a “hunt” for Aurora Borealis, an overwhelming and unforgettable tour to watch Northern Lights-this is a trip you will come. There are many wonders in nature, but few are as awe-inspiring as the Northern Lights in Murmansk. This phenomenon has brought travellers from all over the world for an unforgettable experience. We transfer to the Kola Peninsula to witness one among the natural wonder Northern lights or Aurora Borealis or polar lights. (Subject to the weather) The Kola Peninsula is considered one of the best places where you can watch the northern lights. Dancing like a flame, it captivates and you will never forget such kind of beautiful experience in your life. Local people in the North have created many myths and legends about these phenomena. The ability to see the northern lights depends on many factors and there is also an element of luck. Later we return back to hotel. Dinner & Overnight stay in hotel.
Overnight stay : Azimut Hotel Murmansk ( 4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast & Dinner at hotel lunch in local/Indian restaurants.
Day 6
TRIP TO TERIBERKA
A TOUR TO THE EDGE OF THE WORLD – TERIBERKA VILLAGE
Today after continental breakfast at the hotel we are embarking on a memorable journey of our life, Excur-sion to the Edge of the world-Teriberka village on the coast of the Arctic Ocean.
A tour to Teriberka, the gateway to the Arctic Ocean gives you a unique chance to reach the wild edge of the untouched Arctic region. The village of Teriberka is situated in the North West part of Russia, on the coast of the Arctic Ocean at a distance of 120 km from Murmansk city, the capital of Kola Peninsula andMurmansk region. This wild place became famous after the release of the Oscar nominated Leviathan movie of Russian film director Andrey Zvyagintsev in 2014 due to unforgettable sceneries of the ArcticOcean coast. The tour to Teriberka starts from Murmansk. The road passes through Arctic tundra, a vast treeless area of Northern Russia, Canada and Greenland with severe climate throughout the year. Our destination is the village of Teriberka, where you will see the unique northern nature and take a walk along the coast of the Arctic Ocean!
A trip to Teriberka is an expedition to the vast expanses of the Tundra, where the ice of the ocean and the flames of the Northern lights give a complete sense of life. This is a special trip to the Barents Sea,where the Edge of the Russian land is located... and then only the Arctic. On powerful off-road vehicles,through the vast expanses of harsh tundra, we will pass to the very shore of the Arctic Ocean and findourselves in a real fairy tale. The views along the way are incredible. On the way you will get many stop-overs and the breath-taking landscapes of the Arctic Ocean and visit Teriberka and sand beaches. There are two natural beaches in the Teriberka region. One is the ocean sand beach and another is full of round boulders which historically got the name “Dragon Eggs' '. The village of Teriberka is located on the Kola Peninsula at the mouth of the river of the same name and is famous for its picturesque vicinity and a magnificent sandy beach. The beach is located in a picturesque bay on the outskirts of the village and is absolutely wild; therefore, you need to take care of everything by yourself.
Graveyard of wooden ships
The first thing that you will see when entering Teriberka is a graveyard of wooden ships that have already become a local landmark and an object of admiration for tourists and photographers. According to local residents, these vessels have been here since the 19th century. There you can see the ruins of an old fishing village known since the 16th century, a ship cemetery, a modern small village and the breath-taking landscapes of the Arctic Ocean in miraculously combination.
Dragon Eggs Beach
Now we're on a different beach. On a walking tour of the outskirts of Teriberka, you can observe mysterious stones of a large size, under which much smaller stones stand. It is still unclear how the ancient inhabitants were able to lift them. In summer, there is no sand, only stone piles. Someone calls it "dragon": for many millennia, the ocean has polished the stones, making them look like the eggs of a dragon or a dinosaur. Another name is Rolling Stones. This is one of the less places on Earth where the waves of the Sea are able to lift huge stones and during thousands of years polish them to egg shapes.
Overnight stay: Azimut Hotel Murmansk ( 4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast & Dinner at hotel lunch in local/Indian restaurants
Day 7
FLY TO MOSCOW
After the continental breakfast, check out hotel and you proceed to St. Murmansk Airport to take flight to Moscow. Arrive Moscow International Airport. Meet our local guide and enroute Lunch. Free for leisure. Evening proceed to see the famous Russian Circus. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Moscow.
Overnight stay : Intourist Kolomenskoe Hotel (4 Star) or similar
Meal Plan : Breakfast , local lunch, & Dinner.
Day 8
MOSCOW GUIDED CITY TOUR
After Breakfast ,proceed to see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior & patriarch Bridge ,See Three Station Square , Stalin skycrapers, Lubyanskaya Square, and the building of FSB, the Novodeyichy Convent, Avto- metro Bridge, Vorobyovy Gory and Mosfilm, Poklonnaya Gora and the Triumphal arch, Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshol theatre, Victory park , Bogoroditse Smolensk Monastery, Tverskaya street . ( No entrance unless mentioned specifically)
Proceed to Moscow Metro Subway Tour
We visit the world-famous Moscow Metro. The Moscow metro is known for its efficiency and its beautifully ornate stations. Moscow subway is famous for its underground architecture: 44 of more than 200 stations are listed as cultural heritage sites. Each day thousands of people go underground to touch the live history. Since it was built during the height of Stalin’s regime, you will find that all of the stations here portray the style of socialist classicism which is monumental yet solemn. Stalin wanted them to be built under the slogan of being “Palaces of the People”, and true enough, stations such as Komsomolskaya and Kiyevskaya are photogenic structures and it doesn’t give you the feeling that you stepped into a train station, but rather that of grand palace hall. The Moscow Metro is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful attraction in our Russia Tour. After Lunch, we proceed to Cosmonautics.
Cosmonautics space museum of USSR
Visit the Cosmonautics Museum, the prestigious space museum of Cosmonau- tics of the USSR. Cosmonautics is the only museum in the Moscow region that collects, keeps and popularizes material relics that are connected to the history of space exploration. The museum contains a wide variety of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits and models which explore the history of flight; astronomy; space exploration; space technology; and space in the arts. However, one part of the museum that is the Brian simulator. According to the Russian tourism board, the museum's collection holds approximately 85,000 different items, primarily from the Soviet period, and receives approximately 300,000 visitors yearly.
By late afternoon we proceed to Arbat Street for shopping. Dinner at Local / Indian restaurants and transfer to Moscow Airport to catch our return flight Oman Air 184 departs at 23.10 hrs.
Day 9
MUSCAT - KOCHI
Arrive Muscat by 0600 hrs and connect Oman Air 223 departs at 08.35 hrs, arrive Cochin by 13.40 hrs with great memories of Northern Lights in Russian Tour with Benny’s Royal Tours.
