Moscow Program -> Program Overview

MOSCOW:  “THE HEART OF RUSSIA”

Traveling via the historic Red Arrow overnight train, your days in Moscow will deepen your appreciation of Russian architecture, art and history as you enjoy dining, shopping and centrally-located, luxury hotel accommodations. 

Your days in Moscow have been designed to complement the insights and understanding gleaned in St. Petersburg.

MOSCOW:  A Short History

“Moscow” - the name carries many images and thoughts. Since its very beginning Moscow has been inseparably linked with the fate of the Russian people. The first written mention of Moscow dates back to 1147, which marks the beginning of the city’s chronicled history.

It is a city of contrasts. Grays mix with sharp elements of brightness and color in a way that reflects much of the country's turbulent history. The past, present, and future of Russia are seen in the many faces of the buildings and the people of Moscow. The past is found in the scars and memorials from invading armies, from the yoke of the Mongols to WWII.  Beautiful domed churches dot the skyline despite 80 years of official state atheism, and architectural designs can be found dating back hundreds of years.

Ironically, Moscow is both the heart of Russia and yet no more representative of the remainder of the rest of the country than New York City is representative of the United States. Yet few would argue with the great Russian writer, Leo Tolstoy, who said:  “Every Russian who looks at Moscow, feels she is his mother.”

MOSCOW:  Sights & Sounds of Russia’s Capital City

Each of these points of interest in Moscow will serve as a juncture to help you better “make connections” to realize how Russia’s Capital City is, indeed, “The Heart of Russia.”

(Click on links to view photo slideshow of the points of interest.)
The Sights and Sounds of Moscow
The Kremlin / Red Square / St. Basil’s Cathedral
Christ the Saviour Cathedral
Tretyakov Gallery
Novodevichy (“The New Maiden”) Convent & Cemetery

In Moscow you will continue to explore some of the styles, people and concepts addressed in St. Petersburg.

In the capital city, you will enjoy a performance in an historic setting, visit The Kremlin, including the Private Imperial Apartments and more, in this the historic “heart” of Russia.  It is the city of churches and cathedrals – even though Russia was officially atheistic for more than seventy years under the Soviets – and your experience of Moscow would not be complete without a visit to the most notable of these, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

You will tour museums including the Tretyakov Gallery which is admired throughout the world for the depth and breadth of its collections of Russian art.

To end each day you will have opportunities to sample cuisine from Russia and its neighboring countries.

Throughout, you will be accompanied by and learn from notable scholars, experts, historians and residents of Moscow who intimately know and love their incomparable city.

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