We meet at the 21:15 at Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport, Departures Terminal, and board the AJet Airlines flight VF 277, departing for Moscow at 00:15. After a comfortable flight, we arrive in Moscow at 04:20 and immediately begin our panoramic tour of the city to experience its mesmerizing atmosphere. Our first stop is the Red Square, a captivating meeting point located at the heart of Russian history. This square has been the scene of political and social developments throughout history and carries the traces of Russian identity in every corner. The Saint Basil's Cathedral, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the sixteenth century, symbolizes a Russian victory with each of its domes and invites our guests into a fairytale world with its dazzling architecture. The statue of Minin and Pozharski in front of the cathedral symbolizes the unity and courage of the Russian people. Important highlights of our visit include the architectural marvel of the GUM Shopping Center, the towering Kremlin Palace nearby, the globally known symbol of communist ideology, Lenin's Mausoleum, the Karl Marx statue, and the famous Bolshoi Theatre that has been in operation since the 18th century. Nearby, we also visit the Duma Parliament Building, where Russia's first elected assembly convened in 1906, and the historic Voskresenski Gate, which was bombed in 1931 to facilitate the entrance of tanks to Red Square. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and check into our rooms. Guests who wish can join the Moscow River Tour (75 Euro) to unwind from the day. We embark on a peaceful and enjoyable boat journey on the Moscow River, discovering the city from a different perspective while witnessing the stunning views of Moscow's iconic structures.

During our tour, you will have the chance to view the magnificent Kremlin complex, the historically rich Red Square area, the fairytale-like Saint Basil's Cathedral, and the aesthetically pleasing Novodevichy Monastery from the river.

This enjoyable tour will last approximately 2.5 hours and will feature captivating views that showcase the harmony between Moscow's modern face and its historical heritage. A perfect experience awaits you to capture photographs and fully enjoy this unique atmosphere. After the tour, we transfer back to our hotel. Overnight will be at our hotel.


 

After our breakfast, we offer our guests a pleasant free time. Those who wish can join the optional Kremlin Tour (50 Euro). The Kremlin is a magnificent structure that is considered the heart of not only Moscow but all of Russia due to its architecture, grandeur, and critical role in history. This unique building has witnessed political intrigues, dynastic struggles, and cultural transformations, making every step a reminder of the past's magic. The gardens of the Kremlin, the Grand Kremlin Palace Complex, the Concert Hall, and the Presidential Building encompass some of the most important building blocks of Russian history. One of the interesting details of our tour is the “Space Tree,” which was erected after Yuri Gagarin's journey into space, sparkling under the light of the Moscow River. The impressive stories of the giant cannon and bell tower cast by Tsar Ivan become informative and enjoyable moments thanks to our guide's narration. Guests who wish can also see up close the magnificent crown adorned with 5000 diamonds owned by Empress Catherine. Afterwards, guests can optionally participate in the Moscow Metro, Novodevichy Cemetery, and Arbat Street Tour (50 Euro). The Moscow Metro, regarded as having the most aesthetic decorations globally, fascinates visitors with its huge chandeliers, marble columns, mosaics, and stations reminiscent of an art gallery. Then we proceed to Novodevichy Cemetery, where the grave of Nazım Hikmet is located. Established in 1524, this monastery serves as an open-air museum hosting immense personalities in Russian culture and political history such as Chekhov, Gogol, Mayakovsky, Bulgakov, Eisenstein, Khrushchev, Shostakovich, and Yeltsin. The name “Novodevichy” meaning “Young Girls,” poetically accompanies the tragic stories of the candidates for empress. Our final stop is Arbat Street, the most popular art and culture center in Moscow. Strolling among street painters, musicians, colorful shops, and historically rich buildings, we will feel as if we are journeying through time. The famous building where Pushkin and his wife Goncharova lived is also located here. We return to the hotel after the tour. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel, we travel by private bus to the train station. Then we board our comfortable train heading to St. Petersburg, considered Russia's capital of art and culture. Upon arrival, we begin our panoramic tour of this unique city, which captivates visitors with its elegance, architecture, and history. Founded by Tsar Peter I in 1703, St. Petersburg immediately enchants with its magnificent buildings, wide streets, and impressive history. During our panoramic tour, we proceed along Nevsky Boulevard, the most important avenue of the city that embodies the spirit of the area, stretching 4.5 kilometers. Named after one of Russia's most famous heroes, Alexander Nevsky, this boulevard is the heart of St. Petersburg. The architectural masterpieces that we encounter along the boulevard reveal the city's historical wealth. We first observe the Admiralty building, notable for its golden dome, then admire the graceful structure of the Kazan Cathedral, built as a smaller version of the famous St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome. Throughout the tour, we will visit the striking architecture of the Beloselski-Belozersk Palace, the elegance of the Stroganov Palace, and the impressive structure of Gostiny Dvor, one of the most important trade points in the city, dating back approximately 250 years and now transformed into a modern shopping center.

One of the most striking buildings in St. Petersburg's art-filled atmosphere is the Russian National Library, along with the intriguing history of the Singer Building, the dazzling stained-glass windows and bronze details of the Eliseyev Building, and the famous Anichkov Bridge, which carries the memories of the Leningrad Siege, adds visual richness to our tour. After this quick and impressive time travel journey through St. Petersburg's past and present, we transfer to our hotel and check in. At the end of the tour, guests who wish can join the optional Russian Night Tour (100 Euro). Don't miss the opportunity to feast on dinner at one of St. Petersburg's finest restaurants, Troika Restaurant, while enjoying magnificent dance performances. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel. Overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel, we offer our guests free time. Those who wish can optionally join the Hermitage Museum and Peter and Paul Fortress (100 Euro). The Hermitage Museum is a world treasure hosting more than four million pieces, ranging from the “Man in Golden Robes” to the oldest carpets in the world, and modern art's unique examples. This palace, transformed into a museum after the Bolshevik Revolution, was skillfully protected from the Nazi invasions targeting artworks during World War II. During the tour, you will listen to our guide about the formation process of one of the world’s most impressive museums and its significance in Russian cultural history as you visit the historic summer and winter palaces. Our next stop can be the Peter and Paul Fortress. This fortress, constructed by Tsar Peter I, holds great strategic significance. Knowing that important figures like Dostoevsky, Trotsky, and Lenin’s brother Alexander were once held here adds a special historical meaning to the fortress. The angel figure atop the cathedral within the fortress greets all visitors with maternal warmth. After the tour, guests who wish can join the Bridge Openings and Neva River Tour (75 Euro). One of the most magical moments to feel the captivating spirit of St. Petersburg is witnessing the night openings of the iconic bridges. We embark on a delightful boat trip on the Neva River in the evening hours. As the night progresses, St. Petersburg, adorned with lights, transforms into an open-air museum. As we move past historic palaces, elegant bridges, and the city skyline reflected in the water, you will find yourself in a fairytale atmosphere. The most striking moment of the tour is when many of the bridges, including the Palace Bridge, rise slowly, dividing the night in half. This stunning view offers both a visual and emotional unforgettable experience.

While discovering the historical texture of the city with the guide's narrations, you will also have the opportunity to capture unique photographs. Especially during the period of the “White Nights,” this tour allows you to explore the romantic face of Petersburg during those magical moments with a sky that does not darken.

This special night in Saint Petersburg is expected to be one of the most elegant, impressive, and unforgettable moments of your trip. After the tour, we transfer to our hotel and overnight at our hotel.

After breakfast at our hotel, we check out of our rooms and offer free time. Guests who wish can join the optional Pushkin Tsar Village Tour (80 Euro). This region, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a Russian fairytale experience with its palaces, gardens, and elegant Rococo architecture. The dazzling Amber Room of the Catherine Palace is one of the world's most famous decorative art pieces crafted from five tons of pure amber. The landscape of the village has been meticulously designed by Dutch and English gardeners, reflecting elements from various cultures, including Turkish baths and Chinese bridges. Significant monuments like the Chesme Column and the Kagul Obelisk also contribute to the area's historical wealth. Afterwards, guests can optionally join the Peterhof Palace and Park Tour (90 Euro). Built by Tsar Peter I, inspired by Versailles, Peterhof is one of the most visited places in St. Petersburg with its magnificent gardens, legendary fountains, Baltic Sea views, and giant cascades. You will see a unique water architecture thanks to the canal that opens to the Baltic Sea in the palace gardens. Additionally, the Peter and Paul Cathedral captivates visitors with its architecture and historical texture. After the tour, there is also an option for guests to join the Petersburg Shopping / Outlet Tour (30 Euro). Here, you can explore famous brand outlet stores and make purchases from a wide range of electronic products. You will find everything you are looking for in stores filled with both quality and affordable products, ranging from electronic goods to fashion items. You will have free time until the specified time; during this time, you can shop and enjoy the moment.

After the tour, we transfer to St. Petersburg Pulkovo Airport. We depart for Istanbul with the AJet Airlines flight VF292 at 02:00 and arrive in Istanbul at local time 05:40.