Moscow excursions 2016

This is the best way to know the city and learn about the history of the Russian capital. On our way we will visit many places of interest such as one of the largest squares in the world – the Red Square – situated next to the walls of the ancient Kremlin, the Mausoleum of Lenin and St. Basil Cathedral of the 16th century. We will make several photo stops, one of them is the world-famous view of the Kremlin from the embankment of St. Sofia. Seven buildings – the towers that were constructed after the second World War are the symbols of modern Moscow. One can enjoy the excellent panorama of the towers and the famous Cathedral of Christ the Saviour from the viewing point of Moscow University.

This stronghold is situated on a hill that is 40 meters high. Originally in the 12th century the Kremlin was made of wood and rebuilt in stone much later. It is surrounded with a 2 km wall with 20 beautiful towers. The presidential residence is situated here. The oldest square in Moscow which is called the Cathedral Square is also situated in the Kremlin. The Cathedral of the Assumption, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Cathedral of Archangel Michael, the Cathedral of the Annunciation and the Church of Twelve Apostles surround this beautiful square. We will visit one of these cathedrals to learn more about the history of the country and admire masterpieces of Russian icon painters. Later on our walk along the Kremlin grounds we will see the famous Tsar Bell, a huge bell that weighs 200 tons and the largest cannon in the world – the Tsar Cannon that weighs 40 tons.

The history of this museum dates back to 1860 when an entrepreneur Pavel Tretiakov started to buy objects of art for the decoration of halls and rooms of his Moscow house. Every year he bought dozens of new works of art at the exhibitions and in the studios of Russian artists. Very soon in 1872 he had to order to build a separate building next to his house to store the growing collection. The museum was transferred to Moscow in 1892. Today the collection that numbers more than 100.000 pieces can illustrate the development of Russian art from its origins till the 20th century, i.e. from anonymous Russian icons to the paintings signed by Kandinsky and Malevich.

Sergiev Posad, a sanctuary of large historic and artistic importance, is situated at about 70 km to the north from Moscow. It has an interesting collection of excellent monuments of Russian culture created during the period from the 15th to the 17th centuries. Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius is situated here. It was founded in 1337 and is often referred to by the foreigners as “the Russian Vatican”. The monastery is the centre of Russian Orthodox Church and one of the residences of the Patriarch of Moscow. In the central square of the monastery there is a sacred spring that is visited by all the pilgrims who arrive here to see the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the saint who founded the monastery. The architectural ensemble of the monastery includes cathedrals, churches, the residence of the patriarch, and other monuments of exceptional artistic value. The Trinity Cathedral is a true masterpiece and an excellent example of early Moscow architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Join us for the magnificent and the most picturesque tour of Moscow. This vibrant city never sleeps, but it changes completely when the night falls. Enjoy the beautiful illumination and see the city from a different perspective, not forgetting to learn about its history, past, and present. We will visit the Red Square, see the Kremlin beautifully light, and GUM turning into the fairytale palace.

This is the second most important museum of European art in Russia. It was founded in 1912. Its first exhibits were copies of ancient statuary, thought indispensable for the education of art students. In 1924 the Soviet government decided to enrich the collection of the museum by transferring here the finest objects of art from the State Hermitage Museum (St. Petersburg) and from the nationalized private collections. The museum has a very diverse and ample collection that includes objects from antiquity till present times.

The metro of Moscow is arguably the most beautiful metro in the world. All the stations are different; each has a unique style. Some people say that states are as beautiful as halls in a palace. As of 2013, the Moscow Metro has 192 stations and its route length is 320.9 km. After a tour of the most beautiful and richly decorated stations we invite you for a walk along Arbat Street. It is a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical centre of Moscow. The Arbat has existed since at least the 15th century, thus laying claim to being one of the oldest surviving streets of the Russian capital.