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Royal Coach Tours

Review Highlights

“ Lynee was awesome with her communication before the event and our driver, Ricardo was excellent. ” in 4 reviews

“ I have used their services and buses for over a decade now for transportation to wineries and other events. ” in 6 reviews

“ Jessica was incredibly responsive and polite in her communication from day one of our inquiry. ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

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630 Stockton Ave

San Jose, CA 95126

Serving San Jose Area

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About the Business

Business owner information

Family owned and operated since 1960, Royal Coach Tours is a premier provider of luxury motorcoach transportation solutions. With offices in San Jose, California and Las Vegas, Nevada, Royal Coach Tours has an outstanding reputation for safety, reliability, and superior customer service. From private parties and sports teams to corporate shuttles and airport transfers, we drive you wherever you need to go...in style! At Royal Coach Tours, we live up to our name by providing the highest levels of quality, comfort, and luxury. We have one of the largest and most modern fleets in the industry, with a range of motor coaches in different sizes and configurations to meet your transportation needs. All of our coaches are meticulously maintained and loaded with amenities to ensure that you have a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable ride. To learn more or get a quote, go to www.royal-coach.com. Where can we take you? …

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Overall rating

Best experience ever.... Best equipment hello Daniel & Sandy you guys have done an amazing job. See ya soon I'm back in Northern California just a minor bed bug problem but it's cool company

The guy there that works on the busses is rude. I don't recommend going there especially if you have to work with Steve. ​ Very poor communication. Seems racist. ​

Business Owner

Dec 1, 2022

Cece, I am very sorry to read about your experience. We always strive for improvement. I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your experience. Thank you. Greg

My wife & I recently had the need to book a bus to transport our guests to a wedding. She had worked with Rene to make the arrangements and couldn't have been easier were both very pleased how everything worked out. We did have a last minute request by the venue that we get a certificate of insurance and Rene & team came thru providing the necessary documents quickly. Our driver Ed was fantastic, very friendly and helpful. If we ever have the need to book something similar we wouldn't hesitate to go with RC again.

Good service the drivers are so gently, and Lynee the coordinator is a really nice person

We were 110% satisfied with our experience. Our driver, Paul was a true professional. He offered up his extensive knowledge of Yosemite and San Francisco to make our trip better. He even suggested places I could get a vegan meal! The students enjoyed his lively banter and his insights on the area. The bus was clean and beautifully maintained. Paul acted as the perfect host and we couldn't be happier. Please commend Paul on our behalf. I highly recommend Royal Coach! Sent from my iPhone

Just an OUTSTANDING team of professionals with a fantastic product of specialized, personal and expert service together with clean and super nice motor coaches. Let's start at "hello". Kristine a Royal is top notch. Polite, thoughtful and a complete professional in the review of and selection of coach process. Paperwork a breeze. Communication outstanding. On to the driver, Jim. Can't say enough good things about this gentleman, period. He is, hands down, a complete gentleman and professional bus driver. Hard working he is and only after two things...his client's safety and complete enjoyment of the experience. Right on the mark, Jim, as you carried us to and from Napa for a great day and evening. I can't wait to book another event with Royal. I recommend them highly and without reservation as do our 20 or so San Jose-based friends. An awesome time and the only way to go!

Used this company for prom and it was a great experience! Our driver was really cool and we got to play our own music. Thanks Matt!!

I love love love Royal Coach! I have used their services and buses for over a decade now for transportation to wineries and other events. The staff is on top of it, personable and efficient. And the drivers have all been safe with sweet personalities too. I recommend them with two huge thumbs up!

I use Royal Coach as my go-to for groups for senior trips. They are responsive to my quote requests, usually on the same day or by the next day. Their rates, if using locally, are competitive to other motor coach companies around. Buses are clean, comfortable, and they have the best drivers around.

Had a great experience working with Royal Coach Tours. Justin was extremely responsive to all my questions. Bus was comfortable and I can't say enough about our driver JR. He was fabulous - great driver, cool guy and really made our trip to Tahoe! Company was a bit picky about making any changes to itinerary but other than that, it was all good. Would definitely use them again, especially if we could request JR!

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Faye S. said "This review is for the staff member that worked on 12/9/23. I'm sad I didn't get his name but he was so awesome! Helped me and my fiancé with everything and was super knowledgeable about the brand. We were gonna buy luggage anyway…" read more

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The Gallery of Coaches

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Visiting the Gallery of Coaches in the Great Stables unveils the greatest royal construction project for housing horses ever undertaken. Majestic coaches and small carriages for Marie-Antoinette's children, sedan chairs and sleds make up a strange and wonderful collection. The exhibition of these creations is an amazing testimony to the pomp and splendour of court life during the Ancien Régime , the Empire and the Restoration.

• The Galerie des Carrosses is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12: 30pm to 6: 30pm (last entrance at 5: 45pm).
• From 1 st July to 30 th September 2024, the Galerie des Carrosses is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6.30pm (last admission 5.45pm).

Consult the detailed opening hours . 

Duration 1 hour

Access From the Château de Versailles, about 8 minutes on foot, on the town side. Locate the Gallery of Coaches

Ticket Free access

In the heart of the great stables 

Built by  Hardouin-Mansart  between 1679 and 1682, the buildings of the Great and Small Stables  are identical, their names being based not on their size but on their role during the Ancien Régime. To the north, the Great Stables were under the authority of the Grand Equerry of France, known as "Monsieur le Grand", and housed the perfectly trained steeds for hunting and warfare. During the Ancien Régime carriages and fantastical vehicles, sleds and coaches were kept in the Small Stables managed by the First Equerry, known as "Monsieur le Premier", who was also in charge of carriage horses and mounts in everyday use.

The Gallery of Coaches is on the ground floor of the Great Stables. It consists of two vaulted galleries which house an impressive display of collections over nearly 1000 m2.

Travelling thrones in the Gallery of Coaches

The collection of coaches in Versailles is not composed of travel vehicles but consists of grand ceremonial Berlin Coaches. Each carriage tells a piece of French history through a dynastic or political event such as the marriage of  Napoléon I , the baptism of the  Duke of Bordeaux , the coronation of  Charles X  or the funeral of  Louis XVIII . Designed to impress, these coaches are true works of art. Ostentatiously luxurious and adorned with a profusion of gold decoration and carvings, they are a dazzling blend of all the decorative arts and were manufactured by the best artists and artisans at the time, including architects, cabinetmakers, sculptors, bronze workers, gilders, upholsterers and embroiderers. The King's Coach, designed to show off the sovereign, and the many coaches which followed it, travelled at walking pace (about 3 km/h). Today we can imagine the splendour of these great cavalcades in the midst of jubilant crowds, the corteges of some 40 so impressively-sized coaches covered with gold, the beauty of hundreds of plumed horses and the thunder of hooves on the cobblestones.

The visit to the Gallery of Coaches also includes a film retracing the history of horse-drawn carriages since the reign of  Louis XIV . In addition to their artistic qualities, these coaches showcased the latest developments in French coachbuilding in terms of elegance, comfort and technique.

A unique collection brought together by Louis-Philippe

This collection is one of the greatest in Europe and was brought together by King  Louis-Philippe  in 1831, when he converted the Royal Palace into a museum dedicated "To all the Glories of France". With the liquidation of the Civil List of Charles X – the coaches belonged to the king and not to the crown – Louis-Philippe acquired ten ceremonial carriages of historical interest along with splendid harnesses adorned with gilded bronze. This was how the imperial and royal Berlin Coaches came to be in the Small Stables and, two years later, the funeral hearse for Louis XVIII. The king then asked architect Charles-Auguste Questel to create a building in Trianon  to house the coaches. Thanks to contributions from the Royal Furniture Treasury and the Mobilier National, sedan chairs and fantastical sleighs joined the collections in 1851, when the first Trianon Museum of Carriages opened its doors to the public. In 1978 the collection was returned to the Great Stables and Questel's building was demolished. In 1997 the Versailles Museum of Coaches opened to the public, and in 2016 the museum was enlarged and redistributed over the two galleries in the Great Stables.

Bibliography

For further information, a dedicated guide book was published when the Gallery of the Coaches reopened:

La Galerie des Carrosses. Château de Versailles , Hélène Delalex, Paris, Artlys, 2016.

Locate the Coach Gallery on a map

Visits and Shows

Equestrian Academy of Versailles

Created in 2003 in the Grand Stables

digital resources

Audio tour .

Find the audio tour dedicated to the Gallery of Coaches on the official app of the  Palace of Versailles.  Download it for free. 

Coach gallery's leaflet

The leaflet is free and available for free at the entrance of the Gallery. 

Game booklet about the Coaches collection of Versailles

To help children better understand the collection, the Palace of Versailles has designed a discovery game in partnership with Paris Môme. The games booklet is available for free at the entrance of the Gallery.

Other places

National Equestrian Academy of the Estate of Versailles

Campus Versailles

The 5 Best Sightseeing Tours of Buckingham Palace

O n a visit to London , some of the top attractions are linked to the royal family. But nothing is quite as iconic as a visit to the one of the three official residences of the monarchy – Buckingham Palace . While it's only open to the public on select dates, you can relish in its beauty from the regal gates, snap a selfie and catch a Changing the Guard ceremony.

How to Tour Buckingham Palace

For about 10 weeks every summer (select dates from July 11 to Sept. 29, 2024), Buckingham Palace opens its elaborate gates, welcoming visitors to explore its lavish State Rooms, grounds and Royal Collection artworks. The Royal Mews is also open to visitors from March to October, showcasing the Royal Family's real working stables and ornate, historic carriages – including the Gold State Coach used for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Coronation in 2022.

If you aren't here at the right time, fear not; this extravagant, 18th-century royal residence is just as impressive from the outside, making it worth a visit any time of year. Check online for a current schedule of the Changing the Guard ceremony – when the red-and-black-clad Royal Guard marches toward the palace, accompanied by striking military music – and see a tradition that's been running for more than 300 years. Combine it with explorations in the surrounding area of Westminster to see London at its most quintessential.

You can explore all of this independently, of course – but if you're looking to dig a little deeper, hear about the king's coronation and uncover local secrets, consider a guided London tour . Insider experts can point out the best photo spots, take you to the must-see sights and show you the ins and outs of the area, while sharing knowledge of the country's royal history along the way.

There are tons of options out there, so where do you start? Based on local knowledge and traveler review sites, here are some of the most highly rated tours.

Changing of the Guard Walking Tour

Price: From $13

Duration: 2 to 3 hours

Standout perk: Witness the pomp of the iconic Changing the Guard ceremony.

Watch the Royal Guard march toward Buckingham Palace as you witness this historic, quintessentially British spectacle on a tour of Westminster's highlights. Accompanied by a military band, you'll see the Old Guard (soldiers on duty) switch to the New Guard as they arrive at the palace from Wellington Barracks. Your guide will explain which regiment is which, before taking you on a guided walking tour past other world-famous, attractions, including Big Ben, Clarence House, the Houses of Parliament , St James's Palace and Westminster Abbey .

Recent travelers gave high ratings to the tour, saying guides were able to take them to the best photo spots for the ceremony while offering a wealth of historical and entertaining insight.

Tours leave at 10 a.m. and depart from the Victoria Palace Theatre. The outings end at Parliament Square.

Local tip: Look at the Horse Guards Clock on the Horse Guards Parade – the official entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace – to see a dark stain above the 2 (II, in Roman numerals). It marks the time King Charles I was executed outside the Palace of Whitehall in 1649, after being charged with treason.

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Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle Tour

Price: From $161

Duration: 8.5 hours

Standout perk: Get a rare chance to explore the State Rooms with Buckingham Palace tickets, and tick off two of the United Kingdom's grandest royal residences in one day.

This twin-castle tour offers the opportunity to enter Buckingham Palace and see its State Rooms, Royal Collection artwork and other treasures, with commentary from an audio guide. After you've toured the palace, you'll travel by coach about 25 miles west of London to Windsor Castle – the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and the family home of the monarchy for more than 900 years. Explore the castle's lavish State Apartments and grounds, and visit St George's Chapel – the burial place of Queen Elizabeth II alongside many other monarchs, and the spot where Prince Harry married Meghan Markle.

Recent travelers said the tour was a great opportunity to see inside both palaces. Several commented on the extensive art collection at Buckingham Palace, and many enjoyed hearing insights from the guides, although some complained about long lines.

The tour takes place from July through September on select Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m.

Local tip: Windsor Castle has its own Changing the Guard ceremony, as well as its own extensive art collection. The ceremony takes place at 11 a.m. on select days of the week.

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Best of London Tour Including Tower of London and Changing of the Guard

Price: From $144; with optional London Eye or Harrods cream tea for an additional fee

Duration: 9 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's key attractions in one day, and enjoy a river cruise thrown in for good measure.

If you want to combine a visit to see Buckingham Palace's Changing the Guard ceremony with stops at several other London spots, this is a great choice. The full-day trip begins at the UNESCO listed Tower of London where you'll have the chance to see the crown jewels.

From here, you'll visit Buckingham Palace to witness the famous pomp and pageantry of the ceremony and get the chance to admire the palace's impressive architecture from the outside. The day includes a tour of the elaborate St. Paul's Cathedral (not available on Sundays), before embarking on a boat tour of the Thames, passing key attractions including Tower Bridge and Shakespeare's Globe. The day also includes a photo stop at Westminster Abbey, where Prince William and Kate Middleton married in 2011, and a brief walking tour of Parliament Square. Travelers can choose to add a ride on the famous London Eye observation wheel (or opt for a quintessentially British cream tea at Harrods instead).

Recent travelers loved the tour and praised the guides as highly knowledgeable and entertaining. Many were impressed with how much they saw in a day and said it gave them a great introduction to London (although it's worth noting a few felt there was quite a bit of walking involved).

Tours leave from Victoria Coach Station at 7:45 a.m. and finish at the London Eye.

Local tip: If you fancy delving deeper into the Tower of London in your own time, book a ticket to see the Ceremony of the Keys. Dating back seven centuries, this nightly ceremony is when the castle gets locked up for the night, with a special exchange between the sentry and Yeoman Warder taking place at 9:30 p.m. between the atmospheric battlements – both eerie and magical.

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London: Explore the Parks and Palaces on a Morning Bike Tour

Price: From $37

Duration: 3.5 hours

Standout perk: Get active on two wheels, and combine a Buckingham Palace stop with a visit to Kensington Palace and other royal sights.

This half-day guided cycling tour is a great option to get active on your London trip. You'll start at Kensington Gardens – the home of Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with the now King Charles, and Queen Victoria's birthplace. From here, pedal to the Royal Albert Hall to check out this elaborate concert hall, opened by Queen Victoria in 1871. Afterward, cycle through Hyde Park and on to Green Park to reach Buckingham Palace, where your guide will regale you with little-known stories about the palace. Continue on to Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben as you take in some of the capital's key highlights, before returning to the Royal Parks.

Recent travelers raved about the tour and were impressed by the guides' knowledge. Many enjoyed the small group size and said the cycling was a good, leisurely pace, with plenty to see along the way, and iced tea and snacks included as a bonus.

The tour leaves from outside the main entrance at Hilton London Hyde Park. The recommended minimum age is 9 – you can pre-book junior bikes and child seats. While the bicycle and helmet for use during the tour are included, attraction entry fees are additional.

Local tip: If you've got time after the tour, it's well worth exploring Kensington Palace a bit more. Admire the elaborate, Georgian-era King's Staircase and the King's State Gallery with its fine art collection, see the Queen's State Apartments where Mary II would come to relax or welcome guests, and visit the Sunken Garden, once a favorite spot of Princess Diana's. After, enjoy afternoon tea or lunch at the Kensington Palace Pavilion amid the gardens.

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The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

Price: From $482

Duration: 4 hours

Standout perk: You'll see many of London's must-see attractions, and as it's a private tour, you can tailor the trip to your liking.

If you're after a private tour, this half-day trip in a classic London black cab is just the ticket.

You can choose to align your visit to Buckingham Palace with a Changing the Guard ceremony, and you'll get expert commentary from your personal taxi driver, who's also a registered tour guide. Alongside the palace, you'll pass must-see points including the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street, St James's Palace, the Tower of London, Piccadilly Circus, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market and Covent Garden , with options to stop along the way.

Recent travelers loved the tour and said guides were able to tailor the trip, stopping at spots both on and off the tourist trail and offering plenty of historical insight.

Your driver-guide can pick you up and drop you off at your hotel; or a central London location.

Local tip: Make a stop at Borough Market to try some of the best food in the city, with more than 100 stalls offering everything from Persian to Italian, alongside plenty of fresh produce.

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Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Laura French is an award-winning British travel writer based in London. She grew up just outside the city and worked around the corner from Buckingham Palace for several years. She loves exploring the surrounding area, and used her own experience alongside online research to compile the roundup.

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We've Got Your Los Angeles Transportation Needs Covered

Fair, honest pricing, great customer service, super fast booking, discover incredible los angeles travel with royal coach.

Whether you’re exploring the Los Angeles area for business, education, family, or leisure, Royal Coach is your premier partner for exceptional group travel. With a legacy of excellence since 1960, our family-owned service is your guarantee of top-notch transportation.

Indulge in modern luxury with our well-maintained fleet of motor coaches, mini-buses, charter buses, and vans, catering to groups of all sizes. Our skilled, personable drivers ensure your safety and timeliness.

Safety is our priority. Our coaches feature advanced technologies, boasting an impressive safety record endorsed by FMCSA and esteemed safety associations.

Recipient of the 2018 Operator of the Year award from the International Motorcoach Group, we’re committed to exceeding expectations.

Beyond service, we create unforgettable travel experiences. Let Royal Coach elevate your Los Angeles journey. Travel with us and embrace hassle-free group travel like never before.

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Your drivers did an incredible job handling our team. They were great people that made our experience with Royal Coach a good one.

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Highlights of Moscow & St Petersburg

Duration 7 days

Price from USD $1,905 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Highlights of Moscow & St Petersburg

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On this unique 7-day Moscow to St Petersburg tour, you'll immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of her old and new capitals – the majestic cities of Moscow and St Petersburg . Your tour begins in Moscow, the mega-metropolis whose blend of Imperial decadence, Soviet austerity and vibrant contemporary energy is sure to entertain and enthral.

Moscow and St Petersburg Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Guided Walking Tour: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• St Petersburg Walking Tour: Admire the spectacular urban architecture, old-world grandeur and buzzing vibe on a guided walking tour of St Petersburg, including a stroll along its lively high street, Nevsky Prospekt
• Take a hydrofoil boat trip to the World Heritage-listed Peterhof Palace and Park
• Marvel at some of the most esteemed treasures among the 3 million works of art on a guided tour of St Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum
• Enjoy a day excursion to Tsarkoe Selo (the Tsar’s village) in the charming suburb of Pushkin, home of the extravagant Catherine Palace and the stately Alexander Palace.

Get acquainted with the Russian capital over three and half days, discovering Moscow's most iconic landmarks and the extraordinary people and stories behind them. Marvel at the  Red Square , the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral and stroll along famous Arbat Street. Take in the sheer size of this global mega-city on a panoramic mini-coach tour and rub shoulders with the locals as we explore Moscow's historic city streets on foot. We've prepared a fantastic selection of optional activities for your evenings out exploring Moscow's vibrant cultural and artistic scene. Let us arrange a sumptuous dinner cruise along the Moskva River or an unforgettable night at the opera or Russian ballet in the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre.

The second half of our tour will show you a different side to urban life in Russia. From Moscow, we'll travel to St Petersburg on the Sapsan, a high-speed rail line connecting two cities 700km apart in a four-hour journey.

With half the population of Moscow, St Petersburg is calm and relaxed in comparison. While Moscow was the seat of Soviet power, St Petersburg has long served as a window to the western world and is the most European of Russia's major cities. It's also extraordinarily beautiful - a riveting metropolis of canals and bridges often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'. St Petersburg is synonymous with imperial grandeur and elegance. "Piter" (as it is fondly called by the locals) is overflowing with history, home to gilded palaces, splendid 18th and 19th-century avenues and enormous royal estates just outside of town. Take in the city’s architectural highlights, discover its classical riches and check out its lively contemporary art scene.

Accomodation

Sightseeing

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Type of tour

7 days / 6 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Moscow: Arrival

Welcome to Moscow, the monumental capital of Russia! On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a friendly driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hotel or getting acquainted with the local area on your own.

As an option* , we suggest you spend the evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the sights and sounds of this mesmerising city by night.

Day 2 Moscow: Tretyakov Gallery and city tour

Today’s tour is designed as an overview of the city, to give you a sense of Moscow’s sheer size, and an impression of how the capital has changed throughout the ages. Start with a tour of the 19th century Tretyakov State Gallery, the world’s foremost depository of Russian fine art, containing over 130,000 exhibits, with work by Rublev, Kandinsky, Repin and many others. We’ll get to the gallery via a Metro Tour, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. You’ll visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, one of the most important churches in Russia. Besides the cathedral is a bridge with fantastic views of this part of the city. Next, we explore the Red October district, and a vibrant hangout for Moscow’s youth, with its old industrial alleyways and lovingly restored courtyards lined with chic cafes, designer studios and galleries.

After a break, the second half of the day consists of a wandering sojourn through some of Moscow’s most famous streets and squares. Later, we suggest you relax in one of the city’s quirky cafes before an evening stroll along the main streets. Moscow never sleeps, so you’ll always find something to capture your attention.

Day 3 Moscow: Kremlin and Red Square

Our in-depth Moscow discovery starts with a walking tour of the historical city centre. Enjoy Moscow’s main attractions including the Red Square, the State Historical Museum, GUM (a luxurious shopping centre), the colourful Saint Basil's Cathedral and other sights. Have a delicious lunch in one of the multiple downtown cafes or restaurants and continue the day with a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Museum, famous for Tsar regalia such as jewellery, crowns, orbs and sceptres, royal carriages, huge arms and armour collection, gifts to the Russian Tsars from leaders of the West of the Far East, as well as an illustrious collection of Faberge Eggs.

Take your time to relax as we prepare something special as an option* for this evening. After dinner at our hotel, we head out for an unforgettable night at the opera or the Russian ballet at the iconic Bolshoi Theatre.

Day 4 Moscow to St Petersburg by train

Your last half-day in Moscow is free for you to enjoy this magnificent city on your own. Or you may opt-in for an optional* excursion to Izmailovo Kremlin and Craft and Flea Market. An open-air cultural complex, the Izmailovo “Kremlin” (actually a modern building designed in the Imperial style) is a colourful complex home to several interactive museums.

After lunch, you will be transferred to a train station and board a Sapsan – a Russian high-speed train, which will whisk us to our next destination, St Petersburg, completing the 700km journey in four hours. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by a driver and transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Day 5 St Petersburg: Hermitage and city tour

Meet your friendly and knowledgeable St Petersburg guide in the lobby and begin your discovery of Russia’s ‘Cultural Capital’ with a walking tour of the city’s most popular attractions. Your walking tour will include Nevsky Prospect, St. Petersburg’s fanciful high street, the Anichokov Bridge and Palace, viewpoints over the Fontaka and Moika Rivers, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Palace Square and the Senate Square, with its bronze horseman monument to Peter the Great and the Church of the Spilled Blood. You’ll also get the chance to stroll the grounds of the magnificent Peter and Paul Fortress on the banks of the Neva River, a burial place for the Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II.

Take a walk at the Palace Square and admire the beauty and grandeur of the Winter Palace, the most glorious Tsar residence in Russia and now a part of the vast Hermitage museum. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Hermitage museum. Ask as many questions as you can think of while exploring this colossal repository of classical and modern art, including the world’s largest collection of paintings.

As an option* for this evening, we invite you to enjoy the traditional Russian dance performance in Nikolaevsky Palace.

Day 6 St Petersburg: Peterhof

Take a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Peterhof (Petrodvorets). We’ll travel by fast boat, in order to escape the morning traffic jams. Once the opulent summer resort of the Romanovs, today Peterhof is a huge open-air museum and a testament to Peter the Great’s contribution to the city’s development. Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, who ordered the expansion of the Grand Palace, greatly extended the park and the famous system of fountains, including the majestic Grand Cascade.

As an option*

1. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the recently opened Faberge Museum, a private collection of over 4,000 Faberge Eggs and other bejewelled objects of desire, elegantly displayed inside the stunning Shuvalov Palace.

2. A tour of Yusupov Palace on the Moika River, best known for being the scene of the assassination of Rasputin. Having survived much of the WWII destruction that wreaked havoc on many of St Petersburg’s suburbs, it’s one of the area’s few aristocratic homes to have retained many of its original interiors. This tour also allows us to visit Mikhaliovsky Castle, an unusual architectural phenomenon featuring an eclectic mix of styles. Even stranger is its connection to Emperor Paul I, one of the most eccentric and controversial figures of Russian royalty. It was here that Paul was murdered in his own bedroom, only 40 days after moving in.

Day 7 St Petersburg: Tsarskoye Selo and departure

Experience the extravagance of the Imperial rulers on an excursion to the suburban estates of the Romanov Tsars. Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s village) is now part of the nearby town of Pushkin and is one of St Petersburg’s finest attractions. Amid exquisite parks and gardens, you’ll find the baroque Catherine Palace, a dazzling testament to Catherine’s love of luxury and royal excess. We’ll also see the lavishly gilded Amber Room, containing over six tonnes of amber, and the neoclassical Alexander Palace, whose tumultuous history paints a fascinating portrait of the Romanov family.

This evening marks the end of our Moscow and Saint Petersburg tour. In the evening you’ll be transferred to the airport. Say farewell to this beautiful country… until next time!

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Group arrival and departure airport transfers

Train station transfers

All transportation on tour, according to the itinerary (private driver, metro)

Centrally located 3* hotels (twin/double occupancy), can be upgraded to 4* or 5* on request

Breakfasts in the hotels

Local licensed English-speaking tour guides

All activities indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry tickets, according to the itinerary (skip-the-line policy)

Sapsan train tickets from Moscow to St Petersburg ("economy plus" class), *can be upgraded to business class or first class upon request

Russian visa support document (voucher/ invitation letter)

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions

Individual transfers

Moscow to St Petersburg

*Private Tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

Testimonials

Jose Romero Guatemala

Thank you so much for all your support and kindness.

Both of our guides, Elena in St. Petersburg and Max in Moscow, were very knowledgeable and professional. Now, I am assuming that the nature of the Russian people is not to be very warm, but for us, as people from Latin America, they both seemed cold and distant. However, I want to also emphasize that we have absolutely no complaints concerning the quality of their service, as I am guessing it is a matter of idiosyncrasy.

The immigration officers at both airports, St. Petersburg and Moscow, were very unfriendly. I know this is a subject out of the control of any travel agency, but the Russian government should improve this initial and last impressions to visitors.

Overall, we had a wonderful experience on our tour in Russia, and actually, I would really like to come back and see more of Russia in the future…Thank you so much for all your support and kindness… All the best for you…!!

Natalie Tiffany Indonesia

We very much enjoyed our trip to St Petersburg/Moscow and all ran smoothly.

For friends considering travel to Russia to visit St Petersburg/Moscow I would certainly recommend they contact you. I am aware that you also arrange travel to some of the less well-known locations and while we are keen on a range of outdoor activities.

The only small hiccup was the driver was not obvious when we arrived in Moscow on the train from St Petersburg and eventually turned up after 10-15 minutes. I suspect that Moscow traffic may have been responsible. Perhaps we would have preferred to start each day a little earlier particularly if it would have been possible to arrive at some of the main attractions when they first opened for the day when perhaps less crowded.

Thanks again for making this a successful trip and I would be happy to recommend 56th Parallel to others. Best Regards Stephen.

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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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From USD $1,905

Day 1: Moscow: Arrival

Day 2: moscow: tretyakov gallery and city tour, day 3: moscow: kremlin and red square, day 4: moscow to st petersburg by train, day 5: st petersburg: hermitage and city tour, day 6: st petersburg: peterhof, day 7: st petersburg: tsarskoye selo and departure, not included, start planning your tour.

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