Moscow is a thrill to visit at any time of year, but this special six day Moscow tour gives you the opportunity to watch Russia’s annual Victory Day celebrations, a spectacular event centred on a display of the country’s military strength. You’ll enjoy an extended stay in the Russian capital, giving you plenty of time to absorb its splendour, cultural richness and long history. Alongside Red Square and the Kremlin, you’ll take a boat trip along the Moskva River and visit a museum dedicated to those who displayed great courage during World War Two.
We have arranged your accommodation at the five star Hotel National, part of Marriott’s Luxury Collection portfolio. This historic landmark was built in 1903, the work of Russian architect Alexander Ivanov. Today it is one of the Russian capital’s most luxurious hotels, but on this particular tour, its location is crucial: the National faces the Kremlin. On Victory Day, Red Square is reserved for veterans and government officials, and is off-limits to the general public. However, as a guest at the Hotel National you’ll enjoy the next best vantage point.
All tours to Russia are operational. Visas are being issued Read more about cancellation policy in light of the Ukraine conflict
We welcome you to Moscow today. Once you arrive and have settled in, why not take a stroll around the neighbourhood to get acquainted with this beautiful part of the city?
Day 2 – Monday
Military Parade Ceremony
Moscow by Night City Tour by Car
Each year on May 9th, Russia stages a military parade which marks the country’s victory over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War, the name Russians use to refer to World War Two. It’s a big deal and the occasion is marked across the country, but here in Moscow the procession is particularly impressive. Countless divisions, brigades and battalions converge on Red Square, accompanied by all manner of military hardware including tanks, surveillance vehicles and more. Overhead, the Air Force stages a fly past.
You will be able to enjoy the ceremony from the hotel or go outside to Tverskaya Street (subject to security restrictions) where access on this day is strictly reserved to local residents only.
Later, once the ceremony has concluded, we’ll take you on an evening tour of the city and you can join the crowds as they enjoy the firework display that is the highly anticipated conclusion to this yearly extravaganza.
Day 3 – Tuesday
Poklonnaya Hill and WWII Victory Park Guided Tour
This morning we’ll provide a little context and during a visit to the Museum of the Great Patriotic War you’ll learn about the Russian experience during World War Two. The museum is the centrepiece of Victory Park, situated on Poklonnaya Hill. Outside, the space is littered with military vehicles and cannons. Inside, a series of bronze busts in the Hall of Commanders honour those who were awarded the prestigious Order of Victory, Russia’s highest military award. You’ll move through to the Hall of Glory, inscribed with the names of the many recipients of the Hero of the Soviet Union award. Finally, step into the poignant Hall of Remembrance and Sorrow, where thousands of glass beads hang from the ceiling as a symbol of the tears shed for all who sacrificed their lives in the conflict.
Day 4 – Wednesday
Kremlin Grounds & the Armoury Guided Tour
For many, a visit to the Kremlin is a highlight of their stay in Moscow. This fascinating place was once the home of the Tsars and these days is the official residence of the Russian president. Pass through its gates to reach Cathedral Square, which gets its name from the three places of worship found inside: the Cathedral of the Dormition, the Cathedral of the Archangel and the Cathedral of the Annunciation. The sight of their golden domes glittering on a sunny day is extraordinarily beautiful. Another must-see is the Armoury, with its breathtaking collections. You’ll see everything from antique weaponry to Fabergé’s famous jewelled eggs.
Day 5 – Thursday
Moscow River Cruise
The Russian capital sits on the Moskva River. Today, take a boat trip through the centre of Moscow, departing from either Gorky Pier or Hotel Ukraina Pier, to get a different perspective on the city. You’ll pass many of Moscow’s most recognisable landmarks at a leisurely pace. Look out for sights such as the walled Kremlin, the colourful onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, the 98 metre high statue of Peter the Great and the city’s riverside parks, art galleries and historic buildings. You’ll also see the dazzling glass and steel of the skyscrapers of the 21st century, such as Evolution Tower and Imperia Tower.
Day 6 – Friday
Transfer from the hotel to the airport
Today marks the end of the tour. We’ve arranged your transfer to the airport for your flight home.
All prices are per person, in US dollars. All included services are listed in the
tour dossier and the section "Included" in the tour description.
Price "Excluding flight" does not cover airfare, you are free to book your own flights. Alternatively we can quote for flights from any international airport.
Single supplement goes towards single room (cabin for cruises) accommodation.
Solo supplement is payable in the unlikely event when you are the only person on the tour. It will be refunded if other people join the same tour.