“Beyond the Expected” – Moscow & St. Petersburg by Brendan Vacations

“The demand and interest in travel to Northeastern Europe and Russia is says  Heidi Podjavorsek, Director, Sales and Marketing Destination Partnerships with Signature Travel Network, a Brendan Vacations partner and leading consortia of highly specialized luxury and international travel. “Travelers are curious and interested in discovering the grand experiences that await them in iconic destinations like Moscow and St. Petersburg; it shows in all facets of our business to the region.”

Moscow, one of the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of Russia. This beautiful and historic city is located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia. During its extensive history, the city has served as the capital of a progression of states, from the medieval Grand Duchy of Moscow and the subsequent Tsardom of Russia to the former Soviet Union.  Moscow is the site of the Moscow Kremlin, an ancient fortress that is today the residence of the Russian president and of the executive branch of the Government of Russia. Inextricably linked to all the most important historical and political events in Russia since the 13th century, the Kremlin (built between the 14th and 17th centuries by outstanding Russian and foreign architects) was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious center.  At the foot of its ramparts, on Red Square, St. Basil’s Basilica is one of the most beautiful Russian Orthodox monuments. The Kremlin and Red Square are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as is the Novodevichy Convent, a stellar example of superb Russian architecture, with its rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artifacts.

There are not many cities in the world that can match the grace of St. Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe’s best architects, craftsmen and artists to build and decorate it. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges, it is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” Known as Leningrad during the time of the former Soviet Union, St. Petersburg is closely associated with the October Revolution. Its architectural heritage reconciles the very different Baroque and pure neoclassical styles, as can be seen in the Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Marble Palace and the Hermitage.

One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the Hermitage was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise nearly 3 million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collections occupy an impressive complex of six historic buildings along the Palace Embankment, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors. The Hermitage is absolutely stunning and an unforgettable experience.

Brendan Vacations , a leader in independent and guided vacations, offers fantastic insight into Moscow and St. Petersburg, two of the most remarkable cities in Russia. With Brendan’s seven-day Locally Hosted Vacationitinerary Moscow & St. Petersburg, travelers have the flexibility to choose their preferred class of hotels in each city and explore the destinations at their own pace with the assistance of a local, English-speaking Local Host to suggest itineraries, cultural and gastronomic  visits, among other activities.  Whether it’s magnificent medieval architecture or modern museums, travelers can create their ideal itinerary with their free time, with the benefit of their local host for anything they might need.

For a limited time, Brendan Vacations is offering “Free First Class Rail” on its Moscow & St. Petersburgand other eligible itineraries.  Please go to www.BrendanVacations.com or call Brendan Vacations at 1 (800) 421-8446 for more details.

Part One of Brendan Vacation’s “Beyond the Expected “series explored Tallinn, Riga & Vilnius.
Part Two covered From Bohemia to Transylvania .