Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s dynamic capital. On arrival, you’ll be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to relax or enjoy a leisurely evening walk in the city.

Begin the day with a panoramic city tour by car, passing key landmarks such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (exterior view), the Novodevichy Convent and its cemetery (exterior view), and stopping near Moscow State University for sweeping views over the capital. Continue with a walking tour in the historic city center to admire the vibrant domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, including an interior visit, see Lenin’s Mausoleum by the Kremlin Wall, and wander through the historic GUM department store, one of Russia’s most iconic shopping arcades.

This morning, tour the Kremlin’s cathedrals and grounds, once the residence of the Tsars, and explore the Armoury Museum with its treasures, from royal regalia to Fabergé eggs. In the afternoon, discover Moscow’s ornate metro stations, known as “palaces of the people.” Later, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed Sapsan train to St. Petersburg (around 4 hours). On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.

After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North.” See the Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Church of the Savior on Blood. Visit the famous cruiser Aurora (from outside), whose cannon fire marked the start of the October Revolution. All visits are exterior viewings; no interior entrances are included.

This morning, explore the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, home to masterpieces displayed in the Winter Palace. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Murmansk, the largest city above the Arctic Circle. On arrival, transfer to your 4* hotel. In the evening, set off on your first aurora-hunting excursion (weather permitting). Overnight in Murmansk.

Today, take a full-day trip to Teriberka, a remote Arctic village on the Barents Sea. En route, admire tundra landscapes and visit highlights including the Teriberka Wind Park, a ship graveyard, the “Dragon Eggs” beach, and the dramatic sea cliffs. Free time for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense). Return to Murmansk in the evening. Note: this excursion depends on weather conditions. Overnight in Murmansk.

After breakfast, visit a reconstructed Sami settlement to learn about the traditions and daily life of this Indigenous Arctic community. Meet reindeer, listen to folklore tales, try Sami games, and enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride (available in winter). A traditional lunch of soup and pancakes will be served. In the afternoon, transfer to the unique “Lapland Village” glamping site, where you will spend the night in a cozy cupola lodge beneath the Arctic sky.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. End of services.