New Year in the Arctic Circle
by Imperial Russia

Itinerary

Celebrate the New Year in the Arctic Circle on the shores of the Barents Sea with a glass of sparkling champagne! An exciting journey by the Imperial Russia train will start in Moscow and take you to St Petersburg, Petrozavodsk, Vologda, as well as Murmansk, situated in the extreme north-west of Russia, near Finland. Being so close to the Arctic Circle, Murmansk is one of the world’s premier destinations to see the Northern Lights, a breathtakingly beautiful natural phenomena.

Day 1 - Arrival in Moscow

Once you have arrived in Moscow, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will then be yours to explore the Russian capital at your leisure or relax in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Excursions in Moscow

Following breakfast, you will be taken on a scenic drive through the main streets of Moscow and major attractions of the Russian capital. After a lunch break the guided walking tour will take you inside the Kremlin. You will see the famous Tsar Cannon, the 16th century Tsar Bell, and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow’s most elaborate cathedrals. Make sure to take memorable pictures at Red Square, as Moscow is famous for one of the most beautiful holiday light decorations in the world. You will have dinner at a local restaurant and will be taken back to your hotel by car.

Day 3 – Excursion in Moscow

Today you will visit Kolomenskoe Park Estate with its marvellous wooden palace that once served as summer residence for grand dukes of Moscow and the Russian tsars. You will get to know the rich architectural heritage created by the best Russian artisans and discover Russian winter with outdoor activities and a traditional tea drinking ceremony with Russian pancakes. In the afternoon you will spend some time walking along Arbat Street to feel the vibe of the city and its festive atmosphere. You might want to drop in at some souvenir shops to look for some smaller presents to mark your wonderful time in the Russian winter.

At the end of the day you will be taken to the railway station and welcomed aboard the Imperial Russia train. Welcome dinner will be served.

Day 4 – Excursion in St Petersburg

St Petersburg, often referred as the Northern Capital of Russia, is full of numerous historical monuments, marvellous palaces and beautiful bridges. After breakfast, you will embark on a city tour, including visit to Kazan Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress and St Isaac’s Cathedral. St Isaac’s is one of the biggest dome buildings in the world; it is not just an architectural masterpiece, it comprises some of the most innovative and unique engineering ideas of the 19th century. After lunch you will drive towards Tsarskoe Selo where you will visit Catherine’s Palace with the world-famous Amber Room. After dinner you will drive through the illuminated St Petersburg and enjoy the magical winter atmosphere of this magnificent city.

The train will depart St Petersburg that evening to head further north.

Day 5 – Excursion in Petrozavodsk

Today you will arrive in Petrozavodsk, capital city of Republic of Karelia, standing on the shores of Lake Onega. The native Karels have preserved their unique culture and traditions brilliantly. You will be taken to the village of Kinerma to learn the history of the ancient Karelian settlement of 16th century. During this visit you will learn about he traditions and lifestyle of the Karels and try traditional Karelian cuisine. After lunch you will have City tour with visiting the Museum of the fine arts of Karelia.

After that, you will depart to Murmansk. Tonight’s dinner is offered onboard the Imperial Russia train.

Day 6 – New Year in Murmansk

Today shortly before lunch you will arrive in Murmansk. For the next two days, you will be lodging in a city hotel within the city of the Russian Military Glory and the largest city in the world located in the Arctic Circle! As the train pulls through the Kola Peninsula enjoy the morning at your leisure, following the beautiful landscapes of the Khibiny Mountains.

Following check-in to the hotel, you will depart on a city tour with major attractions including World War II memorials and local bridges.

In the evening you will have a festive dinner with a colourful performance in a beautifully decorated restaurant to celebrate the New Year!

Day 7 – Excursion in Murmansk

On the first day of the New Year you will have some time to sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast at the hotel restaurant. Later that morning, you will visit the village of Lovozero, home to the the native Saami people of the Kola Peninsula. You will have the opportunity to meet the Saami Santa Claus who will invite you for lunch and tell you more about the lifestyle of the Saami, life in the tundra, reindeer herding and hunting. You will even get the chance to embark on a sled ride pulled by dogs or reindeer through the beautiful frozen landscapes!

Day 8 – On the Train

After breakfast at the hotel you will board the Imperial Russia train and start travelling towards Vologda. Enjoy a day of relaxation on the train with picturesque winter scenery. You might want to attend one of the interesting lectures aboard the train.

Day 9 – Excursion in Vologda

In the morning you will arrive in Vologda, a city with significant historical and cultural heritage. This city is the same age as the Russian capital and is rich in historical sites. The Kremlin Square is located right in the centre of the city, and it is said that Emperor Peter the Great used to visit this place often. While strolling along the Kremlin grounds, you will learn more about the history of this city. Later, you will be able to try your skills in a cooking workshop making cranberry in sugar, which you can take home as a memory from Vologda.

That evening you will be back onboard the Imperial Russia train to celebrate with a farewell dinner.

Day 10 – Arrival in Moscow

In the morning the Imperial Russia train arrives in Moscow. After breakfast aboard, you will be transferred to Moscow airport to begin your journey home, or to the hotel of your choice.

Includes

This tour includes:

Local tour guides:

Exursions with local guides according to the program. (Excursions will be conducted in English, French, German and Spanish, other languages are possible on request.)

Rich sightseeing and entertainment programme:

Including dog or reindeer sledding.

Hotel and on-board accommodation:

Onboard the Imperial Russia train in Russia. Two nights in a 5* hotel in Moscow and two night in a 4* hotel in Murmansk.

Meals:

Full board. Tea and coffee on board throughout the day.

Talks on local traditions, culture and customs:

Informative lectures on the Russian New Year, traditions, geography and history.

On-board service:

Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water are available in your cabin 24 hours a day. You will also be provided with towels, a bathrobe and slippers onboard the Imperial Russia Train.

Transfers:

Pick-up at the airports, transfer to hotels and train stations, transfer to the airport.

Not Included:

• Gratuities
• Any flights or travel costs not covered in the itinerary.
• Visa costs. See the Real Russia Trans-Siberian Visa’s page
• Insurance. See Real Russia’s advice on travel insurance
• Drinks from the Bar Car
• Meals on the day of arrival and departure
• Personal expenses such as souvenir shopping, or extra food and drink not included in the itinerary.
• Vaccinations if required