Moscow to Prague
Moscow to Prague
20 Days
From
US$ 1,996
+ Local Payment of €270.00
View Tour Notes
Enjoy the popular highlights and hidden gems as you journey from Moscow to Prague on this epic group tour through Eastern Europe. Explore fascinating capital cities, witness the sheer size and scale of Auschwitz, taste some of Prague's delicious beers and travel through beautiful country landscapes. If history is your thing, this tour will not disappoint.
Itinerary
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Day 1 to 2 - Arrive Moscow
Please be aware that your group will meet for a Pre Departure Meeting at 6:00pm on day one. This meeting will be held at your hotel. Please kindly meet in the reception area of the Izmailovo 'Gamma' Hotel by 6:00pm. If you are unable to attend this meeting for any reason then please contact your Tour Leader via the hotel reception.
Golden onion domes and towering skyscrapers, cosy cafes and hushed churches, Russia's capital city is beautiful, atmospheric and overflowing with history. There is plenty to see and do here, including numerous cathedrals, museums, art galleries, palaces, the State History Museum and the iconic St Basil's Cathedral, towers and monuments. Moscow's Red Square (Krasnaja Ploshad) is the main centre of Moscow and was a market place during the fifteenth century. The square acquired its present name in the seventeenth century. The red part of its name does not refer to Communism or to the colour of the stone (which is actually grey) but derives from the old Russian word 'krasniy' meaning beautiful. During the Soviet regime the square was known for its May Day parades and is the site of Lenin's Mausoleum.
Just a few minutes' walk away from Izmailovsky Park Metro, the lively and bustling Izmailovsky Souvenir Market is an absolute must-see. The entire market is surrounded by a mock wooden fortress which is prettily decorated with statues from Russian legends. Browse around the seemingly endless stands, shopping for wooden matryoshka dolls, chess sets, amber jewellery and Soviet memorabilia such as authentic army belts and gas masks, or if you're looking for less kitsch and more art, you could aim for the traditional Russian handicrafts and original paintings. Don't forget to haggle! A useful word to know is'skolka' or'how much?'.
More than a people-moving system, Moscow's metro system is a network of beautifully and artistically decorated stations. Why not take a self-guided tour of the system and discover Moscow's original underground art scene. (Please note you will need to pay for your own metro tickets).
We will spend our days in Moscow visiting some of the great historical sites of the city. The Kremlin is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a main focus of Russia's political and historical heritage since the 13th century, housing both royalty and religious figures. The Kremlin wall contains a mass grave of Bolsheviks who perished during the battle for Moscow in 1917, together with the ashes of a number of well-known Russians, including writer Maxim Gorky and Yuriy Gagarin, the first Russian man to visit space.
It is said that soon after January 21, 1924, the day that Vladimir Lenin died, the Soviet government received more than 10,000 telegrams from all over Russia, which asked the government to preserve his body somehow for future generations. Lenin's tomb, and final resting place, was then promptly set about being designed and a wooden tomb was constructed within 6 days of his death. A larger mausoleum was constructed later that year and stands today in the centre of the city in the prominent Red Square.
Included Excursions
Moscow Kremlin guided tour
Optional Excursions
St Basil's Cathedral - 350 RUB • Tretyakov Gallery - 500 RUB • Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts - 300 RUB • Moscow Metro & Novodevichy Cemetary Tour - from 15 EUR • State Historical Museum - 400 RUB • Museum Panorama (Battle of Borodino) - 250 RUB • Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics - 250 RUB • Christ the Saviour Cathedral - Free • Bolshoi Theatre - from 500 RUB
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Izmailovo Gamma or similar 
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 3 to 3 - Moscow & Overnight train to Veliky Novgorod
We have the whole day to spend in Moscow enjoying some last minute sightseeing before we next head to Veliky Novgorod by overnight train - it's a good idea to buy some snacks before we board!
Accommodation
1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains 
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 4 to 4 - Veliky Novgorod
One of the oldest cities in Russia, Veliky Novgorod is steeped in history. It was one of the first hubs of religious, political and commercial activities in Russia and it is here where we find St Sophia's Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Russia. Admire the five domed architecture that dominates the Kremlin in Novgorod, and visit the exhibition of the ancient bells that used to ring in St Sophia's bell tower. Previously, the bells were heard from a 50 mile radius and had a distinct melody in memory of the composer Sergey Rakhaminoff, born in Novgorod. The bells were damaged during World War II, so unfortunately they now are grounded, however you can still enjoy panoramic views of Veliky Novgorod from the bell tower itself.
Included Excursions
Guided tour of St Sophia's Cathedral
Optional Excursions
Vitoslavlitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Architecture - 150 RUB • St George Monastery - Free • Fine Art Museum - 150 RUB
Accommodation
1 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Volkhov or similar
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 5 to 6 - St Petersburg
The cosmopolitan city of St Petersburg is known as the'Venice of the north' because of its rivers and canals which are fascinating and easy to explore by boat. There are many sights to see in this former capital including the Winter Palace, the famous Church of the Spilt Blood and the Hermitage museums.
We will take an orientation walk around the key sights of the city, include a visit to the Hermitage Museum (with a local guide) to explore the extensive art collection there, and then you will be free to explore this great city at your leisure.
Included Excursions
Entry & Guided tour of the Hermitage Museum
Optional Excursions
Vodka Museum Tour and Tasting - 600 RUB • Mariinsky Theatre - from 1000 RUB • Catherine Palace - 700 RUB • Peterhof Palace - 550 RUB • Canal Boat Ride - 1100 RUB • Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography (Kunstkamera) - 250 RUB • Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood - 250 RUB • St Isaac's Cathedral - 250 RUB • Cabin of Peter the Great - 200 RUB • Faberge Egg Museum Guided Tour - 600 RUB
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Cameo or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 7 to 8 - Tallinn
Our next stop is Tallinn, Estonia's capital. Famous for its enchanting historic centre, the city is a popular holiday destination on the Gulf of Finland. Roam the cobbled streets and explore scenic ruins or climb the hill of Toompea, which is filled with medieval buildings, 14th century churches, turrets, spires and enticing alleyways.
Tallinn also offers alluring boutique shopping similar to that found in Swiss cities. The city is full of artists and artisans so you may also find wonderfully made glass, weaving and pottery here. The cafe scene is thriving and you can find everything from sunlit street cafes to Art Deco style bakeries. Within the walls of the Old Town there are lots of excellent restaurants to enjoy and a thriving nightlife, with clubs open until the wee hours. Estonians are true beer lovers so you might like to try an authentic local brew.
Optional Excursions
Kadriorg Palace & Park - 6.50 EUR • Lahemaa National Park Day Tour - 55 EUR • Tallinn City Museum - 4 EUR • Estonian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum - 9 EUR • TV Tower - 10 EUR • St. Olav’s Church & Viewing Deck - 2 EUR • Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - Free • Walking Tour - Free • Ghost Tour - 15 EUR
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Economy Hotel or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 9 to 10 - Riga
Riga is more than 800 years old and its clever blend of medieval centre and modern city infrastructure will enchant you. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town has its own particular charm, while the city is also famous for its fascinating Art Nouveau architectural heritage which you can discover as you wander the streets of this 'Paris of the East'. A must-do is a visit to Riga's most famous Gothic church, St Peter's, thought to be about 800 years old. Its famous spire has been rebuilt three times in the same form since 1667, with its latest rebuild completed in 1973. Climb the spire and enjoy spectacular views over the city.
Optional Excursions
Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum - 4 EUR • St Peter’s Church Tower - 9 EUR • Museum of the Occupation of Latvia - Free • Walking Tour - Free • The Dome Cathedral - Free • Museum Art Nouveau - 9 EUR • Academy of Sciences Observation Deck - 5 EUR • Art Neoveau Tour - 20 EUR • Night Kayaking - 25 EUR
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Irina or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 11 to 12 - Vilnius
The capital of Lithuania, Vilnius boasts an attractive baroque Old Town that is the largest in Eastern Europe and is praised as the 'New Prague'. Located on the edge of the Neris River, with its pine covered hills, friendly people, and blend of old and new, this is a picturesque city well worth exploring. You will have time to explore the main sights of the city including Gediminas Castle on the top of Gediminas Hill and Cathedral Square at the base of the hill, which is dominated by Vilnius Cathedral and its 57 metre-tall belfry.
While you're exploring the square between the cathedral and the tower you should hunt for the secret stebuklas (miracle) tile. The tile marks the southern end of the 2 million person, 650 kilometre long human chain between Tallinn and Vilnius, which was formed in protest against Soviet occupation in 1989. Local legend has it that if you find the pretty mosaic-covered tile you should stand on it and turn around three times clockwise while making a wish, which shall then be granted.
Included Excursions
Entry & Guided tour of the KGB Museum
Optional Excursions
Trakai Castle - 10 EUR • Grutas Park - 7.5 EUR • Walking Tour - Free • Cathedral Crypts Tour - 4.5 EUR
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel Panorama or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 13 to 14 - Warsaw
Warsaw, Poland's capital, has been revitalised as a tourist destination. The city was almost entirely destroyed in World War II but a lot of effort has gone into its rebuilding. Since the fall of communism many old buildings have given way to modern skyscrapers, the dilapidated old town has been brightened up, and entertainment and services transformed to match that of other western capitals.
Home to various palaces, castles and citadels, Warsaw is noted for the Soviet-era Palace of Culture and Science, as well as the marketplace at the 10th Anniversary Stadium, a converted festival site where you can buy all sorts of interesting items. Also recommended is a visit to the Old Town, which was rebuilt between 1949 and 1963 after being destroyed in World War II in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. You can visit the Historical Museum of Warsaw and Royal Castle at nearby Old Town Square.
Optional Excursions
Warsaw Uprising Museum - 20 PLN • Palace of Culture and Science Observation Deck - 20 PLN • Museum of the History of Polish Jews - 25 PLN • Lazienki Park and Palace - 40 PLN • Royal Castle Tour - 30 PLN • Walking Tour - Free • Wilanow Palace - 20 PLN
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at HIT Hotel or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 15 to 16 - Kraków
Poland's more famous and cultural city is Kraków, which has managed to preserve centuries of amazing architecture and artistic traditions as most of the historic buildings and monuments emerged unscathed from World War II. Kraków was the royal capital for 500 years so a must-see is the royal Wawel Castle, a beautiful renaissance palace which now houses a museum. During the evening the cosmopolitan city offers a wild nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, music clubs and bars to explore.
Kraków is our base to visit the UNESCO listed Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp, a sobering tribute to the people that perished there during the Holocaust. The camp was originally designed for Polish political prisoners but became the most notorious camp of World War II because an estimated 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities, including 1.1 million Jews, 150,000 Poles and 23,000 Roma were killed by the Nazis.
Included Excursions
Guided Tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Optional Excursions
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour - 145 PLN • Oskar Schindler's Factory - 24 PLN • Saint Mary’s Basilica - 10 PLN • Galicia Jewish Museum - 16 PLN • Wawel Royal Castle - 25 PLN • Walking Tour – Free
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Regent Hotel or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 17 to 17 - Overnight train to Prague
After getting our fill of culture we board an overnight train to Prague which is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Visit the bustling Old Town Square where you can find a beautiful astronomical clock, the enchanting Charles Bridge where you can watch artists and buskers at work and the famous Wenceslas Square.
Optional Excursions
Summer Toboggan (Tatrabob) - 3 EUR • Hiking - Free • Water Park - 22 EUR • Bike Hire - from 12 EUR • Solisko Chairlift - 13 EUR • Furnicular ride - 7 EUR • Lomnicky Peak Cable Car - 43 EUR
Accommodation
1 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 18 to 19 - Prague
Spend the rest of your day exploring the beautiful city of Prague, not forgetting to try one of Prague's tastiest pastries known as 'Trdelnik', a sweet rolled dough in the shape of a cone that is filled with anything from ice-cream to warm chocolate sauce.
Prague is a town that loves to party so you may also want to experience the nightlife as there are many great bars and restaurants and plenty of pulsating night clubs to enjoy. Czechs have been brewing beer since the 9th century and invented the world's first Pilsner, so Prague offers a great opportunity to sample some of the world's finest beers.
Optional Excursions
Kutna Hora Day Trip - 990 CZK • Brewery Tour - 1200 CZK • Beer Tasting - 590 CZK • Hradcany Castle - 350 CZK • Jewish Museum - 300 CZK • Town Hall Clock Tower - 120 CZK • Boat Tour - 260 CZK • Mucha Museum - 240 CZK • City of Prague Museum - 120 CZK • Karlstejn Castle - 270 CZK
Accommodation
2 night(s) in hotels at Hotel William or similar
Meals
2 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Day 20 to 20 - Depart Prague
Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.
Meals
1 Buffet Breakfast(s)
What you need to know
- We will try to run your tour as close to the itinerary as conditions will allow. On very rare occasions, local events may affect the way your itinerary operates. We ask for your flexibility and understanding in these situations.
- Public transport in and between European cities is comfortable and efficient. The majority of our Europe tours are run on local transport such as trains and buses. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage, so pack light.
- The first day of your tour is simply an arrival day with no pre-organised activities. You will meet your Tucan Travel rep at 18.00 for the pre-departure meeting. In order to allow time to relax and see some of the sights you may wish to add pre-tour accommodation.
- This tour includes a compulsory Local Payment that needs to be paid to the Tour Leader on Day 1 of your tour. For more information on our Local Payments please click here.
- Hotel rooms in Europe are generally smaller by US standards and double beds can often be two single beds pushed together.
What's Included
Excursions & Activities
- Moscow Kremlin guided tour
- Guided tour of St Sophia's Cathedral
- Entry & Guided tour of the Hermitage Museum
- Entry & Guided tour of the KGB Museum
- Guided Tour of Auschwitz Concentration Camp
Accommodation
17 night(s) in hotels, 2 night(s) on overnight sleeper trains
Transportation
Overnight Train, Public Bus, Private Vehicle, Metro, Tram, Taxi, Foot
Meals
19 Buffet Breakfast(s)
Other
Tucan Travel tour leader
What's Not Included
- Visas and travel insurance
- Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips and any extras
- International flights to/from the start/end of your tour and departure taxes
- Tips on excursions, visas, travel insurance, personal items and single rooms.
- Optional excursions - On each trip, you may find there are some excursions that are not included. This might be because they are not to everyone's taste or there may be various options of differing value to choose from. More information on the excursions we recommend is listed under each day of your itinerary though prices may vary. If you are after something in particular, don't hesitate to ask your tour leader.
- Airport transfers and pre and post tour accommodation
Select Dates & Book
2019
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