Historical & Heritage Tours in Russia

Delve into one of St. Petersburg's must-sees on a private 3-hour tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral. Experience the daily firing of the fortress' cannon, and visit the cathedral, set within the walls. View the church's interior, home to the tombs of the Romanov tsars; learn about the dynasty's history, and see the bell tower and gold-needle spire. Plus, admire the city panoramas from Vasilievsky Island. Upgrade to included entrance fees.

See another side of St. Petersburg, which was known as Leningrad for much of the 20th century, on this tour that focuses on sites related to the Siege of Leningrad during Word War II. As you visit memorial locations and battlefields, you'll hear about the events and effects of the siege, one of the most destructive in history, during which hundreds of thousands of citizens died from air raids, starvation, and more between 1941 and 1944.

First-time visitors to Moscow shouldn't miss the Kremlin and Red Square. See these famous sights while learning about their history and significance in Russia on a private tour. You'll receive personalized attention from your guide, and the ability to set your own pace, so this tour is ideal for travelers with varying interests and abilities.

Stray from the beaten path and see a different side of Moscow on a private 3-hour bike tour of the Russian capital. On this customizable tour, you'll be able to choose between four different routes and customize your itinerary according to your interests. Choose to cover top attractions surrounding Red Square (Krasnaya Ploschad) on Route 1, see historic monuments and Bohemian enclaves on Route 2, tick off highlights such as Gorky Park and the Kremlin on Route 3, or ditch the tourist trail in favor of Route 4, which covers lesser-known sights.

Delve into the heritage of St. Petersburg's Jewish community on this private tour. After a panoramic sightseeing drive, visit the 19th-century Grand Choral Synagogue, Europe's second-biggest, and St. Petersburg's main Jewish worship house. Plus, discover the arts heritage of Russia's Jewish peoples at the Museum of Ethnography and visit the YESOD Center, a Jewish community hub that hosts music and cultural events. Private transport, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Head beyond St Petersburg center for a visit to Tsarskoye Selo and its most famous attraction: Catherine Palace. Learn about historic sights en route to this famed former Imperial family summer residence, including one of the area's only remaining statues of Vladimir Lenin. Skip the entry lines and enjoy a private guided tour of the late-Baroque palace, including the private chamber of Alexander I and the opulent Amber Room, painstakingly recreated after Nazi soldiers looted the original during WWII. Afterward, spend some time exploring its surrounds - where photo ops are plenty.

Delight in the opulent interior of the Bolshoi Theatre, one of Moscow's most impressive cultural institutions, on a private 2-hour tour of the glamorous building. With a knowledgeable guide, discover the ornately decorated interiors and gilded ceilings of the premium venue and hear of how first-class ballets and operas have been performed here for more than 250 years. Delve into the dramatic history of this national treasure and receive the undivided attention of your guide on this private tour. 

Enjoy an exclusive tour of Catherine Palace after-hours, and step back in time into a world of Baroque balls and period decor. Travel by comfortable vehicle to the Tsarskoye-based summer home and begin your evening with a visit to the former Imperial Stable Houses, home to nearly two-dozen ornate carriages. After a greeting from the Imperial Orchestra enter the palace itself, where you'll toast Catherine the Great's 'arrival' with champagne, witness costumed dancers perform in the Grand Ballroom and revel in the classical sounds of a string quartet.

Develop a greater understanding of Moscow's Jewish heritage on this private, 4-hour walking tour. See landmark sites like the Moscow Choral Synagogue, the primary synagogue in Russia and the former Soviet Union, and the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, the largest Jewish museum in the world and the most high-tech museum in Russia. All entrance fees plus a local hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

If you're short on time and looking for a comprehensive overview of Moscow's Soviet history, choose this private 5-hour sightseeing tour. Tick off top attractions such as Red Square (Krasnaya Ploschad), home to Lenin's Mausoleum and the colorful Kazan's Cathedral, and Alexander's Garden. Absorb the grandeur of The Moscow Metro at five famous stations, visit the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, and marvel at 50 pavilions representing former Soviet republics at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh).

Most tours that go to the Moscow Kremlin can be very overcrowded. This private tour takes just you and your group to see the city's attractions, so you can get personalized attention from your guide along the tour. See Red Square, Alexander Garden, Lubyanka Biulding, and Moscow Kremlin, and learn about the history of each as you go.

Not many tours take you privately to the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics and the VDNKh. This Russian private tour does, and takes just you and your group, so you can get the attention from your guide you'd like. Hear about the US-Russian Space Race, the Cold War, and other events. Perfect for families - you'll see space suits and life-sized rockets kids love. Plus, your tour comes with included transport by Metro.

Make pottery and Russian bread with your family during this craft class. Fun for all ages, the experience takes place at the Izmailovo Kremlin where you'll get an overview of the stately fortress and its history. Then, you'll make your own clay toys or pots to keep as souvenirs, browse the flea market, and visit the Bread Museum to make kolach (a fruit- or cheese-filled pastry) among other baked treats.

See the sights of Moscow and discover its dramatic and secretive past on this half-day sightseeing excursion, a tour with special appeal for first-time visitors. Explore the Russian capital with an art historian guide and visit the oldest part of the city after the Kremlin. Experience the juxtaposition of old and new and hear the legends that surround Moscow. Your tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Get out of Moscow and travel to Sergiev Posad, one of the oldest cities on the Golden Ring, without the hassle of driving or planning public transport. Visit the UNESCO-listed Troitse-Sergieva Lavra (spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox Church) with a guide to learn about the monastery's rich history, then enjoy some free time to explore independently.