RUSSIA with JGT

 
St Basil’s Cathedral

NOTICE

IN PROTEST AT RUSSIA’S INVASION OF UKRAINE ALL FUTURE JGT TOURS TO RUSSIA HAVE BEEN CANCELLED. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH THE UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE.

WE WISH THEM LONG LIFE, HEALTH AND HAPPINESS WHEN THIS UNWARRENTED AGGRESSION IS OVER. 

END

Magical. Mystical. Historical. Fantastic!

Russia, with its unique history and culture, big bustling modern cities and small provincial towns, friendly and open-hearted people, is a great and diverse travel destination. Yet it is still relatively unknown by the travel-mad Irish. Russia has changed dramatically since the days of Perestroika and now offers a great tourist experience for you to enjoy in comfort and safety.

John Galligan Travel brings you a range of holidays to this vast and varied land, in combination with our established and professional local Russian representatives. On this page we feature a Moscow & St Petersburg two-centre holiday, as well as short breaks to Moscow and St Petersburg. We can tailor-make anything else you might like to see in Russia like the Golden Ring, The Trans-Siberian Express and special tours for groups or individuals with specific interests such as Opera, Ballet, History etc.

 

      Moscow

Moscow is Russia’s principal city and one of the oldest Russian settlements. Established in 1147, Moscow has played a prominent role in Russia’s history. This is reflected in her numerous monuments, such as the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and a myriad of ancient monasteries and splendid manors. Influenced by both Byzantine and Western trends, the city’s architectural vista is an eclectic mixture of Oriental and European styles, of ancient and modern constructions, which makes up Moscow’s unique cityscape.

Today Moscow is a never-sleeping, vibrant city offering plenty of intense nightlife. Relatively easy to get to from Ireland, Moscow is a good starting point for anyone wishing to get to know Russia’s rich historic background and present day life. Take a short break in Moscow or combine it with St Petersburg for a memorable vacation.

       St Petersburg

St Petersburg is the second largest city of Russia. It is a major sea and river port. With 86 canals and over 45 islands, St Petersburg is often called “The Venice of the North”. There are over 580 bridges, which make up an essential part of the city infrastructure. Many of the bridges are engineering and architectural masterpieces. Created by Emperor Peter the Great in 1703 to be his “window on Europe”, St Petersburg combines a fascinating Russian heritage with a distinctly European outlook. A city of palaces and museums, broad avenues and winding canals, St. Petersburg has gained the reputation of one of the Great Cities of Europe. Altogether 4,000 outstanding architectural, historical and cultural monuments are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today St. Petersburg is a rapidly growing world business and financial centre. Easy to get to from Ireland, This is a fantastic city to visit for a really different vacation. Combine it with Moscow for a great two-centre holiday.

Programmes

Highlights of Russia 7 nights – From €1,699pp

3 nights Moscow – High Speed Train – 4 nights St Petersburg

St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, Moscow

 Canals of “Venice of the North”

3 Nights Moscow & 4 Nights St Petersburg.  See below for 2020 departure dates. Saturday departures.

Day 1 Dublin – Moscow
Fly from Dublin to Moscow by scheduled airline with one change of flight.
Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel by car.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 2 Moscow
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, take a guided out–of-town excursion to Gorki Leninskye, a large museum complex set up in a nice estate where Vladimir Lenin lived until his death in 1924. The estate also boasts an exposition of Russian suburban life of the 19th-20th centuries. Lunch included.
In the afternoon, enjoy a three-hour Moscow city sightseeing tour with photo stops, including Red Square, Kremlin, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Vorobiovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) and other major landmarks. No entrances included.
Evening free.

Day 3 Moscow
Breakfast at hotel.
This morning, take a walking tour of the Kremlin grounds and the Armoury. The Moscow Kremlin is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and boasts such architectural marvels as gold-domed cathedrals, the gigantic Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, the Grand Kremlin Palace, and other historic monuments. Visit one of the cathedrals to admire frescoes and icons created by old masters.
In the afternoon take a tour of the Moscow Metro, the most beautiful underground transport network in the world, distinguished for artistic decorations of stations. Follow this with a walking tour of Arbat, the downtown pedestrian street full of souvenir shops, street performers, restaurants, cafes and bars.
Evening free.

Day 4 Moscow – St Petersburg
After breakfast, check out of your hotel with luggage. Before leaving Moscow, take a tour of the Tretyakov Gallery, the largest repository of Russian paintings and icons started in 19th century by the private collection of Pavel Tretyakov, a wealthy Moscow merchant.
Transfer to the railway station. High Speed Saspan Train from Moscow to St Petersburg. Depart at 16:30, arriving in St Petersburg at 20:25.
Guided transfer to the hotel.
Evening free.

Day 5 St Petersburg
After breakfast, take a 3 hour tour of St Petersburg with photo stops including the main city thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospect, lined up with marble palaces, boutiques and art salons. Admire architectural masterpieces of the Admiralty, Kazan Cathedral, Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, Anichkov Bridge and other highlights of the city. No entrances included.
In the afternoon, visit Peter and Paul Fortress, the birth place of the new capital set up by Peter the Great. Walk around the Fortress grounds and admire the numerous historic buildings, the cannon with over a 150 year long tradition of firing at noon, the Trubetskoy Bastion, where rebellious poets, writers and other prominent personalities were incarcerated in imperial Russia.

Day 6 St Petersburg
After breakfast meet your guide for a morning visit of Hermitage. The world renowned museum is home to an enormous collection of masterpieces by great masters, and Oriental treasures including fascinating Scythian gold articles. The Hermitage collection is so large that if you were to see all the works on display and stop for one minute viewing each exhibit, you’ll need approximately nine years. Your guide will ensure you see the best. This is an overview and only lasts for a few hours. You may want to stay there or return to your hotel.
Rest of the day free.

Day 7 St Petersburg
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour to Pushkin**, 25 km from St Petersburg. Formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo, the town of Pushkin is famous for the majestic Catherine Palace. Visit the Grand Hall decorated with gilded wood carvings and mirrors, the Dining Room with magnificent porcelain dinner services and other attractions. Admire the gorgeous Amber Room faced with natural amber of different colors and hear the story of its re-creation.

**During May to September inclusive a visit to Petrodvorets (Palace & Gardens) will be included instead of Pushkin (Catherine’s Palace).
Rest of the day free.

Day 8 St Petersburg – Dublin
Transfer to airport for departure. Fly by scheduled airline to Dublin, with one flight change on the way.

END

2020 Prices

Highlights of Russia	11Jan- 04Apr	11, 18 Apr	25Apr& 02May	16May- 04Jul	11Jul- 19Sep	26Sep- 17Oct	24Oct- 19Dec
Package	€1,699	€1,729	€1,819	€1,839	€1,819	€1,729	€1,699
Single Supplement	€230	€280	€340	€370	€340	€280	€230

The Tour Includes:
Flights Dublin – Moscow & St Petersburg – Dublin by scheduled carrier (flight allowance €560. If flights are more expensive, there will be a flight surcharge)
Moscow: Holiday Inn Lesnaya*
St. Petersburg: Hotel Radisson Sonya Hotel*
Buffet breakfast both in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Transfers on arrival and departure both in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Moscow – St Petersburg train 2nd class
English speaking guide on excursions.
Excursions as per programme.
*Hotels may vary. Order of tours may vary.

2020 Departures
11 & 25 Jan, 8 & 22 Feb, 7, 21 & 28 Mar, Every Saturday April – October**, 14 Nov, 5 & 19 Dec.
** No departures 09 May & 06, 16 &27 June.

Packages include flight credit of €560. If flight prices go above this on your chosen date, a flight supplement will apply.

Does not include Mandatory Travel Insurance or Russian Visa (you must obtain this yourself – see Russian Visa Application web site here )

Limited places. Prices subject to change without notice.

 

To book this hotel call John Galligan Travel on (01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie

 

                           Moscow Short Break 4 nights – €1,329pp

See below for departure dates. Friday Departures.

Day 1 Dublin – Moscow
Fly from Dublin to Moscow by scheduled airline with one change of flight.
Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel by car.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 2 Moscow
After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel’s reception desk.
Visit the Tretyakov Gallery, the largest repository of Russian paintings and icons. Tour of the Moscow metro, the most beautiful underground transport network in the world.  Enjoy a walking tour of Arbat, a downtown pedestrian street with a great number of souvenir shops, street performers, restaurants,cafes and bars.
Evening free.

Day 3 Moscow
After breakfast the guide will meet you at the hotel’s reception desk. 
Enjoy an out-of-town excursion to Gorki Leninskye, a large museum complex set up in a nice 18th c. estate where Vladimir Lenin spent his last years until his  death in 1924. On the estate grounds you’ll find a fascinating exposition of Russian suburban life of the 19th – 20th centuries. Lunch included.
In the afternoon take a three-hour Moscow city sightseeing tour with photo stops, including Red Square, Kremlin, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Vorobiovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) and other major landmarks. No entrances included.
Evening free.

Day 4 Moscow
After breakfast take a walking tour of Moscow Kremlin grounds and the Armoury. Surrounded by monumental red-brick walls and towers, the Kremlin architectural ensemble is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Marvel at gold-domed cathedrals, the gigantic Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, stunning examples of old Russian casting, the Grand Kremlin Palace, former imperial residence, historical buildings of the Senate and Arsenal. Visit one of the cathedrals to admire frescoes and icons created by old masters. Visit Armoury Chamber to admire a rich collection of gold and silver articles, precious stones, Tsar’s crowns and other regalia.
Afternoon & evening free.

Day 5 Moscow – Dublin
Transfer to airport for departure. Fly by scheduled airline to Dublin, with one flight change on the way.

END

2020 Prices

Moscow Break	ALL 2020
Package	€1,329
Single Supplement	€195

The Tour Includes:
Flights Dublin – Moscow & return by scheduled carrier (flight allowance €560. If flights are more expensive, there will be a flight surcharge)
4 nights B&B at Holiday Inn Lesnaya Hotel, standard room*
Buffet breakfast each day
Transfers on arrival and departure
English speaking guide on excursions
Excursions as per programme.

*Hotels may vary. Order of tours may vary.

2020 Departures – 10, 24 Jan, 07 & 21 Feb, 06, 20 & 27 Mar, Every Friday April – October, 13 Nov, 04 & 18 Dec.
Packages include flight credit of €560. If flight prices go above this on your chosen date, a flight supplement will apply.

Does not include Mandatory Travel Insurance or Russian Visa (you must obtain this yourself – see Russian Visa Application web site here )

Limited places. Prices subject to change without notice.

 

 

To book this hotel call John Galligan Travel on (01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie

   St Petersburg Short Break 4 nights – From €1,249p

See below for departure dates. Tuesday departures.

Day 1 Dublin – St Petersburg
Fly from Dublin to St Petersburg by scheduled airline with one change of flight.
Arrival transfer from Airport to Hotel by car.
Overnight Hotel.

Day 2 St Petersburg
After breakfast, take a 3 hour tour of St Petersburg with photo stops including the main city thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospect, lined up with marble palaces, boutiques and art salons. Admire architectural masterpieces of the Admiralty, Kazan Cathedral, Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, Anichkov Bridge and other highlights of the city. No entrances included.
In the afternoon, visit Peter and Paul Fortress, the birth place of the new capital set up by Peter the Great. Walk around the Fortress grounds and admire the numerous historic buildings, the cannon with over a 150 year long tradition of firing at noon, the Trubetskoy Bastion, where rebellious poets, writers and other prominent personalities were incarcerated in imperial Russia.

Day 3 St Petersburg
After breakfast meet your guide for a morning visit of Hermitage. The world renowned museum is home to an enormous collection of masterpieces by great masters, and Oriental treasures including fascinating Scythian gold articles. The Hermitage collection is so large that if you were to see all the works on display and stop for one minute viewing each exhibit, you’ll need approximately nine years. Your guide will ensure you see the best. This is an overview and only lasts for a few hours. You may want to stay there or return to your hotel.
Rest of the day free.

Day 4 St Petersburg
After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour to Pushkin**, 25 km from St Petersburg. Formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo, the town of Pushkin is famous for the majestic Catherine Palace. Visit the Grand Hall decorated with gilded wood carvings and mirrors; the Dining Room with magnificent porcelain dinner services and other attractions. Admire the gorgeous Amber Room faced with natural amber of different colors and hear the story of its re-creation.

**During May to September inclusive a visit to Petrodvorets (Palace & Gardens) will be included instead of Pushkin (Catherine’s Palace).

Rest of the day free.

Day 5 St Petersburg – Dublin
Transfer to airport for departure. Fly by scheduled airline to Dublin, with one flight change on the way.

END

2020 Prices

St Petersburg Break	14Jan- 21Apr	28Apr- 07Jul	14Jul- 22Sep	29Sep- 23Dec
Package	€1,249	€1,349	€1,329	€1,249
Single Supplement	€190	€300	€250	€190

The Tour Includes:

Flights Dublin – St Petersburg – Dublin by scheduled carrier (flight allowance €560. If flights are more expensive, there will be a flight surcharge)
4 nights at 4-star Radisson Sonya Hotel, standard room (or similar)*
12 May, 02, 09, 16 & 30 June Hotel St Petersburg
Buffet breakfast.
Transfers on arrival and departure by car for independent travelers or by bus for groups.
English-speaking guide on excursions.
Excursions as per programme.

* Hotels may vary. Order of tours may vary.

2020 Departures – 14 & 28 Jan, 11 & 25 Feb, 10, 24 & 31 Mar, Every Tuesday April – October, 17 Nov, 08 & 23 Dec.
Packages include flight credit of €560. If flight prices go above this on your chosen date, a flight supplement will apply.

 Does not include Mandatory Travel Insurance or Russian Visa (you must obtain this yourself – see Russian Visa Application web site here )

Limited places. Prices subject to change without notice.

 

To book this hotel call John Galligan Travel on (01) 207 6555 or e-mail leisure@jgt.ie

 

Do it before you kick it! Limited places[/quote]