Northern Lights Murmansk – Russia
7 Days / 6 Nights
Moscow Panoramic City Tour or Metro Ride Tour
Discover the highlights of Moscow on a panoramic city tour covering its most iconic landmarks, including Red Square, the Kremlin, and the colorful domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Witness the grandeur of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and admire the Stalin-era Seven Sisters. Later, descend into the Moscow Metro, world-famous for its palatial underground stations adorned with mosaics, chandeliers, and marble. This tour blends the city’s surface beauty with its underground architectural marvels.
Moscow to Murmansk Panoramic City Tour or Lenin Icebreaker Outside or Northern Lights Hunting Tour
Experience Murmansk, the largest city above the Arctic Circle, with a panoramic drive showcasing its historic and cultural highlights. Witness the legendary “Lenin” Icebreaker from the outside, a symbol of Russia’s Arctic exploration. As night falls, set out for an unforgettable Northern Lights Hunting Tour, where the sky glows with mesmerizing shades of green and red. This combination offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis.
Murmansk Saami Village and Husky Park Tour
Discover the traditional lifestyle of the indigenous Saami people at their authentic village in Murmansk. Explore cultural exhibits, unique dwellings, and enjoy the thrill of reindeer sledding in a snowy Arctic setting. The journey continues at Husky Park, where friendly Siberian huskies take you on an exciting ride through stunning winter landscapes. This tour perfectly blends cultural heritage with adventurous Arctic experiences.
Panoramic City Tour or Peter and Pauls Fortress Territory
Experience the charm of St. Petersburg on a panoramic city tour, passing its grand avenues, historic squares, and glittering canals. The highlight is the Peter and Paul’s Fortress, the oldest architectural monument of the city, standing proudly on the Neva River. Explore its historic territory, learn about Russia’s imperial past, and admire the stunning cathedral crowned with a golden spire. This tour combines scenic views with deep cultural and historical insights.
Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace
The Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace is a stunning example of Neo-Baroque architecture located on Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg. Built in the 19th century, it was once the residence of Russian nobility and is admired for its ornate pink façade and richly decorated interiors. Today, the palace serves as a cultural hub, hosting concerts, exhibitions, and official events. Its historical charm and architectural elegance make it a must-see landmark in the city.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
This iconic landmark of St. Petersburg is renowned for its vibrant onion-shaped domes and richly decorated mosaics. Built on the site where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated, the church stands as a memorial of historic significance. Inside, visitors are amazed by intricate mosaics covering the walls and ceilings, making it one of the most ornate churches in Russia. It is a masterpiece of Russian Revival architecture and a must-visit attraction in the city.
The Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the world’s largest and most prestigious art museums. Founded by Empress Catherine the Great in 1764, it houses over three million artworks and artifacts from around the globe. The museum complex includes the Winter Palace, a former royal residence, showcasing magnificent interiors along with masterpieces by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. It is truly the cultural heart of the city and a highlight for every visitor.
The Aurora Cruiser on the Neva River, St. Petersburg
The Aurora Cruiser, docked on the northern bank of the Neva River, is one of St. Petersburg’s most iconic landmarks. Famous for its role in the Russian Revolution, the ship’s guns fired the signal that marked the beginning of the October Revolution in 1917. In the backdrop, the stunning silhouette of the Peter and Paul Fortress with its towering spire adds to the historic atmosphere of this picturesque scene. A visit to the Aurora Cruiser offers a glimpse into Russia’s revolutionary past while standing amidst the grandeur of the city’s architectural heritage.
Griboedov Canal, St. Petersburg – A Historic Waterway
The Griboedov Canal, flowing through the heart of St. Petersburg, offers a scenic view of the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Lined with elegant buildings, bridges, and churches, this canal connects the Neva River to the Fontanka River and was once an essential route for trade and transportation. The canal is also home to the iconic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, adding to its charm. A stroll along the Griboedov Canal provides visitors with a tranquil yet fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural and historical past.
Chasing the Northern Lights in Murmansk
Embark on an unforgettable journey to Murmansk, Russia, where the enchanting Northern Lights illuminate the Arctic skies. On this exciting tour, you’ll venture into the heart of the frozen wilderness, where experts will guide you to prime locations to witness the aurora borealis in all its glory. Capture moments like this—travelers posing beneath the vibrant green hues of the Northern Lights, surrounded by the serene snow-covered landscapes. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a seasoned aurora seeker, this tour promises an experience of a lifetime in one of the best places on Earth to witness the Northern Lights.
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVE MOSCOW
Arrive Moscow Airport and transfer to the hotel. Check into the hotel and rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore on your own. Overnight at the hotel in Moscow.
Day 2 : MOSWOW - PANORAMIC CITY TOUR + METRO RIDE TOUR
The Capital of Russian Federation, the political, scientific, historical, architectural and business center of Russia, Moscow displays the country’s contrasts at their most extreme. The city stands on the Moskva River in Central Russia, with a population estimated at 12.4 million residents within the city limits. Moscow’s architecture is world-renowned. Moscow is the site of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, with its elegant onion domes, as well as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Seven Sisters. The ensemble of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square is a masterpiece of human creative genius and the main symbol of the country. Moscow subway is famous for its underground architecture: 44 of more than 200 stations are listed as cultural heritage sites. Each day thousands of people go underground to touch the live history. Overnight at the hotel in Moscow.
Day 3 : MOSCOW - MURMANSK - PANORAMIC CITY TOUR + LENIN" ICEBREACK (OUTSIDE ), NORTHERN
Today check out from the Moscow hotel and transfer to the Airport for flight to Murmansk (Not Included). Arrive in Murmansk and proceed for a Panoramic City Tour of of Murmansk, Murmansk is a port city and the administrative center of Murmansk Region in the far northwest part of Russia. The town, founded in 1915 as a supply port in World War I, was a base for the British, French, and American expeditionary forces against the Bolsheviks in 1918. In World War II Murmansk served as the main port for AngloAmerican convoys carrying war supplies to the U.S.S.R. through the Arctic Ocean. The town is now an important fishing port, and its fish-processing plant is one of the largest in Europe. Murmansk’s ice-free harbour makes it Russia’s only port with unrestricted access to the Atlantic and world sea routes. Check into the hotel and rest. In the Evening proceed for Northern Lights Hunting Tour (21:00 – 00:00) Best seen in the clear dark, aurora borealis, or northern lights, can also be seen in cloudy conditions and even in large cities. The phenomenon is a unique mesh of green and red occurring in the sky and moving in a pattern resembling an intimate dance between the shades of divine subtlety. The natural electrical phenomenon can be seen from as early as September until as late as April. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that to succeed in chasing the northern lights you have to be lucky and persistent. Overnight at the hotel in Murmansk.
Day 4 : MURMANSK - SAAMI VILLAGE & HUSKY PARK
This morning Proceed to the Saami village, acquaintance with the history and culture of the Saami people, visiting the animals of the village and feeding the deer, Saami games, alley of sacred idols (where you can make any wish, you need to have 6 gold coins), sledding in a reindeer sled (available from 01/12); banana riding behind a snowmobile (available from 01/12), photos in national costumes, delicious lunch and traditional tea. departure from the village, visit to Husky Park, communication with dogs, sledding with Husky (1 ride – less than 5 minutes) (available from 01/12). Return to hotel & time at leisure. In the Evening proceed for Northern Lights Hunting Tour. Overnight at the hotel in Murmansk.
Day 5 :MURMANSK - ST PETERBURG
This morning check out & Proceed to the Airport for your flight to St. Petersburg (Not Included). Arrive and check into the hotel, rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore on your own.
Day 6 : ST PETERSBURG - PANORAMIC CITY TOUR + VISIT PETER & PAUL'S FORTRESS (TERRITORY)I
Petersburg – Petrograd – Leningrad: these are many names of the city with the remarkable unique destiny. It is the second largest city of Russia and one of the world’s major cities. St. Petersburg has played an important role in Russian history since its founding in 1703. For two centuries (1712–1918) it was the capital of the Russian Empire. A guided tour is ideal for getting the feel of the city, and in particular its historical center and major monuments. Participants will enjoy Nevsky Prospect along with its most prestigious buildings: the Anichkov, Stroganov, and Belozersky Palaces; the orthodox Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, Spilled Blood Church, the Eliseev, Singer, and Mertens buildings, and many others. We will cross the Fontanka, the river that, along with the Moika River and Griboedov Canal, formed the border of the city center. The former Winter Palace, once a residence of the tsars and now the Hermitage Museum, dominates the northern bank of the Neva River, while on the opposite bank the silhouette of the Peter and Paul Fortress and its high spire command the skyline. We will stop by the Aurora Cruiser, whose guns opened the Russian revolution, followed by the House of Peter the Great – it was from this modest residence that the Tsar personally kept an eye on the construction of “his” city between 1703 and 1708. Rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore on your own. Overnight at the hotel in St. Petersburg.
Day 7 : DEPART ST. PETERSBURG
This morning check out and transfer to the Airport for your flight back home.
