Babaev Chocolate Factory 9 45 AM

This is a great opportunity to taste these famous Russian chocolates! You will have an opportunity to visit this famous chocolate factory. On the tour you will see the production process for chocolate and caramel. You will also be able to trace the history of this company through the years with a visit to the factory museum. You will get a nice chocolate gift at the end of the tour! Price $23 + adm.

Cosmonauts’ Museum 2 00 PM

This unique collection traces the rise of the Russian space program from 1957 to the present time, including manned and automatic spacecrafts, space suits and other related items. Price $22 + adm.

Victory Park 11 00 AM

Victory park contains memorials to two Patriotic Wars: in 1812 and 1941-5. The museum displays the Banner of Victory and dioramas showing the main battles in Moscow and Stalingrad, and the blockade of Leningrad. Exhibits show military techniques. A new chapel, Mosque and Synagogue have been built The trio expresses an ecumenical dedication to peace. Price $23 + adm.

Tretiakov Gallery 2 00 PM

The Tretiakov gallery contains Moscow’s largest collection of Russian art with representative pieces from ancient times through various historical schools up to and including turn-of-the-century Avante Garde works. The newly restored building is worth a visit in itself. Price $23 + adm.

Day trip to Serpukhov and Tarussa 8 00 AM

Serpukhov is one of the best preserved provincial Russian towns with a lovely art gallery, beautiful churches, distinguished monasteries and a ruined fourteenth century Kremlin. Tarussa is on the Oka River. In Tarussa, you will see the museum of the Tsvetaevs, father and daughter. The farther, Ivan, went on to found the Pushkin Fine Art Museum in Moscow, and the daughter, Marina, was a famous poet. Price $85

Artist's Studio 12 00 noon

You will visit Alyona Dergiljova, a well-known Moscow artist whose work hangs in the Tretiakov Gallery and the Lev Tolstoi and state Historical Museums. Her focus is on the streets and most beautiful areas of Moscow. She will demonstrate some of her graphic techniques and discuss her work. Price $22

Day trip to Borodino Battlefield 10 00 AM

Tour of the battlefield and museums, commemorating the decisive battle in 1812, when Napoleon’s army was stopped and turned back by the Russian army within sight of the burning city. An historic event which Hitler later ignored, to his cost. Price $65

XIX th Century Russian Writers 12 00 noon

Follow the history of the Russian literature of the middle of the XIX th century, and visit places associated with Gogol, Ostrovsky, Dostoevsky and Tolstoy. Price $35 + adm.

Decorative Art Museum 10 45 AM

This is a large collection of crafts from different areas. There are peasant and other costumes, toys, Zhostovo painted trays, Khokhloma and other wood articles, porcelain, including propaganda porcelain from the twenties and thirties. Free coffee at the Starlite Diner. Price $23 + adm.

Armory Museum 9 45 AM

The Armory collection of gold, silver and jewelry, Faberge eggs, carriages and Czarist thrones is reason enough in itself to visit Moscow. Please register for this tour at least two days in advance Price $80

Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery 10 00 AM

Novodevichy convent and cemetery is a charming place, rich in the spirit of the past, hidden behind a wall in the twentieth century inner city. The sculptured gravestones of famous Russian artists, writers, and politicians illustrate the country’s history. Price $22 + adm.

Pushkin Fine Art Museum 2 00 PM

The museum contains a remarkable collection, including works from the Italian Renaissance and post-Renaissance, ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Price $22 + adm.

Weekend in Tver-Torzhok-Novgorod 7 00 AM

You will stay in the wonderful Palace Beresta Hotel in the old town of Novgorod, where the first Russian principality was founded. It has long been famous for its wonderful cathedral and its renowned school of iconography. Nearby you will also visit Torzhok with its Boris and Gleb monastery, ruined Kremlin, and museum devoted to Alexander Pushkin. And not least, you will see Tver on Volga River, the true center of Russian classical architecture with its palace of Catherine the Great. Price $530/$470

Day Trip to Sergiev Posad 10 00 AM

Sergeiv Posad (Zagorsk) is a traditional orthodox center, graced by the magnificent Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, with a blue and gold dome. Built in the fourteenth century, it was for many years, even under communism, the official seat of the Patriarch. It holds a wonderful collection of icons. Price $43 + adm.

Russian-Soviet Art of the XX Century 11 00 AM

Visit the New Tretiakov Gallery, where the new exhibits of Russian and Soviet Art of the XXth century are displayed. See works by Avant Garde artists, and see the history of RussianAvant Garde starting from the beginning of the century. Follow the development of the Socialist Realism in Art and feel the development of different styles in Art from before the Revolution of 1917 through communist times. Price $22 + adm.

Moscow Orientation Program 10 00 AM

A Moscow orientation program is designed for new-comers who would like to shop in city markets beyond the exclusive foreign stores. Not a sight-seeing tour, but instead, an introduction to shopping, driving, public transportation, public telephones, and the other everyday needs of Moscow residents. Free coffee at the Starlite Diner. Price $35

Kuskovo Estate 12 00 noon

Trip to Kuskovo estate, the country seat of the Sheremetyevs, the richest family of the eighteenth century. The wooden mansion resembles Versailles and it has an orangery in which is an impressive collection of china and porcelain from the eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There is an extensive park with a lake, and Dutch, Swiss and Italian style garden houses. Price $38 + adm.

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal 8 00 AM

Vladimir was the capital of Russia in the twelfth century before the Mongol invasion; Moscow is its successor. The Assumption Cathedral and Golden Gate are examples of white stone, pre-Mongolian architecture. Suzdal has kept its seventeenth century character, and has lovely churches, an old Kremlin and a museum of interesting wooden architecture. Price $85

Lefortovo Estate 3 00 PM

Tour the eighteenth century Lefortovo estate, a formerly German enclave. We will visit the church where the Romanovs liked to pray before they went hunting in Izmailovo, as well as Franz Lefort Palace and one of the Moscow palaces of Catherine the Great. Price $22

Old Believers' Moscow 9 00 AM

We are the only guide company to whom the practicing believers give visiting permission. Observe the evidence of devout Russians since the twelfth century. Price $35

Walk in Tsaritsyno 10 45 AM

Walk in the wonderful park at Tsaritsyno and see the never completed palace of Catherine the Great . Free coffee at Starlite Diner Price $26 + adm.

Visit St.Basil's (Intercession) Cathedral 11 00 AM

Visit St.Basil's (Intercession) Cathedral, built in 1552 in honor of Ivan he Terrible’s capture of Kazan. St.Basil’s with its brightly patterned domes and cupolas is Moscow the most famous landmark right behind the Kremlin; most of its features are borrowed from Russian wooden church architecture. Price $22 + adm.

Craft Shops 10 45 AM

A visit to craft shops off the busy city streets, where you will see crafts from all over Russia, including: porcelain, embroidery, wooden and straw items, toys and dolls; all of them created in traditional ways. Free coffee at the Starlite Diner. Price $35

Bulgakov in Moscow 3 00 PM

You will visit the places in the novel, “Master and Margarita”, and re-live the spirit of the twenties and thirties. Free coffee at the Starlite Diner. Price $23 + adm.

Trip to Gzhel and Majolica Porcelain Factory 9 00 AM

You will see the production of the famous blue and white porcelain, and a museum displaying examples of two centuries of their work. You will also have an opportunity to buy pieces as they are made today in the old tradition. Price $65 + adm.

Tretiakov Gallery 2 00 PM

The Tretiakov gallery contains Moscow’s largest collection of Russian art with representative pieces from ancient times through various historical schools up to and including turn-of-the-century Avante Garde works. The newly restored building is worth a visit in itself. Price $23 + adm.

A Visit to a Moscow School 11 00 AM

You will be led by one of the teachers, meet some of the students, visit classes and have a chance to talk about education, and school problems with members of the staff. Price $22

Star City (Zvyozdny Gorodok) 9 00 AM

You will visit the formerly secret Space Center, where the cosmonauts live and are trained. You will see examples of Russian space technology, prototypes of spacecraft, the space-simulators, centrifuges, and space suites, as well as the altitude chamber. Price $47 + adm.

Simonov Monastery 11 00 AM

Visit Simonov monastery, a half-ruined gem of XVI-XVII century architecture. This former center of religion and the arts is in the process of renovation after decades of neglect. In the Church of the Nativity see graves of Russian heroes of the 1380 battle of Kulikovo field, the first time the Tartars were defeated. Price $22 + adm.

Day Trip to Rostov and Pereslavl-Zalessky 8 00 AM

These ancient towns (respectively 862 AD and 1152 AD) contain two of Russia’s greatest buildings: the twelfth century Spasso Preobrazhensky Cathedral in Pereslavl and the seventeenth century Kremlin and Assumption Cathedral in Rostov. You will hear the Rostov bells and have a chance to buy the famous Rostov enamel pieces. Both towns are located on lovely lakes, and the one in Pereslavl was where Peter the Great started the Russian navy. The sole surviving boat from his flotilla is in the Botik museum on the lake. Price $85

Stalin's Moscow 12 00 noon

You will see the evidence of his personality in cultural and architectural styles, and in the museum in The House on the Embankment, which was a residence of many former high officials under Stalin, most of whom were eventually arrested by him. Price $26 + adm.

Peredelkino 11 00 AM

Trip to Peredelkino, the famous writers’ colony. Boris Pasternak lived and died here. He wrote “Dr. Zhivago” at a desk overlooking the garden, and is buried in the little graveyard nearby. Alexander Solzhenitsyn stayed in Peredelkino at the dacha of Kornei Tchukovsky. The Bulat Okudzhava Memorial Museum is recently open at his dacha near Peredelkino. The study is still mostly as Okudzhava left it. Price $43 + adm.

Red Army Museum 11 00 AM

You will see exhibits showing the development of the Russian Army from the days of the Civil War through the years of the Great Patriotic War, and up to the present times. There are halls, illustrating the major battles in Moscow, Leningrad and Stalingrad, as well as many interesting examples of military equipment such as machine gunes and personnel carriers. You will also see the eagle from the Berlin Reichstag, the Victory Banner and other memorable items recalling those heroic times. Price $23 + adm.

State Historical Museum 11 00 AM

The State Historical museum was first opened in 1883, and after extensive restoration was re-opened for the 850th Moscow anniversary. The interiors are done in a nineteenth century style. There are exhibits of archeology from prehistoric days up to the founding of the Russian State. The one called, “ Russia of the Nineteenth and Twentieth centuries” displays possessions of the Czars, and includes the death mask of Peter the Great. Price $23 + adm.

Walk in the Lubianka and Chistye Prudy 2 00 PM

Walk in the Lubianka and Chistye prudy area around the KGB building, an old downtown section which provides many examples of nobles’ mansions dating back to Peter the Great. You will visit a splendid seventeenth century church, and Apraskin Palace, a fine example of Moscow baroque. Price $22

Great Kremlin Palace 10 00 AM

Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the Great Kremlin Palace and the five large halls used for state receptions. The Palace is not a public museum but is now the official residence of the President of Russia. It was also formerly the only residence of the Romanov family in Moscow. The interior has been preserved as it was in the times of the Czars. Price $12 + adm.

Bolshaya Nikitskaya Neighborhood 2 00 PM

Enjoy the beauty of this old central Moscow street. Since 1790s many local residents were benefactors to the arts, and there are Classic ensembles by the famous architect Kazakov and Art Nouveau mansions by Shehtel. There are also associations with Pushkin, Tchaikovsky, Vrubel, Stanislavsky and other artistic greats. Price $23

Armory Museum 9 45 AM

The Armory collection of gold, silver and jewelry, Faberge eggs, carriages and Czarist thrones is reason enough in itself to visit Moscow. Please register for this tour at least two days in advance Price $80

Walk along Okhotny Ryad and Kuznetsky Most 3 00 PM

You will explore one of Moscow’s oldest neighborhoods, with architectural highlights, such as the Bolshoi Theater and the Metropol Hotel. Okhotny Ryad has been a mercantile center through the years, and is filled with interesting nineteenth century buildings. Price $22

The Museum of Oriental Art 11 00 AM

The Museum of Oriental Art has a fascinating collection of Far Eastern, Indian and Russian works, including rugs from the Caucasus, shadow puppets from Indonesia and Chinese screens. Works of the Rerichs, father and son, show Russia’s influence on Indian art. Price $22 + adm.

Bulvar Ring 3 00 PM

A walking tour of the “Green Necklace” of Moscow, site of the old city walls. Many artists, writers and politicians have lived along its park lined streets. Price $22

Spaso-Andronikov Monastery 10 00 AM

Visit the Spaso-Andronikov monastery, and the oldest of Moscow’s surviving churches, Savior Cathedral. Its museum records it as one of the earliest centers of iconography, and it was the site of the icon school of Andrei Rublyov. Price $22 + adm.

Bolshoi Theatre 2 00 PM

Visit the Bolshoi theatre, the heart of Russian Arts of music and ballet, constructed in 1824 by Osip Bove, and see the Lower and the Upper (White) Foyer, Round and Beethoven’s Hall, and much more Price $25 + adm.

Day Trip to Sergiev Posad 10 00 AM

Sergeiv Posad (Zagorsk) is a traditional orthodox center, graced by the magnificent Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra, with a blue and gold dome. Built in the fourteenth century, it was for many years, even under communism, the official seat of the Patriarch. It holds a wonderful collection of icons. Price $43 + adm.

Monino Aviation Museum 10 00 AM

You will trace the history of Russian aviation, seeing many different types of aircraft. The display includes models of the very earliest machines and even some of the latest ones. A lot of them are full size, located outside, and so present a good photographic opportunity. Price $43 + adm.

Day trip to Volokolamsk and Yaropolets 10 00 AM

You will see St.Josef’s Monastery and have tea in the Refectory there. You will also visit the neo-classical estate of the Goncharovs, the family of Pushkin’s wife. Price $65

Russian Samovars 11 00 AM

Tour based on Russian samovars. We will see the samovar collection of Sergei Klinchev and talk about the history of the samovar, how it is built and functions, and Russian traditions of tea drinking. Perhaps have a cup of tea yourself. Samovars are for sale. Price $22

Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery 10 00 AM

Novodevichy convent and cemetery is a charming place, rich in the spirit of the past, hidden behind a wall in the twentieth century inner city. The sculptured gravestones of famous Russian artists, writers, and politicians illustrate the country’s history. Price $22 + adm.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour 11 00 AM

The magnificent five-golden-domed Cathedral is the largest church in Russia, the second of its kind. The first, built to commemorate the victory over Napoleon in 1812, was destroyed in 1931. It was officially reopened for the millennium and consecrated as a “glorious symbol” of Russia and Russian Orthodox Christianity. Price $22 + adm.

Prechistenka and Ostozhenka Streets 3 00 PM

Walk in the area of Prechistenka and Ostozhenka streets around the Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Walk these two famous streets of Moscow which were preserved even in communist times. The area is much like the St.Germain district in Paris. You will see several XIXth century churches, mansions and samples of Art Nouveau architecture. Price $23

Fedoskino 9 00 AM

The village of Fedoskino, is one of four lacquer box centers. The local artists here use mother of pearl and work on their lacquer boxes in a unique three-dimensional style, quite different from other villages. You will have an opportunity to buy their work. Price $43 + adm.

Pushkin Fine Art Museum 10 00 AM

The museum contains a remarkable collection, including works from the Italian Renaissance and post-Renaissance, ancient Egypt and Babylonia. Price $22 + adm.

Kremlin Wall Walk 11 00 AM

These walls hold many secrets. The Kremlin was a fifteenth century fortress, has twenty towers and is a mile and a half around. You can see from the outside many things not visible from inside, including the Aleksandrov Garden and the Grotto. Price $23

Russian Poets of the Twenties and Thirties 2 00 PM

Walk in the footsteps of Marina Tsvetaeyeva, Boris Pasternak and Osip Mandelshtam during their Moscow days, and learn more about the Soviet life of those decades. Price $23 + adm.

Jewish Moscow 10 00 AM

Explore the life of the Moscow Jewish Community during Soviet times and the present. You will visit two synagogues and places associated with prominent Jewish intellectuals, such as the poet Mandelstam, the actor Michoels and the architect Joffan Price $35

Kristall Vodka Factory 2 00 PM

Visit the oldest vodka factory in Moscow. See a good example of nineteenth century industrial architecture; follow the various stages of vodka production, and after the tour try samples! Price $35 + adm.

Day Trip to Kaluga and Optina Pustyn 7 00 AM

Kaluga is an early provincial town, but its greater significance is as a monument of eighteenth and nineteenth century classical architecture. In this respect it is considered second only to ST.Petersburg. It is also a hometown of Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, “the father of Russian space exploration”. Optina Pustyn is an active monastery in the Kaluga area. It was found in the fourteenth century by the repentant bandit Opta. It became a spiritual center of Russia and Russian intellectuals in the nineteenth century. It gained the reputation in the Orthodox Christian world for bringing spiritual renewal to its visitors; people came there from near and far. Dostoevsky regularly stayed in a little house there and wrote “Brother Karamazov” on his impression on Optina. Lev Tolstoy and Nikolai Gogol also found inspiration in this delightful haven. Price $100

Cooking Class 11 00 AM

Come to a cooking class with our cook who will teach you how to make Pirozhki. You will have lunch after the demonstration is completed. Price $35

New Jerusalem 10 00 AM

An all day tour to New Jerusalem, built in the seventeenth century along the Istra River by Patriarch Nikon, who thought the topography and the architecture there resembled the Holy Land. He was eventually ousted from the church for his challenge to the power of the Czar. Price $65

Walk in Zaryadye and Zayauzye 12 00 noon

During the low-traffic weekend you will walk in Zaryadye (“behind the row”) and Zayauzye (“behind Yauza”), from Red Square to Taganka Square, through the busy center of Moscow, where you will feel the real atmosphere of the inner city. Price $23

Easter Weekend in Smolensk and Talashkino 7 00 AM

On the upper Dnieper River lies the ancient town of Smolensk, founded in 862 AD. It has always been a strategic town for Moscow, lying as it does on the road to the west. It is a green town with many parks and tree-lines boulevards. Within the old walls are twelfth century churches; now functioning again. On a hill, an icon of Our Lady of Smolensk hangs in Assumption Cathedral. There is a fascinating Linen Museum showing exhibits of everyday Russian life among the different classes. Our hotel has a central location so we can easily explore the town. In Talashkino, half an hour away, we will see the unique wooden church, a classic example of the Renaissance of popular Art Nouveau with a mosaic of Christ by Nikolai Roerich Price $260/$280

Weekend in Uglich, Kolyazin, Yaroslavl, Kostroma & Plyos 7 00 AM

A three day "Golden Ring cities" trip. First we go to YAROSLAVL , an old Russian city located on the Volga and the Kotorosl rivers. It used to be a prosperous mercantile center, where through the centuries merchants, encouraged by the local school of architecture, tried to outdo each other in their contributions to the city's embellishment. KOSTROMA is a charming city on the Volga river with exquisite examples of provincial architecture dating from the time of Catherine the Great. Ipaty Monastery- the cradle of the Romanovs' dynasty - is there, together with a museum of wooden architecture. PLYOS , a picturesque location on the hilly banks of the Volga river, has been place admired by many artists. In particular, there is a museum for the Russian landscape painter I. Levitan. UGLICH , on the Volga river, is famous for its Kremlin with the fifteen century chambers of local princes, and the Church of St. Dimitry on Blood - situated on the place of the death of Prince Dimitry, the last son of Ivan the Terrible. We will make short stops as we drive through Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov Veliky and other smaller picturesque towns; we'll have wonderful photographic opportunities. Price $400/$450