Russia's complete winter holiday in 7 nights / 8 days: snowy Moscow and St Petersburg with guided city tours, then three nights in Murmansk for a Nor…
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This Russia winter tour package combines the country's two great cities with the Arctic. Spend two nights in Moscow for Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin and the Metro, and two nights in St Petersburg for Palace Square, the Hermitage, St Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, all under winter snow.
Then fly north to Murmansk for three nights above the Arctic Circle: a city tour and a guided Northern Lights hunt, a full day on the Barents Sea coast at Teriberka, and a Saami village with reindeer and huskies, followed by ice floating in a sealed thermal suit with an instructor.
It is a private tour for couples, families and small groups, and a popular choice for a New Year in Moscow or a Christmas break. Daily breakfast, English-speaking guides on tours and the Arctic activities are included; we can add flights from India and the internal flights. For a shorter Arctic trip, see the Moscow & Murmansk Northern Lights Escape, or browse all our Russia tour packages.
Arrive in Moscow and meet your representative at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and check in.
The rest of the day is free to recover from your journey. If time permits, enjoy a relaxed walk around nearby cafes, shopping streets or winter-lit city areas.
Overnight stay in Moscow.
After breakfast, proceed for a guided Moscow city tour.
Visit the Red Square area, one of Russia’s most iconic locations. See St Basil’s Cathedral from outside, known for its colourful domes, and explore the surroundings of GUM and the Kremlin exterior area. Continue towards key viewpoints and city landmarks such as Sparrow Hills, Victory Park or other important stops depending on local routing.
Also enjoy a Moscow metro experience. Several stations are famous for chandeliers, mosaics, sculptures and grand underground architecture, making the metro one of the city’s most interesting attractions.
Evening is free for leisure or optional activities.
Overnight stay in Moscow.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the railway station or airport for your journey to St Petersburg.
On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. St Petersburg is known for its imperial architecture, elegant canals, palace squares and European character. The evening is free to explore Nevsky Prospekt, enjoy a cafe visit or take a relaxed walk through the city centre.
Overnight stay in St Petersburg.
After breakfast, proceed for St Petersburg sightseeing.
Visit Palace Square, the heart of the city’s imperial history, and see the Winter Palace / Hermitage Museum building from outside or include an inside visit as an upgrade. Continue to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, one of the city’s most photographed landmarks, known for its colourful Russian-style architecture. See St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Neva riverfront and other city highlights depending on routing and time.
Optional experiences such as Hermitage Museum entry, Peterhof, Catherine Palace or an evening cultural show can be added depending on travel dates and interest.
Overnight stay in St Petersburg.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to the airport for your flight to Murmansk.
On arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Later, proceed for Murmansk city sightseeing. Murmansk is the largest city above the Arctic Circle and is known for its port, Arctic history and viewpoints overlooking Kola Bay. Visit important city landmarks such as the sailors’ memorial complex, Church of the Saviour-on-the-Waters, the Waiting Woman monument and the Sea Terminal area. You may also view the nuclear icebreaker Lenin from outside.
In the evening, proceed for a Northern Lights hunt, subject to weather and aurora conditions. The guide will choose the route based on cloud cover, visibility and aurora forecast. The chase usually takes you away from city lights to darker sky areas. Hot drinks may be served while waiting.
Overnight stay in Murmansk.
After breakfast, travel to Teriberka, a remote village on the Barents Sea coast.
Teriberka is one of the most dramatic locations on the Kola Peninsula, known for its Arctic Ocean views, open tundra route, old fishing village feel, ship graveyard and rugged coastline. Visit the sandy beach, giant swing, wooden throne and coastal viewpoints. Continue to Teriberka Nature Park to see the “Dragon Eggs” stone beach and Batareysky waterfall.
Lunch is not included and can be arranged locally depending on restaurant availability. Return to Murmansk by evening.
If weather conditions make this night better for aurora viewing, an additional Northern Lights hunt can be arranged at extra cost.
Overnight stay in Murmansk.
After breakfast, proceed for a Saami village experience. Meet reindeer and huskies, feed the reindeer, enjoy photo stops and take part in simple traditional games and local cultural activities. Depending on programme and snow conditions, enjoy reindeer sledding and a snow-banana ride.
Later, experience ice floating, one of Murmansk’s most unique winter activities. You will wear a sealed thermal survival suit that keeps the body warm and dry while floating safely in icy water. The activity is conducted with safety briefing and instructor support, and no swimming skill is required.
Return to the hotel after the activity.
Overnight stay in Murmansk.
After breakfast, check out and transfer to Murmansk airport for your onward journey.
Your Russia winter grand tour ends with memories of Moscow, St Petersburg and the Arctic landscapes of Murmansk.
Hotel names will be provided after booking, subject to availability and confirmation. We do not hold hotel confirmations before booking.
From December to February, Moscow and St Petersburg are usually between about −10°C and 0°C, with snow and short days; Murmansk is colder, around −5°C to −15°C, with the polar night in December and early January. Museums, the Metro and cathedrals are warm indoors, and the cities are lit up for New Year.
Pack thermals, a down jacket, a cap, gloves and waterproof boots with grip. The Northern Lights depend on clear skies and solar activity, so they cannot be guaranteed; your guide chooses the best night from the forecast.
Travelling over New Year? Moscow's streets, GUM and Red Square area are decorated from December, with ice rinks and winter markets. Hotels fill up early for 31 December, so send us your dates as soon as possible.
Share your dates, travellers and comfort preference. Our team will guide you with the next best step.