Day 4 - Walking tour with entrance to the Kremlin, Armoury chamber and Cathedrals
Today you will be met by your guide at your hotel and you will enjoy a walking tour to the Kremlin and Cathedrals.
One of the largest and most interesting museums in the world, also the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation, the Kremlin is the a must see in Moscow. Formerly a mighty royal citadel, the Kremlin is a unique architectural ensemble on a vast territory inside monumental walls and towers, with gold-domed cathedrals, Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, and many more historical sights. We have also included a visit to the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund for you to admire a rich collection of gold and silver articles, precious stones, tsar’s crowns and other regalia,
Today you will also enter St. Basil’s cathedral, a marvelous piece of architecture with an instant appeal to anyone who sees it. A unique Russian styled cathedral (16th c.) was laid under Tsar Ivan the Terrible to commemorate Ivan’s victory over Kazan Kingdom and its subordination to the Moscow State. No other historical monument in Russia can boast so many legends and so many unanswered questions. One of the legends goes, that Ivan the Terrible had the builders blinded so they could not create anything to compare. Nothing is known about the architects, and where Italian influences found in the décor come from. In the central church a visitor can marvel at a fine iconostasis, and also walk along the narrow, winding gallery, covered in beautiful patterned paintwork.
Finally, a visit to Kasan Cathedral, small but charming, it is located in the northeast corner of Red Square and was built in the 17th century to commemorate liberation of Moscow from Polish invaders, and in honor of the Virgin of Kazan icon, one of the most revered icons in Moscow. The present day building is a reconstructed replica of the original church demolished in 1936 to clear space for military parades and mass festivities on Red Square. It was totally rebuilt in the 1990s on the basis of the original blueprints and photographs.
At the end of the tour, your guide will walk you back to your hotel or you may wish to keep exploring on your own.
In the late evening, you will catch the Red Arrow sleeper train to your next destination, beautiful St. Petersburg! The train departs at 23.55 and we have included a late check out so you can relax in your room until 22.30, when a private transfer will come and collect you to take the whole family to the train station. A guide will help you with the check in and boarding process. Bon voyage!
