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Russia Northern Lights & Imperial Cities Tour
Moscow • St. Petersburg • Murmansk (Aurora Borealis)
9 Days / 8 Nights Premium Russia Tour Package
Destination: Russia
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Route: Moscow → St. Petersburg → Murmansk
Best For: Couples, Families, Honeymooners, Photography Enthusiasts, Winter Travelers, Adventure Seekers, and Nature Lovers
Tour Overview
Experience the magic of Russia on this extraordinary 9 Days / 8 Nights journey that combines the country's grand imperial cities with the spectacular beauty of the Arctic. Begin in Moscow, Russia's dynamic capital, where centuries of history meet modern city life. Continue to the elegant city of St. Petersburg, often called the "Venice of the North," famous for its magnificent palaces, canals, museums, and rich cultural heritage. Conclude your adventure in Murmansk, the world's largest city north of the Arctic Circle, where you'll have the unforgettable opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) dancing across the Arctic sky.
This itinerary blends history, architecture, culture, winter adventures, Arctic landscapes, and one of nature's most breathtaking phenomena.
Tour Highlights
Moscow
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Red Square
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Kremlin
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St. Basil's Cathedral
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Moscow Metro
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Bolshoi Theatre
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Arbat Street
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Sparrow Hills
St. Petersburg
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Winter Palace
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Hermitage Museum
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Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
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Peter and Paul Fortress
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Nevsky Prospekt
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Catherine Palace
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Peterhof Palace (Seasonal)
Murmansk
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Aurora Borealis Hunting Tour
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Arctic Circle Experience
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Teriberka Village
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Barents Sea Coast
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Husky Park
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Reindeer Farm
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Snowmobile Adventure (Winter)
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Ice Fishing (Optional)
Day 1 – Arrival in Moscow
Welcome to Russia!
Arrive at Moscow International Airport, where your tour representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Evening Orientation Tour
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Red Square
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Kremlin exterior
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St. Basil's Cathedral
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Zaryadye Park
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GUM Shopping Gallery
Enjoy a traditional Russian welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Overnight: Moscow
Day 2 – Moscow City Tour
After breakfast, enjoy a full-day guided tour.
Visit
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Moscow Kremlin
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Armoury Museum
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Cathedral Square
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Lenin's Mausoleum (Exterior/subject to access)
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Alexander Garden
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Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Afternoon
Explore:
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Moscow Metro (historic stations)
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Bolshoi Theatre (Exterior)
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Arbat Street
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Sparrow Hills
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Moscow State University viewpoint
Optional evening Moscow River Cruise (seasonal).
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Moscow
Day 3 – Moscow to St. Petersburg
After breakfast, board the famous high-speed Sapsan Train (or take a domestic flight) to St. Petersburg.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the city.
Visit
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Nevsky Prospekt
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Kazan Cathedral
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Palace Square
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Admiralty Building
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Bronze Horseman Monument
Enjoy dinner at a traditional Russian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Day 4 – Imperial St. Petersburg
Today's sightseeing includes some of Russia's most famous landmarks.
Visit
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State Hermitage Museum
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Winter Palace
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Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
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Peter and Paul Fortress
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St. Isaac's Cathedral
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Palace Embankment
Optional evening canal cruise (summer) or illuminated city tour (winter).
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Day 5 – Catherine Palace & Peterhof
Spend the day exploring the magnificent royal residences.
Visit
Catherine Palace
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Amber Room
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Royal State Apartments
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Beautiful Palace Gardens
Peterhof Palace (Summer)
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Grand Palace
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World-famous Fountain Gardens
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Gulf of Finland views
Winter Alternative
Visit the Fabergé Museum or Yusupov Palace instead of Peterhof's fountains.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Day 6 – Fly to Murmansk
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Murmansk.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Evening
Prepare for your first Northern Lights Hunting Tour.
Travel away from city lights with experienced Aurora guides to locations offering the best chances of viewing the Aurora Borealis (weather permitting).
Hot drinks and winter photography opportunities included.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Murmansk
Day 7 – Arctic Adventure & Aurora Hunt
Explore the Russian Arctic.
Visit
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Teriberka Village
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Barents Sea Coast
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Frozen waterfalls (winter)
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Dragon Egg Beach
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Arctic Tundra
Optional activities:
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Snowmobile Safari
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Husky Sled Ride
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Reindeer Farm Visit
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Ice Fishing
After dinner, enjoy another Northern Lights hunting excursion for an additional opportunity to witness the Aurora.
Meals: Breakfast
Overnight: Murmansk
Day 8 – Murmansk City Tour
Explore the world's largest city above the Arctic Circle.
Visit
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Alyosha Memorial
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Nuclear Icebreaker Lenin (subject to schedule)
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Murmansk Seaport
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Five Corners Square
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Arctic Museum
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Local handicraft and souvenir shops
Evening farewell dinner.
If conditions are favorable, enjoy a final optional Aurora viewing excursion.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight: Murmansk
Day 9 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Murmansk Airport for your onward journey.
Depart with unforgettable memories of Russia's magnificent imperial cities, Arctic wilderness, and the magical Northern Lights.
Meals: Breakfast
Package Includes
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Airport meet and greet
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Airport transfers
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8 nights hotel accommodation
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Daily breakfast
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Welcome and farewell dinners
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High-speed Sapsan train (or domestic flight) from Moscow to St. Petersburg
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Domestic flight from St. Petersburg to Murmansk
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Professional English-speaking guide
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Guided sightseeing tours
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Entrance fees as per itinerary
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Two guided Northern Lights hunting excursions
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Hotel taxes and service charges
Package Excludes
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International airfare
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Russian visa fees (if applicable)
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Travel insurance
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Lunches unless specified
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Personal expenses
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Optional winter activities
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Tips for guides and drivers
Best Time to Visit
September – October
The Aurora season begins, with milder temperatures and colorful autumn landscapes.
November – January
Long Arctic nights increase the chances of seeing the Northern Lights, with festive winter scenery.
February – March ⭐ Best Time
Excellent balance of stable weather, snow-covered landscapes, and high Aurora visibility. This is considered one of the best times for Northern Lights photography.
April
The Aurora season comes to an end as daylight hours increase.
Recommended Hotels
Moscow
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The Carlton, Moscow
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Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park
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Moscow Marriott Grand Hotel
St. Petersburg
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Corinthia Hotel St. Petersburg
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Kempinski Hotel Moika 22
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Grand Hotel Europe
Murmansk
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Azimut Hotel Murmansk
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Park Inn by Radisson Murmansk
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Meridian Hotel Murmansk
Travel Tips
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The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed, but scheduling multiple Aurora hunting nights significantly improves the chances of seeing them.
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Pack thermal clothing, insulated boots, gloves, a warm hat, and layered winter clothing, as Arctic temperatures often fall well below freezing.
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Carry a tripod and a camera capable of long-exposure photography if you want to capture the Aurora.
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Winter daylight in Murmansk is limited, so plan outdoor activities accordingly.
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Respect local weather advisories and follow your guide's safety instructions during Arctic excursions.
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Carry a valid passport, required Russian travel documents (if applicable), and comprehensive travel insurance.
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Keep some Russian rubles for small purchases, although cards are widely accepted in major cities.
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Learn a few basic Russian phrases; while English is spoken in many tourist areas, simple greetings are appreciated.
This 9-day Russia itinerary offers an exceptional combination of historic capitals, world-famous museums and palaces, Arctic adventures, and the unforgettable spectacle of the Northern Lights, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
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