A traveller finds in the circus a true expression of the Russian character.
If your plane from Moscow to Central Asia is due to leave at midnight, your guide may inform that you therefore have ample time to go to the ballet, theatre, opera or circus. You may choose the circus, which will bring you nearer to the ordinary people of Russia: and also if you love circuses since your childhood and have not seen one for many years. You will never regret the choice. You will enjoy the Moscow Circus so much that in the month to come you will never miss a circus.
The experience gained in this manner will be revealing for you. Through it you will enter at once an extremely old and extremely contemporary world. You may find the circuses even more significant than ballet, theatre or opera, for the importance of the circus to the ordinary people themselves is evident. First the circus has a permanent home in all the major cities of Russia and in the blueprints of the new towns springing up all over the country a circus building is included. To a person like you, if you know, circuses only in their itinerant forms of great bell tents and marquees piled in painted caravan drawn creakingly along country roads and lanes by the placid and wrinkled pachyderms of India and Burma, some of these building seemed too good to be true.
At Rostov-on-Don, for instance, the circus building with its front of soaring Corinthian columns and classical gable all patiently reconstructed after the destruction of the town by Hitler’s hordes, has really to be seen to be believed. Inside it has more glittering tires than a Hollywood wedding cake. Tier upon dazzling tier rise to a vast domed top, and boxes, each lined with rich red velvet and finished off on curved cream and gold balconies festooned in plaster of Paris flowers, fruit and figurines, mount above them. The circus itself, the symbolism of tight-rope and flying trapeze, the pantomime of harlequin and clown, the dogs, horses and wild animals finding meaning in submission to the will and spirit of man, will all be presented with a lavish abandon, a zest for danger and a reckless disregard of the norms of chance and safety that seemed to come straight out of antiquity.
Over and over again you will be felt that you are witnessing the continuation of a tradition that has been founded by the gladiators and tempered in the hungry arenas and implacable amphitheatres of Byzantium and Rome. The response of the toil-worn crowds in their shabby clothes added to that impression. Sealed off by their system for some generations from the outside world as was the ancient world by its ignorance, they would look, their faces naked with wonder, at the appearance in the ring of the lions, apes, leopards, hippopotamuses and pythons.
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Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Moscow, Russia
Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the Russian capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.
Day 2
Moscow
Sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning will include a drive into RED SQUARE, then a walk past St. Basil’s, a visit to the KREMLIN and one of its cathedrals, and one of Moscow’s famed underground Metro stations. Free time to join other optional activities or do your own exploring of Russia’s fascinating capital.
Day 3
Moscow
Sightseeing with a Local Guide this morning will include a drive into RED SQUARE, then a walk past St. Basil’s, a visit to the KREMLIN and one of its cathedrals, and one of Moscow’s famed underground Metro stations. Free time to join other optional activities or do your own exploring of Russia’s fascinating capital.
Day 4
Moscow. Excursion to Sergiyev Posad–Overnight Train to St. Petersburg
Enjoy a day excursion that includes a visit to the TRINITY MONASTERY OF ST. SERGIYEV, founded by St. Sergiyev, one of Russia’s most revered holy men. To this day, thousands flock to the monastery not only as an act of religious belief but also to see one of Russia’s greatest and most splendid architectural treasures. It is also used by filmmakers because of its five-tiered bell tower, uniquely beautiful and equally photogenic. After dinner in Moscow, transfer to the station for your OVERNIGHT TRAIN to St. Petersburg.
Day 5
St. Petersburg
See the highlights on the city tour with a Local Guide. Created in 1703 by Peter the Great, this city was made the capital of all the Russias. Although not one of Russia’s oldest, it is steeped in history, particularly from the early 20th century to the end of the World War II when it endured one of the longest and cruelest sieges in modern history. A whole afternoon to do some individual exploring and to get to know more about this fascinating city.
Day 6
St. Petersburg
After breakfast, join the included visit to the PETERHOF PALACE and its GARDENS. This historic building was almost totally destroyed during World War II and was most lovingly restored to its original splendor just a few years ago.
Day 7
St. Petersburg
There is no greater attraction in this city than a visit to the HERMITAGE MUSEUM, housed in the Winter Palace built by the Swiss/Italian architect Rastrelli in 1754 during Empress Elizabeth’s reign. It remained the home of the imperial Russian Royal Family up to 1917. Its collection of paintings spans all eras and is particularly well known for its French Impressionist and modern art. The inside architecture is of outstanding beauty; note the magnificent Jordan staircase. A day to be remembered.
Day 8
St. Petersburg
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
Price on request
Inclusions
Vacation Highlights
Individual headsets
Inside visits and special features
Shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description including admission charges where applicable.
Guides
Local Guides for city sightseeing in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Sergiyev Posad, Peterhof Palace & Gardens, and Hermitage Museum (entrance fees included). Professional Tour Director while touring
NOTES
Security train regulations require clients’ passport information at time of booking. Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts; 2 lunches; 2 dinners
Exclusions
Anything that is not mentioned in the inclusions
Hotels
MOSCOW Holiday Inn Suschevsky
ST. PETERSBURG Sokos Olympic Garden
As suggested and to be customized as per request
Terms & Conditions Applied
For assisted tour booking and customization according to your requirement, please call: +91 33 4046 4646
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