Where to next
All destinations
Coral islands in the heart of the Indian Ocean, where privacy is the starting point
An island of calm, made for unhurried days
The land of smiles and golden temples
Temples, rice terraces and the Indian Ocean
A city in a garden, just north of the equator
From towering skylines to desert sands
Land of the tsars, white winters and long summer light
Russia
The Kremlin, the Hermitage and the fast train between them
This is the first journey to Russia as it should be. In Moscow you stay at the historic Hotel Metropol, steps from the Bolshoi and Red Square. You see the Kremlin and its treasures with a private Arabic-speaking guide, spend an evening at the Bolshoi, and a day between Zaryadye Park, the river and the metro palaces.
Then the Sapsan takes you to Saint Petersburg in about four hours, to the Hotel Astoria by Saint Isaac's Cathedral. There are the Hermitage and the Winter Palace, Peterhof and its fountains by hydrofoil, and an evening at the Mariinsky. In June, the White Nights add their own spell to all of it.
Day 1
A direct flight of about 6 hours from Riyadh, a private welcome at the airport and the drive to the Hotel Metropol Moscow. A short evening walk to Red Square, lit at night.
Day 2
A full day with your private guide: Cathedral Square and the Tsar Bell, then the Armoury and the Diamond Fund. After lunch, Saint Basil's Cathedral and GUM.
Day 3
Zaryadye Park and its bridge, then a private boat on the Moskva and the historic metro stations. In the evening, a performance at the Bolshoi, next to your hotel.
Day 4
The Tretyakov Gallery of Russian art, a visit to the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, the towers of Moscow City, or a quiet day at the hotel.
Day 5
About four hours in first class across 650 km, then the Hotel Astoria. In the evening, a boat through the city's canals.
Day 6
A private visit in the first hours, from the state rooms to the Peacock Clock, Rembrandt and Leonardo. In the afternoon, Saint Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood.
Day 7
The hydrofoil to Peterhof for the Grand Cascade at 11:00 and a walk through the Lower Park. In the evening, a performance at the Mariinsky.
Day 8
A quiet morning, then the airport and the flight home, via Moscow or direct where a service operates.
Where you stay
City
Saint Petersburg
Hotel Astoria, St Petersburg
A grand hotel on St Isaac's Square in the centre of St Petersburg, with a stately facade and an intimate, elegant interior. For more than a century it has witnessed the city's history and hosted its royals, writers and stars.
Price on requestExplore
City
Moscow
Hotel Metropol Moscow
A historic hotel five minutes' walk from the Kremlin, Red Square and the Bolshoi, where old Moscow meets modern comfort. Renovated smart-home rooms, the Michelin-starred Savva, and a breakfast voted the best hotel breakfast in Russia.
Price on requestExplore
Journeys
Bali · 7 nights
Seven nights on a calm beach, with days chosen for children and parents alike
Seven nights at Ayodya Resort Bali, with its children's club and family pool, water sports, the Monkey Forest and the Kecak, halal dining and Friday prayers at the Ibnu Batutah Mosque.
The Maldives · 8 nights
A Maldivian village near Malé, then the manta island in Baa
Four nights at Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, with its kids' club and surf lessons, then four at Landaa Giraavaru with the manta and turtle scientists.
