james travel

“Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind, and fills your life with stories to tell."

YOUR EXQUISITELY CURATED ADVENTURE BEGINS HERE

Authentic experiences to feed the soul

We invite you to explore the richness of what our world has to offer. From a one-of-a-kind safari adventure to a luxury camping experience in the Inara desert, to an immersive and decadent villa retreat in the Italian countryside we are dedicated to crafting your ideal getaway. At CharlotteJames Travel, we believe travel design to be a highly personalized client-driven art form. Using a tireless collaborative approach, we dig deep and get to know our clients on a personal level, eventually drafting a multi-faceted ‘passion profile’ for each participant. This profile maps preferences, passions and personality traits, all of which enables us to craft a truly unique and completely bespoke luxury itinerary. We pride ourselves in anticipating our clients’ every need and desire as they embark on their adventure. We research and plan even the smallest of details, vet our suppliers and ensure an unmatched experience every time.

If you can dream it, CharlotteJames Travel can bring it to life.

The experience of your dreams awaits.

Experiential

Private & Confidential

Whatever, wherever and with whoever… we can make it happen, add your heading text here, satisfy your wanderlust.

Contact us and we’ll come to you.

Leanne Banna

Leanne Banna has been a business strategist and a marketing communications executive for over 30 years. She is highly experienced in overarching business strategy, elevating brands, leading teams, executing events, devising campaigns, developing collaborations, forwarding experiential projects, handling public relations, media relations and crisis management. She has served a wide variety of national and regional clients and markets including but not limited to entertainment, retail, healthcare, utilities, education, political, non-profit, construction & accounting services. She has founded several non-profits & coached many, won several awards & recognition for such, but she is most proud of her only son and favorite travel buddy, Chase, who is a marketing executive in his own right.

Leanne has enjoyed travel since she was 5 years old when she took her first international trip to visit family. She loves creating joy for others. Both of which is why she’s chosen to partner with CharlotteJames in what she calls “her 4th quarter” of life adventure!

With her creativity, good taste & attention to detail, she can plan the most extraordinary, dreamy niche vacations of your wildest imagination. Whether it’s a private trip, business incentive program, board meetings, retreats for corporate or coaching groups, or any other niche, Leanne will tailor to your discriminate needs.

Carole Morgan

With more than 30 years in the travel industry, her love of travel started when she began developing national sales incentive programs for Showtime Networks wanting to create “once in a lifetime experiences” for front line employees to executives. From there she fulfilled a lifelong dream of moving to Hawaii and living on Maui where she worked as Operations Director for a Destination Management Company, leading a team and operating Fortune 500 company incentive programs throughout the Hawaiian Islands for more than 18 years. Currently, her passion for travel continues as a travel designer where she creates experiences and adventures for companies, specialty groups and individuals for incentive programs, multi-generational families, healing retreats and destination weddings.

Your Adventure Begins Here

Welcome to Philip James Travel

A multi-generational native of New Orleans, I am a grateful husband and proud father, and a discerning traveler.  I am passionate about making connections with people and making the world a smaller and kinder place.  And professionally I work to make sure that travel is done well.  To me this means authentic, experiential, and memorable.  Together, let's discover what that means to you.

My knowledge of luxury travel comes from a fruitful career in sales with Belmond, one of the world’s premier luxury travel brands.  My association with Belmond gave me a deep understanding of the road less traveled, and a world filled with authentic escapes and true experiences that are delivered by the locals who know them best and live them every day. My own journeys have led me to 20 different countries ranging from nearby Mexico to distant Myanmar. And along the way I have amassed a wealth of connections with the most respected travel suppliers in the industry, giving necessary confidence to my clients that their travel is expertly-managed.

So, what do I do exactly? 

I help sophisticated travelers who seek authentic experiences and connect them with whatever matters most…. time with loved ones, unique cultures, historic perspectives, cherished memories, mesmerizing landscapes, celebrations of life’s journeys, or simply relaxing from a frenzied work or home life. I understand they’re seeking a deeper understanding of the world and themselves, and they want to find the right destinations and memorable travel experiences.  Through meaningful conversations I uncover the clients’ travel passions, and cut through the online clutter and confusion, and design and deliver distinctive escapes that will deepen relationships and shift perspectives.  And when they return home they’ll be raving to their friends about their trip and eager to work with me to write the next chapter in their lives’ travel story.

Book a call with me so that we can discuss your travel passions and see where we can align your dreams with my connections.

I’d love to hear from you and discuss all things travel.

Please let me know how I can be of assistance to you.

Thanks! I look forward to hearing from you.

• Friends in Paris 2024

Sam James Travel & Tours

Welcome to a travel experience like no other..

Sam James Travel is a travel company dedicated to creating immersive group experiences that awaken the soul. Our culturally rich journeys take you off the beaten path and into the heart of a destination, leaving you with new perspectives and a profound sense of groundedness.

Samuel James, Eponym

In the mid-20th century, my great-grandfather, Samuel James, was one of the millions of African Americans who, along with their families, migrated west to escape the Jim Crow South in the United States.

This move marked a new beginning for my family's life in the Pacific North West and ignited a passion for travel and discovering new places.

Now, seven decades later, my great-grandfather's courage and vision inspire my global adventures. One trip can change a lifetime, or it can change several lifetimes. This agency is dedicated to his honor, the confidence, and courageousness to journey to new places, pursue new adventures, and expand our outlooks.

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Inspiring Itineraries

Tanzania delivers an exceptional safari experience within its game parks and private reserves. Here wildebeest stampede across the Serengeti plains during their annual migration and baobabs dwarf the herds of elephants that feed beneath them in Tarangire National Park. Explore Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest free-standing caldera. 

Is it time you went on a safari?

Mark It Off Your Bucket List

Enjoy a day of discovery in the Tarangire National Park

Visit the Ngorongoro Crater with a picnic lunch

Enjoy game drives in the spectacular Serengeti

Explore the hidden secrets of Zanzibar  

Days 1 - 2:    Arusha, Tanzania

Day 3:    Tarangire

Day 4:    Tarangire - Ngorongoro

Day 5:    Ngorongoro Crater

Day 6:    Ngorongoro - Serengeti Days 7 - 8: Serengeti National Park

Days 9 - 13:    Zanzibar

Cruise to King’s Wharf, Bermuda.  Think pink in this paradise of the Atlantic. Discover an enduring legacy of seamanship, historic sights, picturesque towns, world-class golf courses and beaches of pink sand lapped by aqua-blue waters.​

Rock climbing

Spa massage at sea

Salsa dancing

Piano singalong

Day 1:   Leaving from Baltimore, Maryland

Day 2:   Cruising

Day 3:   King’s Wharf, Bermuda

Day 4:   King’s Wharf, Bermuda

Day 5:   Cruising

Day 6:   Port of Arrival Baltimore, Maryland

Mediterranean Wonders Voyage Luxury Cruise

From the Balearic Islands to Florence to Rome, this voyage has it all. But first, Barcelona, Spain; a seaside wonder where the Mediterranean sun is as warm as the friendly faces that call Barcelona home. Next, Ibiza, with its crystal-clear waters and phenomenal coastline. It’s a great place to visit in the daytime, but it’s nighttime when Ibiza really shines. Ibiza’s nightlife is legendary, so it’s a good thing the ship stays overnight.

Your first view of Mallorca, the largest Balearic Island, is breathtaking: Bellver Castle overlooking the bay and the famed Gothic cathedral standing out against the horizon with the ancient Almudaina Palace beneath. The ship stays late, so be sure to visit all three. Island-hop next to Menorca, where a hike up Monte Toro offers the best views of this laidback Balearic hideaway.

And island-hop some more to Corsica. The ancient fortress town of Bonifaccio is believed to have a place in Homer’s Odyssey, where the Laestrygonians sink every ship but Ulysses’ with huge boulders flung from the cliffs. Luckily, Laestrygonians exist only in Greek mythology, because Azamara’s ships are smaller, so we’re able to sail right into this fantastic port. Climb up the steep steps of the fortress for the view facing the sea – it is almost as remarkable as the view from the ship.

Then it’s on to Florence and Pisa, concluding your voyage in Rome, where you may want to stay another day or two before heading home.​

Luxury cruising

Lucca & Wine Tasting

Spa massage 

Day 1:   Barcelona, Spain

Day 2:   Ibiza, Spain

Day 3:   Ibiza, Spain & Palma De Mallorca, Spain

Day 4:   Mahon Menorca, Spain

Day 5:   Bonifacio, Corsica, France

Day 6:   Portoferraio, Elba, Italy

Day 7:   Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy

Day 8:   Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy

With a moderate climate and a landscape that ranges from tropical rainforest and soaring mountains to rolling meadowland and dramatic coastlines, Jamaica is a land of adventure, sophistication and elegance. From adventurous palates to adrenaline junkies, newlyweds to nature lovers, Jamaica caters to everyone, and offers an unforgettable experience. Sit back and relax and enjoy an all-inclusive Jamaica vacation!

Climbing the falls

Day 1:   Arrive in Jamaica

Day 2:   Visit Dunn's River Falls

Day 3:   Relax on the beach

Day 4:   Arrive home

Ready to Create Lasting Memories?

BOOK YOUR NEXT VACATION WITH JAMES HART TRAVEL

LET'S TRAVEL THE WORLD

Book Your Cruise Today!  Book Early for the Best Rooms & Rates

Explore the world.

James Royal Travel is your Group Cruise and Family Vacation Specialist and ultimate travel advisors. We specialize in creating custom and unforgettable travel experiences for all types of travelers. From exotic destinations to adventure-filled trips, let us help plan your next getaway. Browse our website, give us a call, or send us an email to start your journey today.”

Are you looking for a travel agent that specializes in group travel? Look no further! Our agents offer personalized travel planning services for groups of all sizes. Whether you’re planning a family cruise, family vacation, family reunion or corporate retreat, we have the expertise to make your vacation unforgettable. From exotic destinations to family-friendly getaways, we’ll work with you to create the perfect itinerary. Contact us today to start planning your dream vacation!

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SINTRA TRAVEL GUIDE 2024 AND BEYOND: A Journey Through Culture, Hidden Gems, Cuisine And Local Secrets In The Green Hills of Portugal – Packed With ... & Itinerary Planner (Cityscape Chronicles) Paperback – March 19, 2024

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Ever pondered if a destination could be a doorway to enchantment, where every street whispers tales of bygone eras? What if each cobblestone led to a new adventure waiting to be discovered? Welcome to Sintra, the town and municipality in Greater Lisbon, Portugal, where the echoes of history resonate in every corner, and the promise of the future beckons with allure. Are you prepared to delve into the mysteries of this Portuguese treasure?

Introducing "Sintra Travel Guide 2024 And Beyond," your indispensable companion for unlocking the secrets of this captivating town. Overflowing with insights, tips, and a comprehensive roadmap, this guide is your passport to an unforgettable journey through Sintra.

Travel like 007 with these James Bond inspired trips

"Bond, James Bond."

Those three words, first uttered from the silver screen 60 years ago, began an era of intrigue and fascination with the 007 franchise, as well as the allure of global adventure travel.

I remember the first time I saw a James Bond movie, which I watched at home with my mom, a huge fan of the franchise, on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Roger Moore played Bond in "The Spy Who Loved Me" fighting Jaws, the towering, metal-mouthed villain. He used an array of teched-out vehicles, including an amphibious sports car that dove into the ocean and then shot a helicopter out of the sky, and ingenious weapons (hello, ski pole gun) he picked up back at spy headquarters.

More than the incredible-for-the-time special effects, it was the destinations that mesmerized me — the snow-covered peaks of the Swiss Alps, Egypt's ancient sites and the beaches of Italy.

Although I might not have known exactly where all of these locations were at the time, they resonated with me. How awesome would it be to visit those places in the lavish style of Ian Fleming's literary spy brought to life?

For anyone who's ever dreamed of racing sports cars through the streets of Monaco ("Casino Royale"), water skiing on Lake Como ("License to Kill") or diving into the aqua waters of Jamaica ("Dr. No," the first film in the franchise, which premiered Oct. 5, 1962), the Bond film franchise's 60th anniversary brings a number of new travel itineraries to immerse fans of film and travel alike into the world of the beloved franchise.

For example, Black Tomato — the official travel partner of EON Productions (the British film company that produces the James Bond film series) — just announced a limited, ultra-glamorous, multi-country European itinerary that will bring 007 to life.

Just 60 private, immersive European Bond-centric adventures are available to book as groups or individuals. A special website just debuted in time for the anniversary. The trips will take place in March 2023, and more details, including prices, will be released at a later date.

These luxe adventures will explore all things 007. Highlights include a Lake Como setting ripe for a daring adventure. From the private jetty of your hotel, take inspiration from James Bond in "License To Kill" and water ski along the Moltrasio shoreline, before jumping aboard a private seaplane to continue your expedition.

Then take to the skies above the picturesque towns of Bellagio and Varenna on their way to "SPECTRE" agent Mr. White's infamous lakeside home, Villa La Gaeta. The thrills continue as you touch down, met by an iconic Bond wooden Riva boat and a bottle of 007's favorite, Champagne Bollinger. Speed off in style to the iconic Villa del Balbianello from "Casino Royale" to stroll the terraced gardens before enjoying a private villa tour with exclusive insights into how they transformed the location for the film.

Then it's on to France and picturesque Chantilly, home to Europe's oldest equestrian center, Château de Chantilly. Bond fans may remember it from "A View to a Kill" as the lavish estate of villain Max Zorin. Then saddle up for a horseback riding adventure through Chantilly Forest to the Château de Chantilly for a deeper look at a Bond villain's lair.

Although Black Tomato is the official partner for the film's anniversary, there are other ways to immerse yourself in the world of 007 and turn on-screen adventures into real-life trips during the 60th anniversary and beyond.

Special Ops training with EMBARK Beyond

Yacht broker Northrop & Johnson has launched what they call the ultimate Bond-inspired getaway, with curated itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean in partnership with bespoke luxury travel agency Embark Beyond.

First, you'll choose one of two six-stateroom yachts to charter — either the Skyfall or the Casino Royal — and then it's time to create a truly big screen-worthy itinerary.

Participants can loop in with more of the espionage and intrigue part of James Bond, with opportunities to jump out of a helicopter or skydive with a Special Ops agent from Servius (a security company that employs elite U.S. Special Operations personnel), attend luxury car road rallies in Monaco or go horseback riding along the beach in the Bahamas to the Albany House, which played residence to one of the film's villains in "Casino Royale ," before jet skiing and hydro-foiling in the sea.

Those interested in booking the experience work with Embark Beyond to customize the itinerary and with Northrop & Johnson to select the charter that best fits the journey (prices available upon request).

Stay and play like 007

You don't need to book a luxury itinerary to immerse yourself in the world of Bond.

Going back to my first and favorite Bond film, "The Spy Who Loved Me," you can book a stay at the Luxury Collection's Hotel Cala di Volpe, in Sardinia, Italy, nestled on the shimmering turquoise bay of Costa Smeralda, where scenes from that movie were filmed. Award nights are available from 90,000 points per night.

The Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa is an homage to James Bond creator Ian Fleming with villas perched on stilts in the rainforest and over the ocean, some of which have private infinity pools. Award nights here are bookable from 90,000 points per night.

Related: The best bucket list points trips to beach destinations

If you really want to live large in super spy, or supervillain, style, you can rent entire villas that were used in Bond films. Two stand-out options are part of StayONE, Mandarin Oriental's Luxury Homes collection.

In Ocho Rios, Jamaica, travelers looking to visit the birthplace of Bond can stay in an oceanfront villa with room for 12 on the island where Fleming wrote his James Bond novels and where scenes from "No Time to Die" and "Dr. No" were filmed.

And in Corfu, Greece, in the estate where For Your Eyes Only was filmed. It boasts stunning views of the Ionian Sea and is roomy enough for 18 super Bond fans.

Phone:   (973) 476-3260 / (973) 220-6429

Email:   [email protected]   /   [email protected]

Upcoming Trips

Book a Trip With Us Today!

SPECIAL PROMOTIONS 2023 / 2024

CALL: 973-476-3260 or 973-220-6429

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Call or e-mail for additional information and pricing.   

Click on the links where indicated for trip details.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Nicki Minaj’s Sex Offender Husband Permitted to Travel With Her on Tour

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

Nicki Minaj ’s husband Kenneth Petty has been granted permission by a California district judge to travel internationally for Minaj’s upcoming Pink Friday 2 tour.

Petty pled guilty to the attempted rape of Jennifer Hough in 1995, stemming from an incident that occurred in September 1994 when she and Petty were both 16 years old. Hough alleged that Petty tried to assault her at knife point, after which she escaped the attack by throwing a bottle of contact solution at his head.

As part of the sentencing, Petty served four years in prison and was ordered to register as a sex offender. In March 2020, he was arrested for failing to do so and was hit with a year of house arrest, a $50,000 fine, and three years of probation.

Now that he’s registered , completed his one year of confinement, and has seemingly complied with his probation, this week Petty filed a legal motion for permission to travel internationally with Minaj, “for his wife’s tour and her professional purposes,” according to the motion obtained by The Daily Beast.

“Mr. Petty and Mrs. Petty believe Mr. Petty is necessary to accompany the family on the tour for various purposes, including childcare,” the motion says of the planned travel, which is set to begin April 17 and continue periodically through July 14.

Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor and president of West Coast Trial Lawyers, told The Daily Beast, “The government took no position [on whether or not Petty could leave the country], which means that they didn’t oppose it—so that made it a little bit easier for the judge to grant it.”

“It appears that he did serve his house arrest,” Rahmani added, “So it’s not surprising that the judge would grant a request like this for him to travel with his wife. He’s done his time and it seems like he’s been more or less compliant with the terms of probation.”

The motion was granted by a district court judge this week, with the stipulation that “Mr. Petty shall keep his probation officer updated with the details of his travel itinerary as needed,” and “At the conclusion of the travel, Mr. Petty must return to Los Angeles County and must check in with his probation officer upon returning.”

Though Petty was granted permission to leave the U.S., his status as a sex offender could still pose a threat to his entering some of the countries on the tour’s list of stops. As one X user pointed out , “Canada doesn't allow people who have had DUIs in, so I can’t see them allowing a sex offender in.” Said another , “He’s not getting in, Canada is super strict when it comes to letting in criminals.”

According to Duncan Levin, a former federal prosecutor who has defended several high-profile clients, those users might have a point. “Given Petty’s status as a registered sex offender, his ability to travel to countries like Canada or the UK could be restricted,” Levin tells The Daily Beast. “In Canada, individuals with certain criminal convictions may be deemed inadmissible and denied entry. Similarly, the UK has rules regarding the entry of individuals with criminal records, and sex offenses are taken particularly seriously.”

But all hope isn’t lost, Levin says: “Exceptions or waivers may be granted in certain cases, especially if Petty can demonstrate that his travel is necessary for legitimate reasons. He may need to apply for special permission or waivers to enter Canada or the UK, and the decision will likely be made on a case-by-case basis.”

Nicki Minaj’s Husband’s Rape Accuser Submits Evidence From 1994 Trial

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The R&K Guide To Moscow

The World Cup is upon us, but you could argue that it’s already a relic from another era, a time when Putin was looking for peaceable engagement with the West, before he annexed Crimea and unleashed his trolls on the world. But if ordinary Russians are supposed to play the part of pariah, they haven’t been told. It has been a long time since Moscow was this pleasant to visit. The city center is safe, sanitized, ready for your visit. Yes, the calm is a sign of an increasingly efficient autocracy. But we’ve known Moscow through many iterations, and for the casual visitor, this is one of the best yet. (Visit our St. Petersburg guide here.)

How To Do Moscow

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Here's How the Cast of Mary & George Compares to Their Real-Life Counterparts

From the titular Mary and George to King James and Queen Anne, here's how the cast stacks up to the historical figures they portray.

Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

"With any drama, there is obviously a poetic license that's taken, and there's some characters in the show that maybe didn't exist, but there was certainly plenty that did," Tony Curran, who plays King James, tells T&C . "Mary, George Villiers, Sir Francis Bacon, Sir Walter Raleigh, Queen Anne, King James, Robert Carr, all those characters. A lot of the story that we've put on screen is factual, as close to the truth as it was at that time, but of course, there's elements that are dramatized in many ways."

Here, see how the cast of Mary & George compares to their real-life counterparts:

Julianne Moore as Mary Villiers

The Oscar-winning actress stars as Mary Villiers, who schemes for power. "The most compelling thing to me about Mary was that she was very aware of how limited her choices were. She had no autonomy, her only paths are through the men she is married to, or her sons," Moore explains . "There is a neediness and voraciousness in her that is kind of shocking."

Nicholas Galitzine as George Villiers

Galitzine, who has appeared in Red, White, & Royal Blue, Bottoms, and the forthcoming The Idea of You , stars as George Villiers. "It was such a joy to chart this journey from fragile young man to essentially someone who had the power of the King of England," he tells Town & Country .

Tony Curran as King James VI and I

Curran, the Scottish actor who is set to appear in the Outlander prequel Blood of My Blood , plays the complex King James. "There's a real vulnerability to King James and a real loneliness there, a hole that needs to be filled within his soul," Curran tells T&C .

Trine Dyrholm as Queen Anne

Danish actress Dyrholm takes on the role of Queen Anne (who was also Danish). Hair stylist Adam James Phillips writes that Queen Anne's hairdo was "one of the hardest wig stylings I’ve ever had to do… The whole look was created with just the wig hair...and a lot of hope."

Mark O'Halloran as Francis Bacon

O'Halloran, an Irish playwright and actor, plays Francis Bacon, a character described as a "cunning, a bear of a man" and "voraciously, politically ambitious."

Laurie Davidson as Robert Carr, Earl Somerset

Davidson plays the 1st Earl Somerset, who is King James's favorite lover before George shows up. " Mary & George is more of a psychodrama than just a typical historical drama," Davidson said of the show. "We already know the facts and the dates and the history but we're giving the motivations, what drives these characters to go after what they go after."

Pearl Chanda as Frances Carr, Countess of Somerset

Chanda plays Carr's wife, Frances, an English noblewoman involved in a scandal; after her husband fell out of favor with the king, they both stood trial for the murder of Thomas Overbury.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

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Joey Essex and James Argent left stranded by Dubai flood

T he Only Way Is Essex stars Joey Essex and James Argent were left stranded on the streets of Dubai after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced the heaviest rainfall ever recorded in the desert nation.

On Tuesday more than a year and a half’s worth of rain was dumped onto the desert city-state in the span of mere hours.

Essex, 33, who was a contestant on Dancing On Ice in 2023, was caught up in the aftermath of the torrential rainfall and said the pair had “decided to hitchhike after hours of trying to get back home.”

On his Instagram story, the reality star posted a video of 36-year-old Argent – also known as Arg – standing next to a flooded road with his hand stuck out in front of him, as Essex said: “Hitchhiking, we have no choice.”

Essex also uploaded a clip of him walking along the street pavement, part of which had seemingly collapsed, as a car tried to make its way across a flooded road.

The caption said: “After hours of looking for a taxi and hitchhiking on the streets of Dubai.

“We have now decided to take the next step… operation survival.”

In the next video Essex was seen holding his shoes as he walked along the streets barefoot, with the water around his ankles.

The rainfall began late on Monday, soaking the sands and roadways of Dubai with some 0.79in of rain, according to meteorological data collected at Dubai International Airport.

The storms intensified at around 9am local time on Tuesday and continued throughout the day, dumping more rain and by the end of the day more than 5.59 inches of rainfall had soaked Dubai over the course of 24 hours.

Many roads in the UAE lack drainage given the lack of regular rainfall, which is unusual in the UAE, an arid, Arabian Peninsula nation, but occurs periodically during the cooler winter months.

Rain also fell in Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia and separate heavy flooding has taken place in Oman in recent days.

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