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Make the most of your time in each port with an optional shore excursion. While you're free to explore any port on your own, many cruisers opt for organized excursions for their knowledgeable guides, access to restricted locations and unmatched convenience. Most excursions pick you up at the pier and drop you back off at the ship so you don't have to worry about transportation at port - or about arriving late and missing your ship. Start by browsing our destination to learn about their ports of call and the most popular things to do in each, or contact our experienced cruise consultants for help selecting the best excursions for you.

We recommend booking your shore excursions with either The Cruise Web's third party excursions partner, Shore Excursions Group , or through the cruise line directly.

There are many advantages to booking with Shore Excursions Group. For starters, you can enjoy prices up to 40% lower than cruise lines! Plus, Shore Excursions Group offers a money-back guarantee, additional excursion options, guaranteed return to ship and 24/7 traveler support at 1-866-703-0606.

NOTE : Shore excursions booked through Shore Excursions Group are NOT operated by the cruise line, but instead are arranged by Shore Excursions Group.

To browse shore excursions from Shore Excursions Group (The Cruise Web's 3rd party tour partner), please CLICK HERE .

Remember to book your shore excursions early for the best selection. Tours have limited capacity and fill up quickly!

Featured Excursions by Destination

Browse excursions from shore excursions group.

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8 tips for booking the best cruise shore excursion for your money

Choosing and booking shore excursions for your upcoming cruise should be simple. Pick a port, read the list of options provided by your cruise line, choose an activity you enjoy and then sign up.

In reality, the shore tour decision-making process gets more complex — especially if you want to make the most of your eight hours in a port you might never revisit.

I've taken more than 50 cruises, and I've made my share of tour booking mistakes.

I've signed up for hikes that were actually quick walks and spent more time in buses when I wanted to be out exploring the sights. I've overpaid for tour experiences that I could have done more cheaply on my own. I've also gone on fabulous excursions that enhanced my day in port.

For more cruise guides, news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

My top tip for booking the best cruise excursion for your money? Read the tour description carefully and then read between the lines to discover the truths about the excursion hidden behind all the promotional language.

Don't know how to do that? Read on as I reveal my best shore tour booking tips.

Book must-do tours as early as possible

The most popular excursions and limited-participant tours will sell out — often before you even board your cruise ship. You'll want to book these online as early as you can. Even better, many cruise lines discount the tours you purchase in advance.

Just make sure you read the fine print regarding tour cancellation policies. Also, in some cases, you cannot use onboard credit to pay for tours booked before sailing.

Related: Shore excursions: What new cruisers need to know

Book less important tours on the ship

If you're uncertain about a few tours or want to pay for your excursions with onboard credit, wait until you board to book. The excursions desk staff might have additional insight into the shore tours you're considering that will help you decide.

Make a beeline for the tour desk as soon as you board, and be prepared to wait in line. You can always ask the staff if they recommend you book immediately because a tour is filling up or whether you can take a day to decide.

Determine how much time will be spent in transit

My personal goal when venturing ashore on a cruise is to spend as little time as possible in transit and more time exploring. Folks with mobility issues, on the other hand, might prefer tours that let you sightsee exclusively by bus.

Shore excursions titled "panoramic," "easy" or "highlights" are often bus-focused tours where you'll view most sights from your window. If the write-up does not specifically say you'll venture inside an attraction or building, assume you'll only view it from the outside.

When looking at daytrips from your port of call to a destination outside the city, add up the transit times before subtracting them from the length of the tour.

A four-hour tour to an attraction an hour from the port equals two hours on a bus and two hours at the destination. Determine whether that's an acceptable ratio or if you'd make better use of your time sticking closer to the port.

Also, consider whether your kids can handle a long bus ride or if you get motion sick.

Related: 11 cruise ship excursions to avoid

Compare free time vs. guided touring

In a similar vein, compare the amount of free time you'll have to explore on your own on a tour against how much time you'll be following a guide. Don't book the tour if the balance does not work for you.

On a tour in Taormina, Italy, I watched half the group ditch the tour one by one and miss entrance into the ancient Greek theater because the guided portion of the tour went on far too long (and the guide was not very good).

If you like independent touring and merely want an excursion for the transportation and someone to get you pointed in the right direction, book tours titled "on your own."

Evaluate the activity level

You will not be happy if you book a cruise excursion only to discover you're physically incapable of participating fully in the tour — or that the activity is much easier than you imagined. Read the tour description carefully to determine if the activity level is right for you.

Don't book a walking tour in Europe if you're not able to tramp over uneven cobblestone streets for an hour or more. Skip the mountain biking tour if you're not in good health or the kayaking tour if you have back or shoulder pain. Be honest with yourself about your current abilities.

On the flip side, hardcore athletes should assume that most active cruise excursions cater to the lowest common denominator. The bike tour will likely be on flat roads and set at a leisurely pace. A hike on a cruise full of retirees is possibly a 20-minute walk on a boardwalk or paved surface.

If the excursion truly is demanding, the tour description will make sure that's abundantly clear in order to scare off anyone who isn't up to the challenge.

Related: Avoid these mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Compare costs

Before you book that shore excursion, compare the tour price to doing the same activity on your own or with an outside tour operator. Then, decide whether having a guide and the security and ease of booking through your cruise line outweigh any difference in price.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers a nearly three-hour ride on Skagway's White Pass and Yukon Route scenic railway for $199 per adult. But if you go to the railway's website, you can book the same trip for $146 — $50 less.

Booking a tour for a higher rate won't add to your experience. The train depot is right in town, close to the cruise docks, so you don't need bus transportation there. And the guides are part of the train experience, so you will get the informative narration either way.

Many cruise lines also offer slightly different versions of the same tour, such as a beach break with all-inclusive and less-inclusive options. Determine which inclusions or activities you will actually use before deciding which specific excursion will provide you with the best value for money.

Consider alternatives

Some first-time cruisers believe you must book a ship's tour in every port to get the most out of your cruise. It's not true.

Consider alternatives before you sign up for all the excursions. Can you walk or take a cab to the beach? Would you rather wander around a city's center, sampling local cuisine and browsing the shops? Could you rent a car or hire a taxi to see the sights at your own pace? Would you prefer to explore that fort or tour that museum on your own?

You might also prefer to hire a private guide or book a particular activity through a local outfitter, especially if the cruise line's excursion options don't include exactly what you're looking for.

Related: Ship-sponsored vs. independent shore excursions on cruises: Which should you book?

Assess your tour schedule as a whole

Some cruisers are so focused on what to do on each individual day that they never stop to consider their tour schedule as a whole. This is a mistake that can lead to burnout or a disappointing vacation.

Too many tours in a row with early departures or long days in port can be exhausting. You don't want to book three days straight of all-day excursions, nor do you want to plan to skip a port for a quiet day on board after you've just spent a day or two at sea.

Take a high-level look at your schedule, and make sure you have a nice mix of low-key and high-octane activities, organized tours and days to wander around or relax. If possible, try not to book any shore excursions until you're happy with your vacation plan as a whole.

Bottom line

The key to booking the best shore excursions is knowing what you want from your cruise vacation and making sure that your tour choices support those goals.

Don't compromise and pay for a tour you're not thrilled about because there's usually a better option out there. Make sure you understand what you're getting with each excursion choice and that you and your travel companions are both able and excited to participate fully in the listed tour activities.

And never feel pressured to book a tour when a leisurely day wandering about port — or even sleeping in and enjoying the ship with fewer people on board — is just what you need for a perfect vacation day.

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We have been using Cruise compete for…

We have been using Cruise compete for many years and have never been disappointed until now. We booked with Cruiser Travels for a family of 10 Alaska cruise with Celebrity. Our Agent is/was Felix. It started off very well when we initially called him on a Friday afternoon. He took all the names, etc and stated that although his office was closed on Saturday and Sunday he would come into office in AM on Saturday to input all the data and he would call me when it was done. He is located on East coast while we are in California. He called us at 05:30 on Saturday morning. Now is that totally inappropriate or what...I could use other words. When i tried reaching him by way of phone and e-mail I discovered that he was gone for a week or so and it seemed that no one ever picked up the phone in their office. It was always a message saying they would get back. Wrong ! I finally got a-hold of Jeremy in Customer Relations who was very helpful. There web site is terrible, however, in that I cannot access my invoice on-line. Remind me not to use Cruiser Travels in the future.

Date of experience : January 13, 2024

Reply from CruiseCompete

Dear Jay, Thank you for sharing your recent experience with Cruiser Travels and your booking with Celebrity for an Alaska cruise. We're truly sorry to hear about the inconvenience you've encountered, and we understand how frustrating it must have been. First and foremost, we sincerely apologize for any inappropriate timing of calls you experienced with Felix. We agree that a call at 05:30 AM is far from ideal and should not have occurred. We will address this matter with CT team to ensure such instances do not happen again in the future. Furthermore, we regret the difficulty you faced in reaching CT office while Felix was away. It is their priority to provide timely assistance to all our clients, and it seems there was a lapse in our communication during that period. We appreciate your patience in connecting with Jeremy in Customer Relations and are glad to hear that he was able to assist you effectively. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we appreciate you bringing these issues to our attention. We take your concerns seriously, and we will use them as an opportunity to enhance the services CT for the future. We understand your hesitation about using Cruiser Travels again. Please consider CruiseCompete in the future. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience you've faced, and we appreciate your understanding and patience. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to assist you in any way we can. Sincerely, Heidi / president CruiseCompete

booked a snorkel/boat tour in Costa…

booked a snorkel/boat tour in Costa Maya December 11, was awful at Mar Adentro Dive Center inside Blue Kay Ecocabanas. Was supposed to be 2 hours, we had to go INTO the water up to my chest to get into the smallest boat I've ever seen. No seats that you could be comfortable in, not even a bottle of water. Was horrible..Never again

Date of experience : December 11, 2023

Hello Sandra, Update: Hello Sandra. A full refund is on its way to you. We sincerely thank you for your feedback and wish you wonderful travels in the New Year! ------------- Hello Sandra, We're truly sorry to hear about your disappointing experience during your recent snorkel/boat tour at Mar Adentro Dive Center inside Blue Kay Ecocabanas on December 11. Your feedback is essential to us, and we appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns. We deeply regret that your tour did not meet your expectations. Our shore partners strive to provide exceptional experiences to all our guests, and it appears that they fell short on this occasion. Your comments regarding the boat size, seating comfort, and the absence of amenities like water are duly noted, and we'll be looking into these issues to ensure they are addressed promptly. Our goal is to make every guest's visit enjoyable and memorable, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you experienced during your tour. We take your feedback seriously and will use it as an opportunity for improvement. Please feel free to reach out to us directly at [email protected] and we'll do our best to make your next visit a better one. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience you encountered, and we appreciate your feedback, which helps us enhance our services. Thank you for your understanding, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.

I booked 2 tours with Cruise Compete

I booked 2 tours with Cruise Compete 1st tour Exclusive Mykonos Old and New was successful. 2nd tour BOOKED was Highlights of Corfu With the 2nd tour I reported to Travel Co and duly commenced the tour. At the 1st stop I checked my itinerary and as this was not on my tour. Spoke to the Guide who said "oh didn't they tell you. Our tour does not go to that area". I asked for a refund for the tour which I did not have. In the end they where untruthful about what had happened so I told them I would not communicate any further but write review instead After further discussion with Cruise compete I have now been given a FULL REFUND and a discount for another tour as a goodwill gesture. I am pleased with the outcome.

Date of experience : August 18, 2023

ShorEx - Moorea Island Safari

We booked Moorea Island Safari with Cruise Compete / ShorEx and enjoyed the experience thouroughly. Mario from SafariMario.com changed the time of our tour from morning to afternoon so we could do the tour with our friends. Thanks Mario. We travelled to Moorea on a cruise ship and were picked up and dropped off at the pier entrance. The tour got us back to the tender area in the afternoon comfortably in time to get back to our tender and ship. Ron our Guide (originally from Holland) was excellent - so polite, informative and friendly. Thanks Ron. The tour was in a jeep with deep cushioned bench seats and back rests. Yes it was bumpy at times, made it a little fun, this was to be expected given the off road dirt tracks we used to get to some of the highlights. The views on some of our stops overlooking the island were breath taking. We recognised some of the sights from musical film South Pacific (Bali High). A stunning island. Would recommend.

Date of experience : May 01, 2023

Hello Adrian, We are truly honored you used our website for your vacation. Thank you, Heidi, President, CruiseCompete.com

Great deals and excellent service!

I have booked several cruises using Cruise Compete. I always get a great deal and excellent service from the agencies I have chosen. Having so many offers in one place makes it very easy!

Date of experience : June 23, 2023

Thank you Pat for your 5 Star review. We are honored you visited our website and found what you wanted, plus enjoyed excellent service. Thank you.

Some of deals offered did not offer…

Some of deals offered did not offer extra OBC which I would have needed and some who did just look like they had higher costs for cruise for same cabins. Did not book yet.

Date of experience : June 16, 2023

Hello Neal, Thank you for your review. Please send privately to [email protected] your ID and we will see what we can find for you. We are truly honored you have visited our website. Sincerely, Heidi , President

Company has worked to make me happy

4 stars because they didn't respond to the email I sent them directly but after the poor review they have really stepped up. I will use their service again.

Date of experience : February 24, 2023

I did not book through you for my most…

I did not book through you for my most recent cruise.....why do you say that I did...In fact, I used to love your site but this last visit fell far short.... I went back to a travel agent that I used to use... The reason is...that of the skimpy number of respones a got - most of them were NOT quotes....they just asked me to call them...If I wanted to call ppl I would not be using Crise Critic - it defeats the purpose....you need to crack down on travel agents that use the site and insist that they provide actual quotes the way that they used to. Second reason - I gave specific detailed info on a cruise I was planning on turning over to an agent...everything they would need to know - they did not bother to read it and did not reply with any detail

Date of experience : May 09, 2023

Hello There, Thank you for your very frank review. We receive hundreds of Kudos monthly and rarely this kind of review. Therefore, we did not know that there were some areas that need to be improved. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused. Rest assured, we are committed to resolving the issue promptly and ensuring your satisfaction. Our team is actively working on finding a solution. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we work towards resolving this matter to your complete satisfaction. If you care to share your userid with [email protected] we will advise you of the changes we make so you Love Our Site again. Sincerely, Heidi , President

Cruise Compete allows you to receive several quotes in the same place.

Date of experience : March 22, 2023

Wow, thank you for your review. We are truly honored every time a guest enters our website.

Easy, efficient and comprehensive.

Date of experience : June 14, 2023

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

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You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

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Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

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The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

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The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

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Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

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KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

Duration 3 days

Price from USD $730 ? Currency Conversion Converted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip Style Sightseeing

Time of year All Year

Home / Moscow Tours / Moscow Vibes – Three Day City Escape

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This short Moscow tour will give you a true taste of the history, culture and incomparable urban vibe that define one of the world’s largest metropolises. In just three days, this Moscow itinerary takes in all the most iconic sights of this attraction-packed destination. After two and half days getting acquainted with the city, we’ve set time aside for you to explore Moscow your way and discover your own favourite hang-outs in a city overflowing with hidden treasures

3-Day Moscow Tour Highlights:

• Panoramic Tour of Moscow: See Moscow beyond the postcard images on a private excursion by car through the city streets including a drive along the banks of the Moskva River. Visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, pass by Gorky Park and the Novodevichy Convent, and admire the city from on high at the Sparrow Hill observation platform.
• Moscow Historical City Centre Guided Walking Tour : Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of one of the world’s biggest metropolises and discover local haunts on foot, including the Red Square, the Kremlin and the multi-coloured domes of St Basil’s Cathedral.
• Armory Chamber tour: Explore the endless treasures of this unique museum, displaying the wealth accumulated by Russian rulers from the 12th century until the October Revolution of 1917. Walking through the exhibition halls is a journey through the centuries.
• Moscow Metro Tour : Go deep underground on a subway tour of the famous Moscow metro. The world’s deepest metro system is renowned for its palatial, art-adorned stations, complete with marble columns and chandeliers.

On your first day, you’ll be treated to a panoramic, drive-by tour of Moscow to get a feel for the immense scale of one of the world’s most rapidly developing urban centres. The city’s history unfolds in real-time as you pass lavish imperial mansions, solemn Soviet structures and luxurious modern shopping centres.

Day two kicks off exploring Moscow’s historic centre on foot, followed by a tour of the Kremlin, the seat of Russian power and political intrigue for centuries. Stand in the Red Square, surrounded by the stunning architecture as you hear stories of the people and events behind many of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks.

On your final day, we’ll head beneath the city for a tour of the Moscow Metro and its famously ornate underground stations. Art lovers should hit up one of Moscow’s many world-class galleries such as the Tretyakov State Gallery, the Pushkin Museum or Garage, Moscow’s cutting-edge contemporary art museum. History fans can follow a Soviet trail through the city including Stalin’s Bunker, while those seeking a more indulgent experience can browse trendy neighbourhoods like Kitay Gorod or shop for everything from fashion to kitsch souvenirs at the enchanting Izmaylovo Flea Market. Foodies can head to one of the countless speciality stores sampling vodka, caviar and chocolate.

If you only have a few days to spend in Moscow, this tour will ensure you make the most of your time in the city. Let the experts navigate you through this complex and occasionally overwhelming capital, giving you plenty of time to soak up the city’s most unmissable attractions.

Accomodation

Not Included

Sightseeing

Action rating ?

Type of tour

3 days / 2 nights

Private - Any Date

Day 1 Panoramic city tour

Welcome to the glorious capital of Russia, Moscow! You’ll be met by your driver at the airport and taken to your centrally located hotel.

After check-in and rest, meet your private guide at the hotel lobby for a comprehensive tour of Moscow by car. Visit the starkly contrasting Theatre Square to see the stunning Bolshoi Theatre, pass Tverskaya Street, the city’s main boulevard and home to the landmark Yeleseyevskiy Grocery Store.

You’ll enjoy a panoramic drive along the Moskva River, where a huge, controversial state of Peter the Great was erected. Pass by the legendary Gorky Park and the White House before a stop at the architecturally stunning Novodevichy Convent, and the observation platform at Sparrow Hills, for a bird’s eye view over this staggering megalopolis.

Day 2 Red Square and Kremlin

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you on a walking tour of the historical city centre. Stroll through the Red Square, the hub of cultural life in Moscow, with its elaborate ‘stone flower’ fountain and fantasy-like St Basil’s Cathedral – a postcard-perfect symbol of the nation. Admire the grandiose façade of GUM, the city’s most luxurious shopping centre, and visit Alexander’s Garden, with its eternal flame and the chance to watch a changing of the guards.

Break for lunch before continuing on a tour of the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber, famous of its collection of tsarist fashion, with regalia such as jewel-encrusted crowns, orbs and sceptres as well as arms and armour, exotic gifts from the leaders of faraway lands, and an illustrious case of Imperial Faberge eggs.

As an option* spend an evening on a sumptuous dinner cruise, taking in the stunning sights and city lights of this mesmerising metropolis by night.

Day 3 Metro and Arbat Street

Start a day with a tour of Metro, stopping on the way to marvel at some of the most elaborately decorated stations of the world-famous Moscow subway system. Take a stroll along Old Arbat street - the most famous street in Moscow. Through the centuries Arbat used to be one of the most bohemian places in Moscow. Today Arbat is a promenade full of small cozy cafes and street life.

The afternoon is free for you to either enjoy the rest of the day on your own or choose among optional excursions to explore more of Moscow. Visit the Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum to admire Russian art. Join locals for a stroll at the Gorky or VDNH park.

Visit beautiful Kolomeskoye Estate or Izmailovo Kremlin, or spend a day exploring the beautiful city of the Golden Ring (Russian province) - Sergiev Posad. In the evening you will be transferred to the airport for your departure to your next destination.

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Group airport/train-station arrival and departure transfers

All transportation according to the itinerary with a private driver

4* hotel accommodation in the historical city center (twin/double)

Local licensed English-speaking guide

All activities, indicated in the itinerary, except optional

Entry fees according to the itinerary (skip-the-lines policy)

Russian visa support document

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees. Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here .

Optional excursions/activities

*Private tour. Price is per person, based on min 2 people

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Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

Group & Private Tours

The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.

From USD $730

Day 1: Panoramic city tour

Day 2: red square and kremlin, day 3: metro and arbat street, not included, start planning your tour.

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