The largest country in the world, Russia is also a cultural giant. That is visible to all visitors and locals alike. In its majestic inheritance from imperial times, or in its variety of cultures, spanning from the Pacific Ocean to Central Asia and Europe, Russia always excels in richness and uniqueness of cultural heritage.

Never in its history did Russia spare money to create grandeur and glitter. Even in the most austere communist times, museums, cultural centers, theaters and universities enjoyed full funding and support from the central government.

Now, after the democratic changes in the 1990's, Russian oligarchs and the government of the Russian Federation don’t hesitate to spend petroleum money to show to the world how magnificent is the cultural heritage they can create, repatriate from other countries and maintain through generous donations.

Inheriting two large empires – the tsarist one and the communist one – the Russians are proud of their cultural heritage, now exposed for all to see. Or, almost to all – there are places and events that a foreigner, if not well connected, doesn not have access to: private theater performances, private visits to museums, etc. With Cultural Crossroads, these barriers do not exist. Our tour to Moscow and St. Petersburg shows the most glorious and magnificent Russia – from inside and out.

Cultural Crossroads Tours to Russia at a Glance

• Moscow and St. Petersburg
  

  Join Cultural Crossroads as we experience the great art and culture of these two cities. Explore the Kremlin, Armory and the Alexander Pushkin museums along with the incredible Hermitage. Visit St. Catherine’s Palace in all its beauty and enjoy a folkloric show, theater performances, a Russian Choir and the Ballet Academy.

• St. Petersburg, Moscow & The Russian Waterways
  

  Experience Russia with your hosts, former New York Times Moscow

  bureau chief Christopher Wren and his wife, Jaqueline.

  Cruise the waterways from St. Petersburg to Moscow on one of Russia’s most luxurious and intimate ships, the MS Tolstoy.

  Take in the passing Russian landscape of charming medieval towns, quaint river villages and breathtaking scenery at a leisurely pace as you cruise down the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers.

  Spend a full day viewing the magnificent art collection of the Hermitage which includes many important Impressionist paintings.

  Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites, Kizhi Island, home of the spectacular Transfiguration Church, and Novodevichy convent.

  Enjoy 4-star hotels in St. Petersburg and Moscow. Russian language and dance lessons included.

  Walk in the footsteps of Dostoevsky’s characters from his famous novel “Crime and Punishment”, in St. Petersburg.

  See the gold and silver treasures of the Armory, housed within the Kremlin walls in Russia's magnificent capital city, Moscow.