MIR Corporation is launching a new 11-day guided tour through Russia, with departures on July 22 and September 16. This curated itinerary offers an immersive exploration of Moscow and St. Petersburg, combining iconic sights, cultural experiences, and encounters with local life.
In Moscow, the program includes visits to major landmarks such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the city’s World War II memorial, the Kremlin, and Moscow State University. Participants will also explore both historic and contemporary neighborhoods to gain a full sense of the city’s layers—from imperial architecture to modern developments.
Complementing the sightseeing are authentic cultural activities: vodka tastings at the Cristall distillery, traditional dinners hosted in local homes, an evening at the Russian theater, and guided walks that reveal everyday life in the capital. These experiences are designed to provide context and flavor beyond the standard tour highlights.
In St. Petersburg, the itinerary centers on the grandeur of Nevsky Prospekt, a visit to ascend St. Isaac’s Cathedral for panoramic views, and a scenic cruise of the city’s famous canals. The program blends formal history with hands-on cultural learning, including lectures on the city’s political past, ballet classes suitable for visitors, and additional theater performances.
A distinctive element of the tour is its focus on traditional Russian dachas—seasonal country homes that offer insight into family life and leisure. Guests will visit a royal dacha once used by Peter the Great and a civilian dacha where they will share a meal with local hosts, providing a warm, personal perspective on Russian hospitality and domestic tradition.
The tour is priced from $4,995 and is designed for travelers seeking a thoughtful combination of major monuments, cultural immersion, and interpersonal encounters that illuminate contemporary and historical Russia. The small-group format and curated activities aim to balance guided learning with free time for independent discovery.