The Italian cruise line is the first to offer excursions to the Russian capital. As part of a cruise that allows passengers to enjoy the most beautiful cities on the Baltic Sea, it is now possible to travel to Moscow by high-speed train from St. Petersburg, where the ship makes a two-day stop.
Costa Cruises has announced a new offering for the 2016 summer season that will make its Baltic Sea cruises even more exclusive. Starting this May, passengers enjoying their vacation aboard the Costa Luminosa will have the unique opportunity to visit Moscow, thanks to two excursions.
Costa is the first cruise line to offer day trips to Moscow for its passengers. During their two-day stay in St. Petersburg, a port of call on the seven-day Costa Luminosa this summer, passengers can reach Moscow via the new Sapsan high-speed train. Alternatively, travelers can opt for a two-day excursion, combining their Moscow visit with a guided tour of St. Petersburg's most important monuments. This way, travelers can experience Russian culture and history firsthand.
Furthermore, when choosing shore excursions with Costa, guests won't have to worry about the bureaucratic procedures of applying for a tourist visa. The necessary documents will be included in the excursion price. In addition to the convenience and flexibility this offers, it will be possible to book these excursions up to the day before.
The " Moscow in a Day " tour begins with a delicious breakfast on the high-speed train, the perfect way to start the day and prepare for the wonders that await you. In Moscow, the first stop on the panoramic tour is the Kremlin and a visit to the Armory Museum , dating back to 1581, followed by a spectacular view of St. Basil's Cathedral , the icon of Russia. Passengers will then have free time in Red Square and the GUM shopping center and can enjoy dinner on the train on their return journey to St. Petersburg.
The two-day "Super Russia" tour includes the activities mentioned above, plus a fascinating tour of St. Petersburg on the second day. This panoramic tour of the former home of the tsars includes major tourist attractions, such as the Winter Palace and St. Isaac's Cathedral. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Cathedral before heading to the world-renowned Hermitage, one of the world's largest museums with approximately three million works in its collection. A destination in itself, the Hermitage occupies more than five buildings, and it's possible to spend days there without seeing all the works it houses. On this tour, you can enjoy a two-hour guided visit, taking in the artwork and the majestic architecture that houses it.
The “ Jewels of the Baltic ” itinerary on the Costa Luminosa , with this innovative tour of Moscow, is available until August 13, with weekly departures from Stockholm , and stops in Helsinki , St. Petersburg (two days) and Tallinn , before returning to Stockholm , where the ship spends the night.
