Private Sightseeing Tours in Russia

Immerse yourself in local culture with a walking tour of St Petersburg and a guided tour of the city's vast Hermitage museum. Explore this 'Venice of the North's' top attractions: marvel at the impressive dome atop St Isaac's Cathedral, stroll along the great people-watching corridor of Nevsky Prospect and learn how St Petersburg came to be at Peter and Paul Fortress, the city's birthplace. Once inside the Hermitage enjoy access to hundreds of thousands of incredible artworks, including some by Monet, da Vinci, Goya, Van Gogh and Rembrandt.

See the site of one of Russia's most infamous events on a 3-hour private tour of St. Petersburg's Yusupov Palace. Skip the main entrance lines to explore this 19th-century palace, once home to Felix Yusopov who murdered the mysterious monk and royal advisor, Grigory Rasputin, here in 1916. Admire the original interiors, and see where the grisly deed took place. Private transport, entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Enhance your sightseeing experience of Moscow on a private 6-hour walking tour of the city's architectural and historical highlights. Accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide, visit monumental landmarks like the Bolshoi Theater, the former KGB headquarters and St Basil's Cathedral. Gain fascinating insight into the historical heritage of the unique capital city and tour the Moscow Kremlin, former residence of exuberant Russian tsars. Relish the flexibility of this private tour and receive undivided attention from your expert guide. 

Embark on a private tour of St Petersburg's Yusupov Palace, where Russian conspirators poisoned and shot the mystical faith healer, Grigory Rasputin. Explore the 19th-century palace - the city center's last remaining resident mansion - and learn about the wealthy family who lived here, including Prince Felix Yusupov, who led the Rasputin assassination plot. Marvel at unique interiors like the Moorish Drawing Room and the tapestry drawing-room, then descend into the cellar to hear the story of Rasputin's final hours and how this close confidant of Tsar Nicholas II simply refused to die.

Step inside Catherine Palace for a private tour of this impressive summer residence. Located in the town of Pushkin outside St Petersburg center, the Rococo palace and former home of the Russian tsars is now a museum highlighting 300 years of local history. Learn the story of its origins, wander among its grand halls and marvel at the world-famous Amber Room, a perfect recreation of the gold-leaf and amber paneled chamber that Nazis stole crate by crate during World War II.

Enjoy fast-track entry and beat the crowds on this 5-hour private tour of the Peterhof in St Petersburg, including a visit to the Petrodvorets watch factory. Enjoy early admission to the Peterhof (May to October only), and see highlights including the Throne Room and White Dining Room. Learn about the palace’s history, and explore the fountain-adorned Lower Gardens. Admire the Grand Cascade and other fountains, and perhaps catch the switching-on ceremony. Later, tour the Petrodvorets watch factory, the oldest in Russia, to see famous, Raketa-branded watches being made from scratch.

See the spectacular sights of St Petersburg from the water on a private 60-minute canal cruise. Sail at a leisurely pace past arresting landmarks like the Church on Spilled Blood, the Hermitage and the Peter and Paul Fortress. Receive an insightful overview of the resplendent Russian city from your knowledgeable private guide and absorb the tranquility of the waterways as you cruise. Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your St Petersburg hotel.

Explore St Petersburg's imperial heritage and learn about Russia's emperors and their fates on a private 4-hour walking tour. Your tour starts with a visit to the Peter and Paul Cathedral inside the Peter and Paul Fortress, commissioned by Peter the Great in 1703, and burial place to many tsars. View the ornate interiors and royal tombs, including those of Peter and Nicholas II and his family, murdered in 1917. Later, tour the Cabin of Peter the Great, the well-preserved wooden cottage where Peter lived during the city's founding.

Skip the lines at the glorious imperial residences of the Peterhof and Catherine Palaces on a private day trip from St Petersburg. Avoid the crowds with early access (May to October only) to the Peterhof; and admire the interiors and Lower Garden fountains, all brainchilds of Peter the Great. After time for lunch (own expense), continue to Tsarskoye Selo and tour the baroque Catherine Palace. See the world-famous Amber Room among others, hear the mystery of the original amber panels, and enjoy the ornamental gardens before returning to St Petersburg.

See the romantic side of Moscow on a private tour designed for sweethearts. You'll visit some of the loveliest places in the city that might inspire romance, such as the Botanical Garden of Moscow State University and the Hermitage Garden.

Delve into 1000 years of Russian art with a private tour at the Tretyakov Gallery. You'll have the chance to learn from your personal guide about the 170 000 works of art housed in the 62 exhibits of the museum. With pieces ranging from early religious icons to modern art, the Tretyakov is a can't miss for art lovers.

Maximise your time in St. Petersburg and see the sights on a tour that covers two full days. The in-depth sightseeing experience takes in all the must-see St. Petersburg landmarks including Catherine Palace and Park, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Peterhof Grand Palace, and more. You'll have commentary on each sight you visit, plus ample free time to explore on your own.

Discover some of the Hermitage's hidden treasures with a private tour of St Petersburg's beloved state museum. Join an expert guide on a journey through the museum's vast collection, seeing masterpieces by Rembrandt and Goya along with some lesser-known but as visually stunning works. Then visit one or two of the museum's heavily guarded treasure galleries to marvel at some of the Hermitage's most priceless items, including Faberg e jewelry, ceremonial Oriental weapons and Greek goldwork.

Located within the Kremlin, the Armoury Chamber is one of Moscow's oldest museums and home to the Diamond Fund, a collection of ornate jewels, gems and other precious stones that belonged to the Russian State. View this unique and fascinating exhibit during a 4-hour private tour. Peter the Great originated the Diamond Fund collection, which now includes everything from the world's largest sapphire to several Faberg e eggs. The Fund didn't become publicly accessible until after the fall of communism, making this tour a truly noteworthy experience.

Discover two of St Petersburg's most interesting attractions on a private tour of St Isaac Cathedral and Yusupov Palace. Enter the easily recognizable St Isaac's and climb to its colonnade's observation platform for bird's eye views of the city. Learn its intriguing history while marveling at its massive dome, stunning reliefs and bronze sculptures. Then visit Yusupov Palace, site of the assassination of mystical healer Grigori Rasputin.The story itself plays out like a soap opera, and is even more fascinating when you're standing in the spot where it actually occurred.

Rewind to Russia's imperial days on a private, full-day tour of the Catherine and Pavlovsk Palaces from St Petersburg. Pass city landmarks on route to Tsarkoye Selo, and skip the lines at the Catherine Palace, built by the 18th-century Elizabeth I. See the Golden Enfilade rooms and Amber Room, and stroll in the gardens. After time for lunch (own expense), enjoy priority entrance at Pavlovsk, once home to Paul I. Learn about the much-maligned tsar and end with a walk or carriage ride (additional cost) in the grounds.

Explore Russia's famous Golden Ring route and discover top regional attractions with ease on this private 6- to 8-hour Sergiev Posad and Trinity Lavra Monastery of St Sergius tour from Moscow. Visit the town of Sergiev Posad with your private guide, home to medieval Russian architecture and a 14th-century Orthodox monastery. Explore the UNESCO-listed Trinity Lavra Monastery of St Sergius' ramparts and churches, and gain insight into their deep religious significance. Marvel at the Cathedral of the Assumption's beautiful facade, and learn of its place in Lavra's colorful history.

Combine St Petersburg's two great art museums into one tour on this private half-day walking tour. Visit the Russian Museum, including the Mikhailovsky Palace, and enjoy the highlights of the world's largest collection of Russian art. Then, immerse yourself in Impressionist masterpieces at the General Staff Building, part of the Hermitage complex.

Immerse yourself in Russian art on a 4-hour private tour of the State Russian Museum in St Petersburg. With a private, art-expert guide to bring the works to life, head inside this acclaimed national gallery, housed in the Mikhailovsky Palace, one of St Petersburg's most beautiful residences. Let your guide show you the best of the 400,000 artworks, from early Kievian Rus works and Byzantine church icons to sculptures and 20th-century treasures. As you explore, gain illuminating insight from your guide, making your visit truly revealing and educational.

Get acquainted with St Petersburg accompanied by your own private guide on a customizable 4-hour city walking tour. Journey through the handsome streets by private minivan, and stop to stroll around top St Petersburg attractions such as the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Winter Palace, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the bustling Nevsky Prospekt. Enjoy the full attention of your guide, who shares stories of the city's history on route, and enjoy a flexible itinerary, with the opportunity to tailor your sightseeing around your interests.