Russia Review: Luxury Vacation to Moscow & Saint Petersburg, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Peterhof Palace, Theater & Food

We were planning a trip to Russia and turned to Zicasso.  Even though Russia was not listed among the tour companies, we referred by Zicasso to our trip planner at this tour company who told us they also planned trips for Russia.  We developed a great itinerary with 4 nights in Moscow and travel by train to St. Petersburg for a 5-night stay.  We worked with our planner to develop an itinerary that met our needs and avoided being rushed. Our trip planner and everyone at this tour company was great to work with.  In both Moscow and St Petersburg, we got excellent restaurant recommendation and them booked in advance by the planner.   The Moscow hotel was an excellent selection - close to the Kremlin and next to a major street with nightlife and restaurants, as well as Fifth Avenue type stores.  We stayed on the Executive Level of the hotel which was a great convenience with desserts available until late at night.  Our guide and our driver were both great and we had them for the entire Moscow stay.  Our guide was born in Moscow and know everything about the City.  After Moscow, we took the train the St. Petersburg and stayed at a 5 star hotel.  We enjoyed being with our guide who knew so much about the history of the City.  We did have some glitches in St. Petersburg with an uncooperative driver and the "easy walks" being a lot further than we anticipated.  The tour company was very responsive and our driver was quickly replaced with one who was super friendly and helpful.  We also added some transportation to reduce walking.  We appreciated the quick response.  We also had a glitch at the hotel and had to complain several times to get the air conditioner working in our room; finally we got a manager who attentive to our complaints.  Overall, we had a great time in Russia and felt we had an itinerary which was enjoyable and informative.