Charisma Travel

BEYOND Classics

We would like to offer you the list of special options, one step beyond the usually closed doors.

Such visits in general require from one week to one month notice, they are done on request only, private guide and often the driver are required plus admission fee, which vary.

◊ ◊ ◊

Backstage at the Mariinsky Theater (Kirov) and Bolshoi Theater St. Petersburg and Moscow, Russia Russian Opera and Ballet hold the world famous reputation in the last 200 years. Why not visit those theaters off hours? Maybe see the rehearsal, have a tea in the artist’s canteen, see the dressing rooms, the stage. As an invited guest, you will be accompanied by the theater historian and who will gladly tell you about the Russian theater traditions, schools, premiers and primas.
	The Amber Room Workshops of Catherine Palace *St. Petersburg* *, Russia* While visiting Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, we can invite you to the actual workshops where masters rebuilt the world famous Amber Room panels. You can see and/or buy replicas of some historical pieces, and see artists at work. One of the masters will give you detailed explanation on the techniques on work with amber.
Hermitage Storage Rooms *St. Petersburg* *, Russia* Been to the Hermitage already? Have a particular interest? Recently opened this state-of-art storage facility holds a vast wealth of Hermitage collection of royal wardrobes, furniture, carriages, sculptures and paintings, interesting for the return traveler.
	Gold & Diamond Treasures Rooms of the Hermitage *St. Petersburg, Russia* This visit would like to offer to the lovers and connoisseurs of the jewelry. Filled with gold, precious stones, diamonds, enamels, filigree, pearls, the Gold & Diamond Treasure Rooms of the Hermitage lead you along the way of changes in historical designs, materials and techniques from Scynthians, 4thc BC to the 18 th AC West Europeans.
Vodka & Caviar – You can try it inside or outside *St. Petersburg* *, Russia* Where better to enjoy Russia’s most famous delicacy than the Angleterre’s Caviar Bar, with its fine selection of caviar and stunning views of St Isaac’s Cathedral. Choose from four types of caviar, including the world-renowned Beluga Caviar served with traditional blinis. The bar also offers a fine selection of wine and champagne (the traditional accompaniment to caviar) and an array of quality Russian vodka. The Restaurant Manager will introduce you to the history and tradition of vodka in this unique experience. Inquire even about caviar wraps at the hotel Spa – the latest trend.
	Grand Kremlin Palace *Moscow, Russia* The residence of Russian Tsars for the last 900 years, the Grand Kremlin Palace is now used by the Russian President to host foreign dignitaries at the highest level. No palace in Russia now is more opulent. The Palace is strictly closed to the public, and can be seen only by special permits
Stalin's Bunker *Moscow, Russia* Visit a Stalin's original bunker, preserved just as it was during Stalin's time. Go inside the bunker, dine there while the on-site expert will give you a piercing insight into Soviet Russia, relating the history of the bunker's origination and telling you stories about Stalin's life and World War II.
	Cold War Bunker *Moscow* *, Russia* 7, 000 sq meters of underground space right downtown Moscow. This Bunker, built in 50s, opened for public just couple years ago. Walk the endless tunnels, watch the movie how the Cold War started and brought us all almost on the edge of nuclear outbreak.
Matryoshka Master Class *Moscow, Russia* Make-it-yourself! Matreshka, or stocking doll, can be done in couple of hours yourself. A local artist will meet you and help to make your own Matryoshka doll! The designs, motifs are at your wish!
	Russian Star City *Moscow, Russia* Spend a whole day in the former super secret town, Star City! Would you like to know what changes human body goes through in antigravity? Have you ever been inside the Mir Station? Want to know how the astronauts & space tourists live on the International Space Station on the orbit day by day? When and why we will fly to Mars? This mindboggling visit will answer on many such questions and probably will put more into your mind.
Space Mission Center *Moscow, Russia* This visit will take half a day. You will visit the headquarters of Space Mission Center, the only place on the Earth, which can navigate all the sections of the International Space Station. Walk through few halls, which you usually see on TV reports, where one wall is a huge screen with a tiny moving dot, indicating the spaceship in live time. See the movie about routine life of the astronauts, find out how many sputniks are on the orbit, why do we need sea launching, what to do with the space garbage. You can even book a telephone call and have a conversation with people on the orbit!
	Banya Know-how Tour *Moscow, Russia* Sanduny - Russia’s most famous and elite bath house with a romantic history that goes back hundreds of years, situated right in the heart of Moscow. The bath house features 3 steam rooms for men and 2 steam rooms for women. Find out all the DO’s and DON’T’s of going to a Russian banya and discover the sense of complete relaxation which follows. The inside is lavishly decorated with gold and tile mosaics. Chefs of different cuisines are ready to take your orders and surprise and delight you with their masterpieces – featuring Russian, Asian and European cuisine.