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John Adams House: A Guided Historic Tour in Quincy, MA

By Craig 2 Comments

The John Adams house trolley tour is a lot of fun, very informative and inexpensive ($5 to get in, children and students get in free). The tour starts at the Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center; from there they take you by trolley to four destinations: 1) the birthplace of John Adams, 2) the birthplace of his son John Quincy Adams, 3) “The Old House” (also called “Peacefield” or John Adams house) and finally 4) The Stone Library.  Both of the birthplaces are on the same lot of land; “The Old House” and The Stone Library are also located on one lot of land, meaning the tour really goes to just 2 destinations.

Starting at the Visitor Center

The Adams National Historical Park Visitor Center has a lot of information on the Adams family mounted on plaques and information cards around the room as well as miniature replicas of the tour’s destinations.

They also have many books and trinkets for sale to commemorate your visit. You purchase your tickets at the register for the next available guided tour. It’s first-come first-served so no reservations can be made beforehand.

The visitor’s center is located at 1250 Hancock Street in Quincy, MA.

John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplace

The first stop is to the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams.

The dark brown house with the wooden siding is John Adams’s birthplace and the tan house with the vinyl siding is his son’s.  Both of these buildings are located on a busy street so at times the traffic noises drowned out the tour guide.  Due to security reasons, no picture taking is allowed inside any of the buildings on the John Adams home tours.

The tour guides take you through the few rooms of each house and tell the story of John and Abigail Adams.

They explain how each room was significant and contributed to the rise of the Adams legacy as well as the important role they played in the Revolutionary War.

The first destination was a little hurried, the trolley showed up early and the park ranger cut his tour short; which was a little disappointing because he was a funny, pleasant, entertaining guy.

There wasn’t time to take any outside pictures of the buildings so we had to go back after the tour was over on our own.  These two buildings aren’t fenced off so they are accessible at any time.

John Adams House at “Peacefield”

Next stop Peacefield! This is the longest part of the tour, so make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes – there are no breaks.

The Stone Library is an amazing piece of history; it contains about 12,000 books collected throughout John Adams’s life, most of which are still legible today. Some of these books are hundreds of years old.  The Stone Library is considered the first presidential library in the U.S.

Between the library and the main estate is a beautiful, well-maintained garden that you can stroll through.

From there you will enter the mansion “Old House” at “Peacefield” and are taken through just about every room of the house, each room having a story behind it.

There are many well preserved relics throughout the estate that give you a feel for what life was like during John Adams’s time. The park ranger/tour guide Betsy was very informative, cordial and delivered the lines with a dramatic flair that made the experience that much more worthwhile.

Continuing to the Church of the Presidents

After the trolley returned to the visitor’s center, we walked over to the Church of the Presidents, only a few minutes away.

This was not an official part of the John Adams tour, but came recommended by the cashiers at the visitor’s center.

This church has a long history of being associated with the Adams family, in the basement of this church you can see the crypts of both John Adams and John Quincy Adams and their wives.

The tour costs $4 and you are allowed to take pictures inside the church, unlike at the other sites.

You are taken through the church, shown the special “Adams” pew and finally taken to the crypts below the church. The tour guide talked and walked fast and at times overloaded us with so much information that it was tough to follow what she was talking about.  It was a much shorter tour but a nice conclusion to the day.

For history buffs or for those looking for a quick jolt of feel good New England pride, the John Adams house and Church of the Presidents tours are recommended. Tours are given from April 19th – November 10th, 7 days a week from 9AM – 5PM with the last tour departing at 3:15. Tours are about 2 hours long.

For further Information on this tour, see: www.nps.gov/adam/index.htm For more information on Church of the Presidents:  www.ufpc.org/

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June 24, 2014 at 8:01 AM

July 14, 2014 at 10:05 AM

Hi Howard, Sorry for the delay in approving your comment, I’ve been on vacation. I’m glad you really liked the John Adams tours. I did this trip a few years back, but to this day it still remains one of my favorites. I always recommend it to family and friends from out of town 🙂

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A Virtual Tour of the Adams Mansion, Home to Two Presidents

By U.S. National Archives

The Old House at Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, MA was home to Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams. This exhibit consists of historic photographs from the U.S. National Archives that show the house and surrounding grounds in the 1940s and 1970s. 

Side View of Old House from Adams Street - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1970) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

History of the Mansion

John Adams named the estate “Peace field” when he bought it in 1787. The original portion of the mansion was built in 1730 or 1731, but the Adams family made numerous additons to the house and grounds during the 140 years they lived there. Altogether, four generations of the Adams family lived in the home, through 1927.This exhibit shows how the Old House looked when it was donated to the National Park Service in 1946 (with one photo from 1951). There are also a few photos from 1970 and 1975 that were taken for the site's listing on the National Register of Historic Places. 

This street view from Google Maps shows how the front of the mansion looks today. Much of the estate's current appearance is due to John Quincy Adams' son Charles Francis Adams, an ambassador to Great Britain during the Civil War. He added the library, stone walls, a servant’s wing, greenhouse, and carriage house. Today, the mansion is called the Old House, because the Adams National Historical Park now also includes the birthplaces of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, which are a few miles from the mansion and were acquired by the park around 1979.

Garden on West Side of the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Exterior Shots of the Mansion

Before his death in 1826, John Adams constructed a garden (seen in this picture), orchard, pond, and additions to both sides of the house. Shown here is the west wing, the first section of which was created by John Adams and the back portion of which was built by Charles Francis Adams in 1869.

Portico - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The vine-covered portico where John Adams made his last public appearance in 1821 at age 86. He addressed 200 West Point Cadets who had marched 10 miles from Boston to honor him.

Front View of the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Front Entrance Gate - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The front entrance gate to the Old House, designed by John Quincy Adams' grandson Brooks Adams in 1906.

Old House from the Sidewalk - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Back of Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

West Wall of the Long Room - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Interior Shots of the Mansion

Shown here is the West Wall of the Long Room. Portraits are of (from left): Abigail Adams, John Adams, and John Quincy Adams, all painted by Copley. The furniture includes a “Louis XV sofa, used in France, Philadelphia, Washington, and Quincy," according to the original caption provided with the photo. On either side are "Louis XV chairs," used by women in hoop skirts. The small end tables were also French and belonged to Henry Adams.   

The Long Room - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The center of the Long Room features a four-seated Ottoman.

Behind the Ottoman is a double Victorian chair with a built-in sewing box. On top of the post that adjoins the two seats is a pin cushion of red velvet with a thimble holder at the top.

The portrait in the corner is of Abigail Brooks Adams, wife of Charles Francis Adams.

On either side of the fireplace are "Louis XV chairs," according to the original caption provided with the photo. On the mahogany stands on both sides of the fireplace are fire screens embroidered by Abigail Adams.

Over the fireplace is a portrait of General James Warren, President of the Massachusetts Provincial Congress and a Paymaster General for the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. On the mantel is a French clock, a pair of Chinese vases, and matching candelabras.

Long Hall - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The Long Hall in the Old House. Portrait on the left is of John Quincy Adams. Portrait at the end of the hall at far right is of John Adams. The marble-topped table, of hand-carved mahogany, belonged to John Adams.

In the middle frame is a wreath presented to First Lady Louisa Adams (wife of John Quincy Adams) by girls of the Seminary for Female Education in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The bust to the left of the wreath is John Adams, and the bust at right is George Washington.

Portrait of John Quincy Adams - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Portrait of John Quincy Adams by Marchant, hanging in the Long Hall.

Portrait of John Adams - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Portrait of John Adams by Copley, displayed in the Long Hall.

Garden and Library - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1970) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

Stone Library

John Quincy Adams requested in his will that a library be built on the grounds of the Old House. His son Charles Francis Adams fulfilled that wish, constructing Stone Library in 1870. The library holds more than 12,000 volumes of the Adams family's books, papers, and maps. 

Exterior of Stone Library - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Stone Library Interior - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Inside the Stone Library, built in 1870 by Charles Francis Adams. He and two of his sons, historians Henry and Brooks Adams (the last of the family to live at the estate), did much of their writing in the library.

The portrait on the balcony is of John Adams painted by W. Winstanley in 1798.

West Side of Garden - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

Old House Grounds

Yorkist Rose - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The Yorkist Rose tree was brought from England by Abigail Adams in 1788. It was originally planted under Long Room window, but Brooks Adams moved it to prevent it from dying for lack of sun.

Garden - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1951-07-19) U.S. National Archives

Carriage House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by Fasch Studio, Milton, MA U.S. National Archives

The Carriage House, built by John Quincy Adams' son, Charles Francis Adams, in 1872 or 1873.

Pond and Carriage House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1975-04) by M.Peak U.S. National Archives

The pond and Carriage House, with the greenhouse in the background.

Carriage House and Woodshed - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The side of the Carriage House, with the wood shed on the right. Charles Francis Adams moved the wood shed from a different location on the estate.

Railroad Tracks - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Railroad tracks from Quincy to Boston run alongside Newport Avenue across from the Carriage House and wood shed. The Old Colony Railroad initially built tracks here in 1844.

Wall of Furnace Brook - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The wall surrounding Furnace Brook, with the side of the Carriage House at the far left and the greenhouse on the right with the library behind it. The wall, Carriage House, greenhouse, and library were all built by John Quincy Adams' son, Charles Francis Adams.

Stone Wall in front of the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Streets Around the Mansion

Adams Street toward Newport Avenue - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Adams Street going east from the Old House toward Newport Avenue.

Old House from Adams Street - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer. U.S. National Archives

Adams Street - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

Adams Street in 1946, running southeast from the Old House.

Driveway Across from the Old House - Adams National Historical Park, Quincy, MA (1946-09-16) by Abbie Rowe, U.S. Department of the Interior photographer U.S. National Archives

The Old House and Stone Library as seen from the driveway across the street.

Images: National Archives at Boston Curator: Laurel Wilson

The Keynote Speaker

U.s. national archives, a capital market, a mission fulfilled: may 7, 1945, the national archives building: temple to our history, the u.s. food administration, women, and the great war: the pennsylvania food conservation train, freedom train, nasa's unsung hero: the scout launch vehicle program, vietnam veterans memorial, amending america: the shape of our government, the comstock act in philadelphia.

Adams National Historical Park | A Visit to the John Adams House, John Quincy Adams House & Peacefield

A visit to the Adams National Historical Park in Quincy, Massachusetts, where the stories of four generations of the Adams family are brought to life.

By Bethany Bourgault

Sep 06 2017

The perfect example of classic New England architecture – a 17th century saltbox house.

John Adams House #1  (John Adams Birthplace)

John Adams House #2 (John Quincy Adams Birthplace)

Stone Library

SEE MORE: Visiting the JFK Birthplace | A National Historic Site New England Architecture | Guide to House Styles in New England Curious About George | George Washington in New England

Bethany Bourgault

Bethany Bourgault interned with Yankee Magazine and New England.com during the summers of 2015 and 2016. She recently graduated from Syracuse University, majoring in magazine journalism with minors in writing and religion. She loves reading, exploring the outdoors, ballroom dancing, and trying new recipes. Keep up with her adventures at bethanybourgault.com .

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How To Visit Three Presidential Homes In One Historical Park

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Boston, Massachusetts, offers so many amazing historical experiences, and one you will not want to miss is a tour of Adams National Historical Park . John Adams was the second president of the U.S., a scholar and farmer, a world traveler, and father of another president. He lived a full life crammed with stellar achievements. Using his talents as a writer, he helped author the Declaration of Independence. For a season of his life, he met with royalty and diplomats in Europe. And he collected memorabilia from his travels that you can see on display in his house.

The John Adams “experience” is run by the National Park Service in Braintree and Quincy, just outside Boston. This tour of three homes makes a fascinating day trip when you visit this area of the U.S. Whether you appreciate architecture, art, literature, U.S. history, or gardens, you will enjoy your day. Here are tips on visiting plus a look at some of the inspiring highlights of Adams National Historical Park .

What’s So Interesting About John Adams?

Before spending a good part of a day touring his houses, it’s helpful to learn about or review just why John Adams is notable. Born in 1735, Adams grew up in Braintree, Massachusetts. His father encouraged him to read and study, instilling a lifelong habit of learning in his young son. After studying at Harvard, John Adams decided to pursue law. He courted and married future first lady Abigail Adams, who also excelled in her studies. She would prove to be a partner who would give intelligent advice as well as support to her husband throughout their marriage.

John Adams soon garnered a reputation as a competent lawyer. Known for his fairness, he gained fame when he defended British officers on trial for murder during the Boston Massacre. But he was also an outspoken critic of Great Britain. Elected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress, he helped Thomas Jefferson draft the Declaration of Independence.

During and after the Revolutionary War, Adams served as a diplomat in France and England. He returned to the U.S. and helped establish the fledgling country in his role as vice president under President George Washington. The first peaceful transfer of power in the U.S. took place eight years later when Adams was elected president.

Adams returned to Peace Field after his presidency, and there he lived out his days happy at his home and farm until his death in 1826.

Begin Your Adventure At The Visitor Center

To begin your day exploring the homes of John Adams, head to the Visitor Center in Quincy, Massachusetts. The National Park Service runs tours of the homes, with a trolley ride between them included in your ticket. Days and hours vary. Check the website before you plan to go. Winter hours are more limited than other seasons.

Once you park at the Visitor Center, you don’t have to worry about structuring your visit. Go inside, get your ticket, and from there on, follow directions to board a trolley. At the end of your tour, a trolley will return you to the center. Allow at least 3 hours, and longer if you want to wander through the gardens and grounds of the larger home.

First, view the orientation film, Enduring Legacy: Four Generations of the Adams Family . And browse the bookstore either before or after your tour — or both!

At the designated time, hop aboard the trolley, and off you go.

Pro Tip: The restrooms at the Visitor Center are the last you will see in a while.

Daniel M. Silva / Shutterstock

Make The First Stop At The John Adams Birthplace Home

You arrive first at the home where John Adams was born. This is the oldest presidential birthplace in the U.S. The small home, built in 1861, is a classic style of New England home referred to as a saltbox house. The name comes from the resemblance to boxes with slanted lids used to store salt in colonial kitchens.

A park service employee will tell you about this house and also talk about John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams, who would follow in his father’s footsteps to become the sixth president of the U.S.

Continue To The Home Where John Adams Raised His Family

Walk across the lawn just 75 feet to a larger saltbox home. This is where John Adams lived as an adult. And it was the birthplace of John Quincy Adams. From here, John Adams worked as an attorney from his office. And in this house, he and two colleagues wrote the Massachusetts Constitution, which is still in effect.

The two Adams houses sit at their original locations. As you tour them, stop to imagine that behind the small house farmland spread out for 200 acres. The family of John Adams grew corn, wheat, oats, and barley. And horses, sheep, hogs, and poultry lived here. The original well is still on the grounds.

Joseph Sohm / Shutterstock

Step Back In Time At The Historic Old House At Peace Field

Board the trolley for a short ride to Peace Field. This stately home is the gem of the tour. Adams moved his family here in 1788, and he lived here until his death. The house, built in 1731, remained in the family until 1927. Peace Field highlights all Adams’s interests, including art, gardens, architecture, and books.

An hour-long guided tour by a park ranger takes you through the house. You’ll enjoy a running narrative about the generations of the family and the treasures you’re seeing.

Discover Art Collections Of Many Kinds

Peace Field is far more than a lovely architectural and historical dwelling. It is filled with collections of many kinds of art gathered by John and Abigail Adams and four generations of Adams after them. The collections of artifacts are worth viewing for their beauty and also because they represent events, travels, and experiences of the family. Furniture, dishes, and other items are European as well as American. Notice the Dutch chairs, French secretary, and Louis XV settee. Furniture made in America includes an American Queen Anne Highboy and a Federal-style mahogany banquet table. And remember to take in the paintings. Artists John Trumbull and Mather Brown are represented here.

When you tour the home, you are looking at the original artifacts amassed by the Adams family. The National Park Service takes pride in presenting authentic, original collections and furnishings. The only exceptions are small bits of upholstery and wallpaper.

Marvel At The Books In The Stone Library

The Stone Library is a separate building next to the house. More than 12,000 books, documents, and manuscripts that belonged to the Adams family live here. John Adams commissioned the building of this library in his will, noting to his son Charles that it should be fireproof. And he noted that Abigail Adams should have “the use of any of the books in the library at her descretions.”

Stand in this library, built in 1873, and you will be astounded at the extent of the written word gathered in this one august place.

Walk In The Gardens

Leave time, if possible, to stroll through the formal gardens after your tour of the buildings. The 18th-century gardens bloom with thousands of annuals and perennials. There’s also a historic orchard.

John Adams’s son Henry wrote about this garden, noting in a letter to a friend that while writing History of the United States , he worked on the book “as though it were serious, five hours a day; and when my hand and head get tired, I step out in the rose-beds and watch my favorite roses.”

The National Park tour of the three Adams homes in Massachusetts allows you to see where John Adams was born, where he built his career as a lawyer as his young family grew, and where four generations of the family lived. Peace Field gives you a sense of the world view of John Adams as he collected his favorite items from his travels. And you will be reminded of all the touchpoints of John Adams with the history of the U.S., from helping to write the Declaration of Independence to serving as the second president of a new nation.

You can almost feel how torn Adams was between serving his country and living in his idyllic Peace Field. You will likely end your day curious to learn more about this family who contributed so much to the formation of a nation struggling to learn how to promote life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

To learn more about the life of John Adams, either before or after your visit, read the biography John Adams by David McCullough, which won a Pulitzer Prize, and watch the excellent seven-episode John Adams HBO series based on the book. For more in-and-around-Boston inspiration, consider 11 Important Tips For Experiencing Boston’s Freedom Trail and Boston’s Historical Gems: 8 Fantastic Spots To Check Out .

As the owner of the travel blog, Exploring Our World , Sharon enjoys taking her readers on a journey with her. Articles often delve into the history of a place, and by adding in a generous number of photos, she inspires others to explore for themselves. In her early travels, she was most frustrated by coming back home and learning that she had missed a fascinating sight or a hidden gem. Now she helps travelers prepare for a trip by passing along travel tips, pointing out lesser known things to see, and alerting them to enjoyable day trips from major cities.

Her travel articles have been published by Stripes Europe Newsletter and the World War 2 Writing and Research Center. Whether she's discovering more about her hometown of San Diego, California or flying to faraway places, she enjoys sharing with travel lovers around the world.

Extended Park Guided Tour

Adams National Historical Park Tours

Guided tour of the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), followed by a guided tour of the Old House at Peace field and the Stone Library. This tour is 2 hours total in length, including 15 minutes for travel between the two sites. The park does not currently provide transportation between sites.  The Extended Park Tour includes an extended experience in the historic structures and content covered in the Old House at Peace field Tour. Visitors may not want to book both tours as the content overlaps.

Select a date to see a list of times

Need to Know

Your Extended Park Tour starts at the Adams Farm at Penn’s Hill (the John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces), located at 141 Franklin St., Quincy, MA. Arrive 15 minutes before your tour starts. 

You need to plan transportation to the second stop on the tour, the Old House at Peace field, located approximately 1.5 miles away from the Adams Farm at Penn's Hill at 135 Adams Street, Quincy, MA. Street parking is available at both locations. You will have a 15 minute window to travel between the two locations.   

You must pay an entrance fee or possess a valid pass to enter the park’s historic buildings in addition to any tour reservations you make. You can purchase entrance passes online at recreation.gov or in-person at the Visitor Center.    

There are no restroom facilities available in the historic buildings. You cannot bring backpacks, luggage, large bags, or strollers in the historic buildings and there are no locker facilities available. The historic buildings are not temperature controlled, so expect hot and humid conditions over the summer. You cannot vape or smoke on park property. Food and drinks are not allowed in the historic buildings. Tours may be modified for visitor safety and adverse weather conditions. 

Motorized chairs and assistance vehicles are not permitted in the historic houses. The park provides non-motorized wheelchairs for loan. The first floor of the Old House at Peace field has limited wheelchair access. The park has a photograph album and guidebook available for viewing at the Old House. The interior of the Old House is dimly lit and the second floor of the Old House at Peace field is accessible via stairs only. The John Adams and John Quincy Adams Birthplaces are not accessible by wheelchair. 

We strongly recommend that you start your visit to Adams National Historical Park at the Visitor Center, located at 1250 Hancock Street. You will find information, public restrooms, the 26-minute park film, and park store at the Visitor Center. Garage parking is available at 44 Saville Avenue in the President’s Place parking garage.  

You can book tour reservations starting 60 days in advance of the date of the tour until midnight the day before. You can also get tour reservations on the day of your visit on a limited, first come, first served basis at the Visitor Center. 

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Adams National Historical Park | BIRTH HOMES OF JOHN AND JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

• PARK AT A GLANCE
• VISITOR CENTER
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• PEACEFIELD MANSION
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Birth homes of John and John Quincy Adams (National Park Service photo)

The houses in which John Adams and his son John Quincy Adams were born are situated on their original locations within what was at the time the boundary of Braintree in an area known as Penn’s Hill (the town of Quincy wasn’t founded until 1792). These are the oldest surviving presidential birthplace homes in the United States. The road in front of the houses has always been there as well. Finished in 1648 and known by a variety of names—Coast Road, Plymouth Road, Country Road, Plymouth Turnpike—it was a public highway that connected Plymouth with Boston.

The houses themselves were built before the Adamses moved in. The house in which John Adams was born (I will call it the JA House) was purchased along with roughly six acres of farmland by John Adams Sr. in 1720 from James Pennimen. Pennimen had built a house on the property sometime within ten years of the sale, but it is not known if this was an addition to a house that was built by his father around 1681 or if that house was torn down to make way for a new one. John Sr. also bought an additional five adjacent acres from John Vasey, inherited twelve adjacent acres when his father died in 1731, and purchased eighteen acres from the neighboring Payne Family.

Birth home of John Adams, Adams National Historical Park

The house in which John Quincy Adams was born (I will call it the JQ House) is the older of the two birth homes. A house on the property was built around 1660 by William Ellis, who then immediately sold his 52-acre farm to Gregory Belcher. After Belcher’s death in 1663, the property passed to his son Samuel, then to Samuel’s brother Gregory Jr. in 1679 when Samuel died. Gregory Jr. built a house that matches closely to the description of the house standing today, then expanded it in 1716. As with the JA House, it is not known if this was an addition to the original 1660 house or if that house was torn down to make way for the new one.

When Gregory Jr. died in 1727, the land was split between his three sons. The JQ House and 9.5 acres went to the son who was also named Gregory. When he died in 1728, and his wife shortly thereafter, his daughter Abigail inherited the property and leased it to tenant farmers. Abigail married in 1742 and sold the farm to Lewis Vassall. Upon his death, the property was sold to John and Richard Billings, and it is from these two brothers that John Adams Sr. purchased the JQ House and the land in 1744. Now both of the eventual birth houses of his son John and grandson John Quincy were in the Adams Family.

Birth home of John Quincy Adams, Adams National Historical Park

As they stand today, both houses have a design known as a “salt box” due to the sloped roof in the back, which resembled the shape of boxes in which table salt was sold. Called a lean-to, these backside additions were added on after the original construction of both houses. The JQ House addition was done by the Belchers, whereas John Adams Sr. made the addition to the JA House himself in 1750.

Original John Quincy Adams birth house and its rear addition, Adams National Historical Park

When John Adams Sr. purchased the Pennimen farm and JA House in 1720, he was 29 years old and single and remained single until 1734 when he married Susanna Boylston from Brookline. It was in the JA House that all three of their sons were born—John Jr. (1735-1826), Peter (1738-1823), and Elihu (1741-1775). John Jr. lived in the house until he was fifteen years old, at which time he entered Harvard College and moved to Cambridge. After graduating in 1755, he took a job as a school teacher in Worchester and lived there for a few years before deciding to become a lawyer. He remained in Worchester while interning under John Putnam, then returned to Braintree in 1759 to live full time in his birth home along with his parents. He opened his own law practice and used a room in the house as his office.

As mentioned, John Sr. purchased the adjacent farm, including the JQ House, in 1744. He continued living in the JA House and rented the new land to tenant farmers. When he died in 1761 at the age of 70, the farm was split between his three sons. Peter got the JA House and 35 acres (though his mother and John Jr. continued to live there), John Jr. got the JQ house (which was rented at the time) and 40 acres, and Elihu got another house on the property and 92 acres. In 1774, John Jr. bought the JA House and property from Peter.

It wasn’t until John Jr. (who I will henceforth refer to as JA) married Abigail Smith in 1764 that he moved into the JQ House, though they did live in Boston from 1768 to 1770, and again from 1772 to 1774 (he rented the JQ House to his mother and her new husband when away). When in Braintree, JA engaged in farming and continued running his law office from the house. It is here that he wrote the Massachusetts Constitution along with Samuel Adams (his second cousin) and James Bowdoin in 1779. He and Abigail had six children, four who survived infancy: Abigail aka “Nabby’ (1765-1813), John Quincy (1767-1848), Susanna (1768, died a year later), Charles (1770-1800), Thomas (1772-1832), and Elizabeth (1777, stillborn).

JA was a member of the First and Second Continental Congresses. This required him to move to Philadelphia in August 1774, and he remained there until the end of 1777. Due to the obvious dangers of the time, Abigail and the children remained in Braintree, and he returned only twice for stays of six and two months. (The trip between Boston and Philadelphia took a minimum of two weeks by carriage, and allowing for expected bad weather and stops to see friends along the way, up to a month.)

In early November 1777, JA accepted a position as one of the commissioners assigned to negotiate an alliance with the French. He returned home briefly before leaving in mid-December for Portsmouth, New Hampshire, where he was to catch the frigate Boston to France. However, the ship did not depart until mid-February 1778. John Quincy, who was ten years old at the time, traveled with him.

Other commissioners, including Benjamin Franklin, had gone to France earlier, and by the time JA arrived in April, much of the work had been done. However, he insisted on staying to organize the commission’s financial affairs and other records. It was only when word reached Paris in February 1779 that Congress had officially ended the commission that he decided to return home. He left Paris in early March only to end up in Lorient, France, waiting for a ship to America. It took until mid-June before he could depart, and he arrived back in Braintree in late July.

JA returned to Paris in November, arriving in early February 1780 after a detour through Spain. This time he took both John Quincy and Charles with him (Charles was sent home in 1781). He was to negotiate with the French about how to end the war, though they preferred to deal with Benjamin Franklin. By July, French officials wouldn’t even speak with him, and soon afterwards he went to Amsterdam to secure a loan.

JA had no initial success in the Netherlands either. The Dutch did not want to risk ending up on the wrong side in a war with England. The British had just taken Charleston, South Carolina, and things did not look good for the Americans. Then, in October 1781, George Washington and his French allies defeated British General Charles Cornwallis at Yorktown, which ended the war for all practical purposes. In June 1782, JA finally succeeded in securing a loan of $2 million from the Dutch, and in October he returned to Paris to begin negotiating a treaty to officially end the war. He was one of three Americans who signed the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783 (the others were Benjamin Franklin and John Jay).

During 1783, discussion between JA and Abigail arose—by letter—about her and Nabby coming to live in Europe with him. In mid-June 1784, the two set sail from Boston and arrived in London in late July. Charles, who had since returned from Amsterdam, and Thomas remained home with relatives. JA was in the Netherlands at the time, but traveled to meet them in London. The family ended up living in Auteuil, France, just outside of Paris. In February 1785, JA was appointed Minister to Great Britain, and the family moved to London in May. Even then, JA and Abigail were often apart due to his travels throughout Europe.

The Adamses remained in London until April 1788. When they returned to the United States, they moved into a larger house on what is now Adams Street, a house JA called Peacefield . The Penn’s Hill farm and houses were used as rental properties. (The National Park Service refers to Adams’s estate as Peace field . However, in the letters of JA and Abigail, the way the name is written flip-flops between Peace Field , Peacefield , and Peace field .)

JA didn’t initially live at Peacefield for long either. The following year he became the first vice president of the United States, serving under George Washington for eight years, then the second president of the United States from March 1797 to March 1801. During this time he lived in New York City (the first capital of the new nation) until July 1790, then Philadelphia (the interim capital while Washington, D. C., was being developed) through June 1800. In the final months of his presidency, he and Abigail moved into the President’s House (as the White House was initially called) in the new capital—John on November 1, 1800 and Abigail later that month when she arrived from what was now Quincy.

In total, Abigail lived with her husband for roughly two-and-a-half years while he was vice president, and for two of the four years that he was president. However, JA usually came back to Peacefield each summer for six months, even when he was president (if you can imagine that). During all this time, JA purchased more land at both the Penn’s Hill farm and at Peacefield, and continued to do so up until he ran into financial trouble in 1803 when his bank failed.

To help his parents, John Quincy purchased the two birth homes and 91 acres of the Penn’s Hill farm, and when his father died in 1826, he inherited the rest of the farm, roughly 200 acres in total. He and his wife, Louisa Johnson, spent the summers of 1805 and 1806 at his birth home, but most of the time the farm and houses were used as rental properties. John Quincy and Louisa had another residence of 600 acres in north Quincy called Mount Wollaston, plus they spent a lot of time in Europe and Washington in the ensuing years, including four years when he was president from 1825 to 1829.

By the 1830s, Quincy was changing from a farming community to a city of light industry. As a result, John Quincy began selling small parcels of land for real estate development, and continued to do so up until his death. His son Charles Francis would go on to inherit both the Penn’s Hill and Mount Wollaston farms, plus the Peacefield estate (which John Quincy had inherited from his father). John Quincy and Louisa had four children: George (1801-1829), John II (1803-1834), Charles Francis (1807-1886), and Louisa, who died a year after her birth in 1811. George committed suicide and John II became an alcoholic after his brother’s death and also died at an early age. Thus, by the time John Quincy died in 1848 and Louisa in 1852, Charles Francis was the only child left to inherit all of his father’s property.

Charles Francis never lived in any of the birth homes, but continued to rent the land and houses. Beginning in 1882, only four years before his death, he began subdividing the property for development. There were many new roads and rail lines in Quincy, and there was a large demand for real estate. He gave much of the remaining Penn’s Hill farm to his son Charles Jr. in 1884, keeping for himself only a few parcels here and there, including a .34-acre lot where the birth homes were situated.

To manage what remained of Charles Francis’s property when he died in 1886, his heirs formed the Adams Real Estate Trust. Nearly all of his remaining Penn’s Hill farmland was sold off by 1889, and only the small lot with the birth homes was kept. The Trust leased the houses up until 1896, and even considered demolishing them due to the fact that they were in poor condition and didn’t bring in much rent money.

In the meantime, the city of Quincy formed the Quincy Historical Society in 1893, appointing Charles Francis Jr. as its first president. In 1896, the Historical Society moved into the JQ House and agreed to pay for its restoration. That same year, the Adams Chapter of the Daughters of the Revolution began using the JA House as its headquarters, and also began a year-long renovation project. Both homes were opened to the public as museum houses in 1897—the JQ House in June and the JA House in October.

In 1940, the Adams Real Estate Trust gave the birth homes and land to the city of Quincy, which agreed to pay for the maintenance and preserve them for the public. The Daughters of the Revolution continued to manage the JA house until 1950, then bowed out when only one member remained, leaving the Quincy Historical Society in charge of both. In the mid-1950s, the city of Quincy purchased the two adjacent lots and removed the houses, expanding the Birth Homes property to .75 acres.

By the mid-1970s, maintenance of the aging houses was too much for the city to bear, and it approached the National Park Service about taking over the property. The Adams National Historic Site had been in existence since 1946, but it included only the Peacefield estate. Congress authorized the transfer in 1979, and the National Park Service began a four-year restoration of the houses to return them to their appearance when John and John Quincy Adams owned them. The houses reopened to the public in 1984.

Today the public is allowed inside the houses by guided tour only. Tours are held seasonally, and there is a fee. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center on Hancock Street or online at Recreation.gov . See the Guided Tours web page here on National Park Planner for more details.

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Explore Gothic revivalist architecture of the Green-Meldrim House and St John’s Church

May brings warmer weather and a special double tour to Savannah. Tucked into the tree-covered west side of Madison Square is St. John’s Church and the Green-Meldrim House. Both are independently open for tours, but on Wednesdays in May, visitors will be able to get a special tour of both.

The tour will guide people through both Gothic Revivalist buildings with special attention to the unique architectural details, the history, and the symbolism, followed by refreshments of cheese straws, Benne wafer cookies, lemon blueberry poundcake, and pimento cheese sandwiches.

This is a step in a new direction for the Green-Meldrim House. The historic home was purchased by St. John’s Church in 1943, and while it is used as a parish house and rectory, it was eventually opened as a house museum.

Jamie Credle, who is no stranger to Savannah’s historic house museums, having previously worked with the Davenport House, took over as executive director in July of last year. A few months later, the house museum reached nonprofit status, and Sherry Holtzclaw stepped up as president of the Keepers of Historic Green-Meldrim House.

“I'd say [the idea to start the nonprofit] came out of the vestry, which is the group that runs the church,” said Holtzclaw. “Seeing that our volunteer base was shrinking as people were getting older, more young people are working and don't have the time to volunteer, and it's a lot of upkeep to keep this house heated and cooled and in repair, as well as to lead tours, it was just getting to be a big job that we needed some help with.”

Holtzclaw said she has been a member of St. John’s for around 30 years and has volunteered at the house for approximately 20 years in various roles.

Both Holtzclaw and Credle are excited to expand resident and visitor appreciation of the Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church as well as what all the historic house museum can offer.

“It's an evolutionary process,” said Credle. “The Keepers have a wealth of understanding of collections and research, but I think that the whole point was to get in lockstep together with what we think the future can be.”

New docents will be leading the tours

After several months of recruiting and training new docents to build upon the core of docents, Credle said it was the perfect time to try a new tour.

“One of our goals for the year is to be open five days a week. We're open four now, but we also wanted to do something imaginative or different than your typical tour. A lot of people would love to see the church, and we've got our docents so this combo tour seemed like filling a need.”

Credle said she hopes the 75-minute tour will leave people with a new appreciation for Madison Square and gothic revival architecture.

“Though it seems sort of old to us, this was cutting-edge architecturally. We talk about mid-century modern in the 20th century. Well, this was mid-century modern in the 19th century. It was a stunning thing to see both this house and the church together, two different architects, two different functions for spaces, but a cutting-edge square here.”

“Plus, they were being built at the same time,” said Holtzclaw. “Charles Green [the original owner of the Green-Meldrim House] knew some of the people that were in on the planning of the church. So there probably was some interaction and collaboration when all this was happening.”

While the house is stunning from its bright pink exterior to the black, white, and wood-grained interior, Holtzclaw said the church is equally impressive.

“One of the first things you notice when you go in the church, besides the architecture and the steep ceiling, is the stained-glass windows and how beautiful they are. They’re very old. They're from 1886 and made in England. They feature prominently in the church. Also, up at the altar, there are some very interesting pieces up there. We'll talk about not only the architecture but some of the symbolism.”

It’s important to note that, for anyone with mobility issues, there is a ramp into the church, but there is no ramp or elevator in the Green-Meldrim House.

For those who fall in love with the tours and want to help in the future, Credle said they are looking for more docents, front-door greeters, and gift shop volunteers. The museum also has a youth guide program.

“We're training teenagers this summer to be tour guides. It’s a wonderful skill. It could be after their daytime job if they have that.”

Anyone interested need only reach out to the museum through its website.

Tours are each Wednesday in May starting on the first and ending on the 29th. There will be two tours each afternoon at 1 and 2:30 p.m. except on May 8th at 2 and 4 p.m. Entry is $25 per person and will need to be purchased prior to the event at GreenMeldrimHouse.org.

More new things are on the way for the Green-Meldrim House. Credle said the museum is also planning for new tours and a lecture series in the fall. It will be interesting to see the evolution of the museum with the Keepers of Historic Green-Meldrim House and the museum’s new executive director at the helm.

If You Go >>

What: Green-Meldrim House and St. John’s Church combo tours

When: May 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29

Where: 14 W. Macon St.

Tickets: $25

Info: GreenMeldrimHouse.org

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Theatres in Moscow

Cultural life of Moscow city is various and rich! Operas, ballets, symphonic concerts... Russian composers have created some of the most beautiful classical music. Russian classical music is very popular in Moscow. It is performed in many beautiful historical venues. Do not forget to include a visit to a concert hall in your itinerary when you are planning your stay in Moscow! And do it in advance.

There are almost no restrictions on dress code in Russian theatres. Visitors may wear jeans and sports shoes, they may have a backpack with them. Only shorts are not allowed.

A typical feature of Russian theatre – visitors are bringing a lot of flowers which they present to their favorite performers after the show.

Here are some practical advices where to go and how to buy tickets.

The Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the oldest, the most famous and popular opera and ballet theatre in Russia. The word “Bolshoi” means “big” in Russian. You can buy a ticket online in advance, 2-3 months before the date of performance on the official website . Prices for famous ballets are high: 6-8 thousand rubles for a seat in stalls. Tickets to operas are cheaper: you can get a good seat for 4-5 thousand rubles. Tickets are cheaper for daytime performances and performances on the New Stage. The New Stage is situated in the light-green building to the left of the Bolshoi's main building. The quality of operas and ballets shown on the New Stage is excellent too. However, you should pay attention that many seats of the Bolshoi’s Old and New Stages have limited visibility . If you want to see the Bolshoi’s Old Stage but all tickets are sold out, you can order a tour of the theatre. You can book such a tour on the official website.

If you want, following Russian tradition, to give flowers to the performers at the end of the show, in the Bolshoi flowers should be presented via special staff who collects these flowers in advance.

In August the Bolshoi is closed.

The Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre

This theatre is noteworthy. On one hand, it offers brilliant classical opera and ballet performances. On the other hand, it is an experimental venue for modern artists. You can check the program and buy tickets online here http://stanmus.com/ . If you are opera lover, get a ticket to see superstar Hibla Gerzmava . The theatre has a very beautiful historic building and a stage with a good view from every seat. Tickets are twice cheaper than in the Bolshoi.

The Novaya Opera

“Novaya” means “New” in Russian. This opera house was founded in 1991 by a famous conductor Eugene Kolobov. Its repertoire has several directions: Russian and Western classics, original shows and divertissements, and operas of the 20th and 21st centuries. It is very popular with Muscovites for excellent quality of performances, a comfortable hall, a beautiful Art Nouveau building and a historic park Hermitage, which is situated right next to it. You can buy tickets online here http://www.novayaopera.ru/en .

Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center

The Opera Center has become one of the best theatrical venues in Moscow. It was founded in 2002 by great diva Galina Vishnevskaya. Nowadays its artistic director is Olga Rostropovich, daughter of Galina Vishnevskaya and her husband Mstislav Rostropovich, great cellist and conductor. Not only best young opera singers perform here, but also world music stars do; chamber and symphonic concerts, theatrical productions and musical festivals take place here. You can see what is on the program here http://opera-centre.ru/theatre . Unfortunately “booking tickets online” is available in Russian only. If you need help, you can contact us at and we can book a ticket for you. 

Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and The Great Hall of Moscow Conservatory

These are two major concert halls for symphonic music in Moscow. Both feature excellent acoustics, impressive interior, various repertoire and best performers. You can check the program here http://meloman.ru/calendar/ . You need just to switch to English. Booking tickets online is available only for owners of Russian, Ukrainian and Belorussian phone numbers. If you need help, you can contact us and we can book a ticket for you. 

Moscow International Performing Arts Center (MIPAC)

This modern and elegant concert hall houses performances of national and foreign symphony orchestras, chamber ensembles, solo instrumentalists, opera singers, ballet dancers, theatre companies, jazz bands, variety and traditional ensembles. Actually, it has three concert halls placed on three different levels and having separate entrances. The President of MIPAC is People’s Artist of the USSR Vladimir Spivakov, conductor of “Virtuosy Moskvy” orchestra. You can see pictures of the concert halls here http://www.mmdm.ru/en/content/halls . The program is impressive in its variety but is not translated into English. You can contact us at and we can find a performance for you.

Moscow is the capital of Russia. In 1156, Prince Yury Dolgoruky erected timber walls around Moscow, and a moat. He is generally regarded as a founder of Moscow, and his monument is among the most honoured in the city.

In 1755, Moscow University was opened, and in 1703, the first printed newspaper (“Vedomosti”) appeared. Moscow architecture reached its peak of perfection in the second half of the 18th century due to advanced Russian architects V.I. Bazhenov (Pashkov’s house), and M.F. Kazakov (the Senate building).

The present-day appearance of Moscow’s centre was founded after Napoleon wars in Europe. Thus, Alexandrov Garden and Theatre Square appeared alongside the Bolshoi and Maly theatres, as well as the buildings of Manezh and the First Gradskaya Hospital. The 19th century is known as a “golden age” for science and the arts, and Moscow was a birthplace for many famous artists, writers, painters and cientists. A number of outstanding politicians were also from the city. The world is familiar, of course, with figures whose talents and ideas made the glory of Russia: Pushkin, Gogol, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Herzen, Pirogov, Sklifosofsky, Vasnetsov, Serov, Levitan and many others.

Today, Moscow is the largest economic, political and scientific centre of Russia.

55°45′21″N 37°37′2″E

2511 square km

Ostankino TV tower (540 m)

Park Pobedy metro station (90 m in depth)

humid continental

Red Square is a city square in Moscow, Russia. It separates the Kremlin, the former royal citadel and now the official residence of the President of Russia, from a historic merchant quarter known as Kitai-gorod. Red Square is often considered to be the central square of Moscow since the city’s major streets, which connect to Russia’s key key highways, originate there.

The square was laid out in the 15th century. Until the middle of the 17th century, Red Square was known as “Pozhar” – the place destroyed by fire. The name “Red” (or “Krasnaya,” which means “beautiful” in old Russian) came in the mid-17thh century. The main architectural detail of the square was the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat – the Kremlin walls were surrounded by a moat. It later took the folk name of the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed.

In front of the cathedral was a marketplace, also the scene of religious ceremonies, appearances by the tsar, and the announcement of court verdicts from the Lobnoye Mysto. The square is a lasting witness to Russia’s dramatic history. The Victory Parade to celebrate the defeat of Nazism was held there on June 24th, 1945.

The square was laid out in the 15th century. Until the middle of the 17th century, Red Square was known as “Pozhar” – the place destroyed by fire. The name “Red” (or “Krasnaya,” which means “beau- tiful” in old Russian) came in the mid-17thh century. The main architectural detail of the square was the Cathedral of the Intercession on the Moat – the Kremlin walls were surrounded by a moat. It later took the folk name of the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed.

Moscow Kremlin

The Moscow Kremlin or simply the Kremlin is a fortified complex in the center of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west. It is the best known of the Kremlins (Russian citadels) and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. In addition, within this complex is the Grand Kremlin Palace that was formerly the Tsar’s Moscow residence. The complex now serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation and as a museum with 2,746,405 visitors in 2019.

The name “Kremlin” means “fortress inside a city”, and is often also used metonymically to refer to the government of the Russian Federation in a similar sense to how the “White House” refers to the Executive Office of the President of the United States. It previously referred to the government of the Soviet Union (1922–1991) and its highest members (such as general secretaries, premiers, presidents, ministers, and commissars). The term “Kremlinology” refers to the study of Soviet and Russian politics.

Christ the Savior Cathedral

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior is a Russian Orthodox cathedral in Moscow, Russia, on the northern bank of the Moskva River, a few hundred meters southwest of the Kremlin. With an overall height of 103 meters (338 ft), it is the second tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world, after the People’s Salvation Cathedral in Bucharest, Romania.

The current church is the second to stand on this site. The original church, built during the 19th cen- tury, took more than 40 years to build and was the scene of the 1882 world premiere of the 1812 Over- ture composed by Tchaikovsky. It was destroyed in 1931 on the order of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. The demolition was supposed to make way for a colossal Palace of the Soviets to house the country’s legislature, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. Construction started in 1937 but was halted in 1941 when Germany invaded the Soviet Union during World War II. Its steel frame was disassembled the follow- ing year, and the Palace was never built. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the current church was rebuilt on the site between 1995 and 2000.

The State Historical Museum

The museum of incredible beauty, dedicated to the ancient Rus’ and the imperial era, seems to be as old as the Kremlin. It was built until the end of the 19th century, and thanks to its neo-Russian style it does not look out of place among the other buildings in Red Square.

The State Historical Museum on the Red Square was founded by the order of Emperor Alexander 2 in 1872. Built by architect V. Sherwood and engineer A. Semenov, the museum opened to the public in 1883.

Today the State Historical Museum is the national treasure chest of Russia, storage of historical relics of the world. The history and culture of Russia from old times is represented by more than 4.5 million objects and more than 15 million of unique archive documents.

Tsaritsyno Museum-reserve

The estate is known from the late 16th century when it belonged to Tsarina Irina, sister of Tsar Boris Godunov. It was called Bogorodskoye at that time. It belonged to the Streshnevs and then to the Gal- itzines in the 17th century.Tsaritsyno is located in the south of Moscow and includes an architectural complex of the late 18th century, Greenhouses, Historical Landscaped Park with ponds, and new park zones with Light dynamic fountain. The territory covers 405 hectares.

The palace complex created as a suburb residence of Empress Catherine II. It was designed and built by the architect Vasily Bazhenov. Later the new Grand Palace by Matvey Kazakov became the center of the composition. The buildings were not completed. Work stopped after the Empress’s death.There are a history and architecture museum, a landscape park with an adjacent forest, an art museum, the Biryulyovo dendropark, and a cascade of the Tsaritsyno ponds.There are many pavilions, pergolas, arbors, artificial grottos, decorative bridges around the palace in the park. There are Russian Orthodox temple “Source of Life” and a modern recreation center with an upscale restaurant in the park.Ski and skating are available in winter and a climbing wall in the summer. There are trips around the park on an electric car along several popular routes. It is a great place for leisure and relax!

Ascension Church in Kolomenskoe

Kolomenskoe, a former estate of Moscow grand dukes and Russian tsars, is located on the right-hand bank of the Moskva river. Today it is a museum-reserve, a monument of Russian architecture of 16th and 17th-century and is a favorite venue of popular festivities and theatrical shows featuring episodes of Russian history. The Church of the Ascension was built in 1532 in the imperial estate of Kolomenskoe, near Moscow, to celebrate the birth of the prince who was to become Tsar Ivan IV (‘the Terrible’). One of the earliest examples of a traditional wooden tent-roofed church made of stone and bricks, it had a great influence on the development of Russian ecclesiastical architecture.

The church is of great importance for planning the town, as it dominates the surrounding architectur- al structures and landscape, and provides visual unity to all the elements of the estate. The Church of the Ascension is unsurpassed in its marvelous beauty and elegance it’s forms. It was built despite the strict canons of ecclesiastical architecture of the 16th century. Its a one-pillar construction, which is different from the usual five-domed structure of four pillars, that looks like a memorial sculpture with architectural features that incorporated the best of Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Gothic, and ancient Russian traditions. The example of the architecture of the Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoe then became widespread all over the country shortly and later the tent-like style became the embod- iment of Russian national architectural tradition.

Spaso-Andronikov Convent

Originally founded in 1320, this monastery is famous for its icon painting monk, Andrei Rublev who lived and died here in the early 14th century. Rublev is a well-known master that worked on the icons of the Kremlin’s Cathedral of Annunciation and many other churches. Today there is the Cathedral of the Savior, and the museum named after Rublev is housed in the adjacent Chapel of St. Michael Archangel.

The walls of the 15th century Spaso-Andronikov Convent show traces from the hand of Andrey Ru- blev, buried at the site, and his friend Daniel Cherney. There are many burial places of great figures of Russian culture and art and monuments surviving from days of communist purges in the territory of the Convent. The children of families that were considered opponents of the system were kept in the convent during years of repression. The convent houses a unique collection of ancient icons and depicts the process of their creation, including the technology used in preparing boards and paints.

Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent is one of Moscow’s most beautiful sights which was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004. Novodevichy Convent can be translated as New Maiden Convent. It was founded in1524 on the orders of Grand Prince Vasili III of Moscow to celebrate Russia’s recapture of Smolensk in 1514. The convent is dedicated to the Our Lady of Smolensk Icon. It was built as a fortified convent on the River Moskva. Later the convent served as a place of retirement or imprisonment for female members of royal family.

Irina Godunova became a nun under the name of Aleksandra at the convent in 1598 and died there in 1603. Sofia Alekseevna, the sister of Peter the Great and former regent of Russia, was imprisoned here from 1689 up to her death in 1704. Most of the buildings in the convent and its walls date from around this time. In 1727, Tsarina Yevdokia Lopukhina (the first wife of Peter the Great) was permitted by her grandson Emperor Peter II to return from the exile in Schlisselburg and to settle at Novodevichy Con- vent. She died there in 1731. French troops were leaving Moscow in 1812 and they tried to burn down the convent, but the fire was put out by the nuns in time according to legend. The convent was closed in 1922 and reorganized as a museum which became a branch of the State Historical Museum in 1934.

Moscow State University

Welcome to Moscow State University, the first Russian University founded in 1755 on the initiative of Mikhail Lomonosov, an outstanding scientist of the Enlightenment, whose unsettled encyclopedic mind and energy gave the inner impetus to the project. From the very beginning, elitism was alien to the very spirit of our community, which determined the University’s long-standing democratic tra- dition. Students irrespective of their background have been always admitted to University to further become our renowned alumni – famous scientists and scholars. And the students convene here, as they have always done, to study, to research, to push at the frontiers of knowledge.

Today, the emphasis is on advancing the applied science: new materials, genetics, biomedicine, phar- maceutics, cognitive sciences, ecology, and information technologies. We work hard to preserve our heritage and develop our traditions of a comprehensive approach to higher education and science. Moscow University has a rich academic history. Yet the major commitment remains the same as it has been in centuries: to provide outstanding teaching, scholarship, and research. But what makes our University so lively is this intellectual spirit combined with inexhaustible curiosity.

Poklonnaya Gora

Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow is one of the main attractions of the capital, which perpetuated the memory of those who died during the Great Patriotic War. This is a memorial park located between Kutuzovsky Prospekt and Minsk Street. It is a popular holiday destination for Muscovites and guests of the capital. The park is part of the Memorial of the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.

In addition to the monuments dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War, there is an opportu- nity to have a good rest. Both adults and children will find entertainment to their liking. You can come here with the whole family. Swings and various attractions work. Elderly people meet, walk around Victory Park, remembering the old days. You can make an excursion by driving on a road train. And young people will have a great time riding bicycles. Skaters and skateboarders are trained here. There is a cafe in Victory Park for the hungry.

Huge floral clocks will tell you the exact time. In the summer, Poklonnaya Gora in Moscow is a place of folk festivals.

Ostankino TV Tower

In truth, the most attractive thing in height is an opportunity to rise above the everyday routine and interim and to examine the movement of life from above.

Therefore, tall structures symbolizing the drive of a modern person for progress attract a large num- ber of tourists all over the world. Interest in tower tourism became global after the foundation of the Global Federation of Great Towers, at the baseline of which was Ostankino Tower.

Built-in 1967 upon the project of Soviet engineer Nikitin, N.V., Ostankino Tower, reaching the height of 540 meters, it became an architectural and engineering milestone of its time. Such known sights of Moscow city as Star boulevard, Akademika Korolyova Street, All-Union Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh), and “Ostankino” TV Center are close to the tower not only territorially. In the era of conquering new heights by a human being, Ostankino District became a progressive and cultural part of the city, and Tower became a symbol of its time and city.

Moscow City 360 Panorama

PANORAMA360 offers breathtaking views of Moscow from a bird’s eye view. Windows 6 meters high and a 360 ° view give an unforgettable experience! Thanks to its location just 4 km from the Kremlin, you can see all of Moscow from a new angle! Poklonnaya Gora, Moscow State University, the White House and other attractions will be at your fingertips! For young and old guests, we organize fasci- nating interactive excursions that will introduce you to the history of Moscow and allow you to see the main sights from a bird’s eye view. And at the end of an educational trip, everyone will taste ice cream and chocolate from the factories located in the Federation Tower.

The restaurant of European and author’s cuisine is located on the 89th floor of the Federation Tower. A special emphasis for gourmets in the restaurant’s menu is unique buffalo meat dishes grown at El- lafarm. A projection light show in three minutes not only acquaints visitors with the history of Moscow but also allows them to be in the center of bright events. The image created on the walls and floor of the site is as realistic and almost tangible as possible. Welcome to Russia for impressions!

Bolshoi Theatre of Russia

On 28 March 1776, Catherine II granted the prosecutor, Prince Petr Urusov, the “privilege” of “main- taining” theatre performances of all kinds, including masquerades, balls and other forms of entertain- ment, for ten years. And it is from this date that Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre traces its history.

The Bolshoi building, which for many years now has been regarded as one of Moscow’s main sights, was opened on 20 October 1856, on Tsar Alexander II’s coronation day. On 29 October 2002, the Bol- shoi was given a New Stage and it was here it presented its performances during the years the Historic Stage was undergoing massive reconstruction and refurbishment. The reconstruction project lasted from l July 2005 to 28 October 2011. As a result of this reconstruction, many lost features of the historic building were reinstated and, at the same time, it has joined the ranks of most technically equipped theatre buildings in the world.

The Bolshoi Theatre is a symbol of Russia. It was awarded this honor due to the major contribution it made to the history of the Russian performing arts. This history is on-going and today Bolshoi Theatre artists continue to contribute to it many bright pages.

Kuskovo is an outstanding palace-and-park ensemble. In the 18th century, ceremonial receptions and grand gatherings turned it into a summer out-of-town pleasure house of Petr Sheremetev. Nowadays Kuskovo Estate is an official museum of Russian architecture, ceramic, and sculpture. The Palace is the center of the ensemble, which preserved the layout and decorative interiors, consisting of first- class works of Russian and Western European fine art; a unique collection of painting of the 18th cen- tury, gift portraits of Russian emperors and several generations of the owners of the estate.

The museum organizes 3-4 stationary stock exhibitions each year. The old traditions of the manor’s hospitality are being revived, the museum has excellent opportunities for organizing and conducting theater and entertainment programs, receptions, and festivities. In the summer, concerts and music festivals are held in the dance hall of the Palace with the participation of Russian and foreign perform- ers. The splendor of architectural monuments, genuine interiors, a park, and a unique collection of ceramics and glass will allow visitors to get an unforgettable experience, immerse themselves in the world of an old Russian estate.

Pushkin State Museum

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow, located in Volk- honka Street in the old part of Moscow, built-in 1898-1912 from the design of the architect R.I.Klein. The museum’s collection today has about 5000 paintings, 350000 drawings and engravings, 100000 coins and medals. The museum’s permanent display includes three main sections – Ancient Egypt, Greece, Italy, Rome, and the Nothern Black Sea Cost in the classical period; famous works of sculpture of the period of Middle Ages and the Renaissance; works of West European painting and sculpture from the Middle Ages to the present time.

The work on the Museum Quarter of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts started in the late 2000s in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the museum. In 2008, the government of the Russian Fed- eration allocated funds for this project. From 2014 to 2019, museum buildings underwent reconstruc- tion and adaptation, and the Depository, Restoration, and Exhibition Center is under construction. In 2019-23, the Main Building of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts will be reconstructed. After the reconstruction, nine museums will operate in the Museum Quarter. Spaces will be created in every museum for permanent and temporary exhibitions, depositories, shops, lecture halls, public zones, and cafés.

The State Tretyakov Gallery

The State Tretyakov Gallery is a museum of world significance with collections running into many thousands of works of art, from Old Russian icons to contemporary paintings. The collection of the Tretyakov brothers was opened to the public as a private museum in 1874 and it immediately became widely popular.

It includes such great masterpieces as the famous Old Testament Trinity, the only original icon by An- drei Rublev, many other icons attributed to Andrei Rublev and Theophanes the Greek, and a collection of outstanding works of 16th-century Russian icon-painting. The next section of the gallery is devoted to the second half of the 19th century, especially paintings of Russian realistic art (Peredvizhniki).

Check out the best works of Russian art from different eras and authors. Currently, the collection includes more than 180 000 pieces and is regularly updated. The Collection presents major master- pieces from the permanent exhibition.

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow

Number of rooms: 205

Distance to the city centre: 0,5 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 30 km, Domodedovo – 50 km, Vnukovo – 30 km

Address: 4 Neglinnaya str., Moscow, Russia, 109012

Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is located in the very heart of the capital, just a few minutes’ walk from its iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and is within the immediate vicinity of the Bolshoi Theatre, Par- liament House, Moscow’s central business district and luxury shopping malls (TSUM and GUM). Its 205 tastefully furnished rooms were designed by the famous designer Tony Chi.

The hotel prides itself on its Ararat Café that replicates an old restaurant on Neglinnaya Street in the 1960s. It combines tra- ditions of Armenian and contemporary cuisines; its authentic dishes are prepared using ingredients freshly delivered directly from Armenia.

Ararat Park Hyatt has two restaurants, two bars, a beauty sa- lon, an indoor heated pool, a jacuzzi, a SPA (sauna, steam room, massage, facial and body treatments), a gym, a business cen- tre, Wi-Fi Internet access, babysitting services (upon request), 24-hour Concierge services.

Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

Number of rooms: 180

Distance to the city centre: 0,2 km

Address: 2, Okhotny Ryad, Moscow, Russia, 109012

Just a few steps from the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow’s historic heart, Old World glamour gets a contemporary spin at luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. Discover a bold reimag- ining of the legendary 1930s-era Hotel Moskva at a modern replica that puts destination dining and decadent SPA treat- ments in the spotlight.

This exquisite hotel has 2 signature restaurants, a café, a bar, a tea room, SPA center (17 treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, massage, facial and body treatments) with an in- door heated pool and a beauty salon, a gym, a business center, 24h Concierge services.

Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovky Park

Number of rooms: 298

Distance to the city centre: 8 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 28 km, Domodedovo – 60 km, Vnukovo – 35 km

Address: 36-33 Leningradsky Avenue, Moscow, Russia, 125167

Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park Hotel is a premium Moscow hotel for both business and leisure travelers, conve- niently located on Leningradsky Prospekt, with easy access to tourist attractions, restaurants, shopping and business centers.

The hotel has an underground parking; a modern SPA center with an indoor pool; a beauty salon and a gym; a restaurant, a café and a bar; and other amenities that you would expect from a modern five-star hotel.

Radisson Collection Hotel

Number of rooms: 501

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 32 km, Domodedovo – 50 km, Vnukovo – 30 km

Address: 2/1 Bld. 1 Kutuzovsky Avenue, Moscow, Russia, 121248

Discover Moscow from one of the iconic Seven Sisters. Located on Moskva river bank, Radisson Collection Hotel boasts grand and opulent interiors. Experience the elegant grandeur of its 501 stylish rooms, suites, and serviced apartments with unri- valed river views. Each room is uniquely decorated with luxuri- ous furnishings and high-end materials. Guests enjoy its great convenience in terms of transportation to all three airports and top attractions.

The hotel has 19 elegant restaurants on its premises, a mod- ern SPA with an indoor pool, a panoramic bar on the 31st floor, and a flotilla of ten yachts offering year-round river cruises past Moscow’s major highlights.

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow

Number of rooms: 334

Distance to the city centre: 0,3 km

Address: Tverskaya Street 3, Moscow, Russia, 125009

From the Kremlin view to caviar tastings, The Ritz-Carlton Mos- cow celebrates the mystery and decadence of Russia’s most recognizable city. Experience sheer luxury in every imaginable way, whether you toast your stay with a sabrage demonstra- tion, browse the collections of the hotel’s jewelry and fur gal- leries or simply savor the convenience of the hotel’s enviable address next to Red Square.

Visit the award-winning O2 Lounge, the landmark rooftop restaurant, bar and terrace. Presenting unrivaled views over Red Square and the Kremlin, it offers the finest seafood, sushi and caviar coupled with a selective wine list and sophisticated house-mixed cocktails in a fashionable and chic setting.

The Ritz-Carlton Moscow has 334 rooms (including 33 Club rooms and 35 suites offering additional premium ameni- ties and services), 2 restaurants, a café, an indoor pool and a jacuzzi, a SPA center (saunas, steam rooms, Ayurveda, mas- sage, scrubs, body wraps, aromatherapy, facial and body treat- ments), a beauty salon, a business center, a banquet hall (up to 700 people), 5 conference rooms (up to 200 people), Wi-Fi Internet access, 24-hour Concierge services, parking.

The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya

Number of rooms: 210

Address: Nikol’skaya Street 12, Moscow, Russia, 109012

Enjoy unrivaled access to the historic landmarks and exclusive shops of Russia’s vibrant capital.   A luxury hotel in the center of Moscow, The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya builds upon the legacy of the brand established in 1904 by John Jacob Astor IV. A complex of historical buildings at an unrivalled location just a few minutes away from Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, this is where aristocratic heritage meets con- temporary design.

The hotel is 460 m from the Bolshoi Theater and 620 m from Red Square. It has two restaurants, a café and a bar, a cigar lounge, a SPA-center (massage, facial and body treatments) with a swimming pool, a gym, a business center, 5 conference rooms (up to 180 people), Wi-Fi Internet access, 24-hour Con- cierge services. The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya is the only hotel in the center of Moscow offering full Butler Service to every guest of every room type.

Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel

Number of rooms: 366

Distance to the city center: 7 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 25 km, Domodedovo – 50 km, Vnukovo – 35 km

Address: Leningradsky avenue, 31A, bld.1, Moscow, Russia, 125284

Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel is perfectly placed in Moscow’s city center, this 5-star hotel is just moments away from noteworthy attractions including Red Square, Petrovsky Park, VTB Arena and Moscow Expocentre.

Relax in the elegant rooms and suites, where complimentary Wi-Fi, spacious work desks, mini-refrigerators and bath ame- nities await. Ideal for vacations to Moscow, we also offer rooms with full kitchens.

Refresh at on-site fitness center, make a splash in our indoor pool, unwind in our serene day spa and dine at our tempting restaurants. Showcasing flexible venues and impeccable plan- ning services, our hotel is also an inspired choice for a meeting or special event in Moscow. Come discover the endless charms of Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel and earn miles of Marriott Bonvoy.

Hilton Leningradskaya Hotel

Number of rooms: 273 including five ambassador suites

Distance to the city center: 1 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 30 km, Domodedovo – 47 km, Vnukovo – 33 km

Address: Kalanchevskaya st., 21/40, Moscow, 107078

Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel is located in one of the famous Stalinist skyscrapers in the central part of the capital. All rooms are decorated in a classic modern style. Each room has a work area with a desk, TV, tea and coffee making facili- ties, and toiletries. For the convenience of our guests, there is a restaurant that serves traditional Russian cuisine and a wide selection of wines, and there is a lobby bar also.

The hotel is suitable for organizing business trips, meetings and seminars, the conference room has everything you need for work, including speakers and Wi-Fi access.

The building is a 15-minute drive from Red Square and the Kremlin Museums. Train stations and Komsomolskaya metro station are a 5-minute walk away, which will help tourists to get to the places they need. To services of visitors: restaurant “Janus”, bar, fitness club, gym, indoor pool, spa, tour desk. The hotel has the ability to hold conferences, seminars and presen- tations, corporate events.

Crowne Plaza Moscow

Number of rooms: 727

Distance to the city centre: 6 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 30 km, Domodedovo – 50 km, Vnukovo – 36 km

Address: Krasnopresnenskaya Naberezhnaya 12, Moscow, Russia 123610

Crowne Plaza Moscow – World Trade Centre hotel is one of Moscow’s leading business hotels. It is located near the House of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Expocentre exhibition com- plex and Moscow City business district, and overlooks the Moskva River. The historical centre of the city is within walking distance.

The hotel’s central location is perfect for hosting business events. Natural light and professional equip- ment add comfort to its seven meeting rooms, including four VIP lounges on the 20th floor with pan- oramic views over Moscow. The hotel’s dining options include a restaurant, two cafés and two bars. Other amenities offered to travellers are a well-equipped fitness and wellness centre, free parking, an ATM, laundry services and other conveniences required from any 5* business and conference hotel.

Azimut Olympic Hotel Moscow

Number of rooms: 495

Distance to the city center: 1.5 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 29 km, Domodedovo – 54 km, Vnukovo – 35 km.

Address: Olympic prospect, 18/1, Moscow, Russia 129110

AZIMUT Olympic Moscow is centrally located in Moscow within a walking distance from the Garden Ring, Prospect Mira and Dostoevskaya metro stations and next to the Olympic sports complex. Nearby is the Catherine Park – an ideal place for a walk and jogging. Free shuttle bus service is available to visit Moscow attractions such as the Kremlin and Red Square.

The «Olympic» Restaurant serves a buffet breakfast, the renowned Bakery, «Paulaner» German Bras- serie with its own brewery, «495» Mediterranean Restaurant and «Jai Hind» gourmet Indian restau- rant. The hotel is the leading congress hotel in Moscow. At your disposal are 12 modern equipped con- ference rooms for seminars and conferences in Moscow. Business corner with a computer, internet and copy machines are available for business guests.

Doubletree by Hilton Marina

Number of rooms: 270

Distance to the city center: 10 km

Distance to the airports: Sheremetyevo – 19 km, Domodedovo – 58 km, Vnukovo – 28 km.

Address: Leningradskoe shosse, 39, building 1, Moscow, Russia, 125212

DoubleTree by Hilton Moscow Marina Hotel is located in a business district of Moscow. It will take you only 30 minutes to get to the city center from the Hotel. The convenient location of the “Olympia Park” business center, “Metropolis” shopping and entertainment center, as well as the opportunity to get to the “Crocus Expo” center in the shortest time, will appreciate all the guests of the Hotel.

All rooms are equipped with free minibar, tea and coffee machines, comfortable work area, TV, ironing facilities. There are 11 multifunctional conference rooms in the Hotel. You can visit the «La Veranda» restaurant with classic Italian and Japanese cuisine, the «ARTYASHOK» restaurant with traditional Russian and European cuisine, and the «Lobby Bar & Lounge». Hammam, Sauna, snow fountain, and beauty salon are in the Hotel. The «Chavana» Spa offers a variety of Wellness treatments, and the Fit- ness Center is equipped with modern equipment.

Doubletree by Hilton Vnukovo

Number of rooms: 432

Distance to the city centre: 30 km; 

Distance to Vnukovo airport: 1 km

Address: 2nd Reysovaya Street 2, Moscow, Vnukovo, Russia, 119027

Conveniently located opposite the main entrance to Terminal A, DoubleTree by Hilton Moscow – Vnu- kovo Airport is also a short metro, bus, taxi or non-stop “Aeroexpress” railway shuttle ride from the city center. The hotel has 432 stylish guest rooms, including 28 suites, accessible rooms and a Presidential Suite, all equipped with HDTVs, ergonomic workspace, digital safes, free WiFi, tea/coffee making facil- ities, and 3-body-jet showers.

DoubleTree by Hilton Vnukovo offers all amenities of a modern four-star hotel, including laundry ser- vices, parking, a restaurant and a lobby bar, an executive lounge, Concierge Services, Business center, a fitness area, a wellness center with a swimming pool and a Turkish bath as well as a range of event spaces including meeting rooms and two large ballrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Art Moscow Voykovskaya

Number of rooms: 260

Distance to the city centre: 13 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 18 km, Domodedovo – 60 km, Vnukovo – 27 km

Address: Cosmonavta Volkova str., 6a, Moscow, Russia, 127299

A modern cozy hotel where you will find everything you need for a comfortable stay for business or for leisure. It is located within a walking distance from Voykovskaya metro station and 30 mins’ drive to Sheremetyevo Airport. Distance to the Red Square – 9.5 km. Stylish and modern interiors create an atmosphere of art and inspiration. The hotel has over 260 rooms of different categories as well as all necessary infrastructure, including a restaurant, a bar and conference rooms.

Hanoi-Moscow Aparthotel

Number of rooms: 250

Distance to the city centre: 20 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 27 km, Domodedovo – 63 km, Vnukovo – 54 km

Address: 146-2, Yaroslavskoye sh., Moscow, Russia, 129347

The Hanoi-Moscow aparthotel is situated in one of the most picturesque areas in Moscow, 30-mins’ drive from Sheremetyevo international airport. The Losiny Ostrov National Park is in the immediate vicinity of the hotel. The upper floor of the 22-storey hotel building gives breathtaking views of mag- nificent city landscapes on one side and a sea of greenery on the other. VDNKh (The Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy) is just 15 mins’ away.

All 250 rooms, regardless of category, are equipped with a kitchen with modern appliances, a set of tableware, and a washing machine in the bathroom. The hotel infrastructure provides the guests with everything they might possibly need: 3 restaurants and a café; a sports club, a beauty salon, car rental service and a car wash, Vietnamese acupuncture medical center, and even a 3-storey shopping center on its premises.

Kartmazovo Park Hotel

Number of rooms: 119

Distance to the airport: Vnukovo – 13 km, Sheremetyevo – 50 km, Domodedovo – 48 km

Hotel address: 4 Kiyevskoye Highway, Kartmazovo, Moscow, Russia, 142784

Kartmazovo Park hotel is located at Kiyevskoye Highway, 5 km outside Moscow. The hotel has all room categories, the rooms are equipped with everything you need to make your stay comfortable and relaxed and enjoy clean air and the proximity to the airport. Meals are served in the Kartmazovo restaurant, which operates on a customized menu system. Here, guests can choose from European, Russian and Caucasian cuisine.

Among the hotel’s facilities there are a sauna and a fitness center, a playroom for kids, a banquet hall to hold your event, and conference rooms.

Salut Hotel

Number of rooms: 1091

Distance to the city centre: 15 km

Distance to the airport: Vnukovo – 15 km, Sheremetyevo – 45 km, Domodedovo – 47 km

Hotel Address: 158 Leninskiy Prospect, Moscow, Russia, 119571

Salyut hotel is the choice of many guests visiting Moscow, optimal for groups, as well as for individual tourists and business people. The complex is located in the South-West of Moscow, near Troparevo Park, a 5-minutes’ drive from “Yugo-Zapadnaya” metro station.

Highlights nearby: MSU, the Sechenova First Moscow State Medical University, Expocenter on Krasnaya Presnya, Sparrow Hills, the Great Moscow State circus, the Luzhniki Stadium.

The hotel offers: 2 large conference rooms and 5 meeting rooms; 8 restaurants serving Chinese, Jap- anese, Italian, Russian and European specialties; a billiards club; Parking, car rental, a medical center; Solarium; Luggage storage; beauty salon; fitness club; air ticket office; Bank branch; sauna; massage.

Park Tower Hotel

Number of rooms: 330

Distance to the city centre: 9 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 21 km, Vnukovo – 49 km, Domodedovo – 58 km

Address: 27 Dmitrovskoe highway, Moscow, Russia, 127550

Park Tower Hotel is a modern hotel located in the North of Moscow and offering a wide range of ser- vices to business and leisure travellers.

This 25-storey hotel has been recently renovated and now offers modern, meticulously designed rooms that feature everything for a comfortable stay, including air conditioning, a workplace, a pri- vate bathroom with toiletries, 24h room service, free WiFi, and a stunning panoramic view over the Ostankinskaya TV tower, the park nearby, or Moscow City high-rises. The hotel offers the following ser- vices and amenities: two restaurants, a café and a lobby bar, three well-equipped conference rooms, a gym, ATMs, a photo studio, a luggage storage room, guarded parking, multilingual friendly staff, and arranging of tours and transportation.

Prince Park Hotel

Number of rooms: 387

Distance to the city centre: 16 km

Distance to the airport: Vnukovo – 18 km, Sheremetyevo – 47 km, Domodedovo – 42 km

Address: 1B Block 1 Novoyasenevsky Prospekt, Moscow, Russia, 117574

A modern hotel with a concept of a “city within a city”, located in the South-West of Moscow, close to Teply Stan metro station, Prince Plaza shopping mall, and MOREON water park nearby.

It offers six room categories, from the budget Standard to the luxurious President, as well as round- the-clock room service, transfer to and from Moscow airports, laundry, Concierge services, a business center with meeting and conference rooms, a SPA on site, a gym a billiards and a karaoke club. Its Imperia restaurant serves Russian and European cuisine, and its stylish lobby bar is open 24 hours a day and serves à la carte.

Troparevo Recreation Resort

Number of rooms: 60

Distance to the airport: Vnukovo – 16 km, Sheremetyevo – 45 km, Domodedovo – 45 km

Address: 3 Akademika Bakuleva str., Moscow, Russia, 117513

The resort gives its guests a perfect opportunity to forget about the city bustle and enjoy the tranquil- ity and care of its wellness professionals, while staying within a limited budget and having easy access to all means of transport.

The hotel is located next to the metro station in the Southwestern part of the capital, in a green area of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the Troparevsky forest park. The advantage of the hotel is its convenient location and easy access to the main thoroughfares of Moscow. The complex is located near Leninsky Prospekt, a 5-10 minutes’ drive from the Yugo-Zapadnaya and Konkovo metro stations.

The hotel has everything essential for a comfortable stay. Troparevo Recreation Resort is a real city in miniature with its restaurants and shops, including a jewelry salon, wellness and sports centers and other modern facilities.

SK ROYAL Hotel Moscow

Number of rooms: 111

Distance to the city centre: 18 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 19 km, Vnukovo – 50 km, Domodedovo – 80 km

Hotel Address: 163A bld.2 Dmitrovskoe highway, Moscow, Russia, 127495

SK ROYAL Hotel Moscow is located in the north of Moscow, built in 2010 according to the most mod- ern technologies and standards. It’s a 25-storied tower with panoramic windows at the intersection of MKAD (Moscow Automobile Ring Road) and Dmitrovskoye Highway, 16 km from Crocus Expo, the largest international exhibition centre, and a walking distance from RIO shopping mall with its own oceanarium, exotarium, and cinema.

SK ROYAL Hotel Moscow provides its guests with a full range of services for their perfect leisure ex- perience and successful business: 111 comfort rooms with free Wi-Fi, restaurant of European cuisine with 120 seats for business lunches, banquets and buffets, ballroom at the 25th floor for 220 people. SK ROYAL Hotel Moscow Conference centre offers four conference halls ranging from 70 to 300 square meters with all the necessary equipment.

Aminyevskaya Hotel

Number of rooms: 223

Distance to the city centre: 12 km

Distance to the airport: Vnukovo – 20 km, Sheremetyevo – 40 km, Domodedovo – 52 km

Address: 5 Aminyevskoe Highway, Moscow, Russia, 119530

This modern hotel is located in the West of Moscow, in a quiet green area not far from Kutuzovsky Prospekt and Skolkovo Innovation center, close to such tourist attractions as the Novodevichy Con- vent, Sparrow Hills, Poklonnaya Gora and Borodino Panorama, and only 20 minutes’ drive from Red Square.

All rooms are equipped with modern furniture, electronic keys, desk-telephones, an LCD TV, free wired internet, kettles and tea/coffee sets, mini-refrigerators and ventilators.

The hotel has a restaurant serving European cuisine: buffet et à la carte, a banquet hall, a business center, a conference room, Wi-Fi available in all areas, a safe, luggage storage, ATM on site, facilities for guests with disabilities, laundry, dry cleaning, airport shuttle, free parking.

Cosmos Hotel

Number of rooms: 1117

Distance to the city centre: 10 km

Distance to the airport: Sheremetyevo – 27 km, Vnukovo – 41 km, Domodedovo – 63 km

Address: 150 Prospect Mira, Moscow, Russia, 129366

The legendary Cosmos Hotel is located on Prospekt Mira – one of Moscow’s arterial roads, in a large green area – “Losiniy Ostrov” National Park, and right opposite the iconic VDNKh, the main exposi- tion complex of the country since the Soviet times. Cosmos Hotel has significant historic importance. It was built to accommodate foreign tourists and delegations. For the purpose of surveillance over foreigners and their guests by the KGB, some of the rooms used to be equipped with surveillance devices.

The hotel has 8 restaurants, a café and a bar, a business center, conference and meeting rooms, as well as wellness facilities: indoor pools, a gym, SPA with a Turkish bath and a sauna, as well as Con- cierge services, laundry, a beauty salon, a souvenir shop, a night club, a library and a medical center.

Children’s world

In June 2017, the Central Kids’ Store on Lubyanka celebrated its 60th anniversary. The largest chil- dren’s shopping mall has become an important milestone in the history of our country, a symbol of a happy and carefree childhood. Today it is a unique complex for family and children’s leisure, a shop- ping center with a full range of goods and services:

• 91 shops of toys and goods for children
• 7 entertaining zones that help to gain new knowledge in a playful way
• 22 restaurants
• weekly entertainment and educational

Dream island

Dream island is the first world-class indoor theme park in Russia and the largest one in Europe. On its territory, you will find 9 fairy-tale worlds with most famous cartoon characters, a city promenade and a landscape park.

Here you can fight villains next to the Ninja Turtles, or see how the inhabitants of the mysterious Transylvania Hotel live, or go to the mysterious island of the dinosaurs with Mowgli. You can walk along the streets of Rome, Barcelona, London and Beverly Hills, take pictures against the back- ground of world attractions and go shopping along the city’s promenade, under giant glass domes. For outdoor recreation, we recommend visiting the landscape park with its children’s playgrounds and sports fields.

A ticket to the Dream Island will allow you to have an incredible adventure with your loved ones, as well as unlimited access to the rides.

Moscow circus

Visit one the oldest and by far the most famous circus in Russia. Within its historical walls (the build- ing was completed in 1880) shows were put on by the most famous artists and circus dynasties, the names of many of them have become a legend.

The Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard stages new attractions, performances, pantomimes and children’s shows. Today the audience hall of the Circus can accommodate over 2 000 persons.

Moskvarium on VDNH

Moskvarium on VDNKh, one of Moscow’s main attractions, rates among the most popular places for family time both among Muscovies and tourists.

Moskvarium is a theme park featuring a unique water show and one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with more than 12 thousand aquatic inhabitants on display.

It is also the Center of Oceanography and Marine biology, that’s focused on popularizing envi- ronmental care and protection of the world’s oceans, obtaining new knowledge, and developing new social initiatives.

Moscow is one of the world ‘s most popular destinations for shopping, and a true hunting ground for fashionistas. Visit upscale department stores and boutique galleries, located in the heart of the city, for a full range of luxury brands as well as the highest level of service. You will find all of the world’s High Street brands in big shopping malls, such as Aviapark, that houses the largest aquarium in Eastern Europe.

Restaurants

La Marée menu is a real marine encyclopedia, so even the most experienced gourmet will discover some new clam, crustacean or rare wild fish. La Marée is a truly unique project not only for Russia, but for the entire world. Here you will be offered a classic French-style oyster set, a crudo of raw fish in Italian and sashimi in Japanese style – all on one plateau.

The restaurant is headed by the brand chef of the La Marée chain, Abdessattar Zitouni, who has forty years of experience in the world’s best restaurants. Zitouni has worked for the Four Seasons hotel chain for many years and has been creating gourmet masterpieces for La Marée for 8 years. He supervises the kitchens of three restaurants in Moscow, one in Saint Petersburg, and one in Monaco.

White rabbit

Located in the very heart of Moscow, White Rabbit is a world-famous project of Russia’s eminent restaurateur Boris Zarkov. A visit to this restaurant takes guests to a new level of gastronomic bliss.

Here Russian cuisine goes in unison with the latest gastronomic trends, and Russian traditional ingredients rise to the height of recognized delicacies.

Each dish in the menu is the result of long-distance expeditions and the most careful handling of traditions.

What’s more, White Rabbit boasts perhaps the best panoramic view over the historical center of the capital from the 16th floor of Smolensky Passage.

One of the halls of White Rabbit is Chef’s Table — the first and only gastronomic theater in Russia. Resident chefs present new sets, and world-renowned guest chefs bring their own tast- ing menu. Here, chefs communicate their philosophy through their culinary masterpieces as well as personal interaction.

Sakhalin restaurant is a project of Russian prominent restaurateur Boris Zarkov and the White Rabbit Family brand chef Vladimir Mukhin.

Here the focus is a variety of seafood straight from the Russian Far East: shells, crabs, shrimps and fish along with a unique 360-degree panoramic view of Moscow.

Sakhalin is all about Gastronomy as an art, where perfection of performance is achieved under the conductor’s baton of taste. It is a restaurant that plays the music of seas and oceans.

The Turandot restaurant serves Pan-Asian and European cuisine.

The combination of Eastern culinary traditions with the Western approach, the synthesis of the most interesting elements of different gastronomic cultures continue the game set by the restaurant’s unique interior, made in the European “Chinese” style of the XVII–XVIII centuries.

Since 2008, the Turandot kitchen has been headed by Dmitry Eremeev, who previously worked for the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation and the famous Cafe Pushkin restaurant. This brilliant professional is always in tune with the latest gastronomic trends, striving to adopt the best of the world ‘s experience.

Cafe Pushkin

After touring Moscow some 50 years ago, the famous French chansonnier Gilbert Bécaud wrote a song about Café Pushkin. The song became incredibly popular in France; the French were looking for “Pushkin’s Cafe” when they came to Moscow, but could not find it, for it was only Bécaud’s poetic fantasy. It was this song that inspired Andrei Dellos, one of the most prominent Russian restaurateurs, to open a restaurant that revived the Russian cuisine of the past centuries.

Cafe Pushkin opened in 1999 in a Baroque mansion on Tverskoy Boulevard. Gilbert Bécaud performed his famous song at its grand opening.

The main menu of the restaurant was compiled after a year of culinary experiments and a detailed study of hundreds of old recipes. Today it offers Russian and French courses of the Golden Age.

Tours in Moscow

Moscow from a birds eye view

Women’s Tour (Moscow – St. Petersburg)

Women's Tour (Moscow – St. Petersburg)

Military Tour (Moscow – St. Petersburg)

Two Capitals (Moscow – St. Petersburg)

Two Capitals (Moscow - St. Petersburg)

More cities

• Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod city is the most economically-progressive and reformist in Russia. The history decreed that the city should be the “heart of Mother Russia”, situated as it is in the very center of the European part of the Russian Federation, on the banks of the River Volga.

• Petrozavodsk

Petrozavodsk is the capital of Karelia region, the land of forests and lakes in the northwestern part of Russia. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter I the Great on the western shore of Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe, as an ironworks to supply ordnance to St. Petersburg, his new capital. Its modern industries include engineering and timber working.

Sochi is Russia’s largest and most popular resort region. Stretching 147 km along the coast of the Black Sea, it offers the modern infrastructure and unique environment of a subtropical city with the towering Caucasus Mountains reaching skyward to miles away. In Sochi, you will be sunbathing in the subtropical seaside weather and enjoying slope time in the mountains all just 45 minutes apart with the most convenient transportation system. On the map, Sochi can be found on the same latitude with Toronto, Nice, and the Gobi Desert. As its charming landscapes and scenery are so reminiscent of the Mediterranean, Sochi is often referred to as the Russian ”Riviera”.

Kazan is one of the largest cities in Russia, and more than a million people call it home. Kazan is considered one of the cultural and economic centers of the Volga region. Kazan was founded more than 1000 years ago by the ancient Bulgars at the intersection of trade routes between Europe and Asia.

• Arkhangelsk
• Ekaterinburg
• Golden Ring
• Kaliningrad
• Krasnoyarsk
• Novosibirsk
• St. Petersburg
• Vladivostok

We are always ready to answer your questions and provide you details about the tours.

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Last updated: March 21, 2024

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617-773-1177 Marianne Peak, Superintendent [email protected]

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