best 30m yachts

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• What It’s Like Onboard Azimut’s New 98-Foot Magellano Flagship

The new yacht, with its rugged exterior and modern designer cabin, made its debut at the Miami boat show this month. We were there.

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We had a chance to step aboard earlier this month as the Magellano flagship made its entrée into the North American market at the Miami International Boat Show.

As much as I loved the exterior, it was the interior that really got my attention. For that, Azimut brought in artist, architect, and now yacht designer Vincenzo de Cotiis. The Milan-based creative is best known for his terranean projects that mix modern design elements with a historical flair. On the 30M, he did not need to reach that far back into the past to find inspiration.

The interior has a 1980s vibe imbued by pastel colors throughout and irregular shaped, mirrored surfaces. But this bit of nostalgia is mixed with the inside-out aesthetic that is so prevalent in yachting right now, with near sole-to-ceiling windows in the salon and very low furniture that serves to amplify the open-concept layout. Glass defines the interior, with 750 square feet used across the vessel.

Another touch that I can’t remember seeing on a yacht before was the use of what de Cotiis and Azimut are calling “artistic fiberglass.” The aquamarine material can be seen throughout the interior, mostly on countertops and somehow makes strands of raw fiberglass look pretty. It’s a nod to the Brutalist aesthetic that has become so hot among a certain home buyer in recent years.

Some of the 30M’s best attributes are found below the waterline. The vessel has a Dual Mode hull, which makes it efficient both in displacement and semi-planing modes, delivering 15 to 20 percent reduced fuel consumption compared to traditional hard-chine planing hulls. The 100kWh lithium batteries also let the boat stay at anchor for four hours without running the engine and eight hours at night. The result is no noise and zero emissions.

Back outside, the 30M has a lovely bow-deck lounge with the expected lounge seating and carbon-fiber poles for the sunshade, as well as a roomy work area for the crew up front, with stainless-steel everything.

But the marquee outdoor deck is the flybridge. That space handles all dining duties with a table for 11—another nod to the outside-in concept and the new ways in which owners use their yachts. A bar for three to port exhibits high levels of fit and finish with its stainless inlays, though I would trade out the bare teak seats for something more comfortable and perhaps more stable.

A grill at the aft end of the deck also signals Azimut’s intent to make its new flagship popular in the U.S. market. With such delightful design bona fides, there’s no reason why it won’t thrive here.

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Princess Yachts 30M: Mega-Yacht Perfection

• By Kevin Koenig
• Updated: August 10, 2016

As with everything else in life, there are levels to the yacht game. Perhaps when you were younger, you couldn’t conceive of a boat larger than that 60-foot motoryacht docked each summer at the most prominent slip your local marina had to offer. And maybe so recently as 10 years ago, an 80-footer felt like a truly grand yacht fit for moguls and movie stars. But the times, they do change. And presently, even an 80-footer, roundly impressive by most any other measure, won’t cut it for the lucky few. England’s largest yacht manufacturer, Princess Yachts , realizes this in full, of course. And thus, the builder has given us the Princess 30M.

At a single inch shy of 100 feet — which seems a little cruel, doesn’t it? — the Princess Yachts 30M can reliably call herself a true mega-yacht. And her role in the Princess fleet is to welcome owners sizing up from motoryachts to the real deal: that is, the right to call their yachts mega.

One of the most prominent ways that the Princess Yachts 30M distinguishes herself as a mega-yacht is with the placement of her master stateroom, which is on the main deck — not down below and amidships, as on most slightly smaller vessels. The design choice gives the master an inarguable touch of class, not to mention admirable amounts of space and natural light. (The latter trait is helped immensely by a large skylight overhead.) A forward-situated head nicely complements the living space, offering a large shower and his-and-her sinks well accoutered with swirling, nearly flawless marble.

“And if all of these features aren’t enough to entice you to get a better look at the 30M, here’s another one that will fire up any yacht fanatic: She’s simply, undeniably pretty.”

Another main-deck, dead giveaway that the Princess Yachts 30M is in the mega-yacht class is her galley . Aft and to port, it is enclosed, ensuring that a top-rated chef will have all the privacy, stowage and prep space needed to produce five-star tasting menus in any anchorage. Perhaps as you sit in the Princess’s aft cockpit one lovely evening, enjoying the breeze off the Mediterranean and a chilled flute of Krug Grande Cuvée, you might decide you’d like to pair the bubbly with a nice truffle arancini. That can most certainly be arranged.

A raised wheelhouse also marks the 30M’s mega ambitions. The twin Raymarine screens on my test yacht should help the captain keep track of the vessel’s journey while windows provide sight lines that many other 100-footers would be hard-pressed to match. A plush bench seat and cocktail settee to port allow guests to keep the captain company and perhaps brush up on their seamanship skills as the yacht travels from exotic port to exotic port. At my test 30M’s wheel, the captain will man twin 3,600 hp MTU M94s that can get this Princess Yachts vessel up to 27 knots. Twin 2,217 hp MTU 16V 2000 M84s and twin 1,948 hp MTU 12V 2000 M94s are also available as capable options. When the captain is done wheeling the yacht for you, he will surely be happy to have some privacy, courtesy of his own cabin, while the crew splits two others.

And if all of these features aren’t enough to entice you to get a better look at the Princess Yacht 30M , here’s another one that will fire up any yacht fanatic: She’s simply, undeniably pretty. As I cruised out on a smaller Princess from the Mallorcan harbor in Spain that acted as a jumping-off point for my sea trial, I was enjoying the sea breeze and rugged, exotic coastline when I heard a soft, collective gasp from the others aboard who were seeing the 30M for the first time. We had just rounded a bend and entered a cove. Deep-blue water lapped lazily against beige rocks rounded smooth by the sea, and lush greenery sprouted from the tops of the imposing cliffs that surrounded us like sentries. And there in the middle of all this natural grandeur sat the Princess 30M, her dark-blue hull glistening in the bright sun, her silky smooth lines all but undulating, mirroring the sea.

There’s a stately ambience to her, both outside and in. With the master on the main deck, her lines stay fuller farther forward and combine with a bow that juts out like a proud jaw to lend a certain British gravitas. Suffice it to say, this boat makes a statement when you first lay eyes on her.

On board, that stately air is enhanced by a level of fit and finish that is, well, fitting of a true mega-yacht. The cherry woodwork in particular on my test yacht was exemplary. The seams were tight, the wood rich and smooth.

Princess can keep tabs on such details because it builds about 80 percent of the components on board its models in-house at its Plymouth, England, (yes, that Plymouth, of Mayflower fame) shipyard. The Princess complex includes seven facilities and facilitates the employment of more than 2,000 employees, who are expected to churn out a healthy 220 yachts this year. As mentioned, the company is the largest boatbuilder in all of England — no small feat when you consider the stiff competition the country has to offer.

Princess’s numerous skilled and knowledgeable workers also allow the company to customize its yachts. Sure, fabrics, woods and other materials are up to the owner, but creativity is also welcome, and Princess relishes a challenge. On board my test 30M, , the owner, a motorcycle enthusiast, had a glass enclosure built for one of his bikes on the flybridge aft, so the bike is clearly visible from the docks — a creative touch that truly defines “custom.”

Such attention to details should make the 30M a prime choice within an American market hungry for boats in this size range that have optimal amounts of personalization. I see this boat doing well in South Florida thanks in no small part to her relatively shallow 7-foot-6-inch draft, but she’s certainly versatile enough to pop up in almost any geographical location around the Americas.

The 30M is the kind of yacht that can change the way you’re perceived, and in turn, change the way you perceive the ocean itself. Once you’ve effectively leveled up into the mega-yacht class, there’s no turning back.

Of course, something tells me that by the time most people reach a place in life where they can acquire a yacht like the 30M, they haven’t been accustomed to turning back for quite a while.

Art of the Craft

At its Plymouth, England, factory, Princess takes care to keep the yard clean and orderly — an attention to detail that shines through in the products the builder turns out. Finishes are unblemished, seaworthy traits are remarkable and (it’s blasphemy, I know, to use a French phrase to describe an English product) the yachts have a certain je ne sais quoi of fastidiousness about them. Touring the Princess 30M, you get the unmistakable sense that her construction process went smoothly, and thus, so will her life at sea. It’s a hard feeling to describe, but it’s also very real.

Palma Your Ham

Palma de Mallorca, the island about 150 miles off the coast of Spain where we tested the Princess 30M, is a quintessential stopover on any Balearic Isles charter. The hilly, seaside city is interlaced with narrow, winding streets lined by charming shops, cafes and bars. Sitting under an umbrella at an outdoor table at one of those cafes on a drizzly late-spring afternoon, you might just find yourself sipping on an ice-cold Alhambra beer while biting into a jamon y queso sandwich on fresh-baked bread. And it might just be the best meal of your year. Sometimes in life, it really is the simple things.

British Customs

Princess has an “ask and ye shall receive” philosophy when it comes to customizing its bigger yachts. Owners might just be surprised at what they can put on board.

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What’s inside Azimut’s brand-new Magellano 30M

When Azimut put together the package for its latest addition to the Magellano line of Crossovers, the key ambition was to create something sustainable and modern that could comfortably go the distance. The 29.7-metre Magellano 30M ticks all of these boxes and is now the proud flagship of the Italian builder’s Magellano fleet.

The design comes from Ken Freivokh and Vincenzo De Cotiis, with Azimut drawing inspiration from the retro look of long-range trawler yachts and adding a modern and contemporary twist. The result is a timeless yacht that speaks to experienced owners who love elegance and steer away from the mainstream.

Azimut first developed this ‘crossover’ concept in 2007 and here, we find out more about the revolutionary features the builder and designers equipped the Magellano 30M with.

Sustainable cruising

Azimut is committed to reducing emissions and has established a line of Low Emission Yachts which now includes a remarkable 50% of the builder’s models. These yachts have 20% fewer emissions compared to boats with traditional hard chine hulls travelling at the most frequently set speeds.

Part of the Low Emissions range, the Magellano 30M’s Dual Mode hull helps reduce the yacht’s emissions output by up to 20%, as does the optional Zero Emissions Hotel Mode package and 100 kW/h lithium batteries. With this package, owners and their guests can stay at anchor in silence and emit zero emissions for up to four hours during the day and eight hours at night.

Main deck living

As with most elements on board the Magellano 30M, the sizes of the various living areas are above average for a yacht of this size. One of the standout features is the run of unbroken windows which run from the forward to the aft of the main deck, affording 270-degree views from the lounge.

A design seen for the first time on a yacht this size, the seamless windows are made possible thanks to Azimut’s design approach to keep a low profile engine ventilation trunk. Even in the smaller spaces towards the stern, this affords a larger set of windows and to further maximise the views from the main deck, Vincenzo De Cotiis designed the furnishings to all have a low profile.

Also on the main deck is the decorative central bar cleverly placed to separate the living and dining area. From here, guests can seamlessly reach the exterior Infinity Terrace to lounge on the three sofas and enjoy unbeatable views through the transparent parapet. On the bow, the seating area and sunpads with typical irregular shapes, and eventually a second arrangement with a whirlpool.

Distinctive style and features

Once on board, prospective buyers and guests may notice the small design details that make the Magellano 30M unique, such as the decorative lamps that have been designed to mimic elements of the exterior design’s louvres. Other features include the upholstered cushions that follow the sea-inspired colour palette of blues and teal, whereas artistic fibreglass accents can be found on the cabinet tops, the wall stairs and the coffee tables.

As a key construction material for Azimut, fibreglass has been used by De Cotiis to create an interior aesthetic on board the Magellano 30M in unexpected laminated formats injected with powders and colours.

On the upper deck, the furniture in the skylounge often features sleek and flowing lines reminiscent of the sea, such as the side unit that appears to seamlessly flow into the exterior. Separated from the skylounge, the wheelhouse and a nearby outdoor aft terrace includes a sheltered dining area, an American-style bar and a sunpad/lounge area.

Spacious staterooms

Within the yacht’s three decks lie five spacious staterooms for guests, as well as three crew cabins. The owner’s cabin is located across the full beam on the main deck. Walking into this suite, an owner will pass through the private lobby area featuring mirror-clad cupboards and marble-framed portholes and into the main area, which is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows and with a green-blue velvet ceiling that complements the selection of warm and sophisticated fabrics. In the room, the gaze is caught by a vanity desk and a smoked glass door leading to the en-suite bathroom.

On the lower deck, the two VIP suites and two guest cabins are decorated in a similar style. The crew quarters forward are connected to the galley and contain three cabins and three bathrooms, plus a large mess area. Remarkably wide in space, the crew area provides the crew with the comfort needed on any length of cruise.

Designed for comfort

Azimut intended for the Magellano 30M to appeal to owners who require a boat that can take them to a wider range of cruising grounds in complete comfort. The way to achieve this was for Azimut to recruit hull designer P.L. Ausonio Naval Architecture to create the Dual Mode double chine hull which, compared with traditional hard chine hulls, ensures smoother entry into the water and is efficient and stable even in rough seas. Other key advantages of the hull design are the higher level of safety and easier management, together with the lower environmental impact.

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The exteriors of the Magellano 30M are designed by Ken Freivokh. The vision that guided his design of the lines was to create an object of timeless, exquisite beauty. Destined for long-range cruising, she combines comfort and safety with high bulwarks and large windows to ensure constant contact with the beauty of the sea.

FLOODED BY LIGHT AND SOAKING IN CHARM

The unique main deck master basks in the wonders of two full-height windows. A perfect playground for the abundant natural light, from the unusually shaped furnishings to the fine and rich materials, every detail contributes to an environment far beyond traditional conceptions, yet warmly welcoming with an aura of organic wellbeing.

OUR ADVANCED TOOLKIT

AZIMUT DUAL MODE HULL

The Dual Mode hull is a highly efficient semi-planing hull designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 20% at medium speeds* , guaranteeing superior navigation comfort in a wider range of sea conditions. The double-chine hull, combined with the vertical bow, minimizes the impact of waves and thus offers greater freedom of navigation, cruising comfortably at low speeds for extended durations as well as at higher speeds.

*compared to vessels of the same weight and size with a traditional hard-chine hull

A 130kW/h lithium-ion battery pack can support the yacht’s hotel load for up to 4 hours during the day and up to 8 hours at night. Now, it’s possible to enjoy the full superyacht experience without the noise, vibration and emissions of the generators, making daytime activities more pleasant and nighttime relaxation more peaceful.

A UTA air extraction system continuously refreshes and treats the onboard environments. The staterooms below deck benefit in particular from the continuous flow of clean air from the outside, filtered to eliminate the majority of airborn particles and odors.

MAGELLANO 30M AT A GLANCE

• Length overall (incl. pulpit) 29,63 m (97' 5'')
• Beam max 7,06 m (23’ 2'')
• Draft (incl. props at full load) 2,05 m (6’ 9’’)
• Displacement (at full load) 136 t (299826 lb)
• Building material GRP
• Exterior designer Ken Freivokh
• Interior designer De Cotiis Architects
• Hull designer P.L. AUSONIO Naval Architecture & Azimut R&D Dept.
• Builder Azimut Yachts
• Keel Semiplaning Dual Mode Hull
• Certifications Structural project compliant with Rina Class Pleasure Certificate (certificate upon request as optional)
• Cabins 5 + 3 crew
• Berths 10 + 5 crew
• Head compartments 6 + 3 crew
• Engines 2 x MAN V12 1550 hp 2 x MAN V12 1900 hp
• Maximum speed (test load) Up to 20/24 kn
• Cruising speed (performance test mass) 16/18 kn
• Fuel capacity 14500 l (3831 US Gal)
• Water capacity 2130 l (563 US Gal)

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Best luxury yacht: 7 ultimate luxury cruisers you can buy

• Toby Hodges
• March 14, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best luxury yacht category in the European Yacht of the Year Awards

The definition of the best luxury yacht will differ according to personal opinion and from boat to boat. This year’s nominees in the luxury yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year Awards proved that perfectly.

The European Yacht of the Year awards are selected by a broad panel of expert judges from across the globe. These are people who spend their professional lives sailing and comparing yachts, so you can be certain that the yachts which stand out in this field are truly the best of the best on the market.

The best luxury yachts

Best luxury yacht winner 2024 – arcona 50.

When you enter the fiercely competitive 50ft luxury performance yacht market you better get it right. And the jury felt Arcona managed that. This watershed design for the traditional Swedish brand, by X-Yachts co-founder and former designer Niels Jeppesen, is a big, contemporary new Arcona, one that sees it move away from its cruiser-racer heritage and classic interiors.

The on trend styling inside and out is backed up by a premium level of build and finish quality and sailing performance – particularly if you have the performance sails, traveller and deep (2.95m) keel options the test boat carried, although the latter does limit your berthing and anchoring options.

While I doubt it’ll be raced or will suit typical bluewater use, it offers a purity of performance push-button sailing: a handsome prospect upwind in a light breeze, it transforms into a powerful reaching machine with stacks of control.

As chairman of our jury, Jochen Rieker, puts it: “The boat certainly did not win for her somewhat borrowed looks. She wins by checking all the boxes in all other respects. Slipping along gracefully in the lightest of airs, holding her stride and her balance in more demanding conditions, offering warmth, light and this reassuring feeling of utter quality down below – there simply isn’t anything to fault.”

Contest 50CS

The Contest 50CS, for example, is an archetype luxury cruising yacht, one built to the highest standards and that could take you to most waters in impeccable comfort. This model is, uniquely, available in two versions: this more conventional 50CS with aft master cabin, or the forward owner’s suite version on the aft cockpit Contest 49CS . We ran a full test on the latter after spending two days aboard in the North Sea, where that noticeably high freeboard, which may not aid boarding nor windage, helped keep us dry on deck in a steady Force 6 gusting 7.

As the 50CS proved, this Judel/Vrolijk design keeps slipping along in the light stuff too, providing enjoyable sailing in 6 knots breeze under a code sail. The centre cockpit offers a deep protected guest area, but also links well to the spacious aft deck.

And the Wetzels-Brown-designed interiors of Contests today are stunning and hard to match. The engineering, access to usable stowage, details and finish on the 50CS is first class and to get this level of quality at this size is special.

Both Contest and X-Yachts are early adopters of hybrid power, offering their bluewater cruisers with optional electric drives. For the XC 47 this was designed-in from the start to offer Oceanvolt’s award-winning new 25kW regenerative drive.

The XC 47 is another wonderfully engineered and thought out yacht for distance cruising, in particular for those who also enjoy hands-on helming pleasure. That should come as no surprise to any X aficionados, but what really struck me most about this yacht was the stowage, and the forethought needed to create that, together with how practical it has been made.

That may sound slightly anticlimactic but ask any long-term cruiser and stowage is always a priority. On deck, this constitutes a huge lazarette and sail locker, plus clever systems for launching a dinghy via davits and a liferaft canister, while below decks every square inch of space has been used effectively, with lockers hinged with gas struts.

It’s clear the Danish yard went to considerable time and effort, even building a full mock up of the interior that could be canted 20° each way.

If the deck saloon style looks didn’t sell this model to all – this is the first full non-Jeppesen designed X – the jury were converted once they’d taken the helm. ‘Quirky’ became ‘muscular and bold’. The ease with which it can be sailed from the cockpit was also appreciated.

While I understand many offshore cruisers like a protected centre cockpit and more sun protection, the attention to detail, stowage and practicalities, combined with the direct steering, motion and enjoyable sailing this X offers make it a standout new offering.

Jeanneau Yachts 55

Meanwhile the Jeanneau Yachts 55 stands out for different, unique reasons in this category, offering a completely new concept in comfort on deck while at anchor and a novel accommodation layout. Its focus is on outdoor living space.

What helps place this in a luxury bracket is not simply the price or the creative input of superyacht specialist design duo Philppe Briand and Andrew Winch, rather that its layout creates a palatial amount of private space for the owner’s suite. Guest cabins have their own direct access from the extensive cockpit via gullwing doors.

It certainly makes sense for solo owners or couples using it as a warm water apartment. How many people this will suit is another question, as it segregates any guests, crew or children from the galley and saloon.

I used the term monocat when I first viewed it, as the 55 really does attempt to mix the two worlds, particularly in terms of providing owner privacy and lounging space. Choose the rigid hard top and windshield and there’s a vast amount of covered area including a dinette and chart table – plus a bimini can shade all that extensive aft deck too.

The penalty comes in additional weight and wetted surface, and is felt in the handling and performance, the latter particularly in lighter breeze with the optional in-mast furling, self tacking headsail and shallow draught package we had. However, it’s set up to be easily managed from the mid cockpit with good visibility from the twin helms and easy circulation thanks to the ramped side decks. Full report in YW February 2024.

Best luxury yacht 2023

Best luxury yacht winner – oyster 495.

It is hard to imagine that the decor of a yacht can change its look and feel quite this much, yet the layout of this second 495, Eddie Jordan’s dramatic looking Tuga , is in fact identical to the first boat that I spent several days aboard last summer.

At its heart is a wonderfully (Humphreys) designed and engineered luxury bluewater cruiser conceived from the ground up, built in a new dedicated facility to a repeatable quality very few yards are capable of.

The 495 offers consistent passage making speeds in real voluminous comfort – whether enjoyed from the deep cockpit or the best-in-class aft cabin. Deck stowage and mechanical space is also superb.

Then factor in the family appeal of Oyster’s after sales and world rally programme and you start to appreciate the premium world this sub 50-footer gives access to.

The first yacht fully conceived under CEO Richard Hadida’s reign, this is also the smallest completely new Oyster 495 since 2005 – and it’s a triumph. It was our September 2022 cover star in which we featured the full review from our Oyster 495 three day test .

Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60

The Oceanis Yacht 60 is a very different beast indeed to the 62 it replaces as flagship for the Beneteau range. The yard has learned plenty from the success of the First 53/OY 54 and wanted to create a 60 in this style and with the same deck layout (albeit larger and wider) and ease of circulation.

The construction experience of the smaller model clearly helped too, as this is a whopping five tonnes lighter than the bulky OY62 and with a deeper (2.6m) keel. The telling result is on the water. It feels sporty to helm and we averaged a knot slower than the single figure 6-8 knot windspeeds upwind and matched them reaching with Code 0 and a slight swell.

The vast cockpit works well, sheltered below the semi rigid bimini, it has plentiful lounging space with sailing systems led aft to the twin helms. The interior sees a 3+3 layout, where Beneteau wanted to get rid of the corridor effect of the OY62. The galley is forward to help open out space, while the forward suite with offset berth and headboard aft works well to give space with privacy.

This is an attractive, voluminous yacht that leaves a good overall impression whether under sail, on or below decks.

Ice 62 Targa

It all looks pretty funky below decks on the Ice 62 Targa too, especially if you’re watching the masthead fore and aft cameras (plus bow and prop cam) on central displays mounted in the saloon while you slip out of the dock! The Ice is a seriously impressive, contemporary yacht, one that in looks, performance and execution, won over many of the judges.

The first to launch is a highly customised project for a passionate sailing owner who covers long distances solo – he’d already sailed it 3,000 miles around the Med that autumn. It’s impressively stiff, sails handsomely and, thanks to a telescopic keel, points well. We matched single figure windspeeds, and clocked up to the high 9s in 12 knots wind.

Umberto Felci’s team spent 4,000 hours on the design, providing lots of space and light to the interior and a chillout zone in the semi raised saloon. This was easily the coolest looking yacht, with its aggressive reverse bow, chamfered gunwales and carbon T-top bimini, and all engineered and built to a high standard.

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Best 100ft (30m) Yachts for Charter

187 yachts for charter.

Book your 100ft (30-meter) superyacht in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean with N&J and enjoy a charter experience that exceeds expectations. A 30-meter yacht charter offers a wonderful private vacation with family and friends, including exclusive experiences, unmatched levels of privacy, and a dedicated crew to meet your needs.

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Whether you seek the elegant and modern lines of an Azimut , Sunseeker , or Benetti motor yacht or wish to harness the power of mother nature aboard a Perini Navi , Oyster, or Sunreef luxury sailing yacht, the team at N&J can connect you with your ideal 30-meter charter yacht.

N&J has a refined selection of motor , sailing , and catamaran yachts for rent at 100ft and above with a dedicated captain and crew. If you are yachting for the first time, this is a great size to start.

100ft yachts for charter are smaller than larger displacement yachts but boast stability, speed, all the toys, and great break-out spaces for a family reunion or a party of friends. They often have a lower draft, which means easier access to small ports of call and remote beaches, while they are also more fuel-efficient than a larger boat.

If you require three , four , or five cabins, a 30-meter superyacht is a great vessel for exploring popular blue water havens such as the Mediterranean and the Caribbean . The cabin layout can be adapted for 4-10 guests with clever layouts for different groups.

Discover N&J’s global fleet of 30-meter / 98ft yachts for charter, including crewed sailing yachts, catamarans, and motor boats by pedigree shipbuilders. Our luxury yachts have gorgeous interiors and comfortable cabins, including en-suite bathrooms. They also feature spacious sun and aft decks for soaking up the sun, fishing , relaxing, and dining. A 30-meter yacht charter typically costs around US$50,000 per week, plus additional fees for berthing, food & provisions, and fuel.

Advantages of chartering a 100 ft (30 meter) yacht:

• Access to beaches and smaller bays
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Find out about yacht charter with N&J here.

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The Top 10 Best Yacht Builders In The World

Here is our list of the best yacht builders on earth. Deciding which shipyard will build your luxury yacht is a complex and deeply personal choice, depending on many factors including the level of customization you want, your budget, the location of the shipyard, and the ‘feel’ you get for the yard’s vision and people.

Our list of the best yacht builders is naturally subjective and will not feature every well-known brand. Our short selection includes a range of shipyards, from manufacturers of the some of the most iconic custom-built superyachts to hugely popular production yacht builders.

Here are the best yacht builders on earth, sorted by region.

Usa – best yacht builders.

Westport is one of the dominant players in the American yacht-building market, with a hugely popular range of tri-deck and raised pilothouse motoryachts built from composite materials. Their models range from from the 112′ to 164′ (34m to 50m) series, allowing the yacht owner to customize the interior layout without the high cost and long timescale of fully-custom construction. As the largest American yacht building company in operation, Westport has a proud history of high quality yacht manufacturing dating back to 1964, with over 100 superyachts and over 170 fishing vessels launched from their Pacific Northwest Shipyard. Westport yachts are extremely popular in the US brokerage and charter market and have a reputation for holding their value well. View current Westport yachts for sale .

Christensen Yachts prides itself on the construction of American-built custom and semi-custom superyachts from fiberglass, including well known yachts M/Y CASINO ROYALE, M/Y SILVER LINING and award-winning M/Y ODESSA. Founded by superyacht owners, Christensen has a loyal following of yacht owners, many of whom are repeat customers. Currently producing yachts at its Vancouver, WA yard between 100’ to 165’ (35m to 50m) in length, Christensen was bought out in 2015 and is in the process of building America’s largest superyacht facility in Tennessee, which will construct vessels up to 70m. View current Christensen yachts for sale .

Northern Europe – Best Yacht Builders

German superyacht builder Lurssen is the builder of the largest superyacht in existence, the 590’ (180m) M/Y AZZAM, which was completed in an astonishingly quick three years. Known for superb build quality and large projects across its superyacht, naval vessel, as well as its’ yacht refit and management divisions, Lurssen is a family-run shipyard with a prestigious yacht building heritage spanning back to 1875, when it constructed the first ever motoryacht. Lurssen is the builder of 5 of the top 10 largest yachts in the world. View current Lurssen yachts for sale.

Feadship, Netherlands: For some yacht owners, the only name worth knowing is Feadship. This prestigious brand is synonymous with Dutch superyacht quality, and has a legion of steadfast and loyal fans. Dating back to 1849, Feadship creates fully custom yachts from a ‘blank slate’ beginning, priding themselves on creating supremely unique, innovative yachts that stand the test of time. There are 450 bespoke yachts currently afloat in the Feadship fleet, including M/Y HASNA, a 239’ (73m) with a revolutionary layout. Read more on Dutch yacht builders . View current Feadship yachts for sale .

Amels’ vast and high-tech superyacht facility is the largest in the Netherlands, producing iconic, high-value yachts up to 330’ (100m), including their 2017 flagship yacht, 272’ (83m) M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN. Amels offer a fully custom yacht building service, as well as their exceedingly popular Limited Edition Series, whereby the yacht owner retains control over interior and exterior design but the yacht is built on a proven platform, thereby slashing the build time. Amels also builds support yachts through their parent company, DAMEN, a heavyweight in global shipbuilding. View current Amels yachts for sale .

Dutch yacht builder Heesen is known for its aluminum and steel superyachts and innovative use of technology, as seen in the revolutionary fast displacement hull form first seen in the multi-award winning M/Y GALACTICA STAR, and the hybrid propulsion utilized in the 2017 launch of M/Y HOME. With a fleet of over 170 yachts launched since inception in 1978, Heesen is known for pushing the boundaries of what is possible in superyacht design and engineering. Heesen builds motoryachts between 100’ to 265’ (30m to 80m) in length at its Oss shipyard. View current Heesen yachts for sale .

Now owned by Lurssen, Blohm + Voss is a yachting powerhouse in its own right, constructing magnificent large superyachts including the iconic MOTOR YACHT A and 531’ (162m) M/Y ECLIPSE, currently the third-largest yacht in the world. The vast Blohm +Voss facility in Hamburg, Germany creates striking custom motoryachts and sailing yachts. View current Blohm +Voss yachts for sale.

Mediterranean – Best Yacht Builders

Benetti is a powerhouse of luxury yacht building, with a very healthy order list and a boat- building pedigree stretching back to 1873. Since 1960, Benetti has been constructing superyachts in Italy, including iconic yachts MY KINGDOM in 1980, then the largest yacht in the world at 280’ (85m), right through to recent launches such as the award-winning M/Y 11.11. Benetti is part of the Azimut-Benetti Group, the largest producer of luxury yachts in the world, building semi-custom and fully custom yachts between 100′ and 330′ (30m and 100m) long. Known for their Italian style and long history of yacht construction, Benetti has a loyal following of yacht owners who return to the yard each time they upgrade. View current Benetti yachts for sale .

The creators of one of the most well-known yachts on the planet, S/Y MALTESE FALCON, Perini Navi enjoys a superb reputation as a sailing superyacht builder, and also entered the large motoryacht market in 2007 under its Pichiotti brand. Perini Navi yachts are known for their superyacht luxuries and interior volume, as well as the technically brilliant sailing systems that allow these large yachts to be operated by a small crew. Perini Navi dominates the sailing superyacht market with its range from 130’ to 200’(40m to 60m), constructed at their three shipyards in Viareggio, La Spezia in Italy and also in Istanbul. View current Perini Navi yachts for sale .

UK – Best Yacht Builders

Sunseeker is one of the most instantly recognizable names in the yachting world, building performance luxury yachts known for their speed and sleek looks. Once better known for their smaller sport yachts, Sunseeker is now a major player in the superyacht market, with customizable yacht models from 75′ to 155′, as well as constructing the Predator range with a top speed of 45 knots. Built and engineered in Dorset, UK, Sunseeker is Britain’s most famous luxury yacht builder, creating the hand-finished yachts regularly featured on James Bond films. View current Sunseeker yachts for sale .

Worth Avenue Yachts has extensive experience with each of these yacht brands. To find out more about the relative advantages of these shipyards or the other high-quality shipyards that we recommend, please contact us for an expert discussion.

America’s Top 10 Beaches, New Luxury Cruise Ships And More Travel News

Plus, exotic destinations to watch the total solar eclipse, the best shoulder season deals, and a hotel with its own tattoo parlor.

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7 Great Destinations for Shoulder Season

T he travel industry considers the months following the peak winter and summer periods as “shoulder season.” (If you think of high season as the head, the months on either side are the shoulders. Just go with the metaphor.) And it has long been considered among the best times to get away as crowds are thinner and the rates are lower. From Macchu Pichu to Morocco, here are seven great destinations for shoulder season.

The Year’s Most Anticipated Cruise Ships

The editors of Forbes Travel Guide don’t just scour the world for luxury hotel openings—they also look for new ocean cruises. Among the new cruise ships launching in 2024 are the second vessel from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (which can accommodate 448 passengers in 224 suites) and the Queen Anne, which will feature Cunard’s first female captain.

America’s 10 Best Beaches 2024

With spring less than a week away, it’s not too early to start thinking about summer getaways—and that often means beach vacations. TripAdvisor recently ranked the 10 best beaches in America and the top two—Ka'anapali Beach in Maui and Siesta Beach in Florida were also named among the 10 best beaches in the world.

Looking for a special place to watch the total solar eclipse on April 8? From viewing the totality among elephants (in Oklahoma) to watching aboard a solar submarine (in Arkansas), here are 10 exotic destinations where you can view next month’s eclipse.

This Boutique Hotel Has Its Own Tattoo Parlor

Why stuff a plush bathrobe into your suitcase the next time you want a hotel memento when you can have something more permanent? At New York’s Untitled at 3 Freeman Alley, guests can commemorate a stay with some new ink at the hotel’s in-house tattoo parlor . “I had not heard of another hotel with a tattoo parlor,” says Gadi Peleg, founder of GPG Hospitality, which manages the Lower East Side property, “and thought that, if ever there was a hotel that needed one, this was it.”

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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17 Best Moscow Tours

Are you planning a visit to the capital of Russia and looking for the best Moscow tours? From Red Square to the Kremlin and from world-class art to fairytale buildings, Moscow is an enchanting city that offers plenty of excitement and elegance. Its history dates back more than 800 years, and there is culture in abundance for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Make the most of your visit with 17 of the best Moscow tours that let you see everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1 – Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro is world-famous, thanks to the architectural delights on offer underground stations around the capital. This guided tour of the Moscow stations, otherwise known as “the palace of the people” lasts for 1.5 hours and includes an English-speaking guide who will tell you how the Russian metro became one of the most beautiful in the world. Highlights include Mayakovskaya station with its aviation-themed mosaics.

• Moscow metro tours

2 – Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Discover Cosmonautics Museum with this space tour. Dive into one of the greatest battles between the Soviet Union and the United States – the space race. Hear about the space programs of the USSR and learn about how the USSR shaped space travel and technology.

• Cosmonautics Museum tours

3 – Guided Tour of the Kremlin

A Kremlin is actually a citadel in Russian towns, and Moscow’s version is, without doubt, the most famous. The Kremlin is the heartbeat of the city, and this guided tour takes you to the most important points of interest. See Cathedral Square with its orthodox temples; Tzar Cannon with its 890mm calibre, which is the largest in the world; and the exterior of the all-important government buildings that are located within the Kremlin’s walls.

Click here to learn how to book Kremlin tickets .

• Kremlin tours

4 – Moscow City Walking Tour

One of the best Moscow tours for seeing everything the city has to offer, this small-group walking tour lasts for 2 hours and includes an expert guide. Make the most of the capital and see the cobbled spaces of Red Square, take pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit the elegant Bolshoi Theatre, and enjoy the ornamental Alexandrovsky Garden.

• Moscow walking tours

5 – Night Tour of Moscow

When the sun sets, the fun begins – and it all starts with a night tour of Russia’s most famous city. The beauty of Moscow comes into full effect after hours, as iconic buildings like St Basil’s Cathedral illuminate against the night sky. Other locations on this tour include the Moscow River and the Ukraine Hotel, which is a landmark skyscraper that was constructed during the era of Stalin.

6 – Sergiev Posad Day Trip

One of the best Moscow tours that take you outside of the city, the Sergiev Posad day trip provides the opportunity to see The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s made up of a number of different buildings that include the blue domes of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Church of St. Sergius and the Bell Tower.

• Sergiev Posad day trips from Moscow

7 – City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

If your time in Moscow is limited, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour is ideal – and it even features an optional cruise on the river. Choose between a 2 and 3-day ticket and see famous landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre from an open-top panoramic bus with informative audio commentary. Take your experience to the next level by upgrading to a boat tour.

• Moscow hop on hop off bus tours

8 – Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

As one of the world’s most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings. Other noticeable artists on view include Fedotov, Vasnetsov, Rokotov and Kiprenski, who is the author of the famous “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin”.

• Tretyakov Gallery tours

9 – Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a different side of Moscow with this 2-hour alternative tour. An expert guide will take you around quirky streets, suburbs and squares while as your veer away from the traditional tourist hotspots. Highlights include a ride on the famous “Annushka” tram and a visit to the neighbourhood of Khitrovka, which was once known as the criminal district of the city.

10 – St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

Combine two of Moscow’s biggest attractions with a visit to Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. Admire the beautiful architecture of St.Basil’s Cathedral from inside and out, before wandering Red Square and learn about the soldiers, farmers and revolutionaries that all called this famous square their home. Round things off with the changing of the guard at Alexander Garden.

• Red Square tours

11 – Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Moscow is notorious for the Cold War, which lasted for about 45 years between 1945 and 1990. Head to the world-famous Bunker-42, located 65 meters below ground level, and learn about the storied past. Visit rooms and passages that were set up to shelter 3,000 people in case of nuclear attack and discover other sections, such as the equipment room and the war-proof telecommunications system.

• Bunker-42 Cold War Museum tours

12 – Architecture Tour of Moscow’s Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Combine the beauty of the metro stations with the Kolomenskoye Estate and see some of Moscow’s grandest sights. After visiting the elegant metro stations, it’s time to go to the Kolomenskoye Estate, which is filled with UNESCO-listed sites that are dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great.

• Kolomenskoye tours

13 – Tour of Soviet Moscow

Unpick the history of the USSR with one of the best Moscow tours for discovering Soviet Moscow. Starting at Monument to the Conquerors of Space, a tribute to the success of the Soviet space programme, the tour includes historical landmarks and interesting tidbits about Soviet Russia. There is also a visit to the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), a site that was constructed under the aegis of the USSR in tribute to state achievements.

14 – Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Crimean Bridge, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Zaryadye Park and more.

• Moscow boat tours

15 – Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Visit the museum of Vodka and gain insight into one of Russia’s most famous exports and head to the Izmailovo antique and handicraft market to find a gem or two. The tour starts with Izmailovo market, which features the iconic matryoshka dolls, fur hats and amber jewellery. Next up is a trip to the Museum of Vodka, where you will discover a distillery that dates back to the 15th century.

• Izmailovo market tours

16 – Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Discover Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” on this tour of two medieval cities outside of Moscow. The historic city of Vladimir is first up with its Golden Gate, which is an ancient city-fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Next up is the neighbouring town of Suzdal, which features historic architecture and the Kremlin, where you can see its striking white walls topped with blue domes.

• Suzdal & Vladimir tours from Moscow

17- Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Sample the unique flavours of Moscow with this food tour that lasts for 3 hours and features more than 15 different food and drink tastings. Weave in and out of small alleys in the city centre while enjoying the best food spots in town. See Moscow like a local while trying classic dishes from local breakfast haunts, bustling markets, the oldest monastery in Moscow, and dumpling cafes where you can taste authentic dumplings and enjoy local coffee.

• Moscow food tours