14-Day Itinerary for Exploring Russia

Day 1-2: Moscow – Start with the Capital

Moscow is where you’ll begin your Russian adventure. Start by visiting Red Square, the city’s heart. From here, you can check out the iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral and visit the Kremlin to experience a piece of Russia’s political history firsthand.

Don’t skip the State Historical Museum for a quick crash course in Russian history. Walk through GUM, Moscow’s famous shopping mall, even if you’re not buying anything. It’s stunning to see!

In the evening, take a peaceful stroll along the Moskva River or enjoy hopping into a metro station—trust me, they look like palaces underground. You’re bound to be impressed.

Where to Relax

When you’re done sightseeing, take time to chill at Gorky Park. It’s one of Moscow’s coolest green spaces. You can cycle, walk, or sit and people-watch with a coffee in hand.

Day 3: Moscow – Art and Off-the-Beaten-Path Finds

After soaking up the major sights, it’s time to explore a different side of Moscow. Head to the Tretyakov Gallery to dive into Russian art before seeking out the Museum of Cosmonautics to discover Russia’s space program history.

For something offbeat, visit Kitay-Gorod, one of Moscow’s oldest neighborhoods. Here, narrow streets lead to coffee shops, funky bars, and less-known buildings that ooze character.

Night Out

In the evening, check out Patriarch’s Ponds for a relaxed, local vibe with a cluster of restaurants and bars nearby. If you’re in the mood for a bit of nightlife, Moscow doesn’t disappoint after dark.

Day 4: Golden Ring – Suzdal Village Life

Leave Moscow and head to Suzdal in the Golden Ring. It’s a perfect little town with whitewashed churches and wooden houses. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time!

Check out the Kremlin of Suzdal and the wooden structures in the Museum of Wooden Architecture. Be sure to wander around; the town is best explored by foot.

Relax in Nature

Take the evening to relax by the Kamenka River. This town isn’t for rushing, so just enjoy the slow pace and the countryside vibes. Spend the night at a charming local guesthouse for a peaceful rest.

Day 5: Vladimir and Return to Moscow

On your way back to Moscow, stop in Vladimir, another Golden Ring town with beautiful architecture. Visit the Assumption Cathedral and the Golden Gate for a touch of Russian medieval history.

Arrive back in Moscow in the evening, get some rest, or enjoy a laid-back walk around the city’s nighttime landmarks, like the Bolshoi Theatre, illuminated under the city lights.

Day 6-7: Saint Petersburg – Palaces and Canals

Hop on the high-speed SAPSAN train from Moscow to Saint Petersburg; it’s just a few hours but provides scenic views along the way! Once there, head straight to the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Museum.

Spend your afternoon wandering St. Petersburg’s magnificent canals and palaces. Each street has impressive architecture, and you’ll quickly see why this city is known as Russia’s cultural capital.

Evening Relaxation

For a laid-back evening, stop by a local café in the city center or walk along Nevsky Prospekt. Pop into a bookstore or just sit down at a cozy spot to plan the following day’s explorations.

Day 8: Saint Petersburg – Off-Beat Cultural Finds

Today, delve deeper into Saint Petersburg’s lesser-known spots. Head to the Fabergé Museum and admire the famous jeweled eggs. Then, visit the quirky Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines—a nostalgic dive into Russia’s Soviet past.

In the afternoon, explore the Smolny Cathedral or go outside the center to enjoy some peaceful time at Yelagin Island, an off-the-beaten-path park perfect for relaxing.

Day 9: Peterhof and Back to Saint Petersburg

Make a day trip to Peterhof, often called “Russia’s Versailles.” The palace complex and its surrounding gardens are absolutely stunning, especially in summer. The fountains here are a real highlight.

Take the hydrofoil boat back to Saint Petersburg for more views. In the evening, relax at your hotel or go for a stroll along the Neva Riverbanks.

Day 10-11: Veliky Novgorod

Get ready to head south to Veliky Novgorod—a couple hours by train from Saint Petersburg. This ancient city is one of the oldest in Russia and holds a wealth of history.

On day 10, visit the Novgorod Kremlin, an epic fortress overlooking the Volkhov River, and feel the city’s ancient atmosphere. In the afternoon, walk along the riverbanks and visit the Saint Sophia Cathedral.

Use day 11 to explore the Vitoslavlitsy Museum, an outdoor museum showcasing wooden structures taken from surrounding villages. Later on, try a local café or just soak up the quiet streets while imagining life in historical Russia.

Day 12: Kazan – Tatarstan’s Capital

Hop on a short flight or train from Saint Petersburg to Kazan, capital of the Tatarstan Republic. This city has a unique blend of Russian and Tatar cultures.

Start by visiting the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see the famous Kul Sharif Mosque and the Annunciation Cathedral, which represent the meeting of cultures here.

In the evening, take a boat ride along the Volga River for panoramic views of the city and downtime.

Where to Relax

If you want a bit more rest, chill out at Millennium Park. It’s a peaceful place to sit in the shade and watch locals enjoy their leisurely time.

Day 13: Kazan’s Cultural Mix

Spend your last full day checking out Kazan’s vibrant neighborhoods. Bauman Street is perfect for wandering and picking up a few souvenirs, while the Tatar cuisine here will leave you wanting more. Try chak-chak, a Tatar sweet specialty!

If you’re into museums, dive deeper into the city’s history at the National Museum of Tatarstan.

Day 14: Departure

Your Russian adventure comes to an end today. Whether you’re flying out of Moscow or Saint Petersburg, factor in travel time back to your departure city. Aside from last-minute souvenir shopping, take time to walk around and soak in the remaining moments in Russia before you say do svidaniya (goodbye)!