Day 1: Arrive in Moscow
Start your journey in Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital. Once you land, head to your hotel and rest a bit.
In the afternoon, visit Red Square. This iconic space is surrounded by some of Russia’s most famous landmarks. You’ll see Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM department store, and the beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral. Take your time here. There’s no need to rush; spend a couple of hours soaking in the atmosphere.
Afterward, walk around Alexander Garden to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. End your first day with dinner at a hearty Russian restaurant. Try traditional dishes like borscht, pelmeni, or beef stroganoff.
Day 2: Moscow
Start the day by visiting the Kremlin. Buy your tickets in advance, as the lines can get long. The Kremlin is more than just politics. It’s filled with oldest churches and amazing museums. Walk through the Armory Museum, which houses treasures like Ivan the Terrible’s throne and Fabergé eggs.
After lunch, spend the afternoon at the Tretyakov Gallery. This museum houses the largest collection of Russian fine art. If art isn’t your thing, you might prefer a stroll down Arbat Street, one of Moscow’s oldest streets. It’s a great place for shopping or grabbing a coffee at one of the many cafes.
Tonight, head up to Sparrow Hills for a panoramic view of the city. If you’re looking for something more exciting, check out a local theater or one of the famous ballet performances.
Day 3: Explore the Golden Ring
Time for a day trip outside of Moscow. Head to the Golden Ring—a collection of charming, historic towns northeast of Moscow. Book a tour or rent a car to visit Sergiev Posad, where you’ll find the stunning Trinity Lavra Monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is important to Russian Orthodoxy; the buildings here are just breathtaking.
You can also stop in Suzdal. This town feels like a step back in time. It’s filled with old wooden churches, traditional Russian cottages, and the famous Suzdal Kremlin. Make sure to try some medovukha, a local honey-based drink.
Spend the night back in Moscow, ready for your train ride tomorrow.
Day 4: Moscow to St. Petersburg
In the morning, hop on a high-speed Sapsan train to St. Petersburg. The journey takes just about four hours, so you’ll have enough time to sightsee once you arrive.
After checking in at your hotel, head to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. The mosaics here are incredible and the colors just pop. Spend some time walking along Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg’s main avenue. You’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and cultural spots to explore.
Later in the evening, visit the Winter Palace and Palace Square area. It’s beautifully lit up at night. If you arrive early enough, you can also check out the Hermitage Museum, one of the best art museums in the world.
Day 5: St. Petersburg
Today, visit Peterhof. This grand palace complex is about 30 km west of the city, but it’s worth the short journey. Often called the “Russian Versailles”, Peterhof has stunning gardens, fountains, and beautiful rooms. You can spend your whole morning exploring here.
Once you’re back in St. Petersburg, walk along the Neva River and stop by St. Isaac’s Cathedral. If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the top for a jaw-dropping view of the city.
For dinner, consider heading to a traditional Georgian restaurant, which are quite popular in Russia. The flavors are unique and the dishes filling. Don’t leave without trying khachapuri—a cheesy bread that’s pure comfort food.
Day 6: St. Petersburg
Start your day by revisiting the Hermitage Museum if you didn’t get around to it on Day 4. It’s massive, so pace yourself. You can spend half a day here without seeing everything.
Once you’ve had your fill of art, wander through the Field of Mars and stop by the Summer Garden. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon walk.
If history’s your thing, be sure to visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, an original fortress of the city. You can even visit the tombs of Russian emperors inside the cathedral.
Cap off your evening with a walk along the canals. St. Petersburg is stunning at night, and you might even catch a view of its famous drawbridges opening for the night.
Day 7: St. Petersburg to Lake Ladoga
End your trip with an outdoor experience. Take an early morning train to Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe. It’s about an hour and a half away by train from St. Petersburg. Once you arrive, you can sign up for a boat ride on the lake or spend the day hiking in the nearby forests.
Visit the Valaam Monastery, which sits on one of the rocky islands in the lake. It’s a beautiful and peaceful place to escape from the urban environment.
Return to St. Petersburg in the evening, ready to wind down and relax before your flight home the next day.
This 7-day trip offers a bit of everything: big cities, cultural and historical landmarks, outdoor adventure, and lots of Russian spirit. It’s flexible enough to let you take it at your own pace. Enjoy your time!
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