7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Russia

Day 1: Moscow

Places to Go:

• Red Square (Красная площадь): Iconic symbol of Russia, visit the historic St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum.
• Kremlin (Московский Кремль): Explore the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.
• Bolshoi Theatre (Большой театр): Watch a ballet or opera performance in this world-renowned theater.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour to understand Russia’s rich history and culture.
• Visit GUM, the upscale department store near Red Square.

Things to Know:

• Russian is the official language, but many people in Moscow speak English.
• Moscow operates on Eastern European Time (MSK).
• The metro system is a good way to travel around the city.

Visa Requirements:

• Citizens of most countries need a tourist visa to enter Russia. Check your local Russian embassy or consulate for details.

Day 2: Moscow - Day Trip to Sergiev Posad (Зарайск)

Places to Go:

• Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (Троице-Сергиева Лавра): An active Russian Orthodox monastery and one of the most important centers of the faith.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour to learn about the history and significance of the monastery.
• Purchase traditional Russian souvenirs from local artisans.

Day 3: Saint Petersburg

Places to Go:

• The Hermitage Museum (Государственный Эрмитаж): One of the world’s largest and oldest museums, with over 3 million items.
• Church of Our Lady of Kazan (Собор Пресвятой Богородицы Казанской): A beautiful Russian Orthodox church located on the Nevsky Prospekt.
• Peter and Paul Fortress (Петергофская крепость): The historic fortress that gave Saint Petersburg its name.

Activities:

• Take a river or canal cruise to see the city from a different perspective.
• Visit the Amber Room at the Catherine Palace in Pushkin (Царское Село).

Day 4: Saint Petersburg - Day Trip to Peterhof (Петергоф)

Places to Go:

• Lower Park of Peterhof (Нижний Сад Петергофа): Known as the “Russian Versailles,” this park features stunning fountains and gardens.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour to explore the palaces and parks.
• Visit the Grand Cascade, an impressive series of fountains overlooking the Gulf of Finland.

Day 5: Golden Ring (Золотое Кольцо) - Suzdal (Суздаль)

Places to Go:

• Kremlin of Suzdal (Суздальский кремль): A well-preserved example of a medieval Russian town.
• Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin (Успенская собор): An impressive architectural monument dating back to the 13th century.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour to learn about the history and culture of Suzdal.
• Visit local museums and artisans’ workshops.

Day 6: Kazan

Places to Go:

• Kul Sharif Mosque (Кул-Шарифская мечеть): The third largest mosque in the world and a significant religious site for Muslims.
• Qol-Sherif Madrasah (Коль-Шерифская медресе): A historic Islamic educational institution adjacent to the Kul Sharif Mosque.

Activities:

• Take a guided tour of the Kazan Kremlin, which includes the Spassky Cathedral and the Soyembika Tower.
• Visit the Tatarskaya Sloboda, a historical district filled with traditional Tatar architecture.

Day 7: Departure from Moscow

Places to Go:

• Last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing in Moscow before departure.

Activities:

• Enjoy a farewell meal at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Russian cuisine such as borscht, pelmeni, and blinis.