Russian Federation (Russia)-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Moscow

Morning

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Russian breakfast at a local café or bakery.
  • Moscow Kremlin: Visit the historic Moscow Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the complex’s beautiful palaces, cathedrals, and museums, including the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund.

Afternoon

  • Red Square: Walk through Red Square, one of the most famous squares in the world. Admire the colorful buildings, take photos with St. Basil’s Cathedral, and visit Lenin’s Mausoleum.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Russian cuisine at a local restaurant or food stall.

Evening

  • Sunset: Enjoy the sunset from the rooftop of a high-rise building or from a scenic spot on the Moskva River embankment.
  • Dinner: Dine on modern Russian cuisine at a trendy restaurant, like White Rabbit or Ivan Vlady

Day 2: St. Petersburg

Morning

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a light breakfast before departing for St. Petersburg (approximately 4 hours by high-speed train).
  • The Hermitage Museum: Visit the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.
    • Explore the Impressionist collection
    • Discover the museum’s stunning architecture

Afternoon

  • Palace Square: Stroll through Palace Square, a beautiful urban space surrounded by impressive buildings.
  • Catherine Palace: Visit Catherine Palace, a stunning imperial palace with an intricate wooden interior.
  • Lunch: Savor traditional Russian cuisine at a local restaurant or food stall.

Evening

  • Canal boat tour: Take a leisurely canal boat tour to see St. Petersburg’s breathtaking architecture and scenic canals.
  • Dinner: Enjoy modern Russian cuisine at a trendy restaurant, like Pryanik or Art Cafe

Day 3: Novgorod

Morning

  • Breakfast: Depart for Novgorod (approximately 4 hours by car or 5.5 hours by train).
  • Novgorod Kremlin: Explore the historic Novgorod Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Visit the Novgorod Museum of History and Architecture
    • Admire the intricate stone carvings and frescoes

Afternoon

  • Ivan Kuzmich Monastery: Visit Ivan Kuzmich Monastery, an ancient Orthodox monastery with stunning architecture.
  • Lunch: Try traditional Russian cuisine at a local restaurant or food stall.

Other things to know:

  • Visa requirements: For most nationalities, including US citizens, no pre-arranged visa is required for stays up to 90 days. However, it’s essential to check with the Russian embassy or consulate in your home country for the latest information.
  • Transportation: Moscow and St. Petersburg have well-developed metro systems. In Novgorod, buses and taxis are more common. You can also take a private car or hire a driver for the day.
  • Safety: Russia is generally a safe country, but petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Additional tips:

  • Learn some basic Russian phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
  • Try traditional Russian cuisine, such as borscht, beef stroganoff, and pierogies.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially in St. Petersburg.

Budget breakdown:

  • Accommodation (3 nights): $200-$300 per person
  • Transportation: $50-$100 per person (depending on mode of transportation and distance)
  • Food and drink: $30-$50 per day per person (approximately $90-$150 for the entire trip)
  • Attractions and activities: $20-$50 per person (approximately $60-$150 for the entire trip)

Total estimated cost per person: $500-$800