Russian Federation Russia 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Moscow

  • Morning: Arrive at Sheremetyevo International Airport. Collect your luggage and exchange currency.
  • 9:00 AM: Start the day with a visit to the iconic Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad), the heart of Moscow’s historic center.
    • Take in the sights of St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant, like Cafe Pushkin or Teremok.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the Kremlin, a fortified complex that serves as the official residence of the President of Russia.
    • Visit the Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund.
  • 4:00 PM: End the day with a stroll along the Moskva River Embankment for breathtaking views of the city.

Things to Know

  • Moscow is a 24-hour city, but restaurants and shops might have limited hours on Sundays.
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Day 2: St. Petersburg

  • Morning: Take an express train from Moscow (around 4 hours) or fly to St. Petersburg (around 1 hour).
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s largest and most famous museums.
    • Explore the stunning collections of art and culture.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant, like New Cafe or 1947 Bar.
  • 2:00 PM: Take a stroll through the beautiful Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad), home to the impressive Winter Palace.
    • Visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral.

Things to Know

  • St. Petersburg has a more laid-back atmosphere than Moscow.
  • Be prepared for occasional rain showers.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Day 3: Lake Baikal

  • Morning: Fly from St. Petersburg (around 5 hours) or take an overnight train from Moscow to Irkutsk, the capital of Siberia (around 60 hours).
  • 9:00 AM: Arrive at Lake Baikal, the world’s largest and deepest freshwater lake.
    • Take a scenic cruise on the lake for breathtaking views.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, like Baikal Restaurant or Listvyanka.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the surrounding area, which offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife spotting.

Things to Know

  • Lake Baikal is a 4-hour drive from Irkutsk.
  • Be prepared for cold weather, even in summer.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.

Day 4: Moscow (optional)

  • Morning: If you’re heading back to Moscow, take an early morning flight or train.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the Tretyakov Gallery, one of Russia’s most famous art museums.
    • Explore the stunning collection of Russian and Soviet art.
  • 12:30 PM: Enjoy a farewell lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant, like Cafe Pushkin or Teremok.

Visa Requirements

  • Tourists from most countries require a visa to enter Russia.
  • Check with your embassy or consulate for specific requirements and application procedures.
  • Make sure you have the correct documents (passport, visa, etc.) before traveling.

Transportation

  • Moscow: metro system is efficient and easy to use. Taxis are also readily available.
  • St. Petersburg: metro system is also efficient. Taxis are readily available, but be prepared for traffic congestion.
  • Lake Baikal: transportation options are limited. Take a scenic cruise on the lake or explore the surrounding area by foot.

Other Things of Interest

  • Moscow: visit the famous Bolshoi Theatre, home to classical ballet and opera performances.
  • St. Petersburg: take a stroll through the beautiful Summer Garden (Yekaterininsky Park).
  • Lake Baikal: go hiking in the surrounding mountains or take a scenic drive around the lake.

Note that this itinerary is just a suggestion, and you may want to adjust it based on your interests, budget, and time constraints.