Russian Federation (Russia)-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Moscow

  • Places to visit: Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum
  • Activities: Take a guided tour of the Kremlin, watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier
  • Things to know: Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist spots. Try some traditional Russian cuisine like borscht or pelmeni.
  • Transportation: Metro system is efficient and easy to navigate. Take a ride on the Moscow Metro (Line 1, 2, 3, etc.) to see impressive stations and architecture.
  • Accommodation: Stay in the city center to be close to main attractions.

Day 2: Moscow

  • Places to visit: Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
  • Activities: Visit the State Tretyakov Gallery to see Russian art from the 10th century to modern times. Explore the Pushkin Museum’s impressive collection of Western European and Russian art.
  • Things to know: Some museums may have limited English signage or audio guides. Consider hiring a guide for a more in-depth experience.
  • Transportation: Take a taxi or ride-hailing service to get around, as traffic can be heavy.

Day 3: St. Petersburg

  • Places to visit: Hermitage Museum, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
  • Activities: Spend a day exploring the world-renowned Hermitage Museum’s vast collection of art and artifacts.
  • Things to know: Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular tourist spots. Try some traditional Russian cuisine like blini or beef stroganoff.
  • Transportation: Take a high-speed train from Moscow to St. Petersburg (approx. 4 hours). Metro system is also available in the city.

Day 4: St. Petersburg

  • Places to visit: Peterhof Palace, Catherine Palace
  • Activities: Visit the stunning Peterhof Palace and its gardens, as well as the grand Catherine Palace.
  • Things to know: Some palaces may have limited English signage or audio guides. Consider hiring a guide for a more in-depth experience.
  • Transportation: Take a bus or taxi from city center to get to the palaces.

Day 5: Lake Baikal

  • Places to visit: Listvyanka Village, Olkhon Island
  • Activities: Take a boat tour on Lake Baikal, visit the charming village of Listvyanka, and explore the sacred island of Olkhon.
  • Things to know: Be prepared for variable weather conditions (rain, wind) in the region. Try some traditional Buryat cuisine like khuushuur or boiled meat pies.
  • Transportation: Take a domestic flight from Irkutsk to Ulan-Ude (approx. 1 hour). Then take a bus or taxi to Listvyanka Village.

Day 6: Lake Baikal

  • Places to visit: Angara River, Chersky Cape
  • Activities: Visit the stunning Angara River and its nearby rapids, as well as the scenic Chersky Cape.
  • Things to know: Be prepared for variable weather conditions (rain, wind) in the region. Try some traditional Buryat cuisine like khuushuur or boiled meat pies.
  • Transportation: Take a bus or taxi from Listvyanka Village to get around.

Visa requirements:

  • Citizens of certain countries (USA, Canada, EU nations, etc.) can enter Russia without a visa for up to 30 days. However, it’s recommended to check the official government websites for the most up-to-date information.
  • Citizens of other countries will need to obtain an e-visa or a regular tourist visa in advance.

Health and safety:

  • Consult your doctor before traveling to Russia, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
  • Take necessary precautions against diseases like tick-borne encephalitis and COVID-19.
  • Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen during outdoor activities.

This itinerary provides a general outline for exploring the Russian Federation. However, feel free to adjust it based on your interests, budget, and time constraints. Happy travels!