Morning: Land at Sheremetyevo Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Take a brief rest before heading out to explore the iconic Red Square, where the vibrant atmosphere immediately immerses you in Russian history.
Afternoon: Walk to the adjoining Kremlin complex, touring the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Armoury Chamber to admire imperial regalia and priceless artifacts. Stop for a traditional Russian lunch at a nearby café.
Evening: Stroll along St. Basil’s Cathedral as the golden domes are illuminated, then enjoy dinner with a view of the square, sampling borscht and pelmeni.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the world‑renowned State Tretyakov Gallery, where a curated collection of Russian art from medieval icons to modern masterpieces awaits.
Afternoon: Head to the Bolshoi Theatre for a backstage tour, learning about its storied ballet and opera legacy, followed by a leisurely walk through the historic Arbat Street for souvenirs.
Evening: Dine at a riverside restaurant on the Moscow River, then catch a sunset cruise offering panoramic views of the illuminated Kremlin walls.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early by coach to the UNESCO‑listed town of Sergiev Posad, home to the stunning Sergius Lavra Monastery with its golden cupola and historic frescoes.
Afternoon: Explore the monastery’s museum, then wander the charming wooden architecture of the town centre, sampling local honey and pastries.
Evening: Return to Moscow and unwind with a relaxed dinner in the trendy Kitay-Gorod district.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the high‑speed Sapsan train for a scenic 4‑hour ride to St. Petersburg, enjoying comfortable seats and Wi‑Fi.
Afternoon: After checking in, begin exploring the elegant Neva River embankments and the bustling Nevsky Prospect, stopping at a historic café for a slice of honey cake.
Evening: Take a leisurely stroll across the iconic Palace Bridge as it lifts, then dine on fresh Baltic fish at a waterfront restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Spend several hours inside the expansive State Hermitage Museum, marveling at masterpieces by Rembrandt, Leonardo, and Russian avant‑garde works.
Afternoon: Walk to the nearby Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, admiring its kaleidoscopic mosaics and learning about its tragic history.
Evening: Experience a classic Russian dinner accompanied by live folk music in the historic Petrovsky Passage arcade.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to the opulent Peterhof Palace, often called “the Russian Versailles,” and wander its lavish rooms and marble statues.
Afternoon: Explore the spectacular lower gardens with their famous fountains, then enjoy a relaxed lunch by the Gulf of Finland.
Evening: Return to the city for a tranquil canal cruise along the historic waterways, watching the city lights reflect off the water.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the serene St. Isaac’s Cathedral and ascend its golden dome for a panoramic view of the city’s skyline.
Afternoon: Have a farewell lunch at a local market, sampling smoked salmon and pirozhki, before heading to the airport.
Evening: Depart from Pulkovo Airport with memories of Russia’s imperial grandeur and vibrant culture.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, add a day in the Golden Ring to visit Vladimir and Suzdal for deeper insight into medieval Russia, or extend your stay in St. Petersburg to explore the nearby town of Pushkin and its Tsarskoye Selo. To shorten the trip, skip the day‑trip to Sergiev Posad and replace it with a morning walk along Moscow’s Gorky Park, allowing an earlier departure from the city.