Russia Highlights: Moscow, St. Petersburg & Arctic Northern Lights Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & First Glimpse of Moscow

Morning: Land at Sheremetyevo Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. Settle in, freshen up, and enjoy a quick Russian‑style breakfast.

Afternoon: Stroll to Red Square and admire the iconic façade of the Kremlin. Take photos of St. Basil’s Cathedral and browse the historic stalls of GUM department store.

Evening: Dine at a traditional Russian restaurant near Arbat Street and soak up the lively atmosphere of Moscow’s nightlife.

Day 2: Deep Dive into Moscow’s Culture

Morning: Visit the world‑renowned State Tretyakov Gallery to see masterpieces of Russian art, followed by a walk through the nearby Novodevichy Convent complex.

Afternoon: Ride the famous Moscow Metro and explore its palatial stations, then head to Gorky Park for a leisurely walk along the Moskva River.

Evenance: Experience a classical performance at the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre or enjoy a jazz club in the vibrant Kitay-gorod district.

Day 3: Journey to St. Petersburg

Morning: Take a high‑speed Sapsan train from Moscow to St. Petersburg (≈ 4 h). Check into a boutique hotel along the Neva River.

Afternoon: Begin exploring with a walk down Nevsky Prospekt, stopping at the historic St. Isaac’s Cathedral for its panoramic city view.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of fresh Baltic seafood at a riverside restaurant, followed by a twilight cruise on the Neva to see the illuminated cityscape.

Day 4: Architectural Splendors of St. Petersburg

Morning: Tour the vast Hermitage Museum, home to the world’s largest art collection, and wander through the Winter Palace’s opulent halls.

Afternoon: Visit the lavish Peterhof Palace (“Russian Versailles”) and stroll among its magnificent fountains and gardens.

Evening: Attend a ballet at the renowned Mariinsky Theatre or explore the lively Petrogradsky Island nightlife.

Day 5: Arctic Adventure & Northern Lights

Morning: Fly from St. Petersburg to Murmansk (≈ 2 h). Transfer to a comfortable lodge on the Kola Peninsula, positioned within the Arctic Circle.

Afternoon: Take a guided snowmobile trek across the tundra, visit a traditional Sami reindeer farm, and learn about indigenous culture.

Evening: After a warm dinner, step outside for a night‑long aurora‑watching session; the remote location offers crystal‑clear views of the spectacular Northern Lights.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Red Square & Kremlin – 2 hours – $30
• St. Basil’s Cathedral – 1 hour – $15
• State Tretyakov Gallery – 3 hours – $25
• Moscow Metro stations tour – 2 hours – $10
• Bolshoi Theatre performance – 2.5 hours – $80
• Sapsan train Moscow‑St. Petersburg – 4 hours – $120
• Hermitage Museum – 4 hours – $40
• Peterhof Palace – 3 hours – $35
• Mariinsky Ballet – 2.5 hours – $100
• Murmansk flight – 2 hours – $150
• Arctic Circle lodge (2 nights) – 48 hours – $600
• Snowmobile & Sami experience – 3 hours – $120
• Northern Lights tour – 4 hours – $80
• Meals & local transport (all days) – – $300
• Total Estimated Cost: $1,405

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day in the Golden Ring to explore historic towns such as Suzdal and Vladimir, or extend your Arctic stay for a dog‑sledding excursion and a visit to the historic port of Apatity. To shorten the trip, skip the snowmobile trek and replace the Murmansk leg with a day‑trip to the historic town of Pskov, which still offers a taste of northern Russia without the extra travel time.