Russia Adventure: October 20 – November 1, 2025

Day 1: Arrival in Moscow

Morning: Your flight lands in Moscow and you transfer to the hotel for a quick check‑in and refresh. Take a short rest before heading out to explore the city.

Afternoon: Wander along the historic Arbat Street, soaking up the lively cafés, street performers, and souvenir shops.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant overlooking Red Square and enjoy the illuminated Kremlin towers.

Day 2: Moscow Highlights

Morning: Begin at Red Square, then step inside the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral for its iconic onion domes.

Afternoon: Tour the historic Kremlin, visiting the Grand Kremlin Palace and the Armoury Museum.

Evening: Experience a world‑class ballet at the magnificent Bolshoi Theatre.

Day 3: Moscow Culture

Morning: Explore Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery, home to masterpieces from icons to avant‑garde.

Afternoon: Stroll through the elegant GUM Shopping Center on Red Square, admiring its glass dome and upscale boutiques.

Evening: Enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Moskva River, watching the city lights reflect off the water.

Day 4: Moscow → Saint Petersburg (Train)

Morning: Board the high‑speed Sapsan train for a comfortable 4‑hour journey to Saint Petersburg.

Afternoon: After checking into your hotel, wander down Nevsky Prospekt, the grand avenue lined with historic buildings.

Evening: Savor dinner at a riverside restaurant with views of the Neva.

Day 5: Saint Petersburg Museums

Morning: Spend several hours at the world‑renowned Hermitage Museum, admiring works by Rembrandt, Leonardo, and more.

Afternoon: Visit the stunning Church of the Savior on Blood, famed for its vibrant mosaics.

Evening: Explore the illuminated Palace Square and enjoy a coffee at a nearby café.

Day 6: Peterhof Palace

Morning: Travel to the “Russian Versailles,” the magnificent Peterhof Palace, and begin touring its grand gardens.

Afternoon: Continue admiring the spectacular fountains and the Grand Cascade, snapping photos of the sea view.

Evening: Return to Saint Petersburg and unwind with a leisurely canal cruise.

Day 7: Free Day in Saint Petersburg

Morning: Optional visit to the Fabergé Museum to see the legendary jeweled eggs.

Afternoon: Explore local markets and pick up traditional crafts and foods.

Evening: Attend a performance at the historic Mariinsky Theatre.

Day 8: Saint Petersburg → Kazan (Flight)

Morning: Fly to Kazan, the heart of Tatar culture, and settle into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the UNESCO‑listed Kazan Kremlin, exploring the palace complex and its museums.

Evening: Stroll along the scenic banks of the Kazanka River and dine on local Tatar cuisine.

Day 9: Kazan Exploration

Morning: Discover the beautiful Qolsharif Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Afternoon: Wander through the bustling Tatar bazaar, sampling pastries and buying souvenirs.

Evening: Relax at a cozy café or enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at your hotel.

Day 10: Kazan → Sochi (Flight)

Morning: Fly to the Black Sea resort city of Sochi and check into a seaside hotel.

Afternoon: Spend relaxing hours on the golden sands of the Sochi Riviera, swimming or sunbathing.

Evening: Dine on fresh seafood along the promenade while watching the sunset over the sea.

Day 11: Sochi Mountains

Morning: Take a short drive to the Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort for skiing, snowboarding, or a scenic cable‑car ride.

Afternoon: Continue enjoying mountain activities, or hike the surrounding trails for breathtaking vistas.

Evening: Return to Sochi for a relaxed evening at the hotel or a local bar.

Day 12: Sochi Leisure

Morning: Explore the legacy of the 2014 Winter Olympics at the Olympic Park, visiting the skating arena and museum.

Afternoon: Treat yourself to a spa session or take an optional boat tour along the Black Sea coast.

Evening: Celebrate the trip with a farewell dinner featuring regional dishes and live music.

Day 13: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a final walk on the beach, pack your belongings, and check out of the hotel.

Afternoon: Transfer to Sochi Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Russia’s diverse landscapes.

Evening: Arrive back home, rested and inspired by your Russian adventure.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Red Square – 2 hours – $0
• Kremlin – 3 hours – $15
• St. Basil's Cathedral – 1.5 hours – $10
• Arbat Street – 2 hours – $0
• GUM Shopping Center – 1 hour – $0
• Tretyakov Gallery – 2 hours – $12
• Bolshoi Theatre – 3 hours – $80
• Hermitage Museum – 4 hours – $20
• Church of the Savior on Blood – 1 hour – $8
• Peterhof Palace – 4 hours – $15
• Nevsky Prospekt – 2 hours – $0
• Kazan Kremlin – 3 hours – $10
• Qolsharif Mosque – 1 hour – $0
• Sochi Riviera (Beach) – 3 hours – $0
• Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort – 5 hours – $60
• Total Estimated Cost: $230

Tips

If you need more time, consider adding a day in Moscow to explore the Moscow Metro’s historic stations or a day trip to the Golden Ring. To shorten the itinerary, you could combine Kazan and Sochi travel by flying directly from Saint Petersburg to Sochi and skipping Kazan, focusing on the two major cities and the Black Sea coast.