7-Day Itinerary: Moscow and Saint Petersburg in September 2023

1. Day 1: Red Square and the Kremlin
   30 minutes (10.3 km) from Domodedovo International Airport

   Begin your trip by visiting the iconic Red Square and the fascinating Kremlin. In the morning, explore St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Mausoleum. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Kremlin and see the Armoury Chamber. Wrap up the day with a stroll around the Alexander Garden.

2. Day 2: Bolshoi Theatre and GUM
   20 minutes (5 km) from The Kremlin

   Start the day with a visit to the beautiful Bolshoi Theatre, a must-see for any theatre lover. Afterward, stroll over to the nearby GUM mall for some shopping and lunch. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts. Finish the day with a walk around the Patriarch Ponds.

3. Day 3: Catherine Palace and Hermitage Museum
   4 hours and 30 minutes (710 km) from Red Square

   Today, head to Saint Petersburg by train and visit the stunning Catherine Palace in the morning. In the afternoon, visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Be prepared to spend several hours exploring the museum's vast collection of art and antiquities.

4. Day 4: Peterhof Palace and Church of the Savior on Blood
   1 hour and 20 minutes (36 km) from The Hermitage

   Start the day with a trip to the beautiful Peterhof Palace, also known as the "Russian Versailles." Spend the morning exploring the palace's stunning grounds and fountains. In the afternoon, visit the colourful Church of the Savior on Blood, with its stunning mosaics and onion domes.

5. Day 5: Faberge Museum and Mariinsky Theatre
   30 minutes (2.5 km) from Peter and Paul Fortress

   Visit the Faberge Museum in the morning, home to the stunning collection of Faberge eggs. Afterward, take a walk through the Summer Garden and grab lunch at a local cafe. In the evening, enjoy a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, one of the most famous opera and ballet houses in the world.

6. Day 6: Saint Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt
   10 minutes (1.2 km) from the Mariinsky Theatre

   Start the day with a visit to Saint Isaac's Cathedral, the largest Orthodox basilica in the world. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the city. Next, explore the bustling Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main thoroughfare. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Russian Vodka for a tour and tasting.

7. Day 7: Peter and Paul Fortress and Canal Cruise
   10 minutes (1 km) from Saint Isaac's Cathedral

   End your trip with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, where many of Russia's tsars are buried. Walk through the fortress and visit the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. In the afternoon, take a relaxing canal cruise through the city and enjoy the sights and sounds of Saint Petersburg.

Recommendations

For a side trip from Moscow, consider visiting the charming city of Sergiev Posad, home to the stunning Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. In Saint Petersburg, a visit to the Yusupov Palace is a must for history buffs. To maximize your fun, try a traditional Russian banya (sauna) experience or take a cooking class to learn how to make some classic Russian dishes.

For hotels and flights, visit https://booking.tp.st/VhZsadPo.