7-Day Luxury Itinerary for Russia in July 2023

1. Day 1: Explore the Opulent Hermitage Museum
   20 minutes (3 miles) from Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg

   Marvel at the world-renowned art collection within the walls of the stunning Winter Palace, including masterpieces from Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and Van Gogh.

2. Day 2: Visit the Iconic St. Basil's Cathedral
   <
   25 minutes (3.2 miles) from The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow

   Explore the vibrant Red Square and take in the stunning architecture of St. Basil's Cathedral, a symbol of Russia recognized all over the world.

3. Day 3: Take a River Cruise Along the Moscow River
   30 minutes (4.1 miles) from Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow

   Cruise along the serene Moscow River and soak up the sights of the city's landmarks, including the Moscow Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent, and Gorky Park.

4. Day 4: Relax in the Picturesque Catherine Palace
   1 hour (17 miles) from The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya

   Escape to the country's serenity and explore the striking Catherine Palace and its sprawling gardens, which served as the summer residence of the Russian tsars.

5. Day 5: Appreciate the Artistic Treasures at the Russian Museum
   10 minutes (1 mile) from Belmond Grand Hotel Europe, St Petersburg

   Admire the largest collection of Russian fine art, spanning the 12th to the 21st century, at the Russian Museum for a complete understanding of the country's art scene.

6. Day 6: Roam Around the Lavish Peterhof Palace and Garden
   45 minutes (18 miles) from The State Hermitage Museum Official Hotel, St. Petersburg

   Visit the spectacular display of art and engineering at the Peterhof Palace and Garden and witness the more than 100 fountains and numerous golden statues.

7. Day 7: Relish in the Culture at the Bolshoi Theatre
   20 minutes (1.3 miles) from Hotel Metropol Moscow

   End your trip on a high note and immerse yourself in the country's performing arts with a night of ballet or opera at the historic 19th-century Bolshoi Theatre.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Hermitage Museum (3 hours, $20)
• St. Basil's Cathedral (1 hour, $10)
• Moscow River Cruise (2 hours, $50)
• Catherine Palace (3 hours, $25)
• Russian Museum (2 hours, $15)
• Peterhof Palace and Garden (4 hours, $30)
• Bolshoi Theatre (3 hours, $100)

Total Estimated Costs: $250

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting the beautiful cities of Kazan and Sochi, known for their scenic views and cultural heritage. For those with fewer days, narrow down your list to just two cities - St. Petersburg and Moscow - and allocate at least four days to each for a more relaxed itinerary.