7-Day Itinerary for Russia in August 2023

1. Day 1: Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral
   10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Kremlin

   In the morning, explore Moscow's famous Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, then head to GUM department store for shopping. In the afternoon visit Lenin's Mausoleum and the State Historical Museum. End your day watching the sunset over the Kremlin walls.

2. Day 2: Bolshoi Theatre and Pushkin Museum
   20 minutes (3 miles) from Red Square

   In the morning, see a ballet or opera performance at the historic Bolshoi Theatre. After lunch, visit the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, featuring a vast collection of European art. In the evening, stroll along Arbat Street, lined with cafes and souvenir shops.

3. Day 3: Hermitage Museum and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
   10 minutes (1.2 miles) from Palace Square

   Travel to St. Petersburg and visit the Hermitage Museum in the morning, one of the largest art museums in the world. In the afternoon, visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, an iconic symbol of St. Petersburg's architecture. End your day watching a ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre.

4. Day 4: Peterhof Palace and Catherine Palace
   45 minutes (18 miles) from Palace Square

   Take a day trip from St. Petersburg to the Peterhof Palace, known as the Russian Versailles, and explore the beautiful gardens and fountains. In the afternoon, visit the Catherine Palace in Pushkin and marvel at its opulent interiors.

5. Day 5: Kazan Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt
   10 minutes (1 mile) from Palace Square

   Visit the Kazan Cathedral, one of the largest and most impressive churches in St. Petersburg. Walk along Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main avenue, which offers an array of restaurants, bars, and shops. In the evening, enjoy a boat tour of the city's canals.

6. Day 6: Lake Baikal and Listvyanka
   50 minutes (38 miles) from Irkutsk

   Travel to Irkutsk and take a day trip to Lake Baikal, the world's oldest and deepest lake. Visit the village of Listvyanka and explore the Baikal Museum, which tells the story of the lake's unique ecosystem. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna) experience.

7. Day 7: Trans-Siberian Railway and Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre
   10 minutes (1.5 miles) from Novosibirsk Station

   Take a train ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest railway in the world, from Irkutsk to Novosibirsk. In the evening, visit the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, one of the largest and most prestigious theatres in Russia.

Recommendations

If you have extra time, visit the Moscow Metro stations for their beautiful architecture, take a river cruise in St. Petersburg, and try traditional Russian dishes like borscht and pelmeni. You can also consider visiting the cities of Kazan and Sochi for their unique culture and attractions.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral (4 hours, free)
• Bolshoi Theatre (3 hours, $60)
• Pushkin Museum (3 hours, $15)
• Hermitage Museum (5 hours, $20)
• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (2 hours, $10)
• Peterhof Palace (5 hours, $30)
• Catherine Palace (4 hours, $20)
• Kazan Cathedral (1 hour, free)
• Lake Baikal and Listvyanka (6 hours, $50)
• Trans-Siberian Railway (24 hours, $200)
• Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre (3 hours, $50)
• Total Estimated Costs: $450