Built from the 14th to 17th centuries, Red Square is the iconic symbol of Russia, displaying the grandeur and opulence of the country's history. Afterwards, visit the impressive St. Basil's Cathedral and Moscow Kremlin where you can see the famous Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell.
Discover the historic towns and villages surrounding Moscow, such as the medieval town of Vladimir with its stunning Golden Gate, Assumption Cathedral, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The town also boasts a unique museum showcasing ancient Russian wooden houses.
Spend the day visiting the picturesque countryside towns of Suzdal and Sergiev Posad. Suzdal features the exquisite Pokrovskiy Monastery, while Sergiev Posad is home to the renowned Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, an important spiritual center.
Take an overnight train to St. Petersburg to maximize your time in this vibrant city.
Visit the picturesque canals and historical landmarks in St. Petersburg, such as the Palace Square, Winter Palace, and St. Isaac's Cathedral. Then, head to the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest museum collections in the world, featuring masterpieces by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Take a day trip to Peterhof Palace and Gardens to marvel at its stunning fountains, expansive gardens, and picturesque views of the Gulf of Finland.
Visit the opulent Catherine Palace and Park, famous for its stunning Blue Hall and the famous Amber Room. Continue with a visit to the Pavlovsk Palace and Park, another impressive neoclassical palace with breathtaking gardens, fountains and sculptures.
Take a guided tour of the Yusupov Palace, a hidden gem filled with fascinating history, secret passageways, and impressive rooms. Afterward, attend a performance at the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre, known for its world-class ballet and opera productions.
Explore the beauty of two of St. Petersburg's most important landmarks, Kazan Cathedral, a stunning neoclassical church dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, and the Alexander Nevsky Monastery, an impressive Orthodox monastery containing beautiful churches and a cemetery of famous artists.
Visit the Hermitage Storage Facility (Staraya Derevnya), the Hermitage's auxiliary site that houses more than three million items. Then, head over to the Faberge Museum to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking imperial Easter eggs and other treasures made by famous jeweler Carl Faberge.
Experience one of the most iconic train journeys in the world, the Trans-Siberian Railway, with a day trip from St. Petersburg to Moscow.
End your honeymoon in Russia with a tranquil Moscow River Cruise that will provide stunning views of the city's architecture and historic sites. Then, head to the airport for your departure flight.
While Russia is a vast country, an extensive network of railways and buses makes travel relatively convenient and affordable. Trains are the best way to travel between major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, with the Trans-Siberian Railway providing a unique and exciting travel experience for those with more time. Taxis are readily available in larger cities, but rates can vary widely. Consider downloading ride-hailing apps for added convenience and cost savings.
For travelers with more time, consider adding a day trip to the idyllic town of Rostov Veliky or the vast landscape of the Karelian Isthmus. If time is a constraint, skip Yusupov Palace, the Hermitage Storage Facility or the Faberge Museum. Plan accordingly and check hours of operation, as many museums and monuments are closed on certain days.
Moscow has three international airports: Domodedovo (DME), Sheremetyevo (SVO), and Vnukovo (VKO). St. Petersburg's airport is Pulkovo International Airport (LED). DME is the largest and closest to the city center, with a travel time of around an hour by car. SVO is a good alternative for those traveling on airlines like Aeroflot, while VKO is closer to the western part of the city. LED is located approximately 22 km south of the city center and can be reached by car in around 30 minutes.