Exploring European Russia on a Shoestring Budget

Day 1: Discovering Moscow

Moscow, Russia

8:00AM

Red Square

Start your day at the iconic Red Square, marvel at St. Basil's Cathedral, and visit the historic Kremlin.
Take the metro from Red Square to the Kremlin (15 mins).
Free (Kremlin entrance fee extra), 3 hours

12:00PM

Arbat Street

Explore the charming Arbat Street lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and street artists for a taste of local Moscow life.
Walk from the Kremlin to Arbat Street (20 mins).
Budget for souvenirs and food, 2 hours

3:00PM

Gorky Park

Relax at Gorky Park, rent a bike, or take a boat ride along the Moskva River for a leisurely afternoon.
Take the metro from Arbat Street to Gorky Park (30 mins).
Bike/boat rental fees, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Immersing in Moscow's Culture

Moscow, Russia

9:00AM

Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Visit the Pushkin Museum to admire a vast collection of European art, including works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh.
Take a bus or taxi to the museum (20 mins).
Entrance fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Bolshoi Theatre

Stroll around the Bolshoi Theatre, one of the most famous cultural landmarks in Moscow, and maybe catch a ballet performance.
Walk from the museum to the theatre (15 mins).
Ballet ticket price, 2 hours

3:00PM

VDNKh Park

Explore VDNKh Park, an exhibition center showcasing Soviet-era architecture, enjoy local street food, and shop for unique souvenirs.
Take the metro from Bolshoi Theatre to VDNKh Park (40 mins).
Food and shopping expenses, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: St. Petersburg Exploration

St. Petersburg, Russia

9:00AM

Hermitage Museum

Spend the morning at the Hermitage Museum, home to a vast collection of art and artifacts, housed in the stunning Winter Palace.
Take a bus or metro to the museum (30 mins).
Entrance fee, 3 hours

1:00PM

Nevsky Prospekt

Walk along Nevsky Prospekt, the main street of St. Petersburg, lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Walk from the museum to Nevsky Prospekt (15 mins).
Budget for food and shopping, 2 hours

4:00PM

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Visit the stunning Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, known for its intricate mosaic decorations and colorful domes.
Take a bus or taxi to the church (10 mins).
Entrance fee, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: More of St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, Russia

10:00AM

Peter and Paul Fortress

Explore the Peter and Paul Fortress, the original citadel of St. Petersburg, and visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Take a bus or walk to the fortress (15 mins).
Entrance fee, 2 hours

1:00PM

Russian Museum

Discover Russian art at the Russian Museum, showcasing works by famous Russian artists like Repin and Kandinsky.
Take a bus or taxi to the museum (20 mins).
Entrance fee, 2 hours

4:00PM

Rooftop Views

Head to a rooftop bar or restaurant for panoramic views of St. Petersburg's skyline during sunset.
Take a taxi or metro to the rooftop location (15 mins).
Drinks or snacks, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Veliky Novgorod Day Trip

Veliky Novgorod, Russia

9:00AM

Novgorod Kremlin

Start your day at the Novgorod Kremlin, a medieval fortress with historic cathedrals and panoramic views of the city.
Take a bus or walk to the Kremlin (10 mins).
Entrance fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Yaroslav's Court

Explore Yaroslav's Court, a museum complex featuring ancient Russian architecture and artifacts.
Walk from the Kremlin to Yaroslav's Court (15 mins).
Entrance fee, 1 hour

2:00PM

St. Sophia Cathedral

Visit St. Sophia Cathedral, one of the oldest churches in Russia, known for its historic significance and architecture.
Walk from Yaroslav's Court to the cathedral (5 mins).
Entrance fee, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Suzdal Day Trip

Suzdal, Russia

9:00AM

Suzdal Kremlin

Begin your day at the Suzdal Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient churches and beautiful architecture.
Take a bus or walk to the Kremlin (15 mins).
Entrance fee, 2 hours

12:00PM

Museum of Wooden Architecture

Visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture to learn about traditional Russian wooden building techniques and see historic structures.
Walk from the Kremlin to the museum (10 mins).
Entrance fee, 1 hour

2:00PM

Local Cuisine

Enjoy a traditional Russian lunch at a local restaurant, savoring dishes like borscht and blini.
Walk to a nearby restaurant for lunch (5 mins).
Lunch cost, 1 hour
View Hotel Availability