7-Day Itinerary for Russia in July 2023

1. Day 1: Moscow
   30 minutes (17.8 km) from Sheremetyevo International Airport

   Start your trip with a stroll through the iconic Red Square and the stunning St. Basil's Cathedral. Take in the grandeur of the Kremlin and explore its history and culture. Spend the evening at the Bolshoi Theatre, home to Russia's world-renowned ballet and opera.

2. Day 2: St. Petersburg
   4 hours 30 minutes (684 km) from Moscow

   Visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, showcasing over 3 million items. Walk around the historic Peterhof Palace and its beautiful gardens. End your day with a night-time boat tour of St. Petersburg's canals.

3. Day 3: Kazan
   2 hours 5 minutes (820 km) from St. Petersburg

   Explore the impressive Kazan Kremlin and the nearby Kul Sharif Mosque. Take a walk through the pedestrian Bauman Street, lined with shops, restaurants and street performers. Catch an evening show at the stunning Tatar State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

4. Day 4: Sochi
   2 hours 30 minutes (1,200 km) from Kazan

   Relax at the beach in the warm waters of the Black Sea. Take a stroll through the beautiful Sochi Arboretum and admire its collection of exotic trees and plants. End your day with a visit to the Olympic Park, home to the 2014 Winter Olympics.

5. Day 5: Yekaterinburg
   4 hours 30 minutes (2,130 km) from Sochi

   Visit the site of the Romanov execution and the Church of the Blood. Take a guided tour of the Ural Mountains and its stunning natural landscapes. End your day by exploring the literary history of Yekaterinburg at the Museum of the Literary Life of the Urals.

6. Day 6: Novosibirsk
   3 hours 30 minutes (1,690 km) from Yekaterinburg

   Visit the Novosibirsk Zoo, one of the largest and most popular zoos in Russia. Explore the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the nearby museums dedicated to Siberian culture and art. Spend the evening at the Novosibirsk State Opera and Ballet Theatre.

7. Day 7: Lake Baikal
   4 hours 30 minutes (2,500 km) from Novosibirsk

   Take a day trip to Lake Baikal, the world's deepest and oldest lake. Take a boat tour around the lake and admire its breathtaking views. Go hiking in the nearby nature reserve and spot some of the unique fauna and flora. End your day with a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

Recommendations

If you have more time, consider visiting the cities of Vladivostok, Rostov-on-Don and Kaliningrad. Take a side trip to the Golden Ring, a collection of historic towns and cities northeast of Moscow. For a unique experience, try the traditional Russian banya (sauna) or go dog-sledding in the winter months. Maximise your fun by trying the local cuisine, such as borscht, blini and beef stroganoff. Don't forget to experience the famous Moscow nightlife and visit the bars and clubs on Tverskaya Street.