Epic Road Trip from Tehran to Murmansk: A Journey from Iran to the Arctic Circle

Day 1: Tehran to Tabriz

Tehran to Tabriz, Iran on May 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Sam Cafe, Tehran

Start your day with a delicious Persian breakfast including fresh bread, feta cheese, herbs, and tea at this cozy café in central Tehran.
IRR100000, 1h0m

8:30AM

Drive from Tehran to Tabriz

Embark on a roughly 8-hour drive northwest to Tabriz, covering around 630 km via the highways Tehran-Qazvin-Zanjan-Tabriz.
Fuel costs approx. IRR2000000, 8h0m

4:30PM

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel in Tabriz and rest after the long drive.
IRR3000000, 1h30m

6:00PM

Walk around Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest bazaars in the Middle East, to experience local culture and crafts. Open until 9 PM.
Free, 1h30m

7:30PM

Dinner at Shandiz Mashad Restaurant, Tabriz

Enjoy traditional Persian kebabs and local Azerbaijani dishes in this well-regarded restaurant.
IRR400000, 1h30m
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Day 2: Tabriz to Yerevan

Tabriz, Iran to Yerevan, Armenia on May 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Narenjestan, Tabriz

Relish a traditional Iranian breakfast featuring eggs, herbs, and tea in a charming café setting.
IRR150000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Agarak Border

Drive 160 km north to the Agarak border crossing to enter Armenia. Border crossing may take 1-2 hours depending on queues and paperwork.
Visa fees and border tolls vary, 3h0m

12:00PM

Drive to Yerevan

Travel 45 km from Agarak border to Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.
Free, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Tavern Yerevan

Savor Armenian cuisine including khorovats (barbecue) and fresh salads in a lively tavern near the city center.
AMD8000, 1h0m

2:00PM

Visit Republic Square and History Museum of Armenia

Explore beautiful Republic Square and visit the History Museum of Armenia to learn about the rich culture and history. Museum open 11 AM - 7 PM.
AMD1000, 2h0m

4:30PM

Walk around Cascade Complex

Enjoy panoramic views of Yerevan and mount Ararat from the Cascade, an outdoor staircase with art installations. Open until 10 PM.
Free, 1h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Dolmama Restaurant

Experience traditional Armenian flavors with modern twists at this popular restaurant located downtown.
AMD15000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Yerevan to Tbilisi

Yerevan, Armenia to Tbilisi, Georgia on May 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Green Bean Coffee Company, Yerevan

Enjoy a fresh coffee and light breakfast in this cozy café to start your day.
AMD4000, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Tbilisi via Bagratashen Border Crossing

Travel approximately 280 km northeast, crossing the border into Georgia at Bagratashen. Border crossing could take around 1-2 hours.
Visa fees and tolls vary, 6h0m

3:00PM

Check-in and Rest in Tbilisi

Settle into your accommodation in Tbilisi and freshen up after your drive.
GEL50-70, 1h0m

4:00PM

Explore Old Town Tbilisi

Walk through Tbilisi Old Town with its colorful houses, narrow alleys, and historical churches. Visit the sulfur baths area.
Free, 2h0m

6:00PM

Dinner at Machakhela Restaurant

Try authentic Georgian dishes such as khinkali (dumplings) and khachapuri (cheese bread) at this local favorite.
GEL25-35, 1h30m
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Day 4: Tbilisi to Vladikavkaz

Tbilisi, Georgia to Vladikavkaz, Russia on May 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café Leila, Tbilisi

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast including traditional Georgian bread and cheese in this popular café.
GEL15, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive to Narzan-Makhachkala Border Crossing and Enter Russia

Proceed north approximately 130 km to cross into Russia near Vladikavkaz. Customs and passport control may take up to 2 hours.
Border fees may apply, 3h0m

12:00PM

Arrive in Vladikavkaz, Russia

Explore the city center of Vladikavkaz, known for its Soviet-era architecture and Caucasus mountain views.
Free, 1h0m

1:00PM

Lunch at Stolovaya No.1

Enjoy affordable and traditional Russian meals in this canteen-style eatery.
RUB400, 1h0m

2:00PM

Drive towards Moscow (overnight travel advised)

Consider starting your longer drive north towards Moscow, approximately a 1600 km journey best tackled over multiple days.
Fuel cost approximately RUB7000 per 1000 km, Overnight travel
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Day 5: Drive to Moscow

En route to Moscow, Russia on May 13, 2025

All Day

Continue Drive towards Moscow

Spend the day driving through the scenic Russian landscape with breaks every 2-3 hours for refreshments and rest.
Fuel costs approx. RUB14000, 12h0m

7:00PM

Check-in and Dinner in Moscow

Arrive and relax with dinner at Dr. Zhivago, an elegant restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine near the Red Square.
RUB1500-2500, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Explore Moscow

Moscow, Russia on May 14, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Pushkin

Enjoy a refined breakfast in a historic setting with classic Russian and European dishes.
RUB1200, 1h0m

10:00AM

Visit Red Square and Kremlin

Tour Moscow’s iconic Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin museums. Open 10 AM - 5 PM, tickets required for Kremlin.
RUB700, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at GUM Food Court

Have a casual lunch at the food court inside GUM with a variety of Russian and international options.
RUB800, 1h0m

2:30PM

Visit Tretyakov Gallery

Experience Russia’s premier collection of Russian fine art in this renowned gallery. Open 10 AM - 6 PM.
RUB500, 2h0m

5:00PM

Leisure Walk in Gorky Park

Relax with a stroll through the popular Gorky Park, enjoying nature and local life.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Mari Vanna

Dine on authentic home-style Russian food in a cozy, vintage setting.
RUB1500, 1h30m
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Day 7: Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel, Moscow

Start with a hearty breakfast to prepare for the drive to Saint Petersburg.
Included in hotel stay, 1h0m

9:00AM

Drive from Moscow to Saint Petersburg

Set out on the approximately 700 km route north to Saint Petersburg, taking about 8-9 hours.
Fuel approx. RUB 5000, 8h30m

6:00PM

Check-in and Dinner at Teplo

Relax with a warm dinner of classic Russian dishes in a homely restaurant near the city center.
RUB1300, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Saint Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, Russia on May 16, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Café Singer

Enjoy breakfast with views of the famous Nevsky Prospect and City Duma building.
RUB900, 1h0m

10:00AM

Hermitage Museum

Visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum to explore vast art collections in the former Winter Palace. Open 10:30 AM - 6 PM, closed Tuesdays.
RUB700, 3h0m

1:30PM

Lunch at Stroganoff Steak House

Enjoy a delicious meal of local and European cuisine in an elegant setting.
RUB1200, 1h0m

2:30PM

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Admire the intricate mosaics and colorful domes of this iconic Russian Orthodox church. Open 10 AM - 6 PM.
RUB300, 1h0m

4:00PM

Walk along Nevsky Prospect

Stroll along Saint Petersburg's main avenue lined with shops, cafes, and historic buildings.
Free, 1h0m

7:00PM

Dinner at Palkin

Dine on refined Russian and European dishes in a historic dining room.
RUB2000, 1h30m
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Day 9: Saint Petersburg to Murmansk

Saint Petersburg to Murmansk, Russia on May 17, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast

Enjoy a quick and energizing breakfast at your hotel or nearby café in Saint Petersburg.
Included or RUB600, 30m

7:30AM

Begin the long drive to Murmansk

Start the approximately 1500 km drive north to Murmansk. Plan for multiple stops and overnight rest en route, potentially splitting the drive into two days.
Fuel approx. RUB11000, 8h0m+ (first leg)
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