7-Day Winter Backpacking Adventure Across Russia in December

Day 1: Moscow Landmarks

Moscow, Russia on December 1, 2025

9:00am

Red Square and Kremlin

Start your trip with a visit to Red Square and the Kremlin, iconic symbols of Russia’s history and politics. Explore the fortified complex and admire the architecture, including St. Basil's Cathedral.
RUB700, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Teremok

Enjoy traditional Russian fast food like blinis and borscht at Teremok, a popular eatery open till late, perfect for a quick meal in downtown Moscow.
RUB350, 1h0m

2:00pm

State Historical Museum

Visit this large museum on Red Square showcasing Russian history from ancient times to the present, a great overview before deeper exploration.
RUB500, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Arbat Street

Stroll this pedestrian street filled with shops, street performers, and cafes. It's a vibrant spot to experience local culture and grab souvenirs.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Café Pushkin

Dine in a charming restaurant serving classic Russian cuisine with a cozy atmosphere, perfect for warming up after a day in the cold December air.
RUB1200, 2h0m
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Day 2: Moscow Museums

Moscow, Russia on December 2, 2025

9:00am

Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Explore this renowned museum showing European art from ancient to modern times, ideal for art lovers.
RUB500, 2h0m

11:30am

Breakfast at Dr. Zhivago

Savor hearty Russian breakfasts with a Soviet-era ambiance in this centrally located cafe.
RUB600, 1h0m

1:00pm

Tretyakov Gallery

Visit the foremost gallery for Russian art from medieval icons to contemporary pieces, a cultural highlight.
RUB700, 2h0m

3:30pm

Explore Gorky Park

Enjoy a winter walk in Gorky Park, the city’s favorite green space which often hosts winter activities and ice skating.
Free or ice skate rental approx RUB400, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at LavkaLavka

Taste farm-to-table Russian dishes at this sustainable restaurant offering seasonal and local produce in a warm atmosphere.
RUB1000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Train to Saint Petersburg

Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Russia on December 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Izmailovsky Market

Grab coffee and pastries at this vibrant market known for crafts and local foods before departure.
RUB300, 1h0m

9:30am

Sapsan Train to Saint Petersburg

Take the high-speed Sapsan train from Leningradsky Station to Saint Petersburg, a 4-hour scenic journey through Russian winter landscapes.
RUB2500, 4h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch near Nevsky Prospekt

Settle into your hostel and enjoy lunch at a nearby café offering pelmeni and hearty soups to keep warm.
RUB400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Hermitage Museum

Explore one of the largest and oldest museums in the world featuring vast art collections housed in the Winter Palace. Open until 6pm on weekdays.
RUB900, 2h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Pyshechnaya

Enjoy traditional Russian doughnuts and tea at this nostalgic café operating since Soviet times, perfect for a light and sweet dinner.
RUB300, 1h0m
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Day 4: Saint Petersburg Sights

Saint Petersburg, Russia on December 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Zoom Café

Start the day with gourmet coffee and healthy breakfast options at this trendy local spot.
RUB350, 1h0m

10:00am

Peter and Paul Fortress

Visit this historic fortress, birthplace of the city, with a cathedral containing the tombs of Russian tsars.
RUB700, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kuznya House

Dine riverside on modern Russian cuisine in the damproom of a shipyard, open from noon, perfect for warming up.
RUB900, 1h0m

2:00pm

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Admire this colorful and ornate Russian Orthodox church famous for its mosaics, open until 6pm in December.
RUB400, 1h0m

3:30pm

Nevsky Prospekt Walk

Explore the city’s main avenue with impressive architecture, shops, and cafes, providing an authentic city vibe.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Teplo

Cozy restaurant specializing in comfort food with a warm atmosphere, open until 11pm.
RUB1000, 1h30m
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Day 5: Veliky Novgorod Day Trip

Saint Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod, Russia on December 5, 2025

7:00am

Early Train to Veliky Novgorod

Catch a morning train from Saint Petersburg to Veliky Novgorod, a historical city known for medieval architecture, taking about 3 hours.
RUB1200, 3h0m

10:30am

Breakfast near Veliky Novgorod Station

Enjoy local pastries and tea at a nearby café after arrival.
RUB300, 1h0m

11:30am

Veliky Novgorod Kremlin and Museums

Explore the historic kremlin with its ancient churches and museums detailing Russia’s medieval history, open 10am-6pm.
RUB600, 2h30m

2:00pm

Lunch at Ryumochka

Taste traditional Russian dishes in this cozy local favorite to recover from the morning walk.
RUB700, 1h0m

3:30pm

Yaroslav's Court Historical Complex

Visit this open-air museum about the roots of Russian statehood, a peaceful winter walk spot.
RUB350, 1h0m

5:00pm

Return Train to Saint Petersburg

Head back by train to Saint Petersburg for overnight rest.
RUB1200, 3h0m

8:30pm

Late Dinner at Pizzeria Paolo

Enjoy a casual late dinner at this affordable and popular pizzeria near your accommodation.
RUB500, 1h0m
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Day 6: Kazan Journey

Saint Petersburg to Kazan, Russia on December 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Saint Petersburg Station

Grab a quick breakfast and coffee before boarding the train to Kazan.
RUB300, 0h30m

7:30am

Overnight Train to Kazan

Board the overnight sleeper train heading east to Kazan, offering a unique view of Russia’s Ural landscapes; journey lasts about 12 hours.
RUB3000, 12h0m

9:30pm

Arrival and Check-in at Kazan Hostel

Settle into your hostel in Kazan and rest after a long journey.
RUB800, Overnight
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Day 7: Explore Kazan

Kazan, Russia on December 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Khakhalova 28

Enjoy traditional Tatar breakfast dishes in a friendly family-run café popular among locals.
RUB400, 1h0m

9:30am

Kazan Kremlin

Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a blend of Russian and Tatar architecture including the Kul Sharif Mosque and Annunciation Cathedral, open 10am-6pm.
RUB450, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Dom Tatarskoy Kulinarii

Taste authentic Tatar cuisine such as echpochmak and chak-chak in a welcoming setting.
RUB700, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bauman Street Walk

Explore this lively pedestrian street filled with shops, historic buildings, and cafes, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Temple of All Religions

Check out this unique architectural complex symbolizing religious unity, open daily, a fascinating blend of styles.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Tugan Avylym

Indulge in Tatar and Russian dishes with live music for a lively farewell dinner to your trip.
RUB900, 1h30m
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