12-Day Summer Tour of Iconic Russian Cities and Cultural Highlights in July 2025

Day 1: Arrival and Historical Exploration

Moscow, Russia on July 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Dr. Zhivago

Start your day with traditional Russian breakfast dishes amid Soviet-era decor, located near Red Square.
RUB1200, 1h

9:30am

Red Square and Kremlin Tour

Explore the iconic Red Square, visit St. Basil’s Cathedral, and tour the Kremlin museums to see Russian history and art up close. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.
RUB1500, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Pushkin

Enjoy gourmet Russian cuisine in an elegant, historic mansion setting.
RUB2000, 1h30m

3:00pm

GUM Shopping and Walk

Visit GUM, the historic shopping arcade, and stroll along the nearby Alexander Garden. Open till 9:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mari Vanna

Dine on authentic home-style Russian dishes in a cozy and charming environment.
RUB1800, 1h30m
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Day 2: Art and Culture

Moscow, Russia on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Troubadour

Enjoy freshly baked pastries and coffee in this cozy café before an active day.
RUB1000, 1h

9:00am

Tretyakov Gallery

Explore Russia’s premier collection of Russian fine art from medieval icons to modern masterpieces. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
RUB700, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at LavkaLavka Farm-to-Table

Savor dishes made with locally sourced, organic Russian ingredients in a quaint setting.
RUB1500, 1h

2:30pm

Bolshoi Theatre Tour

Discover the history and architecture of Russia’s legendary opera and ballet theatre. Guided tours run 11:00am-5:00pm.
RUB1000, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at White Rabbit

Book a dinner to experience innovative Russian dishes with panoramic city views. Reservations recommended.
RUB4000, 2h
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Day 3: River Cruise and Parks

Moscow, Russia on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cafe Pushkin

A lovely spot for traditional Russian breakfast dishes.
RUB1200, 1h

10:00am

Moscow River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic 2-hour boat cruise on the Moskva River taking in views of major landmarks including the Kremlin, Christ the Savior Cathedral, and modern skyscrapers. Cruises typically run 10:00am-4:00pm.
RUB1500, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at White Rabbit

Taste refined Russian cuisine with a contemporary twist and stunning views from the 16th floor.
RUB3500, 1h30m

3:00pm

Gorky Park

Relax or rent a bike to explore Moscow’s famous park known for its gardens, cafes, and cultural spaces. Open 24 hours, but best in daylight.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at LavkaLavka

Enjoy fresh and ecological Russian dishes in a warm atmosphere.
RUB1800, 1h30m
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Day 4: Transit to Saint Petersburg

Moscow to Saint Petersburg, Russia on July 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Have a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departure.
Included in hotel, 1h

8:30am

Train to Saint Petersburg

Board the Sapsan high-speed train from Moscow Leningradsky station to Saint Petersburg, a 4-hour scenic journey.
RUB3500, 4h

2:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Check into your hotel and freshen up before exploring Saint Petersburg.
Varies, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Palace Square and Winter Palace Exterior

Begin sightseeing with a stroll around the grand Palace Square and admire the stunning Winter Palace from outside. Open 24 hours.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Teplo

Enjoy fresh and seasonal Russian cuisine in a friendly atmosphere.
RUB1600, 1h30m
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Day 5: Museums and Art

Saint Petersburg, Russia on July 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Stolle

Grab traditional Russian pancakes and pastries at this popular bakery.
RUB800, 1h

9:30am

Hermitage Museum Tour

Spend the morning exploring the world-famous Hermitage with its rich art collection from Renaissance masterpieces to modern art. Open 10:30am-6:00pm.
RUB1500, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at St. Petersburg Cat Cafe

For a unique experience, enjoy snacks and coffee while surrounded by rescue cats in a cozy cafe setting.
RUB1200, 1h

4:00pm

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Visit this ornate, colorful cathedral built on the site of Tsar Alexander II’s assassination. Open 10:30am-6:00pm.
RUB350, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Palkin

Dine at this historic Saint Petersburg restaurant serving exquisite Russian cuisine since 1785.
RUB3000, 1h30m
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Day 6: Palaces and Gardens

Saint Petersburg, Russia on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Zoom Cafe

Start with fresh coffee and pastries in this artsy café.
RUB700, 1h

9:00am

Peterhof Palace and Gardens

Take a short trip to visit Peterhof, known as the Russian Versailles, famous for its majestic fountains and gardens. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
RUB1000, 4h

2:30pm

Lunch at Peterhof Cafeteria

Enjoy quick Russian and European fare inside the palace complex.
RUB800, 1h

4:00pm

Return and Rest

Head back to Saint Petersburg and rest at your hotel.
Free, Rest

7:00pm

Dinner at Duo Gastrobar

Savor modern Russian cuisine with a creative twist for the evening meal.
RUB2000, 1h30m
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Day 7: Historic District and Departure

Saint Petersburg, Russia on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffeemania

A great place for espresso and light breakfast before your day starts.
RUB700, 1h

9:30am

Nevsky Prospect Walk

Stroll along Saint Petersburg’s main avenue, visiting historic landmarks, shops, and cafes. Open at all hours.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Teplo

Enjoy seasonal dishes with a homely atmosphere before departure.
RUB1600, 1h

2:00pm

Train to Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

Begin your journey by train heading towards the Golden Ring region, specifically Sergiev Posad. Travel time approx 3.5 hours.
RUB1000, 3h30m
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Day 8: Golden Ring Monastery

Sergiev Posad, Russia on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quiet breakfast before touring the town.
Included in hotel, 1h

9:30am

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

Explore this stunning and historic Russian Orthodox monastery, a spiritual center of Russia with beautiful churches and museums. Open 6:00am-8:00pm.
Free entry, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Local Cafe

Try local Russian cuisine specialties in a nearby cafe featuring traditional recipes.
RUB800, 1h

2:30pm

Town Walk and Souvenir Shopping

Walk the quaint streets, enjoy local crafts, and relax in parks.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy dinner at your accommodation with homey Russian dishes.
RUB1200, 1h30m
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Day 9: Vladimir Historical Tour

Vladimir, Russia on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Early breakfast before travel to Vladimir by train or car (approx 1.5h).
Included, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Vladimir

Journey from Sergiev Posad to Vladimir via car or train.
RUB700, 1h30m

10:30am

Assumption Cathedral

Visit the majestic 12th-century cathedral with its iconic golden domes and beautiful frescoes. Open 10:00am-6:00pm.
RUB300, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at Gostiny Dvor

Dine on local cuisine at this historic trading arcade turned restaurant.
RUB1200, 1h

2:00pm

Golden Gates and Museum Visit

Explore the ancient city gate and nearby museum showcasing Vladimir’s history. Open till 5:00pm.
RUB400, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to Sergiev Posad

Travel back for overnight stay.
RUB700, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Hotel

Relax with dinner at your hotel.
RUB1200, 1h
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Day 10: Transit to Black Sea Coast

Sergiev Posad to Sochi, Russia on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a filling breakfast before departure to Sochi.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Travel to Moscow Airport

Head to Moscow by train or car to catch your flight to Sochi.
RUB1500, 2h

11:00am

Flight to Sochi

Take a direct domestic flight to Sochi (approx 2.5 hours).
RUB6000, 2h30m

2:00pm

Check-in and Lunch

Arrive at Sochi, check into your hotel, and enjoy a seaside lunch at the hotel restaurant.
RUB1800, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax at Sochi Beach

Spend your afternoon unwinding at the Black Sea coast beach area, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Open all day.
Free, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Morskoy

Enjoy fresh seafood specialties at this popular seaside restaurant.
RUB2500, 1h30m
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Day 11: Nature and Adventures

Sochi, Russia on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start with a nutritious breakfast to prepare for your day.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sochi National Park

Explore one of Russia’s beautiful national parks with hiking trails, waterfalls, and rich wildlife. Park open sunrise to sunset.
Free, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Kafe Besedka

Dine on local Caucasian-inspired cuisine near the park entrance.
RUB1500, 1h

2:30pm

Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort

Take a short trip to this Alps-style resort offering cable car rides, panoramic views and mountain cafes. Open 9:00am-6:00pm.
RUB1200, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Meat & Fish

Relish gourmet grilled dishes in a stylish setting back in Sochi city.
RUB2200, 1h30m
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Day 12: Relax and Departure

Sochi, Russia on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and soak in final views of the Black Sea.
Included, 1h

10:00am

Morning at Riviera Park

Stroll through Riviera Park with amusement rides, gardens, and cafes. A perfect spot for a peaceful morning. Open 9:00am-9:00pm.
Free entry, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Voronezh

Enjoy traditional Russian and Caucasus fusion dishes before your journey home.
RUB1800, 1h30m

3:00pm

Transfer to Sochi Airport

Head to Sochi International Airport for your flight home or next destination.
RUB600, 1h
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