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The Imperial Route: A Week in Russia

From Moscow's Red Square to St. Petersburg's Palaces

Trip Overview

This comprehensive week-long journey explores Russia's two greatest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg, showcasing the nation's imperial grandeur, revolutionary history, and cultural treasures. Begin in Moscow with its iconic Kremlin and vibrant artistic heritage, then travel north to St. Petersburg's palatial splendor and world-class museums. The itinerary balances major landmarks like Red Square and the State Hermitage Museum with hidden gems including art collections and imperial estates. You'll experience Russian cuisine, navigate efficient metro systems, and witness the architectural marvels that span centuries of tsarist rule. The pace allows for thorough exploration without exhaustion, with strategic rest periods and evening cultural experiences. This route captures Russia's essence through its most accessible and spectacular destinations.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$120-180 per day
Best Seasons
May to September (White Nights in June for St. Petersburg), or December to February for winter magic
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Russia, History enthusiasts, Art and culture lovers, Architecture admirers, Museum enthusiasts

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Moscow's Iconic Heart

Moscow
Arrive in Moscow and dive straight into Russia's most famous landmarks, exploring the historic center and iconic symbols of Russian power and culture.
Morning
Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral
Begin at Red Square, the symbolic heart of Russia. Marvel at the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. Walk around the square, taking in the imposing GUM department store, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the Kremlin walls. The square's vast expanse and architectural diversity provide an unforgettable introduction to Moscow's grandeur.
2-3 hours $10-15
Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best photos
Lunch
A traditional Russian restaurant near Red Square serving borscht, pelmeni, and blini
Traditional Russian Mid-range
Afternoon
The Moscow Kremlin and Armoury Chamber
Explore the fortified complex that has been Russia's seat of power for centuries. Tour the cathedral square with its golden-domed churches, then visit the Armoury Chamber to see imperial treasures including Fabergé eggs, coronation gowns, royal carriages, and the famous Diamond Fund. The collection represents centuries of Russian craftsmanship and imperial wealth.
3-4 hours $25-35
Book tickets online at least 2-3 days in advance as daily visitor numbers are limited
Evening
Evening stroll and dinner
Walk along Nikolskaya Street's illuminated archways, then dine at a Georgian restaurant in the city center for khachapuri and khinkali

Where to Stay Tonight

Tverskoy District or near Red Square (Mid-range hotel within walking distance of major attractions)

Central location provides easy access to Day 1 and Day 2 sights while being close to metro stations

Download the Moscow Metro app - the metro is the fastest way to navigate the city and the stations themselves are architectural masterpieces worth seeing
Day 1 Budget: $140-180
2

Moscow's Artistic Soul

Moscow
Immerse yourself in Russia's rich artistic heritage through world-class museums and explore Soviet history at the Museum of Cosmonautics.
Morning
The State Tretyakov Gallery
Discover the world's finest collection of Russian art, from medieval icons to 20th-century masterpieces. See Andrei Rublev's Trinity icon, Ilya Repin's epic canvases, and works by Kandinsky and Malevich. The gallery chronicles Russian artistic evolution through religious art, realism, and avant-garde movements. Allow time to appreciate the breadth of the collection spanning eight centuries.
3-4 hours $12-18
Purchase tickets online to skip queues, especially on weekends
Lunch
A cozy cafe in Zamoskvorechye serving modern Russian cuisine with traditional influences
Contemporary Russian Mid-range
Afternoon
Museum of Cosmonautics and VDNKh
Journey into Russia's space exploration legacy at this fascinating museum near VDNKh park. See Sputnik replicas, spacesuits worn by Gagarin and Tereshkova, and learn about the Soviet space program's achievements. The museum captures the excitement and innovation of the Space Race. Afterward, stroll through VDNKh's Soviet-era pavilions and fountains.
2-3 hours $8-12
Evening
Cultural evening
Attend a ballet or opera performance at the Bolshoi Theatre (book well in advance) or explore Arbat Street's pedestrian zone with street performers and souvenir shops

Where to Stay Tonight

Tverskoy District or near Red Square (Same hotel as Day 1)

Staying in the same location saves time and allows you to store luggage while exploring

Many museums offer free admission one day per month - check schedules, but expect larger crowds on free days
Day 2 Budget: $120-160
3

Imperial Estates and Fine Arts

Moscow
Venture to Moscow's outskirts to explore magnificent imperial estates and return for an afternoon of European masterpieces.
Morning
Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve
Explore this stunning 18th-century estate commissioned by Catherine the Great. Wander through the neo-Gothic palace complex with its distinctive red-and-white architecture, landscaped gardens, and ornamental bridges. The estate showcases Russian imperial ambition and architectural experimentation. The park grounds offer peaceful walks around ponds and through manicured gardens, providing a serene escape from the city center.
3-4 hours $10-15
Visit on weekdays to avoid wedding photoshoots that crowd the grounds on weekends
Lunch
A park cafe at Tsaritsyno or return to central Moscow for a business lunch special
Russian or European Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
Explore Moscow's premier collection of European art, featuring works from ancient civilizations through the Renaissance to Impressionism. See paintings by Rembrandt, Botticelli, and an impressive French collection including Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. The museum's plaster cast gallery showcases reproductions of famous sculptures from around the world, offering a comprehensive art history education under one roof.
2-3 hours $10-15
Audio guides enhance the experience and are available in multiple languages
Evening
Farewell to Moscow
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with Kremlin views, then take an evening walk across the illuminated bridges over the Moscow River

Where to Stay Tonight

Tverskoy District or near Red Square (Same hotel as previous nights)

Final night in Moscow before tomorrow's train journey to St. Petersburg

Book your overnight train to St. Petersburg for late evening departure - you'll save a hotel night and arrive refreshed in the morning
Day 3 Budget: $130-170
4

Journey to St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg
Arrive in Russia's imperial capital and begin exploring Peter the Great's grand vision with fortress history and river views.
Morning
Arrival and Peter and Paul Fortress
After arriving from Moscow's overnight train, check into your hotel and head to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the city's birthplace founded in 1703. Explore the cathedral housing tombs of Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II. Walk along the fortress walls for panoramic views of the Neva River and city skyline. The fortress also contains interesting museums about St. Petersburg's history and the tsarist prison.
2-3 hours $10-15
Lunch
A casual eatery on Petrogradskaya Side serving Russian comfort food and fresh salads
Russian homestyle Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
Grand Maket Russia
Experience this extraordinary miniature model of Russia spanning 800 square meters, showcasing the entire country from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. Watch day turn to night every 15 minutes as tiny lights illuminate cities, trains move through landscapes, and cars navigate highways. It's an enchanting way to understand Russia's vast geography and diversity, perfect for getting perspective on the country's immense scale.
1.5-2 hours $12-18
Evening
Nevsky Prospekt exploration
Stroll down St. Petersburg's main avenue, stopping at the historic Singer Building and Kazan Cathedral, then dine at a European-style bistro

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Nevsky Prospekt or Admiralteysky District (Mid-range hotel in the historic center)

Central location provides easy access to all major St. Petersburg attractions over the next three days

St. Petersburg's drawbridges rise between 1:30-5:00 AM in summer - plan your evening accordingly or you may be stranded on the wrong side of the river
Day 4 Budget: $120-150
5

The Hermitage and Imperial Grandeur

St. Petersburg
Dedicate the day to one of the world's greatest museums and explore the opulent winter residence of Russian tsars.
Morning
State Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace
Begin early at this colossal museum housing over 3 million works of art. Explore the Winter Palace's lavish state rooms with their gilded decor, then navigate galleries featuring Egyptian antiquities, Renaissance masters, Impressionist paintings, and Scythian gold. See Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and the incredible Peacock Clock. The collection is so vast you could spend days here, so prioritize your interests.
4-5 hours $18-25
Book online and arrive at opening time (10:30 AM) to beat crowds; consider a guided tour for first-time visitors
Lunch
The museum cafe for a quick bite, or exit to find a canal-side restaurant serving Russian and European fusion
International or Russian Mid-range
Afternoon
St. Isaac's Cathedral
Visit this magnificent cathedral with its massive golden dome visible across the city. Admire the lavish interior decorated with malachite, lapis lazuli, and intricate mosaics. For breathtaking panoramic views, climb the 262 steps to the colonnade surrounding the dome - the effort rewards you with unparalleled vistas of St. Petersburg's skyline, the Neva River, and the Admiralty spire.
1.5-2 hours $10-15
The colonnade closes in bad weather and during winter months
Evening
White Nights experience (summer) or cultural evening
In summer, enjoy the midnight sun with a late-night canal cruise; year-round, attend a classical concert or simply walk the illuminated embankments

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Nevsky Prospekt or Admiralteysky District (Same hotel as Day 4)

Convenient for tomorrow's palace excursion and continued city exploration

The Hermitage is free for all visitors on the first Thursday of each month, but expect massive crowds - weekday mornings are generally best for manageable visits
Day 5 Budget: $140-180
6

Peterhof's Fountain Splendor

St. Petersburg (Peterhof)
Journey to Russia's Versailles for a day of spectacular fountains, imperial gardens, and palatial magnificence.
Morning
Peterhof Palace and Grand Cascade
Take a hydrofoil across the Gulf of Finland to Peterhof, Peter the Great's magnificent summer residence. Marvel at the Grand Cascade's 64 fountains and 255 sculptures, including the famous Samson fountain. The palace grounds feature formal gardens, trick fountains, and gilded statuary. Tour the Grand Palace's opulent interiors with their baroque and rococo decorations, parquet floors, and throne rooms showcasing imperial luxury.
4-5 hours $35-50 (including transport and palace entry)
Book hydrofoil tickets in advance during summer; fountains operate May to October only
Lunch
A garden cafe within Peterhof's grounds or pack a picnic to enjoy in the Lower Park
Light meals and refreshments Budget to Mid-range
Afternoon
The State Russian Museum, Mikhailovsky Palace
Return to the city center for Russia's first state museum of fine arts, dedicated exclusively to Russian art. The collection complements the Tretyakov Gallery with different masterpieces spanning icon painting to socialist realism. See works by Repin, Bryullov, Aivazovsky's seascapes, and avant-garde pieces. The Mikhailovsky Palace itself is an architectural gem of Russian neoclassicism.
2-3 hours $12-18
Evening
Mariinsky Theatre or riverside dining
Attend a world-class ballet or opera performance, or enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant overlooking the canals in the historic center

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Nevsky Prospekt or Admiralteysky District (Same hotel as previous nights)

Final night in St. Petersburg with easy access to departure points

The hydrofoil to Peterhof offers stunning views but only runs in summer; in winter, take a marshrutka (minibus) or organized tour instead
Day 6 Budget: $150-200
7

Treasures and Farewells

St. Petersburg
Conclude your Russian journey with exquisite decorative arts and final glimpses of the imperial capital before departure.
Morning
Faberge Museum
Visit the Shuvalov Palace housing the world's largest Fabergé collection, including nine imperial Easter eggs created for the Romanov family. Beyond the famous eggs, discover Russian enamelwork, jewelry, silver, and decorative arts from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum showcases the pinnacle of Russian craftsmanship and the luxury that defined the final decades of imperial rule.
2 hours $15-20
Book tickets online as daily visitor numbers are limited
Lunch
A farewell meal at a traditional Russian restaurant serving zakuski (appetizers), beef stroganoff, and honey cake
Traditional Russian Mid-range to Upscale
Afternoon
Final explorations and departure preparation
Depending on your flight time, revisit a favorite spot, shop for souvenirs along Nevsky Prospekt (matryoshka dolls, amber jewelry, Soviet memorabilia), or simply walk the embankments one last time. Consider visiting the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood if you haven't yet, or relax in the Summer Garden. Allow ample time to reach the airport, as St. Petersburg traffic can be unpredictable.
2-3 hours $20-40
Evening
Departure
Head to the airport with memories of Russia's imperial grandeur, artistic treasures, and cultural richness

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (Departure day)

End of itinerary

Pulkovo Airport is about 45 minutes from the city center - book a taxi through your hotel or use Yandex Taxi app for reliable service at fair prices
Day 7 Budget: $100-140

Practical Information

Getting Around

In Moscow and St. Petersburg, use the excellent metro systems - they're fast, cheap (about $1 per ride), and the stations are architectural attractions themselves. Download metro apps for navigation. Between cities, the high-speed Sapsan train (4 hours, $50-100) or overnight train (8 hours, $30-80) connects Moscow and St. Petersburg. Taxis via Yandex app are reliable and affordable. For Peterhof, take the summer hydrofoil (30 minutes) or year-round bus/marshrutka. Walking is pleasant in city centers, especially along St. Petersburg's embankments.

Book Ahead

Book Kremlin Armoury Chamber tickets 2-3 days ahead; Hermitage Museum tickets online to skip lines; Peterhof hydrofoil in summer season; overnight train Moscow-St. Petersburg; Bolshoi or Mariinsky theatre performances weeks or months ahead; Faberge Museum has daily visitor limits

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes, layers for variable weather, rain jacket, power adapter (Type C/F European plugs), photocopies of passport and visa, Russian phrasebook or translation app, modest clothing for church visits, warm coat and hat for winter visits

Total Budget

$900-1,280 for 7 days (excluding international flights and visa fees)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostels ($15-25/night) instead of hotels, eat at stolovayas (canteen-style restaurants) for $5-8 meals, skip paid museum audio guides, take marshrutkas instead of taxis, visit museums on free days, use overnight trains to save accommodation costs, pack picnic lunches, and focus on free attractions like walking tours, parks, and architectural exteriors. Total budget: $60-90 per day.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay at five-star hotels like the Four Seasons Moscow or Belmond Grand Hotel Europe ($300-500/night), book private guided tours of museums to skip lines and gain expert insights, dine at Michelin-recommended restaurants, attend premium performances in best seats, hire private drivers between attractions, take first-class Sapsan train, enjoy spa treatments, and add helicopter tours or private yacht cruises. Total budget: $400-600+ per day.

Family-Friendly

Add interactive experiences at Grand Maket Russia (already included), spend more time in palace parks for kids to run freely, visit the Museum of Cosmonautics with space simulators, take boat tours on canals and rivers, reduce museum time or split up so one parent explores while the other rests with children, choose hotels with family rooms near parks, pack snacks as Russian meal times differ, and consider the Moscow Zoo or St. Petersburg's puppet theaters for entertainment.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Russia

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Russia

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Russia

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Russia

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Russia

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