Russia is a vast country for long-distance travel. We’d suggest flying, but budget airline options are quite limited in Russia – so be prepared to shell out some serious Russian Ruble. Also, if you are flying with a local airline, check for their luggage allowance, as it can vary.
The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary:
Day 1 – 3: St.Petersburg
Russia’s most beautiful and romantic city has a lot to offer, from top world art museums and stunning royal residences to nightlife and shopping.
The best time to visit St.Petersburg is in the summer months of June and July to witness famous White Nights when the city literally doesn’t sleep, and neither do you.
St.Petersburg Highlights
- The Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace: One of the top art museums in the world. It says if you stop at every item (painting, sculpture, or artifact) for 1 second, you’ll need years to finish.
- St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A stunning building crowned with a massive golden dome, inside it’s even more impressive. Not to miss the view from its colonnade, especially at night time.
- Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood: Probably the most famous and photographed building in the city. Built in the traditional Russian style with many, very similar to the famous St.Basil cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow.
- The Russian Museum: A great collection of Russian art from old icons to modern painting.
- The main city theatre has three stages; the original one (Old Stage), the Concert Hall, and the Second (modern) stage
- The Mariinsky Theatre: The main city theatre has three stages; the original one (Old Stage), the Concert Hall, and the Second (modern) stage
- Peterhof: The fountain residence and ex-summer royal residence built as a repetition of Versaille. An impressive palace with golden, hundreds of small and big fountains, a beautiful park, it’s a must-visit place.
- White Nights and Drawing Bridges: These two are strongly associated with each other.
Day 4: Veliky Novgorod
Distance from St.Petersburg 195km takes 2h50min to get here by train.
Veliky Novgorod Highlights
Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets): The oldest Kremlin in Russia.
St.Sophia Cathedral: Marvel at the architectural beauty of St. Sophia Cathedral, a stunning example of Byzantine design. Explore its mosaics and frescoes, reflecting on its rich history.
Yuriev Monastery: Immerse yourself in history at Yuriev Monastery, one of Russia’s oldest monasteries, founded in 1030 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise.
The Millenium of Russia Monument: Spend 15-20 minutes admiring the intricate details of the monument’s three tiers, depicting significant figures from Russian history, including rulers, military heroes, and cultural icons. Take in the panoramic views of the Novgorod Kremlin and the Volkhov River from the base of the monument.
Vitoslavlitsy Museum Of Wooden Architecture: Step back in time and wander through a charming open-air museum showcasing traditional Russian wooden houses, churches, and chapels along the Volkhov River.
Day 5 – 7: Moscow
Distance from Novgorod 537km takes 8 hours to arrive by night train.
Moscow Highlights
Moscow Kremlin: The complex is big with a lot to see; Armoury museum, Diamond Fund, the Grand Kremlin Palace, Patriarch Palace, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Assumption Cathedral, and more.
Red Square: Its name doesn’t come from the color as many people think; in old Russian, “red” (Rus. “Krasny”) meant “beautiful.” Most of the central city sights are located on the square.
St. Basil’s Cathedral: A favorite tourist attraction, its colorful domes and strange, vivid decoration contrast with traditional Russian churches found all over the city.
The Tretyakov Gallery: The most significant collection of Russian art from to XX century. The building itself is fascinating.
Kolomenskoye: Located 12km from Moscow, this complex consists of many buildings representing different eras of traditional Russian architecture; the White Column of Kolomenskoye, the Wooden Palace, Church of John the Baptist, Church of Our Lady of Kazan, etc. This trip takes half of a day.
Day 8 – 9: Kazan
Distance from Moscow 825km takes 11 hours to get by night train.
Kazan Highlights
Kazan Kremlin: Don’t be surprised, there is a Kremlin in every old Russian town.
Kul Sharif Mosque: The biggest mosque in Russia.
Millenium Park of Kazan
Epiphany Cathedral and The Bell Tower
Syuyumbike Leaning Tower
Day 10 – 12: Sochi
Distance from Kazan 2000km, there are three flights per week, duration 2h40min.
Sochi Highlights
- Sochi Botanical Garden
- Olympic Sochi Park
- Krasnaya Polyana
- Aquapark Amphibius
- Caucasian Biosphere Reserve
Day 13: Sochi to St.Petersburg, Train/Flight
The longest distance traveled on this trip, 2339km. A train journey takes almost two days, usually two nights and one full day.
Day 14: St.Petersburg
On the last day, you can relax, do souvenir shopping, wander around the city or maybe visit more city attractions
These itineraries can be adjusted based on personal preferences and the specific season of travel. Russia offers a wealth of experiences from historical landmarks and cultural treasures to stunning natural landscapes, ensuring a memorable journey regardless of your interests.
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