Russia Itinerary for 10 to 15 Days with Local Insights & Tips

Morning: Arrive in St. Petersburg and check into your hotel. Begin your exploration with a visit to the State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, housing an extensive collection of art and cultural artifacts.

Afternoon: Walk along the Neva River and admire the majestic architecture of the city. Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood with its colorful, onion-shaped domes.

Evening: Enjoy a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, one of the leading ballet and opera companies in the world.

Morning: Visit the Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the "Russian Versailles". Explore its beautiful gardens and impressive fountain system.

Afternoon: Return to St. Petersburg and visit the Russian Museum, which showcases Russian fine art from Orthodox icons to avant-garde masterpieces.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant trying traditional Russian dishes like borscht and beef stroganoff.

Morning: Take a canal boat tour to see why St. Petersburg is often dubbed the "Venice of the North". Pass by historic buildings and under picturesque bridges.

Afternoon: Visit St. Isaac's Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox basilicas in the world, and climb to its dome for panoramic city views.

Evening: Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, the main city avenue, for shopping and more culinary explorations.

Morning: Travel to Moscow by high-speed train. Check into your hotel and start exploring Red Square, home to the historic Kremlin, the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the State Historical Museum.

Afternoon: Tour the Kremlin to see its palaces and cathedrals. Visit the Armory Chamber, holding treasures that include Fabergé eggs and ancient state regalia.

Evening: Watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and explore the Alexander Garden.

Morning: Visit the Victory Park and the Great Patriotic War Museum, which commemorates the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany.

Afternoon: Explore the Tretyakov Gallery, holding the finest collection of Russian art spanning a thousand years.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at a Georgian restaurant, trying dishes like khachapuri and khinkali.

Morning: Visit the Moscow City skyscrapers for a view of modern Moscow. Then, explore the Arbat, one of Moscow’s oldest surviving streets, now a pedestrian zone lined with shops and cafes.

Afternoon: Visit the Gorky Park and the Muzeon Park of Arts, a unique outdoor sculpture museum.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Moscow River, seeing the city's famous landmarks illuminated at night.

Day Trip: Visit Sergiev Posad, one of the Golden Ring cities, known for the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Morning: Travel to Vladimir to see the Assumption Cathedral and the Golden Gates, a historic symbol of the city.

Afternoon: Continue to Suzdal, visiting the Suzdal Kremlin and the Museum of Wooden Architecture.

Evening: Stay overnight in Suzdal to experience the tranquility of this medieval town.

Morning: Enjoy a final walk through Suzdal before heading back to Moscow.

Afternoon: Arrive in Moscow and have some free time for last-minute shopping or exploring areas not yet visited.

Evening: Prepare for your journey to Siberia.

Morning: Fly to Irkutsk, one of the largest cities in Siberia. Check into your hotel and start exploring the city, known for its classical Russian architecture and the nearby Angara River.

Afternoon: Visit the Decembrists’ Museum, housed in a former mansion where exiled members of the nobility lived.

Evening: Sample Siberian dishes such as omul fish, native to Lake Baikal.

Day Trip: Spend a full day at Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake in the world. Visit Listvyanka, a lakeside village, and take a boat tour to see the lake from different perspectives.

Day Trip: Take a ride on the Circum-Baikal Railway, experiencing one of the most picturesque train rides in Siberia, hugging the coast of Lake Baikal.

Morning: Travel back to Moscow. Spend your last days visiting any sights you may have missed or revisiting your favorites.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk in the Gorky Park or visit the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts.

Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner, perhaps trying upscale Russian cuisine at a top Moscow restaurant.

Morning: Spend your morning exploring the Kremlin if you haven’t already, or shopping for souvenirs at Izmailovo Market, known for its traditional Russian gifts and crafts.

Afternoon: Relax in one of Moscow’s many cafés, reflecting on your Russian adventure.

Evening: Attend a ballet or opera performance at the Bolshoi Theatre for a quintessential Russian cultural experience.

Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy some last-minute contemplation at the Red Square.

Departure: Head to Moscow International Airport for your departure flight, taking with you memories of a lifetime from the diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of Russia.