5 Days Moscow Tour: Russia’s Landmarks, Culture, Art & Life

Welcome to Russia! On this day, you will arrive in Moscow according to your flight schedule. Our local guide in Moscow will wait for you at the airport exit and assist you upon arrival. Please provide your arrival information in advance. Afterward, our driver will escort you to the downtown area of Moscow. Have a good rest today.

Flights & Arrival Information for Moscow:

Flying is the most popular way to travel to Moscow. Direct flights are available from cities such as Beijing (8.5 hours), Shanghai (about 10 hours), Hong Kong (10.5 hours), Chengdu (8.5 hours), Hangzhou (10 hours), New Delhi (7 hours), Bangkok (10 hours), Dubai (5–5.5 hours), Istanbul (4.5 hours), Ho Chi Minh City (11 hours), and more.

The most frequently used airports in Moscow are:

• Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO): Located northwest of Moscow, 35 km away, about a 1-hour drive to the downtown area.
• Domodedovo International Airport (DME): Located southeast of Moscow, 45 km away, about a 1-5-hour drive to the downtown area.

After breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will escort you on a full-day classic Moscow tour. The main experience for today’s itinerary: (1) visit the most iconic landmarks and architectures in Moscow; (2) know its rich history (Orthodox Christian traditions, the Tsardom, the Romanov dynasty, and Soviet ideology).

Your first stop will be Red Square, the heart of Moscow and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a leisurely walk and admire its architectural wonders. You will see St. Basil’s Cathedral (built in 1555-1561), famous for its colorful onion-shaped domes. Don’t miss the opportunity to take panoramic shots with the cathedral as your backdrop. As you pass the GUM Department Store (built in 1893), take a moment to appreciate this luxurious shopping mall, renowned for its elegant glass ceilings and historical architecture.

Standing on Red Square, listen to your guide’s detailed explanation, and you will gain a better understanding of Russia’s history, spanning from the era of medieval Tsars to the Soviet Union and modern Russia. Red Square remains a venue for major national celebrations, such as the Victory Day Parade (May 9) and various cultural festivals. Nearby, you’ll also find Lenin's Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), built in 1924. This solemn structure houses the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union, and stands as a significant historical landmark.

If time permits, you will have a chance to view the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After that, you will move to the Kremlin, the political and historical center of Russia. It is a fortified complex of palaces, cathedrals, museums, and government buildings. You will visit Cathedral Square (Sobornaya Square) and explore its magnificent cathedrals, such as the Assumption Cathedral and Archangel Cathedral, which house the tombs of Russian tsars. Witness the grandeur of the Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, and stroll through the Kremlin grounds while your guide explains its fascinating history.

(Optional experience, additional fee required: Visit the Armory Chamber, a treasure trove of Russian artifacts, including royal regalia, Fabergé eggs, and historic weaponry. Advance booking may be required.)

After that, you will head to one of the famous metro stations to marvel at the most beautiful parts of the Moscow Metro, often referred to as an underground museum. Stations like Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, and Ploshchad Revolyutsii are adorned with chandeliers, mosaics, marble columns, and Soviet-era artwork. Learn about the history and design of this iconic transportation system, which reflects the artistic and political aspirations of its time.

After the tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Advice from Asia Odyssey Travel for In-depth Discovery of the Day:

• Before visiting the Kremlin, stop at Alexander Garden. The garden offers stunning views of the Kremlin walls, towers, and flowerbeds, making it an excellent spot for photography.
• If you want to visit Basil’s Cathedral, it needs extra pay. The cathedral’s interior is a maze of winding staircases and small passageways that connect the chapels. The walls are decorated with intricate frescoes, floral patterns, and religious icons from the 16th and 17th centuries. The central chapel, dedicated to the Intercession of the Virgin Mary, houses stunning religious artwork and is the spiritual heart of the cathedral.

After breakfast, let’s continue our Moscow trip to explore the art of Russia. Your first destination today is The State Tretyakov Gallery, where you will enjoy an incredible collection of Russian art. Follow your guide to discover the highlights through different sections:

• Andrei Rublev's "The Trinity"Considered one of the greatest works of Russian Orthodox iconography.
• Ilya Repin's "Barge Haulers on the Volga"A powerful depiction of the struggles of Russian laborers.
• Ivan Kramskoi's "The Unknown Woman"A mysterious and evocative portrait.
• Kazimir Malevich's "Black Square"A groundbreaking work of abstract art.

Later, move to Arbat Street. Start with a visit to the Pushkin Museum and Memorial Apartment, the former residence of the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and his wife, Natalia. Learn about Pushkin's life and work in this historic home. Afterward, stroll leisurely along the lively street and immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere. You may choose to relax at a café or enjoy dining at one of the street's many restaurants.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery. Begin your visit at Novodevichy Convent by exploring the stunning Smolensky Cathedral, adorned with 16th-century frescoes and intricate iconography. Stroll through the serene grounds, marveling at the Moscow Baroque architecture, fortified walls, and the towering 72-meter bell tower. Then, head to the adjacent Novodevichy Cemetery, the final resting place for many famous Russians, including Anton Chekhov, Boris Yeltsin, and Dmitri Shostakovich. Admire the artistic and historical significance of the ornate tombstones and sculptures.

Optional Activities for This Evening:

This evening, based on your interests, you can choose to enjoy shows and performances at the Bolshoi Theatre, built in 1776 by Catherine the Great. Here, you will have the chance to experience world-class ballet or opera, such as Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, or Eugene Onegin. Please let us know your preferences in advance, as tickets need to be purchased beforehand.

After your breakfast, you will be picked up and transferred out of Moscow to the historic town of Sergiev Posad. Located about 76 kilometers northeast of Moscow, the journey takes about 1.5 hours by car. Known as the birthplace of Russian Orthodoxy, Sergiev Posad is famous for its unique architecture, rich history, and tranquil atmosphere. During the drive, your guide will share fascinating insights about the town’s history and its important role in Russian Orthodoxy.

Upon arrival, your first stop will be the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Russia's most revered religious landmarks. Founded in 1337 by St. Sergius of Radonezh, this monastery is often referred to as the "Russian Vatican" and serves as the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church.

During your visit, you’ll explore:

• The Trinity Cathedral, a 15th-century masterpiece adorned with stunning frescoes by the renowned artist Andrei Rublev.
• The Dormition Cathedral, a grand 16th-century church commissioned by Ivan the Terrible.
• The iconic 88-meter Bell Tower, a landmark that offers breathtaking views of the monastery.

Also, you’ll have a unique opportunity to witness devout believers participating in centuries-old traditions of prayer and worship, adding a deeply spiritual dimension to your visit.

After exploring the monastery, take a leisurely walk through the charming streets of Sergiev Posad. Visit the local markets to browse for handcrafted items, traditional souvenirs, and religious artifacts. After that, your driver will escort you back to Moscow downtown area.

Based on real-time availability, and if time permits, you’ll make your way to the pier (such as the Hotel Ukraina Pier) for a scenic cruise along the Moscow River. As you sail, you’ll take in stunning views of Moscow’s skyline and its iconic landmarks, including the majestic Kremlin, the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral, the impressive Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the sleek skyscrapers of Moscow City. Experience the beauty of Moscow in a truly relaxing way!

On this day, enjoy some free time in Moscow at your own pace. Later, our guide and driver will pick you up and escort you to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Your 5 days Moscow tour comes to an end!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your journey through Asia. We are committed to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe and pleasant journey home!