6 Days Russia Tour: Moscow St. Petersburg Two Capitals Tour

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.

Later, enjoy a leisure walk along the lively Arbat Street. 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. And also, you will learn the life story about the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin and his wife, Natalia here.

After the tour, be escorted back to your hotel and have a good rest.

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.

On this day, you will be transferred to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Saint Petersburg. The train, known as the Sapsan, takes approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival at the station, you will be greeted and escorted to your hotel in the downtown area of Saint Petersburg.

Saint Petersburg is located northwest of Moscow, about 705 kilometers (438 miles) away. Travelers can travel from Moscow to Saint Petersburg by flight or high-speed train.

Often referred to as the "Venice of the North", Saint Petersburg is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, it served as Russia's imperial capital for over two centuries. For this reason, it is called the "Cultural Capital of Russia" and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 under the listing "Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments."

Welcome to Saint Petersburg! Upon arrival in Saint Petersburg, you will be amazed by its European-inspired architecture and elegant atmosphere. Slow down your pace and explore its stunning palaces and cathedrals, immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage in museums and theaters, and enjoy a boat cruise through its picturesque canals. If you visit during summer, don’t miss the White Nights, when the city experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Free Time Ideas for Day 3:

Spend your day leisurely exploring the famous Nevsky Prospekt, a 4.5-kilometer historic street filled with architectural gems, cozy cafes, bookstores, and souvenir shops. Treat yourself to authentic Russian cuisine at a traditional-style restaurant and savor classic dishes such as Borscht, Pelmeni, Beef Stroganoff, Olivier Salad, Blini, Caviar, Chicken Kiev, and, of course, Vodka.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided tour to explore Saint Petersburg’s iconic attractions. The first stop is the Winter Palace & Hermitage Museum. The Winter Palace is the city’s landmark, where you will learn about Peter the Great’s Vision Window to the West and the history behind the capital's relocation. This Baroque masterpiece served as the official residence of the Russian Tsars. You’ll be immediately impressed by its green-and-white exterior, gilded details, and the more than 1,500 richly decorated rooms. Walk up the grand marble Jordan Staircase, explore the Throne Room with its white marble walls and gilded accents, and admire the Peacock Clock and the Malachite Room.

Next, head to the Hermitage Museum, founded by Catherine the Great in 1764. With over 3 million exhibits, it houses paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and archaeological artifacts. Take your time to appreciate the invaluable artworks, including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci (such as the Benois Madonna and Madonna Litta), Rembrandt (like The Return of the Prodigal Son and Danaë), Michelangelo, and Titian. The museum’s 19th- and 20th-century collections also feature works by Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, and Degas.

This afternoon, we will take you to St. Isaac's Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. It features a neoclassical design with elements of Byzantine and Russian Orthodox architecture. Admire the golden dome, which is covered with over 100 kilograms of pure gold. Inside, you can appreciate the beautiful murals and paintings. Climb 262 steps to reach the colonnade at the base of the dome, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Saint Petersburg. From here, you can capture stunning views of landmarks such as the Neva River, the Winter Palace, the Admiralty, and the Bronze Horseman statue.

Citywalk Route: from St. Isaac's Cathedral to Kazan Cathedral, about 0.5-1 hour

If you enjoy a city walk filled with vibrant energy, take a stroll from St. Isaac's Cathedral to Kazan Cathedral. Along the way, pass by the Bronze Horseman (a famous equestrian statue of Peter the Great, located in Senate Square) and Alexander Garden, and marvel at the grand facades of 18th and 19th-century buildings. Continue towards Nevsky Prospect, the city's main avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.

As you approach Kazan Cathedral, you'll be greeted by its majestic colonnade, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, this Orthodox cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and an important religious site.

Optional Activities for This Evening:

1. To truly capture the charm of Saint Petersburg, it is recommended to take a Neva River and Canal cruiseto experience the "Venice of the North." On the cruise, you can admire the grandeur of the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and Palace Bridge. Please note that both daytime and evening cruises are available. Select your preference and book your ticket in advance.
2. In summer, you can attend the White Nights Festival(typically from June 1 to July 10) to celebrate the city’s natural phenomenon of "White Nights." Join in the music, dance, and cultural activities to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
3. If you enjoy performances, consider visiting the Mariinsky Theatre(established in 1860). Delight in famous ballets and operas, such as Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and Mussorgsky's "Boris Godunov".

On this day, you will be escorted to Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the Summer Palace, located about 40 km from the downtown area of Saint Petersburg. Known as the "Russian Versailles," it served as the summer residence of Russian tsars. Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its grand architecture, extensive gardens, and stunning fountains.

You won’t want to miss the Grand Palace, a magnificent Baroque-style palace featuring richly decorated halls, gilded interiors, and intricate artwork. Admire the fountains (comprising 150 fountains), waterfalls, and sculptures cascading from the Grand Palace to the Lower Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the Lower Gardens, designed in the French formal style favored by Peter the Great. (Best time to visit: May to September, when the fountains are active, and the gardens are in full bloom.)

After your leisurely exploration of the Summer Palace, you will be escorted back to downtown Saint Petersburg. If time permits, consider exploring the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood on your own. Known for its stunning architecture, colorful onion domes, and intricate mosaics, the church is a masterpiece of Russian Revival style. Marvel at its vibrant onion domes, gilded crosses, and elaborate exterior design. Inside, explore the breathtaking interior adorned with over 7,500 square meters of mosaics.

On this day, enjoy some free time in Saint Petersburg 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 6 days Moscow Saint Petersburg 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!