Itinerary Overview

D1–D3 Moscow → D4–D6 St. Petersburg → D7 Departure. Travel between the two cities by Sapsan high-speed train (approx. 4 hours), or opt for an overnight sleeper train experience.

D1–D3 Moscow

• D1: Arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport → Red Square: Lenin Mausoleum, GUM Department Store, exterior of St. Basil’s Cathedral → Witness the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier → Evening stroll along Arbat Street.
• D2: Kremlin Complex and Armoury Chamber → Alexander Garden → Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts → Evening panoramic views from Sparrow Hills or the observation deck.
• D3: Day trip to Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring) – Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, or explore the Moscow Metro Circle Line: admire mosaic murals at Komsomolskaya and Mayakovskaya stations.

D4–D6 St. Petersburg

• D4: Arrive by high-speed train in the morning → Nevsky Prospekt → Kazan Cathedral → Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood → Evening ballet at Mariinsky Theatre (book tickets in advance).
• D5: Full day at the Hermitage (State Hermitage Museum), focus on the Jordan Staircase and galleries featuring Rembrandt and Matisse → Evening Neva River cruise.
• D6: Lower Park fountains at Peterhof (operational May–October) → Visit Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood (if missed earlier) or the Amber Room at Catherine Palace (book a timed entry slot) → During White Nights, watch the opening of drawbridges.

D7 Return

Pick up souvenirs on Nevsky Prospekt (chocolates, kvass, matryoshka dolls) → Depart from Pulkovo Airport, or take the high-speed train back to Moscow for a connecting flight.

Tips

• The Hermitage has varying closure days and ticket policies; always book tickets in advance via the official website or authorized platforms.
• Peterhof fountains are inactive from late October to early May; winter highlights include the snow-covered palace.
• For light luggage, choose the Sapsan high-speed train; to save on a night’s accommodation, take an overnight sleeper.
• Moscow Metro stations can be over 100 meters deep with fast-moving escalators—hold onto the handrails.