Day 1: Arrival in Moscow

• Arrival: Arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport. Transfer to your hotel and check-in.
• Relaxation: Spend the day relaxing after your journey. Explore the nearby area or enjoy the hotel amenities.
• Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant to taste traditional Russian cuisine.

Day 2: Exploring Moscow

• Red Square & Kremlin: Start your day with a visit to Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
• Lenin’s Mausoleum: Stop by Lenin’s Mausoleum.
• Arbat Street: Explore the famous Arbat Street, known for its shops, cafes, and street performances.
• Evening: Attend a ballet or opera performance at the Bolshoi Theatre.

Day 3: More of Moscow

• Tretyakov Gallery: Visit the Tretyakov Gallery to see Russian art.
• Gorky Park: Spend the afternoon at Gorky Park, relaxing or renting a bike.
• Moscow Metro Tour: Take a tour of Moscow’s beautiful metro stations, often referred to as underground palaces.

Day 4: Moscow to St. Petersburg

• Train Journey: Take a high-speed train (Sapsan) to St. Petersburg.
• Arrival: Check into your hotel in St. Petersburg.
• Nevsky Prospect: Stroll along Nevsky Prospect, the main avenue, and explore the shops and cafes.

Day 5: Discovering St. Petersburg

• Hermitage Museum: Spend the morning at the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world.
• Palace Square: Visit the nearby Palace Square and Alexander Column.
• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Explore this iconic church known for its colorful domes.

Day 6: St. Petersburg’s Palaces and Parks

• Peterhof Palace: Take a day trip to Peterhof Palace, known as the “Russian Versailles,” famous for its gardens and fountains.
• Catherine Palace: Visit the nearby Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, famous for the Amber Room.
• Evening: Return to St. Petersburg and enjoy a traditional Russian dinner.

Day 7: More St. Petersburg Sights

• St. Isaac’s Cathedral: Visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral and climb to the colonnade for a panoramic view of the city.
• Kazan Cathedral: Explore Kazan Cathedral on Nevsky Prospect.
• Boat Tour: Take a boat tour along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg to see the city from a different perspective.

Day 8: Departure

• Last-Minute Shopping: Spend your final morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any sites you may have missed.
• Check-Out: Check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

This 8-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of historical sites, cultural experiences, and leisure activities, allowing you to experience the rich heritage and vibrant cities of Russia