Day 1. Moscow
Your journey begins in Moscow, the capital of Russia.
Red Square
The most famous landmark and the very heart of Moscow. The architectural ensemble of Red Square took shape over centuries. The Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, GUM department store, and Lenin's Mausoleum – each building stands as a monument to its era, together creating the unique appearance of the capital's center. Here you'll also find the Zero Kilometer Marker, symbolizing the starting point for measuring distances on all roads radiating from Moscow.
Website: https://www.kreml.ru/zh-CN/museums-moscow-kremlin/
Novodevichy Convent
This monastery has witnessed pivotal moments in Russian history. Established as a royal, courtly institution, it housed female relatives of Tsar Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great. The 17th-century Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God and other ancient structures of this Orthodox ensemble are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stroll through the park surrounding Bolshoy and Maly Novodevichy Ponds – picturesque in every season. Here you'll find the famous sculpture "Mama Duck and Ducklings", a gift from Laura Bush. The convent grounds also include a necropolis, the final resting place of numerous renowned Russian writers, politicians, public figures, and artists.
Address: 1 Novodevichy Proezd, Moscow
Kolomenskoye Park
The favorite residence of Russian rulers - from the Rurikids to the Romanovs. At one of Moscow's finest museum-reserves, you'll discover the UNESCO-listed Church of the Ascension (1532), Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church (17th century), Church of St. John the Baptist's Beheading (16th century), Water Tower (17th century), Front Gate complex (17th century), 1825 Palace Pavilion, Peter the Great's Wooden Cabin (1702), Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich's Palace. Don't miss the remarkable examples of 17th-18th century Russian wooden architecture throughout the park. Experience traditional peasant life at the Ethnographic Complex, featuring recreated 19th-century farmsteads, the Falcon Yard (historic tsarist falconry center), Water Mill on the Zhuzha River. Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM, daily
Address: 39 Andropova Ave, Building 69, Moscow
Website: https://www.mgomz.ru
Day 2. Tver, Torzhok & Vyshny Volochyok
On the second day, begin your journey to St. Petersburg. We recommend making your first stop in Tver. Walk around the city center and its local "Arbat," see the churches and monasteries, including the White Trinity Church—the oldest building in the city. Continue your day in Vyshny Volochyok. Here, you'll find the majestic Kazan Monastery, which is worth adding to your itinerary. At the valenki (felt boots) factory museum, you can see a giant 2-meter felt boot. End your day at the picturesque Vyshnevolotsk Reservoir.
Three-Saints Street
One of the oldest streets in the city. As you see it today, it was reconstructed according to the 1763 plan after a major fire that completely destroyed the central part of the city. Originally a lane, then a street, it got its name because it led to the Three-Saints Monastery, which stood in the area of the modern Children and Youth Palace.
White Trinity Cathedral
The oldest functioning church in Tver. The church is over 450 years old. Built in 1564 with funds from Moscow merchant Gavriila Andreevich Tushinsky, it played an important role in the city's life.
Address: 38 Troitskaya St, Tver
Afanasy Nikitin Embankment
One of the central city embankments along the Volga River. From here, you can see bridges across the river, ancient churches, and Soviet-era architectural landmarks. Walking along the water, you’ll take many beautiful photos.
A.S. Pushkin Museum in Torzhok
The great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin passed through Torzhok 25 times. The museum’s exhibits are dedicated to Pushkin’s travels between St. Petersburg and Moscow, his impressions of the journey, and how they influenced his work. The museum also highlights Tver, where the writer often stopped on his way to Moscow. Opening hours: Wed – Sun, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Mon – Tue — closed
Address: 71 Dzerzhinskogo St, Torzhok
Vyshnevolotsk Reservoir
One of the landmarks of the Vyshnevolotsky District in Tver Oblast. This scenic 100-square-kilometer reservoir was built by Peter the Great as part of the Vyshnevolotsk Water System, connecting St. Petersburg to the Volga River. Today, you can find secluded retreats along its shores.
Kazan Monastery in Vyshny Volochyok
The monastery is located on the eastern outskirts of Vyshny Volochyok. In summer and autumn, the majestic white temple stands out vividly against the surrounding forest. The Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God preserves unique wall paintings. Group tours are available by prior arrangement.
Address: Vyshny Volochyok, Siversova St.
Valenki Museum
The museum was opened in 2012 at the "Handmade Valenki" factory. Here you'll learn about the history of ancient Russian footwear and modern manufacturing technologies. The most unusual exhibit is the "Tsar-Valenok" (Size 201). It stands 225 cm tall and weighs 52 kg. This giant felt boot was entered into the Guinness World Records. Opening hours: Tue – Sat, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mon – Sun – closed
Address: 37/26 Paris Commune St, Vyshny Volochyok
Day 3. Valday, Veliky Novgorod
On the third day, head to the towns of Novgorod Oblast. Valday features numerous charming small churches and monasteries, along with the famous Lake Valday, whose shores are home to a namesake resort base. Veliky Novgorod is an ancient city with a rich history: it was here that the first Russian books appeared, its historical monuments are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage. Be sure to visit the local Kremlin, the oldest stone structure of ancient Rus'. Step inside St. Sophia Cathedral, then take a stroll along the right bank of the Volkhov River, where the city's economic center - the Torg (Market) - was once located. Today, this area still hosts numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, cafés and coffee houses.
Lake Valday
These places are sometimes called "Russian Switzerland" for their natural beauty and the crystal-clear Lake Valday. The average depth of the lake is 12 meters, with a maximum depth of 60 meters. It covers an area of 19.7 square kilometers. Here you’ll find sandy beaches, magnificent landscapes, and rich architectural heritage.
Valday Iversky Monastery
The Valday Iversky Monastery was founded in 1653. It was modeled after a monastery on Mount Athos. The monastery blends beautifully with the surrounding nature, offering countless picturesque photo opportunities.
Novgorod Kremlin
This Kremlin is the oldest surviving one in Russia. It was built in the 11th century. This fortress served as the political, religious, and cultural center of the city. Within its walls, you’ll find numerous ancient churches, including the historic St. Sophia Cathedral, a museum-reserve, and a philharmonic hall. Museum hours: Mon – Sun, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Kremlin grounds hours: Mon – Sun, 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Address: Veliky Novgorod, Sofyskaya Embankment
Torgovaya Storona (Market Side)
This is a historic district on the right bank of the Volkhov River. It got its name from the city market once located here. While strolling through Torgovaya Storona, you’ll see 18th–19th-century buildings and merchant mansions, a royal travel palace, and remnants of a 14th-century fortress wall.
Address: Veliky Novgorod, right bank of the Volkhov River, accessible from the Kremlin via the Alexander Nevsky Bridge.
Day 4. St. Petersburg
Spend your final day of travel in the Northern Capital. Admire the canals and bridges, stroll along Nevsky Prospect, and explore the historic center. Relax in the parks, and later be sure to wait for the bridge openings—it will be the symbolic finale of your trip.
Palace Bridge
One of the city's most famous bridges and its landmark. Don’t forget to take a photo when its central span rises like two wings! The bridge connects the Admiralty and Vasilievsky Islands. It was built in the early 19th century in the late classicism style. It got its name due to its proximity to Palace Square and the Winter Palace. Bridge opening hours: 01:25 AM – 02:50 AM, 03:10 AM – 04:55 AM
Palace Square
A magnet for tourists, where visitors gather both day and night. The square adjoins the Winter Palace, and at its center stands the 47.5-meter-tall Alexander Column. At its top is a statue of an angel with a cross.
Nevsky Prospect
The main street of the city, home to many famous landmarks. Here you can see the Singer House, impressive for its architecture and unique roof, Russia's oldest gourmet store - the Eliseev Emporium, offering numerous delicacies. Walking along Nevsky, you'll also discover Anichkov Palace (now a creative arts center), Kazan Cathedral, The National Library, Beloselsky-Belozersky Palace. The avenue is also lined with numerous shops and restaurants.
Mikhailovsky Garden
One of the city's most famous parks, located right in the center. Here you'll find a 278-year-old oak tree, picturesque pavilions and the Rossi Bridge. Opening hours: May 1 – September 30: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM October 1 – March 31: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM April 1 – 30: Temporarily closed
Address: 2-4B Inzhenernaya St., St. Petersburg
