Private, on your own dates · CIS, Russia
Grand Russia Experience: Moscow & Saint Petersburg
Discover Moscow and Saint Petersburg on a 7-day Russia tour with the Kremlin, Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, Sapsan train travel and guided city sightseeing.
The journey
2 cities, joined by rail.
Starts Moscow city arrival transfer point, ends Saint Petersburg airport transfer point — an open-jaw trip, so book your flights accordingly. Airport transfers are included and final transfer timing will be shared with travel documents.
Travel through Russia’s two most storied cities on a 7-day journey that brings together imperial architecture, Soviet-era landmarks, major museums and classic city views. Begin in Moscow, where the scale of Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral sets the tone for a trip rooted in history and national identity. The pace allows time to absorb the city’s atmosphere rather than rushing between sights, with guided touring that balances famous monuments and everyday city life.
As the itinerary continues, the Moscow Metro reveals another side of the capital, with station interiors that are as striking as many above-ground landmarks. Visits to VDNKh, the Museum of Cosmonautics and Arbat Street add variety, combining architecture, space-age heritage and time for shopping or a relaxed walk. The high-speed Sapsan train then carries you north to Saint Petersburg, making the transfer part of the travel story and giving the journey a clear, well-paced rhythm.
In Saint Petersburg, the focus shifts to imperial grandeur and artistic heritage. The Hermitage Museum, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect introduce the city’s polished, cultural character, while a visit to Peterhof Palace and Catherine Palace in Pushkin adds some of the most memorable scenery in the programme. The included Neva River cruise offers a different perspective on the city’s canals, bridges and riverside facades, and there is also time to enjoy Russian cuisine and local performances if you choose to add the optional evening experiences.
This Moscow and Saint Petersburg holiday suits travellers looking for a focused Russia itinerary with expert guiding, comfortable transfers and a strong mix of sightseeing, transport and free time. It is a good option for first-time visitors who want the headline landmarks, but also enough time to appreciate how the country’s two major cities differ in style, pace and atmosphere.
- 01See Moscow’s key landmarks, including Red Square, the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral
- 02Ride the Sapsan high-speed train between Russia’s two signature cities
- 03Explore the Moscow Metro, VDNKh and Cosmonautics Museum for a broader city story
- 04Enjoy guided time in the Hermitage Museum, one of Europe’s most important art collections
- 05Visit Peterhof Palace and Catherine Palace for the classic imperial Russia experience
- 06Cruise the Neva River for a different angle on Saint Petersburg’s skyline
- 07Stay with a balanced pace that leaves room for shopping, leisure and optional evenings
- 08Combine major monuments, museums and transport into one focused Russia itinerary
Day by day
Open a day for the written plan, then switch to the hour-by-hour breakdown.
Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your hotel for check-in.
The rest of the day is free to settle in and recover from your journey before the sightseeing begins.
- Arrival transfer to hotel
- Time to relax after arrival
Airport transfer included.
Overnight in Moscow.
Overnight in Moscow
What the fare covers
And what it does not. Read the right-hand column before you budget.
- Hotels6 nights in given hotels in Moscow and Saint Petersburg
- MealsDaily breakfast and select meals
- TransfersAirport transfers
- TrainHigh-speed Sapsan train tickets from Moscow to Saint Petersburg
- SightseeingGuided city tours and excursions as per itinerary
- EntrancesEntrance fees to attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- GuidesProfessional English-speaking guide
- CruiseNeva River cruise
- ExperiencesMoscow Metro tour
- FlightsInternational air travel is not part of this fare. The record lists no air component.
- VisaVisa fees
- Personal ExpensesPersonal expenses such as laundry, tips and drinks
- InsuranceTravel insurance
- Optional ToursOptional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
Hotels are named on your confirmation — all are of the stated category.
You leave from a different place than you arrive — book an open-jaw flight, not a return.
Airport transfers are included and final transfer timing will be shared with travel documents.
Want this trip a little different?
Tell Tulli what you'd change — hotels, dates, an extra city — and she'll price it with our team and come back to you.
Where you go in
Not every landmark on the list is one you walk into — this separates them.
When to Go
Weather by month for the places this trip actually visits.
Russia
Summer (Jun–Aug) is the only comfortable time for most of Russia. St Petersburg has White Nights in June.
Before you go
The essentials first — they are also the ones that can stop a booking.
Passport and visa requirements
- Valid passports are required for travel.
- Guests are responsible for securing any required visas before departure.
- Visa assistance may be available on request, but fees are not included.
Travel insurance is mandatory
- Travel insurance must be purchased before departure.
- Check that your policy covers medical treatment, delays and cancellations.
Hotel arrangements
- Six nights are included in the stated hotels or equivalent.
- Standard hotel check-in and check-out times apply.
- Special requests are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.
Rail journey and transfers
- The intercity transfer between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is by high-speed Sapsan train.
- Airport and hotel transfers are included as stated in the package.
- Timing may change if operational schedules are adjusted.
Meals during the tour
- Daily breakfast is included, along with select meals where specified.
- Any additional meals, snacks and drinks not listed are at your own expense.
- Dietary requirements should be advised in advance and remain subject to confirmation.
Optional sightseeing and evening activities
- Some activities, such as the Moscow City Skyscraper Observation Deck and a Russian Ballet Show, are optional or extra.
- These experiences are subject to availability and can be arranged locally.
- Confirm prices and timings directly with the operator if you wish to add them.
Operational flexibility
- The itinerary may be adjusted due to weather, local conditions or supplier changes.
- Unused services are non-refundable.
- Travelers must follow local laws, customs and guidance from the tour team.
Is the Sapsan train included in this Russia tour?
Yes, the high-speed Sapsan train between Moscow and Saint Petersburg is included in the package.
Are the major museums and monuments covered by entrance fees?
Yes, the package includes entrance fees for the attractions specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
Does this itinerary include a river cruise?
Yes, a Neva River cruise is included as part of the Saint Petersburg programme.
What language is the tour operated in?
The tour is operated in English.
Are visas included in the package price?
No, visa fees are excluded, although assistance may be provided on request.
Policies & booking terms
Free cancellation up to 30 days before departure.
50% refund between 30-15 days before departure.
No refund within 15 days of departure.
TripClub standing booking terms
- Full payment must be completed 30 days prior to departure, unless otherwise specified.
- All bookings are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Travel insurance is mandatory and must be purchased prior to departure.
- Prices are subject to change due to fluctuations in currency exchange rates, taxes, or supplier costs.
- Guests are responsible for obtaining valid passports, visas, and any required vaccinations.
- Cancellations or amendments are subject to the applicable cancellation policy outlined in the package.
- The company is not liable for delays, cancellations, or changes due to unforeseen circumstances such as weather, strikes, or other force majeure events.
- All travelers must adhere to the local laws and customs of the destinations visited.
- No refunds will be issued for unused services, including but not limited to meals, accommodations, or activities.
- The company reserves the right to modify the itinerary or substitute hotels of similar standards if necessary.
- All special requests (e.g., room preferences, dietary requirements) are subject to availability and not guaranteed.
- Guests are responsible for any additional costs incurred due to personal expenses, such as phone calls, laundry, or minibar charges.
- Check-in and check-out times are subject to hotel policies and may vary by property.
Keep exploring
Plan your trip to Russia
Explore destinations
Things to do
Stay & travel