Russia Itinerary
 

Two of us are thinking about a trip to Russia in late May, 2008.

Most likely, we will have about 9 full days to spend there. This does not count the days travelling to and from home. We were thinking of splitting the time between Moscow (4 days) and St. Ptersburg (5 days). This does not count a day for travel between the two. Is this a good split of our time? In theory we could add a third place but to n0t want to move around too much.

It is possible that we could extend the time to have 12 days there (again excluding all travel days). IF we did this, we would add a third destination. Thinking of Golden Ring area, one of the Baltic capitals, or Helsinki. We would probably be in this third destination for three full days. Any recommendation on what place to pick, or comments on split of time between the three places?

Thanks

Hi, Howie234 -

I think that splitting your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg makes a lot of sense. I divided my time as you did, and that suited my interests well. The only other city in the area that I visited was Helsinki, which I also loved. I think 3 days would be perfect for Helsinki, if you choose to add it to your plan.

Hope that helps!

You could look at visiting Novgorod on the way between St. P. and Moscow. I loved Novgorod, which made a great contrast to the two big cities. Small, atmospheric, with a Kremlin on the riverbank with a church and museum, and an open-air museum of wooden houses. You can see my pix at kwilhelm.smugmug.com/gallery/3881497#131688154

As a third destination I would also choose Novgorod as it is conveniently located on the train route between Moscow and St Petersburg and it is a lovely old city with alot to see.

I would choose Stockholm over Helsinki, if you had to have something in the Nordics.

Take a look at the gct.com web site--it's cruise information but includes excellent itineraries for St. Petersburg and Moscow, which might help.

Golden Ring is well worth visiting. I would suggest Sergiev Posad, Suzdal and Yaroslavl are the best, but a lot depends on how you travel.

Thanks for your responses so far. I will read up on Novgorod..it sounds interesting. It is more likely the trip will be the shorter of my two scenarios, thus probably limiting it to M/SP.

Actually you don’t need much time for Novgorod. Even one night stop is enough. But it really makes your trip different. Visiting Novgorod you will jump over the centuries. Can you imagine – it is the oldest Russian city, it recently celebrated 1140th anniversary. It is 300 years older than Moscow and more than three times older than St.Pete. Check the official web-site of Novgorod Travel department. http://eng.visitnovgorod.ru/index.php . I live in St.Pete and love it but Novgorod has such a special atmosphere and very old beauty.


Have a pleasant trip!

Taking the night train between St. Pete's and Moscow will eliminate the need to have a travel day. The Grand Express train is an excellent experience. www.grandexpress.ru/en/ Not as cheap as the red arrow or the other regular trains, but worth it. (as a side note I have flown between these cities and I do NOT recommend it)

Let us know how it goes, Howie234.
Will you be doing a trip report, I'd love to hear how it all goes? :)

You missed out the Yussoupov palace http://www.petersburgguide.com/yussoupov.html and don't forget about a boat trip - St.Petersburg from rivers and canals looks very different and very special.