23 days in Russia Itinerary

Russia's political, economic, and cultural center, Moscow remains the most populous inland city in the world, famed for its colorful history and rich architectural heritage.

Change things up with these side-trips from Moscow: Muzey tekhniki Vadima Zadorozhnogo (in Arkhangelskoye) and Ski Stadium Zorkiy (in Krasnogorsk). There's lots more to do: contemplate the long history of Red Square, admire the masterpieces at Art Gallery of the European and American Countries of the XIX-XX centuries, examine the collection at Moscow Kremlin, and walk around Patriarch's Pond.

Before you visit Moscow, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Colombo, Sri Lanka to Moscow is an approximately 11-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2.5 hours traveling from Colombo to Moscow. Plan for much colder temperatures traveling from Colombo in January, with highs in Moscow at -7°C and lows at -12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Wed) so you can fly to Kaliningrad.

A city of science and philosophy, cosmopolitan Kaliningrad once served as a cultural hub of Germany, Poland, and Lithuania.

Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): explore the striking landscape of Kurshskaya Kosa. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see the interesting displays at Museum of the World Ocean, then see the interesting displays at B-413 Submarine Museum, then take a tour of Research vessel "Vityaz", and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Konigsberg Cathedral.

For other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, read our Kaliningrad trip itinerary planning site.

You can fly from Moscow to Kaliningrad in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. Traveling from Moscow to Kaliningrad, you'll gain 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Moscow in January, things will get a bit warmer in Kaliningrad: highs are around 0°C and lows about -5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Fri) so you can fly to St. Petersburg.

Built on a desolate swamp as a showcase capital of Imperial Russia, this grand city has certainly lived up to the expectations of its founder, Tsar Peter the Great.

St. Petersburg is known for museums, historic sites, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the masterpieces at The State Hermitage Museum, get engrossed in the history at Peter and Paul Fortress, make a trip to Palace Square, and examine the collection at Russian Museum.

Klarna Trips's itinerary builder makes planning a St. Petersburg trip simple and quick.

Getting from Kaliningrad to St. Petersburg by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. The time zone changes from Eastern European Standard Time (EET) to Moscow Standard Time (MSK), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Expect a bit cooler temperatures when traveling from Kaliningrad in January; daily highs in St. Petersburg reach -5°C and lows reach -10°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 18th (Wed) early enough to fly to Kostroma.

As part of Russia's Golden Ring of historical towns, the city of Kostroma is something of an open-air museum with ties to the Romanov dynasty.

Get out of town with these interesting Kostroma side-trips: Sumarokovskaya Elk Farm (in Sumarokovo), Provincial ARTgallery-M (in Ples) and Yaroslavl (Church of St. John Chrysostom, Yaroslavl Museum of Photography, &more). There's much more to do: see the interesting displays at Dom Gorodskogo Golovy Botnikova Museum, explore the engaging exhibits at Sweets Museum Russkiye Slasti, and admire the striking features of The Resurrection Church on the Debra.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Kostroma road trip planning tool.

Getting from St. Petersburg to Kostroma by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Expect slightly colder temperatures when traveling from St. Petersburg in January; daily highs in Kostroma reach -9°C and lows reach -15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) to allow time to drive to Vladimir.

The most visited destination in the Golden Ring circuit, the city of Vladimir is known for its remarkably preserved white-stone monuments, which have World Heritage status.

Kick off your visit on the 22nd (Sun): pause for some serene contemplation at Church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, take an in-depth tour of Museum of Non-Invented Stories, then examine the collection at Borodins' Blacksmith Shop, then examine the collection at Holy Assumption Cathedral, and finally get to know the fascinating history of Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street.

To see photos, where to stay, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Vladimir trip planner.

Traveling by car from Kostroma to Vladimir takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) to allow time to take a train to Nizhny Novgorod.

Founded eight centuries ago at the confluence of the Volga and the Oka rivers, Nizhny Novgorod boasts over 600 historical, cultural, and architectural monuments.

Nizhny Novgorod is known for sightseeing, historic sites, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the historical opulence of The Kremlin, engage your brain at Nizhniy Novgorod Radio Laboratory Museum of Science, appreciate the history behind Sculptural Composition Hunting for Pigeons, and don't miss a visit to Chkalov Staircase.

To see ratings, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, read Nizhny Novgorod tour itinerary builder site.

Traveling by train from Vladimir to Nizhny Novgorod takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, plan for daily highs up to -8°C, and evening lows to -15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Kazan.

The heart of Tatar culture, Kazan carries the epithet of the "Third Capital of Russia" because of its rich history and thriving economy.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Kazan: Raifa (Belfry With The Church in Honor of Archangel Michael, Raifa Monastery, &more). There's much more to do: admire the landmark architecture of Kazan Kremlin, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Annunciation Cathedral, contemplate the long history of Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and see the interesting displays at E. Boratynskiy's Museum.

To see maps, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Kazan trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by flight from Nizhny Novgorod to Kazan takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In January, daytime highs in Kazan are -10°C, while nighttime lows are -17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Sun) to allow time to fly back home.