Two weeks in Russia
Hello!I am going to be flying to Moscow on the 20th november for two weeks. I am 23 years old and will be travelling on my own. I'm not worried about travelling on my own but would like to socialise a bit when I am out there. I have two weeks to explore Russia, which will definately involve Moscow and St. Petersburg. I will be travelling on a budget so this means that I will be taking over night trains to save pay on a nights accommodation and will also be staying at hostels rather than hotels.
I would like to know if anyone can suggest an itinerary for these two weeks while I am in Russia? I am very open minded and open for all suggestions, including day trips outside of Moscow and St. Petersberg.
If anyone can recommend any specific museums or art galleries or restaurants, cafes, bars and hostles then please write them down!
Can anyone suggest an ophera or ballet to go and see whilst I am in Russia for these two weeks?
Ideally I would like to know what the appropiate amount of time should be spent in the places suggested, e.g. how many nights in Moscow and St. Petersberg.
One final question...is there any chance that it will be snowing during the time that I will be there - mid Nov to early Dec?
Thanks a lot,
Cara
1
I've only been to Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Considering the latter is too far from Moscow - and not too special - I can only recommend going to Moscow and Petersburg... But I'm sure the Russia specialists around here can tell you something more.When I was in Russia, we spent 5 nights in both Moscow and St Petersburg. But I definitely have a feeling I need to return to both. Just get a guidebook for Russia and read about the sights there. Maybe you'll find Moscow more interesting than Petersburg, or the other way around?
That said, it would be handy if you could tell us something about your interests. What do you like to do the most? 'Up for anything' makes it hard to suggest nice places or activities for you.
I'm sure you can find the Hermitage in St Petersburg yourself. Nice hostel is: Cuba Hostel and nearby Zoom Cafe offers very good value eating.
2
It's possible there maybe snow when you visit in Moscow or St Petersburg, but at the same time last year there wasn't. Further east you go the colder it gets and the more snow you'll find, so just how much of Russia do you plan to visit?Problem I find with guide books is the information is often out of date
4
Two weeks - I assume 14 nightsConsider the following:
4 nights in Moscow
2 nights in Suzdal at the hostel there (train to Vladimir, half a day there, bus to Suzdal, two nights there and bus back to Moscow)
1 night train to Veliky Novgorod
2 night V. Novgorod
5 nights Petersburg
Check the schedule for performances on the website balletandopera.com. Particularly look at attending performances at the Bolshoi theater, Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the Hermitage theater and the Mariinsky. The first and last have their own websites as well.
Look at the tours offered by Patriarshy Dom in Moscow and by Peterwalks.com in Petersburg.
How specifically the spend your time will further depend upon your interests which you neglected to mention.
Late November can be very cold or reasonable temps, snow, cold rain or clear weather. Check the weather before you leave for the 10 day forecast. Be sure to have hat, scarf, gloves, and warm waterproof footwear.
Ruth
Ruth
5
Everbrite's itinerary is a good one as you can't stray too far East with only 14 days to play with. It's around a 12 hour train journey between Moscow and St. Petersburg if that helps you decide how far you can go. Lots to do in these 2 cities, I spent a week between the 2 when I went and I would recommend around this amount of time with the other week exploring nearby places, as Everbrite recommends.6
It's around a 12 hour train journey between Moscow and St. Petersburg if that helps you decide how far you can go.
Wrong. Fast train between Moscow and St. Petersburg is about 4 hours. Overnight trains are 7-8 hours mostly so that you can get a decent night's sleep. While there is plenty to keep you busy in Moscow and St. Petersburg for 2 weeks, I suggested visiting other places to get a better feel for the country besides its two largest cities.
Ruth
7
Thanks for the correction Everbrite. And if you read my post closely, you will also see that I recommend other places than just Moscow and St. Petersburg - around a week in these 2 plus another week exploring should do it.8
Well, for now I can suggest going to the OKA river, stunning destination http://moreaboutrussia.blogspot.ru
