32 days in Russia, Minsk & Kiev Itinerary

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, nightlife, parks, and fun & games. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: admire the masterpieces at The State Hermitage Museum, steep yourself in history at Palace Square, get engrossed in the history at Peter and Paul Fortress, and admire the striking features of Catherine Palace and Park.

To see photos, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our St. Petersburg trip planner .

Canberra, Australia to St. Petersburg is an approximately 28-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus, flight, and train. The time zone difference when traveling from Canberra to St. Petersburg is minus 7 hours. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Canberra in June: high temperatures in St. Petersburg hover around 23°C and lows are around 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Tue) early enough to travel to Moscow.

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.

Get out of town with these interesting Moscow side-trips: The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra (in Sergiyev Posad), Church of The Holy Virgin (in Dubrovitsy) and FREEZONE Aerodynamic Complex (in Sharapovo). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Red Square, take in the local highlights with Walking tours, contemplate the long history of Lenin's Mausoleum, and pause for some serene contemplation at St. Basil's Cathedral.

Plan a Moscow trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

You can take a train from St. Petersburg to Moscow in 4.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. In June in Moscow, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 13°C at night. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 16th (Tue) so you can travel to Minsk.

As the capital and largest city of Belarus, Minsk represents a cultural center full of churches, libraries, museums, and theatres.

Get out of town with these interesting Minsk side-trips: Holy Spring of St. Nicholas (in Lahojsk), Nesvizh (Nesvizh Castle & Zamkovaya Tower) and Mound of Glory (in Slabada). The adventure continues: explore the historical opulence of Mir Castle, find something for the whole family at Gorky Central Park, browse the collection at National Library of Belarus, and learn about all things military at Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War.

To find ratings, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Minsk trip planning website .

You can fly from Moscow to Minsk in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. June in Minsk sees daily highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Tue) early enough to travel to Kiev.

The center of East Slavic culture, Kiev boasts centuries of eclectic art, architecture, and history.

Kiev is known for historic sites, museums, nightlife, parks, and shopping. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: contemplate the long history of Kyivo-Pechers'ka Lavra, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Saint Sophia Cathedral, make a trip to Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square), and take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Andrew's Church.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, read Kiev day trip planning tool .

Getting from Minsk to Kiev by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. The time zone difference when traveling from Minsk to Kiev is minus 1 hour. Traveling from Minsk in June, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be somewhat warmer in Kiev, with lows of 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 30th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.