Short Trips from St. Petersburg

Moscow

The nation's capital is best seen allowing at least a 3-day, 2-night trip. Moscow is a huge, modern European city dating from at least the 12th century. Make sure you take in: a tour of the Kremlin and central Moscow: historic Tverskaya and Arbat streets, Tretyakov Gallery, Russian Fine Arts Museum, and/or Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, a tour of Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery.

Novgorod

Novgorod the Great, as the city is still known to many of its inhabitants was, for a long time, a fiercely independent bastion of democracy and was an important governing and military center in the 9th and 10th centuries. In addition to being remarkably green and tidy, there are several churches, monasteries, and a "small town feel" to the city, just a couple of hours outside of Moscow or St. Petersburg.

Other Options:

Staraya Lagoda. Known to some as “Russia’s First Capital,” dating from 753 or so, it is now a sleepy village by a picturesque lake. This trip is advisable to plan well, as you might find transportation difficulties involved. Ideally, go with a group of Russians for a picnic.
Pushkin/Tsarskoe Selo. This contains some of Russia’s most striking royal palaces (Catherine Palace among them) and manicured parks. Also the site of the famous Amber Room, whose riches are still missing after the Nazi plundering, but the room is still interesting (when it is open). You can also see Russia’s first rail line here.
Peterhof/Petrodvorets. As the name implies, this was Peter’s palace. He embodied his love of the sea and his pride in his navy within a massive complex of fountains, complemented by sculpted gardens and classical architecture. Many Russians make a trip out in the spring to see all the fountains get turned on. Spectacular.
Random Elektrichka Rides. The Elektrichka is a preferred form of transport for Russians (and is dirt cheap); you will see a striking array of social groups traveling together. The quaint villages where it will take you feature cleaner air slower life. Bring a picnic lunch and hike through the woods or in the winter try cross-country skiing. Be sure to check the return schedule before leaving the train platform!
Petrozavodsk. As the name implies, this was Peter’s factory – for making arms. Some interesting museums and a quick example of a “smaller” Russian town (it feels like a "mini-Pete"). Nearby is Kizhi which can be reached by boat and is home to a fantastic ensemble of Russian wooden architecture.
Pskov. One of the world’s last truly walled cities. Settled from some twelve thousand years and along the trade route between Scandinavia and Byzantium, many archaeological treasures have been found here. Highlights include thousands of ancient buildings dating from as far back as the 12th Century, St. Basil’s church and the church of St. Nicholas, a botanical garden and a fine arts museum.

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