Catherine's Place, St. Petersburg. Photo via Flickr:Florstein

Church of Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg. Photo via Flickr:nagillum

Three capitals of Russia

Russia Bike Tours

Cycling from Moscow to St. Petersburg

This intriquing bike tour in Russia leads from Moscow, the modern Russian capital, to the old one, St. Petersburg, through the most ancient capital, Novgorod the Great, all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Beginning in Moscow, one of the most powerful cities on earth, it is fitting to end in St. Petersburg, City of Culture. The contrasts between these two cities reflect the contrasts that are Russia in general.
You will be charmed by the spirit of times gone by in the age old towns of Torzhok, Ostashkov, and Staraya Russa, once powerful and prosperous cities. The cycling itinerary leads pass the pearl of Russian nature, Lake Seliger, across the forested hills of Valdai; where the mighty Volga River starts. In Staraya Russa, where Fyodor Dostoyevsky wrote his novels The Brothers Karamazov and The Possessed, there will be opportunity to visit a museum dedicated to him. In Novgorod, among the oldest cities of Russia, founded in the 9th or 10th century, highlights are the ancient Kremlin, the magnificent XI-century St. Sofia Cathedral, and wonderful Russian Millennium Memorial. The grand palaces and parks of St. Petersburg built for Russian Tsars, will surprise you with their luxurious beauty.
​On the agenda are several visits to museums and exhibitions (some of them are little known). There is opportunity to mingle with friendly villagers and to experience authentic Russia and taste authentic Russian food that is unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Interested in more, please see our other bicycle tours in Russia.

Skill Level

7 days of cycling covering 200 miles (300 km), traversed at your own pace. Most roads are asphalt and lightly travelled. On the route you can cycle at your own pace. A support vehicle will await at appointed places along the route in the event you would like to quit riding. Experienced guides are available to assist.

Where You’ll Stay

Good quality 3 - 4 star hotels

What’s Included

  • Transfers airport-hotel in Moscow
  • All transfers along the route
  • Bike rental
  • English speaking cycling guide
  • Hotel accommodations for 8 nights
  • All meals (from dinner on arrival day in Moscow till breakfast on the departure day in St. Petersburg) including buffet snacks during cycling days
  • Support van with luggage transfer
  • Guided excursions and museum fees as described in the program
  • Russian steam bath
  • Boat trip on Lake Seliger to Saint Nil monastery (if schedule permits)
  • T-shirt
  • Map

What’s Not Included

  • Visa processing fee
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Bicycle protection

Three capitals of Russia Map

TourBike
TypeGuided
SkillEasy–Moderate
Length9 days
From€1370 Rates
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Tour Dates

July 16, 2016 and August 13, 2016

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Three capitals of Russia Map

Day 1: Arrival in Moscow
Day 2: Bus transfer to Lotoshino - Staritsa, (70 km)
​Day 3: Staritsa - Volga, (50 km)
Day 4: Volga - Torzhok, (75 km)
Day 5: Bus transfer to Valday, cycling around lake Valday, (50 km)
Day 6: Bus transfer to Visuchy Bor - Staraya Russa, (75 km) 
Day 7: Staraya Russa - Novgorod, (35 km)
Day 8: Novgorod - Spasskaya Polist, (70 km)
Day 9: Departure from St. Petersburg or extension of stay.

Day 1: Arrival in Moscow
You will be met at the airport by a guide and taken to the hotel Izmailovo. The hotel is located in the east part of Moscow next to one of Moscow's largest park and a 5 minute walk from underground station. It takes 15 minutes by metro to get to the Red Square. After short briefing and buffet dinner, enjoy an evening walk in the center of Moscow.

Day 2: Bus transfer to Lotoshino - Staritsa, (70 km)
In the morning is a bus transfer to Lotoshino. You will cycle from there to Staritsa, around 70 km by quiet country road. On the way, you may visit an unusual museum in Stepurino, an old Russian merchant village. This museum is operated by local volunteers. Overnight stay in the country hotel next to Great Russian river Volga. You may try Russian steam bath house (banya).

Day 3: Staritsa - Volga, (50 km)
In the morning we are going for the short city tour in Staritsa including recently restored Assumption monastery. Then another quiet road leads as to a charming resort hotel– one of the best in this area. Today is easy day - around 50 km. A swimming pool and beautiful Volga are waiting for us in the evening.

Day 4: Volga - Torzhok, (75 km)
Continue on your way to Torzhok, around 75 km. The quiet road has little traffic and winds through nice forest which makes today's ride scenic and relaxing. Torzhok, an old Russian town, famous for its unique architecture and folk craft of gold work embroidery. Interestingly, chicken cutlets (called Pozharskie) were invented here. The great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin used to eat them here. Perhaps you can try this famous dish for dinner. The hotel has excellent spa facilities.

Day 5: Bus transfer to Valday, cycling around lake Valday, (50 km)
Morning transfer to Valday in the center of Valday Hills area where many Russian rivers including Volga start. Around Valday lake the National park which has a status of Biosphere Reserve is situated. Valday is also famous for its bell making handicraft. Cycle around Valday lake, around 50 km, including visiting Iversky Monastery and the bell museum. Overnight in the hotel that faces lake Valday.

Day 6: Bus transfer to Visuchy Bor - Staraya Russa, (75 km) 
Early bus transfer to Visuchy Bor. From here you cycle to Staraya Russa, around 75 km. Staraya Russa is old provincial town famous for a balneological (spa) resort and Fedor Dostoevsky museum. (Fyodor Dostoevsky used to live in Staraya Russa from 1872 till his death in 1881. Here he wrote his novels The Brothers Karamazov and The Possessed. Stay in the old part of the spa resort.

Day 7: Staraya Russa - Novgorod, (35 km)
After visiting Dostoevsky museum there is short bus transfer to Borki where you cycle a scenic road along lake Ilmen to Veliky Novgorod (35 km). Veliky Novgorod is one of the oldest Russian cities supposed to be the most influential in that time which gives us grounds to call it the first capital of Russia. The center of the city including outstanding Kremlin is World Heritage Site. City-tour in Novgorod with local guides.

Day 8: Novgorod - Spasskaya Polist, (70 km)
Begin your day in Novgorod and cycle to Spasskaya Polist around (70 km) along Volkhov river by quiet road. At the end of the day is a transfer back to St. Petersburg. Here you will have a Farewell dinner.

Day 9: Departure from St. Petersburg or extension of stay.
City tour with a local guide in St. Petersburg including Metro, Nevsky prospect, and downtown. Departure or extend your stay with extra nights in St. Petersburg.

If you’re looking for a different flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

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