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What is Birthright?

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Everything You Need to Know About Your Birthright Israel Trip

Due to the global pandemic, travel looks different right now depending on where you're going from/to. Please check for travel restrictions and adhere to all local guidelines before planning a trip to any destination you may read about on this site.  Please note: this post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something by clicking the links, I will get a small compensation, at no extra cost to you.

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Hello internet. It’s been awhile. But, for good reason! I’ve been traveling A LOT. In the last month almost to the day, I’ve been on 8 planes and spent 41 hours in the air. I’ve been to Los Angeles , Washington D.C. , and Israel by way of Zurich and Munich.

Of course, my Israel trip was through Birthright (or Taglit in Hebrew)! If you aren’t familiar, this organization fully funds trips to Israel for anyone of Jewish descent between 18-26 years old. I am 24 years old now and have been waiting since the second I turned 18 to go. But, I waited so I could go with my younger cousin and brother, and it was worth it!

Roman aqueduct israel

If you’re planning on going on this trip and you’re anything like me, you’re having trouble actually finding any information and resources on the internet. There is a surprising lack of blogs and stories about people’s Birthright experiences. Look no further because I’m dishing my full experience. If you have already applied, you know there are different trip organizers. I chose Ezra because they had the one trip that worked with everyone’s winter break schedules so I didn’t go through a crazy decision process there. Plus, from what I hear, most trip organizers have very similar itineraries if you are not going on a specialty program (like culinary, night life, extreme adventure, etc.).

So, keep in mind that whatever experience I had, take it with a grain of salt considering I might have had a different organizer than you.

Before the Trip

Packing list:.

shoes for israel

My number one question before the trip was about the packing list. I’ve traveled enough in my day to critique packing lists…probably to a fault. Here is a snippet of what they suggest for winter:

Sweatpants, sweater, long-sleeve shirts, shorts, T-shirts, bathing suits, Shabbat clothes (long skirt and blouse for women, slacks and button down for men), nice shoes for Shabbat, Kipah, underwear, socks, jacket, raincoat, sleepwear, outfit that can get dirty, baseball cap, comfortable sneakers, old gym shoes, hiking boots, water shoes, sandals, toiletries, day bag, medication, towel, umbrella, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, tissue, laptop, socket and voltage adapter, and more!

The list they suggest is crazy excessive and made us feel like if we didn’t have some of these things, we would be in deep trouble. For example a Kipah (or yarmulke) for Shabbat was necessary for men, but the group had them provided by Ezra so it was okay if you didn’t have your own.

Also, five pairs of shoes is unnecessary!

The shoes you really need are comfortable walking shoes , multipurpose boots (that you can dress up or hike in – think black ankle boots like mine above), and water shoes (and flip flops if walking barefoot in public changing rooms grosses you out…or just wear your water shoes).

Don’t bring shoes you really care about. You’re hiking up mountains and walking miles every day. Definitely definitely definitely pack water shoes . The Dead Sea floor is jagged and rough. The last thing you need is to cut yourself then immediately have it burned with salt.

Also, we were made to believe that we wouldn’t be allowed off the bus without a hat, but none of our group leaders cared at all so when you get into contact with them, just ask if it’s necessary.

You will definitely want a day bag (or backpack) . I always bring mine as a carry-on anyway, but you’ll need it as an overnight bag when you sleep in the Bedouin tents. You won’t have access to your luggage that day so you’ll need a change of clothes and toiletries in a small bag.

Lastly, if you are going in the winter, LAYER UP . Bring a real jacket or two. It was COLD. It was raining some days and 44 degrees other days. And remember you’re outside for most days for hours so it might not sound that bad, but for the long periods of time, I promise, it is.

Israel winter outfit

Other notes on the packing list:

Bring cold medication . You are sharing space with 40 people for 10 days. You will get sick. Literally everyone in my group was sick by the end of the trip. Bring DayQuil, Nyquil, EmergenC, Zicam, etc.

You need a voltage and socket converter . What I mean is that our sockets have a voltage of 120V while in Israel theirs is 230V. You need a converter so you don’t fry your devices with the wrong voltage.

And, sockets in Israel are different than the U.S. so you need to make sure you have the right plug. This was the biggest point of confusion ever. The outlets are the same as European sockets, which is the rounded two prong plug (type C). However, some outlets have three holes which fit the type H plug. But, the important thing is that the type C plug fits into the type H one. So, you really only need a European plug. I know this sounds shady, but an Israeli told me herself and it worked perfectly for all my devices!

I recommend getting a specialty microfiber travel towel . They are designed to dry quickly and they fold up really small. This makes it super easy to pack and ensures that it will be dry. People that had regular towels were carrying them around wet and smelly for days.

Here is MY FLIGHT PACKING LIST , which definitely applies here. Especially noting plug-in headphones (or bluetooth adapter) and a travel pillow!

Israel in the winter really is cold – so bring a beanie or two. Israel has really beautiful scarves so I recommend buying one when you are there. Guys too!

israeli scarves

Flight Details:

When I got accepted for Birthright, I was told when my flight left and when it eventually arrived in Israel. I knew there was a layover in Zurich on the way there and Munich on the way back. Other than that I had no details.

So, how long is the flight anyway? Depending on the layover city and flying from LAX the flight was between 10-13 hours to the layover. From the layover to Israel, it was 3-4 hours. I’m sure from New York, the long leg would be about 4 hours shorter.

My flight left LAX at 7:20pm so sleeping was important. Take whatever (ZzQuil, Advil PM, Benadryl) you might need to actually sleep on the flight because the second you get to Israel there’s a full day ahead and you don’t go to the hotel until the evening.

Also, these flights have TV screens in front of each seat so you need those plug-in headphones or a bluetooth adapter to actually listen. And, because you’re officially on Birthright, your in-flight meals are Kosher . Bring snacks with you, especially for when you accidentally sleep through your meal and wake up starving.

When we got to Zurich, we had a 7 hour layover. It was miserable and also the longest they said they’ve seen so hopefully that wasn’t standard. We eventually arrived in Israel at 3:30am. We went through customs, listened to an orientation, did some ice-breakers, and started Day 1.

Other flight info: You are allowed one free checked bag up to 50lbs, one carry-on bag, and one personal item. If you can get by with only one piece of luggage and just a backpack, I recommend that. It’s annoying lugging around two bags and a backpack and it’s especially difficult to fit them in the small shared rooms during the trip.

Jerusalem city

Do you need insurance and a SIM card?

Insurance you definitely need. No one ever asked me to verify that I had insurance, but you definitely are going to want it. It covers travel and medical insurance while abroad, which means that a ton of potential problems are covered, such as lost luggage, injury, etc. If there is a problem, your group leaders contact the group organizer and Birthright themselves, so if you don’t have insurance this could be a big problem. Plus, it’s the cheapest you’ll ever see travel insurance. It was $75 for 10 days.

As for the SIM card: In my group with my organizer we did not need SIM cards whatsoever. I was made to believe that it was 100% required and without it I couldn’t go on the trip.

The key here is that you do need to be on WhatsApp to communicate with your group leaders during the trip. But, WhatsApp uses WiFi, so you’ll be okay without a phone plan of any kind if you’re okay relying on WiFi. Our bus and every hotel had WiFi so it was doable.

However, if you do want to use data of any kind and your phone plan doesn’t have international coverage, then I recommend getting the SIM cards Birthright recommends. Alternatively, you can get your own phone plan through your provider or a virtual SIM card.

TLDR: Insurance=YES, SIM Card=NO

israel market

During the Trip

Itinerary details:.

For us, the itinerary got sent out one week before departure. When you get it, check the weather! This will make packing so much easier.

You’ll also notice, as I’ve said before, that Day 1 begins as soon as you land in Israel so brace yourself.

Here are some things that were on my itinerary and I think everyone’s:

Caesaria, Tzfat, Jaffa, Tel Aviv, Masada, Camels, Dead Sea, Bedouin Tents, Yad Vashem, Mt Herzl, Old City of Jerusalem, Western Wall

Camels in Israel

Things I Didn’t Know and Wish Someone Told Me:

Plan for a major diet change. I know it might seem self-explanatory but the food in Israel is very different than in the U.S. I think in the U.S. we take our multitude of options for granted. In Israel it’s usually falafel or shawarma every single day for lunch. And breakfast is only pastries. Everything was delicious, but you will start to miss fruit and vegetables, and want to stop eating carbs. And, the coffee and tea is incredible!

You can drink the tap water. So bring a reusable bottle and fill it up every morning because you might not have access to water until the evening.

That said, our bus driver sold water bottles every day for 5 shekels (which is about $1.35) and you stop at plenty of markets where you can buy water.

You are responsible for $100 (in USD) as a tip for the tour guide and driver. You have to bring this in USD. It used to be $70 but they recently changed it to $100!

Bring more money than they tell you. Or at least, plan to spend more money. And bring your wallet EVERYWHERE. Even if your group leaders or tour guide say you don’t need it, BRING IT.

You are financially responsible for one meal a day. It can be lunch or dinner. The cheap falafel was about 20-35 shekels (or $5-10). But usually, you’re spending around 50 shekels ($14) for a full meal and drink. Don’t only take 40 shekels in cash because that probably won’t be enough. And, you will be buying snacks. Sometimes you’ll have lunch around 12pm and you won’t be getting dinner until 8pm so snacks are necessary.

Then you have souvenirs. I’m not the biggest souvenir person, but I did buy a couple scarves which cost me 25 shekels each ($7). People bought art, jewelry, and more and spent upwards of hundreds of dollars, so bring money for souvenirs.

As a reference, I brought $200 worth of shekels and ran out on the second to last day. I ended up spending an additional $50. Again, I didn’t really buy souvenirs except the scarves and snacks.

Tzfat market

After the Trip

To get your security deposit back, you will be emailed a link. From there you can login and either donate your $250 to Birthright or request a refund be initiated. If you do nothing, you cannot get your refund back. You have to request it. I got emailed the link a week after coming back from the trip.

Cesaria

Overall Tips:

Go with the flow. A lot of times you won’t actually get the daily itinerary until the evening before. It deviates from the one you’ll get sent before the trip. Just listen to what they tell you and always bring a jacket and your wallet. This is one of the few times you get to just relax and let the whole thing be planned for you. Enjoy that.

Introverts bring headphones on the bus. It will be loud and most of the time, the bus ride is the only down time you get in a day. Read more Birthright Israel tips for introverts here .

Be nice to your group leaders – they control the room assignments.

Ask your tour guide lots of questions. They know a lot more than they are telling the group.

Step out of your comfort zone. This is my family’s motto: Would you be sadder if you did it or you didn’t? Don’t leave Israel with regrets. This might be your one and only shot to crawl in some super squished hideout caves so just do it.

crawling caves israel

Related read → Advice for Birthright from past participants

Also check out my full international travel checklist . I followed this list for my Birthright trip – including getting shekels from my bank ahead of time and making copies of my passport.

Been on Birthright?

What are some things you wish you knew before your trip?

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Wondering what you need to know before going on your Birthright Israel trip? I'm dishing on my full experience including what you should really pack, what I wish I knew before I went, and more!

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Alanna Koritzke

Recent PhD graduate and hyper-planner of Periodic Adventures, my goal is to share travel inspiration, budget tips, detailed guides, and fun travel stories!

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You certainly covered everything. Sounds like you had a marvelous time, although rather exhausting! The photos are beautiful. So happy you, Devin and Montana were able to make this trip.

birthright second trip

Thanks for posting this! It makes me feel a lot better to have this realistic view for my upcoming trip. Thanks again!

birthright second trip

I’m so glad to hear this helped! You’ll have a blast!

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Israel Outdoors is a leading organizer of free Birthright Israel trips for eligible travelers, ages 18-26 – departing from across North America.

Travel with Israel Outdoors because our trips are fun, adventurous, and inspiring! Our approach is pluralistic and we encourage open-minded exploration all along the way. Through it all, you'll gain new friends as we discover the timeless beauty of Israel together.

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World-changing historic sites, colorful Middle Eastern bazaars, stunning desert landscapes, mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine, and so many amazing memories await!

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Cool off floating down the historic upper Jordan River valley

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How to Apply for a Birthright Israel Trip

So you’ve read or heard all about the incredible Taglit Birthright Israel trips. Now you’re ready to experience it for yourself. But before packing a suitcase, you’ll need to fill out the online application . Here are the steps you need to follow when applying for a free Birthright trip to Israel.

Step 1: Choose a Trip

Whether you’re focused on Israeli cuisine or belong to a Jewish organization on campus, Birthright Israel offers diverse trips for varying interests and preferences. Head to the marketplace to learn more about the Trip Organizers- each has its own unique style and set of trips so you can travel with like-minded peers who share your interests. If you decide to choose a niche trip like Active or LGBTQ, you’ll still do all the classic activities such as touring the old city in Jerusalem, hiking Masada, and floating in the Dead Sea.

Step 2: Fill out the application

After you sort through the options and find the perfect trip, the next step is to create an account. After confirming your email address, you can get started on the application . Some of the questions will be about your Jewish background to confirm eligibility. You’ll also be asked to provide contact information and why you’d like to travel with us.

Step 3: Pay the deposit

To be approved for a trip, all applicants must pay a fully refundable $360 deposit . This saves you a seat on the trip and provides us with reassurance that you won’t cancel at the last minute. Until the deposit is paid, all trip offers are conditional. After your trip is over, you can choose to have your deposit refunded in full or to donate it to help other Jewish peers participate in a free Birthright Israel trip. We collect the deposit via PayPal which has a $25 non-refundable one-time processing fee.

Step 4: Provide passport information

We’ll ask you to share your passport information so that Birthright Israel can book a flight on your behalf.  

Step 5: Relax and wait for us to reach out

After you finish the application and make the deposit, sit back and wait for us to reach out. Your trip organizer will contact you within three weeks for a phone interview. This is to review and confirm the details on your application. Medical information must also be provided so that we can help you if an emergency were to occur while you’re on the trip.

Once you’re approved for a trip, you will be contacted through email with a conditional offer. You must accept the trip offer to reserve your spot. If you’re ready for the trip of a lifetime, get started on your application today. Spots are filling up quickly.

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Hillel International

Hillel: birthright israel faqs.

Do you have questions? Get them answered before applying for a life-changing adventure with Hillel: Birthright Israel.

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Multiple trips depart every week from May–July and December–January. Summer and winter trips leave from New York, Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. If you’re traveling with your campus, connect with your Hillel professionals regarding dates. 

You’re responsible for finding and paying for any domestic travel, but not for international travel. Don’t book any domestic travel until you receive a confirmation email from us.

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Yes, the $360 deposit is fully refundable. The $25 deposit processing fee isn’t refundable. Shortly after your Birthright Israel trip, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to request a refund for your deposit. You’ll also receive a refund if you’re waitlisted or you withdraw prior to the refund deadline for accepted participants (50 days prior to departure). 

Due to the limited number of spots on each trip, we need to ensure that all chosen participants will show up. When an applicant pays the $360* USD deposit, this lets us know that you’re serious about traveling with Birthright Israel and covers any fees that we might incur in the event of a late cancellation. It also helps guarantee that you follow Birthright Israel safety and behavior standards. In extreme cases in which participants violate these guidelines, their deposit may be confiscated.

Read more here

Fill out this form to request a refund, which may take up to two weeks to be processed. For other deposit issues from the United States, email [email protected] with the word DEPOSIT in the subject line and a detailed explanation of the issue in the message.

Besides the $360 refundable deposit and $25 processing fee, travel accommodations are cost-free because of generous donors. However, we suggest bringing $200–$500 USD on the trip to cover the following:

  • One meal a day (roughly $10 USD)
  • Tip for the tour educator, bus driver, and guard (Participants customarily leave a $100 USD tip at the end of the trip.)
  • Gifts and souvenirs

Yes, you can transfer your deposit for up to THREE seasons in the future. For example, if you can no longer make your winter trip, your deposit can go toward a trip next summer or next winter.

There’s no catch. You are only responsible for a $360* USD deposit—which you can kindly donate to support future Birthright Israel educational activities or request a refund after successfully completing the program.

Learn more about the gift of Birthright Israel,  click here

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Traveling with friends

We won’t know who you want to travel with unless you indicate it in your application. Under TRAVEL PREFERENCES (in the Birthright Israel application), list the name of the friend you want to travel with. If your friend has registered for Birthright Israel with Hillel, then their name will automatically populate in the section regarding travel buddies. If their name doesn’t automatically populate, use the space below to provide us with your friend’s name and email so we can be in touch with them about registering with Hillel. 

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There’s a lag time between adding and updating information. This issue should be resolved within 24 hours. If not, submit a help request or call 202-449-6695.

Yes, you can still complete the application. Remember, the passport process takes a few weeks, so build in enough time. As soon as you have your passport information, add it to your application. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your scheduled departure date from Israel .

An important note: The name on your Birthright Israel application MUST MATCH the name on your passport. Exactly. 

Review our “ Extend ” page for more information.

There is a common myth that Birthright Israel programs are funded by just a few donors, but in reality, they are funded by nearly 40,000 donors annually, including tens of thousands alumni, their families, and individual donors from around the world who believe in our mission. The program is also funded by the people of Israel through the government of Israel, The Jewish Agency for Israel, and Jewish communities and Federations.

Absolutely. There is no gift too small to make a difference. The future of the Jewish people is a shared responsibility, and every dollar counts and contributes to a stronger future for us all. To make a donation in support of Birthright Israel, please click  here.

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel

This trip is a gift from Birthright Israel. The gift of a Birthright Israel trip is made possible thanks to tens of thousands of donors including individual donors and foundations, and alumni and their families that support Birthright Israel Foundation in the United States as well as the people of Israel through the Government of Israel, and Jewish communities and Federations around the world.

GIL TRAVEL FLIGHT EXTENSIONS FOR BIRTHRIGHT ISRAEL®

Extend your stay in israel with gil travel.

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STEP 2 – Frequently Asked Questions

Step 1 Terms & Conditions Step 2 FAQs – You are here Step 3 Application form > Step 4 Payment form

EXTENSION REQUESTS ARE NOT HANDLED OVER THE PHONE. Once the request is submitted, it is   processed   via   email ONLY. Please check your SPAM FOLDERS REGULARLY.

Due to the nature and volume of the extension process, Phone support is not available and voicemails will not be returned.

In order to receive your extension confirmation prior to your Birthright trip departure, requests must be received at least 7-10 business days prior to US departure ( depending on airline ). Applying later than that date, may result in receiving your confirmation only AFTER you arrive in Israel.

** IMPORTANT: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the departure date from North America.

Before proceeding and before contacting us, please scroll down for answers to most common questions. Once you understand the process, you may click below to submit your extension application.

Once you understand the process, you may click below to submit your extension application.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Cost and Pricing
  • Rerouting/Destinations

Can I call you?

Please understand that we are helping literally thousands of participants.  Honestly, you will receive the quickest service if you look below.  The answer to your inquiry is most likely already here.

If you still need to contact us, that is fine, but it will take longer than finding your answer below.  We usually reply the same day, but it may take a day or two, depending on the volume of inquiries.

Contact us here only if you can not find the answer below.

What are the General Terms and Conditions of Birthright Israel flight extensions?

You can find them  here .

Please be aware that the dates you provide to us, means any flights from 12:00AM to 11:59PM on the provided date . If you have any time restrictions please be sure to note it in the ADDITIONAL COMMENTS field on the form.

How much will it cost me to extend my trip?

The cost to change your return flight home is determined by each airline. To see the cost for your airline please click here: https://forms.giltravel.com/br/extension_cost.aspx . Please note all extensions fees are NONREFUNDABLE, and any changes to a confirmed extension are subject to additional fees.

Please note that you will NOT be charged if we do not secure a date that you choose.  When submitting your request we will put a  pre-authorization on your card, but not an actual charge.  It will only be charged once your request is confirmed.  If there is no flight available on your requested dates then the pre-authorization will be released (this may take a few days or longer, depending on your bank).  You will not pay if you are not extended.

How can I pay for my extension?

You can pay with credit cards only when application is submitted. Airline frequent flyer miles are NOT accepted.

Why do I need to pay to extend my trip?

Prices of Birthright ticket extensions are determined by the specific airline that you are flying with and by Taglit Birthright Israel.  Gil Travel does not determine prices and has no ability to change them.

Each airline has a base cost that you can find here , and if there are no seats available at the base class ticket (which occasionally does happen during peak travel times), the airline may offer a higher cost seat.  We will NOT book you on that seat before notifying you via email and getting your approval .

You will never be charged if you do not receive a fare that you approved.

What is the maximum number of days I can stay in Israel?

Please see the terms and conditions for your specific carrier’s maximum stay restrictions on the extension request page. Gil Travel cannot make any exceptions to extend your flight longer than the maximum stay allowed by the airline.

I have submitted my extension request form. Is my flight automatically confirmed?

Your flight is NOT confirmed until you have received an email confirmation from a Gil Travel representative with new flight information.  Please CHECK REGULARLY   YOUR SPAM / JUNK mail folders to ensure you have not missed our emails.

Can I return to a different city in North America?

It depends on your airline. Please click here to check the Terms and Conditions for your airline.

Please note, that for extension purposes, JFK, LGA and EWR are all considered NY, and they may be interchangeable on your extension confirmation.

If your airline permits this change, then you can request it on the Extension request form .  On the form just include your requested airport change in the COMMENTS section of the form. The cost of the change is the same as the cost of an extension.

Once I submit my extension request form, will I be asked to confirm the return flight?

No, once you submit the extension request form, you agree to let us confirm your return flight on the return date you provided for quoted fee of your airline ( See details here ).

You will only be asked to re-confirm a return flight if the quoted fee is not available and a higher fee is offered by the airline, or if there is no flight availability on the provided date. In such a case, we will contact you via email first to ensure the new price or date is acceptable to you.

Please be sure to check your spam folders.  If you don’t see our emails, we will not call you to follow up.

Once I submit the extension request form, how long will it take to hear from Gil Travel?

Once we receive your extension request form , we will try to confirm your request within ten business days.  Please note that this is only an estimate.  If there are significant airline backlogs, or shortage of seats, it may take longer.  Note that by submitting an application, you are NOT guaranteed an extension.  We will do our best to secure your extension. It is strongly recommended not to book other elements of your trip based on expected extension, until you are actually confirmed.  Gil Travel is not responsible for lost expenses due to other bookings made based on assumption that extension will be granted.

Can I extend while I am in Israel?

Yes, but please note that there is no guarantee of availability, especially during peak travel time. So it is always recommended to extend in advance of your trip to ensure your plans are set and guaranteed.

Keep in mind that if you are not planning to return with your group flight you must make your changes before the group return date .

To extend after you arrive in Israel, please click here .

How do I ensure my friend and I have the same flight on the return?

You will need to fill out the “Travel With” field of the extension request form with the name (or names) of those with whom you wish to extend. They must do likewise. We will make every effort to confirm your request and book you with your travel partner(s).

When I enter my name into the extension request form, I am not recognized by the system. What do I do?

Ensure that you are entering your name, email address, etc. exactly as you have submitted on the Birthright Israel Application.  If you are still having issues, please check with your Trip Organizer and try again later, once they have confirmed or corrected your records on their side.

Can I upgrade my seat to business class?

Upgrades are not permitted.

Can I depart the US/Canada earlier than the scheduled group departure?

No. You will have to depart with your group.

Can I change my extension a second time if my plans change?

Once you have booked an extension, subsequent changes will be subject to an additional extension fee. We will try to complete second changes within ten (10) business days, but it may take longer.  The same terms and timelines as stated above for initial changes still apply.  All changes are subject to availability. Please DIRECTLY email the same agent who sent you your first confirmation to request a change.

Your original extension fee is NON-REFUNDABLE once booked.

Can I book hotel reservations or a domestic flight (USA) before my extension request is confirmed?

No. We recommend that you wait until the airline confirms your request and you receive an emailed confirmation of your new travel itinerary prior to purchasing your hotel and/or domestic travel as extension requests are not guaranteed.

Can I cancel one or more portions of my return flight if I AM returning back with my group?

If you are returning on the original group flight, you may cancel   only the final portion(s).   In other words, you must leave Israel with your group, but you may cancel the final leg(s) of that flight.

If you want to cancel the last segment(s) of your return flight, you need to submit the “Extension Request Form” even if you are not extending and are returning with the group. In the process, you will be asked to select a date for Extension Date Choices. Although you are not extending, it does require you to fill this part in so please just write the next date after your group leaves Israel. What you enter into Comments is the most important part . Under “Additional Comments” please write: I would like to return with the group, but I would like to CANCEL THE FINAL PORTION(S) OF MY FLIGHT FROM XXX to XXX.

Finish filling out the rest of the form and once we process the cancellation, we will email you. It is a minimum of $150 to cancel the flight (subject to the airline’s approval), however if the cost will exceed $150 we will contact you via email before we process the request. Please note that you will be required to pre-authorize your credit card for the amount indicated under the terms and conditions for an extension on your particular airline, but you will not be charged more than $150 without your prior authorization.

Can I stop in Europe on the way home to the US/Canada?

If you have a stopover as part of your Birthright return flight. you may request to extend your time in that country with some restrictions based on each airline’s rules .  If you wish to request a stopover, please submit the extension form .

Do I need to have a confirmed flight home or can it be an open ticket?

You must have a confirmed return flight. Open returns are not allowed.

How do I request a special meal?

You can request a meal with your Trip Organizer.

I see a flight available online, but I was told there was no availability or the price is higher than the base rate. Why?

Birthright Israel group tickets are subject to specific terms and conditions. They are NOT the same as publicly offered tickets.  There may be cases where a flight is available to the public that does not meet the requirements to be offered as part of the Birthright Israel program. In some cases, the same class of service as the group fare may not be available for the requested extension, and the airline may offer a higher fare to confirm the requested return flight. We always do everything possible to accommodate each request, and will provide you with the best options available.

I would like to cancel (forfeit) my return flight home (or part of my flight home). What do I need to do?

Please read below carefully to find the correct procedure for your specific travel situation .  (If you do not notify the correct party, you may lose your Birthright trip deposit).

Before Departure from North America:

1. If you did NOT make an extension : If you are making your own return flight plans (or staying in Israel after your trip), meaning you do not want to use the return portion of your Birthright paid ticket home – and you are NOT extending to another date – then you MUST notify your Trip Organizer – not Gil Travel . This means you are forfeiting your return ticket. Your Trip Organizer will make the needed adjustments.   Again, this is only if you are not extending.

2. If you DID make an extension :

a. If you have extended with Gil Travel and ARE using that flight, then there is no further action needed. As long as you received your email confirmation from us, then you’re good to go!

b. If you DID extend and received your confirmation, but now would like to forfeit that extension flight , then you MUST notify your Trip Organizer – not Gil Travel . This means you are forfeiting your return ticket. Your Trip Organizer will make the needed adjustments.

Once you are in Israel:

1. If you did NOT make an extension : If you are making your own return flight plans (or staying in Israel after your trip), meaning you do not want to use the return portion of your Birthright paid ticket home – and you are NOT extending your Birthright ticket to another date

Please click here to submit your cancellation request .

Again, this is only if you did not extend.

b. If you DID extend and received your confirmation, but now would like to forfeit that extension flight, then

What is my group’s flight itinerary?

You need to contact your Trip Organizer for this information.

What should I do in case of an emergency that affects my return flight while I am in Israel?

For last minute changes to your flight please submit the corresponding form:

– For change of date (extension) please  click here

– To cancel your return flight please  click here

Please do not contact the airline directly, as they will not have the ability to assist with these special Birthright tickets. 

Note that if it is too close to your departure date, and a change was not possible to be made and you missed your departing flight, you will need to make your own arrangements to return home.  This may require you purchasing a new one-way ticket at your own expense.

For any other emergencies, such as returning home before your trip ends, please reach out to your Trip Organizer or group leader.

Answered: Which trip organizer should I choose?

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Where to start

Trip organizers, amazing israel, israel outdoors, mayanot israel, ou israel free spirit, sachlav israel on the house, yael adventures.

There isn’t one “Birthright Israel trip.” Instead, there are almost 600 trip options from 9 trip organizers, affiliated with the official Birthright Israel organization. The one you choose makes a big difference on the type of trip you go on and the experience you have in Israel (and traveling over there).

BirthrightGuru actually recommends not starting with the trip organizer — but don’t skip over reviewing completely. We just think that the best way to choose a trip from the hundreds of options is to narrow down the selection with a few basic preferences, see what organizers match up with the smaller pool of choices, and then review them to make a match. You’ll likely find that if you pick a trip that works for you the organizer will be great! There are very few “red flags” with the organizers overall. And if you pick something specialized, like a trip with your campus, community, or personal passion, you’re likely to jive with the organizer too. That said, there are some that have a religious or academic slant, which might not be your top pick, and you might decide it’s worth getting to a different departure city or even traveling without your college friends to try something different.

If you heard about a great organizer from a friend or family member and want to know more, scroll down to see our guide to Birthright Trip organizers. And if you’re looking for even more info on how to choose the best trip (not just organizer), head over to our Ultimate Guide to Birthright Israel trips.

Amazing Israel is a seasoned trip organizer and tour company based in Jerusalem. Their focus is on memorable Birthright trips, and they bring their expertise from planning tons of tours in Israel for B’nai Mitzvot, family trips, conferences, and more. Their claim is for “out of the box” Israel trips, but their itinerary is typical of the standard version. Not a problem, but don’t get sold by the marketing only. In reality, they’re a professional tour operator at heart, and should be trusted to provide an excellent trip. Amazing Israel is not affiliated with any religious movement and is vocal about accepting participants from all backgrounds on their trips.

Facebook Reviews: 4.8/5 stars (44 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Outdoors/Adventures Entertainment Professionals Urban and Culture

Departures: Boston, Dallas, LA, NYC

Ezra World has roots in a youth movement focused on connecting Russian Jews to their community, and their Birthright trips grew out of the organization as it expanded to new avenues of connecting Jews to their heritage. Now, they points out especially that their staff are all Americans who made the choice to come to Israel, who are now immersed in Israeli society, and who attended the best Israeli tour guide educational programs. Technically, Ezra world is affiliated with the Orthodox Judaism movement, so expect more than the average amount of time spent on religious connections to Israel and Zionism, though the organizers clearly point out that they are open to all participants. Ezra World also offers speciality trips, including a foodie-focused itinerary and a trip organized around world-renowned startups and entrepreneurship in Israel.

Facebook Reviews: 4.3/5 stars (43 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Outdoors/Adventures Foodie Startups and Entrepreneurship Single Gender

Departures: Austin, LA, New York

Hillel is a campus-based organization, so their focus is on college students and university-specific trips. If you want to travel with friends from school, there’s a good chance that Hillel is planning a trip leaving from campus (and departing from a nearby big city, unless you’re in the midwest!). They are not limited to college campuses, and offers speciality trips and trips for all ages like the other trip organizers, including one of the most adventurous trips in the entire program: Israel Underwater, which takes participants SCUBA diving in Israel with Israeli Navy divers! Hillel is non-denominational, but definitely a religious organization. They also have a reputation during classic and campus trips for taking more time for deep conversations and learning, rather than focusing on adventure or experiencing the culture. Mostly expect a typical itinerary, with that slight extra focus on religion and activities designed (and sometimes feeling forced) to create meaningful connections among participants and to Israel, in addition to the speciality trips offered by this organizer.

Facebook Reviews: Not reviewed

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Campuses (many!) Underwater: SCUBA dive with Israel Navy divers LGBT Pride Trip to Tel Aviv Pride Parade Yoga and Mindfulness American Sign Language

Departures: Atlanta, LA, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Diego

Israel Outdoors lives up to their name, but also goes so far beyond. On an Israel Outdoors Israel by Foot or Israel by Bike trip, expect more time outdoors, breaking a sweat. They also offer many speciality trips, including multiple extended study abroad, cultural, campus, and accessible trips (the most offerings of any provider). They even offer a one-of-a-kind USA-Argentina joint trip. And all of these trips are offered with departures from the most cities out of all trip organizers. Israel Outdoors is an experienced Israeli tour operator based in Tel Aviv (with offices in Washington, DC), and have earned a reputation for participants who want to travel to Israel and take extra advantage of the incredible natural beauty of the country and the spirit of adventure. As expected, they’re non-denominational and open to participants from all backgrounds.

Facebook Reviews: 4.7/5 stars (98 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Campus Study abroad extended trips (diplomacy, archeology) Outdoors/Adventures (biking and hiking) Culture (film and food) Mindfulness and Spirituality LGBTQ Special Needs USA-Argentina Joint Trip Social Justice

Departures: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Houston, LA, Miami, NYC, San Diego, San Francisco, Washington

Mayanot is a unique trip organizer — they’re affiliated with both the academically-oriented Mayanot Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and the religiously-inclined Chabad. This overlap is definitely their niche: Expect a wonderful tour of Israel on your Birthright trip, with a consistent theme of deep learning and a spiritual connections to the land and to Judaism. You’ll definitely see this priority in their choice of staff. In addition to traditional Israeli tour guides, Mayanot Israel Birthright trips include Jewish educators and rabbis. They’re affiliated with the Orthodox Judaism movement, but open to all participants. This organizer does not offer the most departure options, but they cover the east coast, west coast, and midwest, making their distinctive portfolio of trips very logistically accessible to all those interested.

Facebook Reviews: 4.4/5 stars (116 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Campus Extended Study Abroad (counter-terrorism and conflict resolution) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Outdoors/Adventures Vegans and Vegetarians / Animal Rights Single Gender

Departures: Chicago, LA, Miami, NYC

OU Israel Free Spirit is an offshoot of the Orthodox Union, which is the largest Kosher certification organization in the world. But don’t think that all of their trips are about traditional religion and prayer. In fact, Israel Free Spirit is another trip organizer vocal about their acceptance of all participants from all Jewish affiliations, with an extremely diverse selection of trips (with the only downside of only leaving from 3 departure cities). This trip organizer is the only one to offer a trip specifically built for those young adult Jews recovering from substance addiction. In addition to providing a sensitive completely sober experience for the entire trip, this itinerary goes deeper and offers participants a chance to visit and learn about treatment centers in Israel and engage with Israelis going through the same experience. It’s a special opportunity for those who may otherwise feel excluded from Birthright Israel trips. Israel Free Spirit also offers special medical needs trips with special staff, equipment, and itineraries. Fitting with their name, there is also a Kabbalah and Mysticism trip, offering a noteworthy experience for those seeking a spiritual connection to Israel outside of the traditional religions. And if a traditional religious experience is more your speed, there are trips for Modern Orthodox men and women (single gender). Or if your religious experience was connected to the JSU/NCSY youth group movements, they offer an alumni trip to reconnect with friends! Not to be left out, they too offer an adventurous trip and an itinerary focused on arts and culture. Don’t let the name fool you, and be sure to check out OU Israel Free Spirit that may be a great match for you.

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Renewal and Recovery Medical Special Needs Outdoors/Adventures Modern Orthodox Single Gender Kabbalah and Mysticism JSU/NCSY Alumni Arts, Music, and Entertainment

Departures: LA, Miami, NYC

Sachlav Israel on the House is a straightforward, unaffiliated, Israel-based Birthright trip organizer. They fit in a sweet spot for adventurous travelers who shy away from extreme adventure trips, but are looking for a really exciting itinerary. Sachlav Israel on the House has clearly thought through their trip timing, logistics, and plans very well to deliver wonderful experiences. They don’t offer a ton of specialized trips, but they do offer some unique options, including their own take on the LGBTQ experience and a special all-women Modern Orthodox trip with all female IDF soldiers, plus an amped-up adventure option for those looking for more hiking, rappelling, and camping. They also only leave from 3 cities on the coasts, so they might not be the most logistically friendly for all participants.

Facebook Reviews: 4.7/5 stars (106 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Outdoors/Adventures LGBTQ All Women Modern Orthodox

Shorashim offers the unique opportunity to spend the entire trip with Israelis by your side. They’re also known for creating top-rated itineraries across a number of speciality trip options and their classic itinerary. Combine their reputation, trip options, and the second highest number of departure cities, and you’re looking at a solid trip organizer for many trip participants for Birthright Israel! Shorashim is another provider to offer extended study abroad options, in this case, focused on Israeli Multiculturalism. Definitely a great option to enhance your learning and overall experience in Israel (plus pickup a few college credits, if useful). They also offer trips focused on LGBTQ with a trip to Tel Aviv Pride Parade, food, outdoor adventures, spiritual self-discovery, and regional industries (including DC politics and Wall Street finance).

Facebook Reviews: 4.7/5 stars (57 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Outdoors/Adventures LGBTQ Foodie Culture Spiritual Self-Discovery Regional/Industry Communities (DC politics, Wall Street finance)

Boston, Chicago, LA, Miami New York Washington

Yael Adventures has the distinction of being a tour company not just for Israel but for Israelis. In fact, their claim to fame is that they are one of the largest tour companies in Israel for Israeli schools and other institutions. This experience can serve them well when planning Birthright Israel trips, especially if you’re looking for a classic itinerary (they only offer a few specialized trips) with the knowledge that they are not catering to only to the basic touristy spots, but rather to travelers who want a true Israel travel experience with some lesser-known spots. This organizer offers only one specialized trip, designed for those looking for even more adventure on the itinerary (plus the same extreme adventure for women only). They also don’t offer many departure cities.

Facebook Reviews: 4.3/5 stars (38 reviews)

Trips: Classic (10-day and 7-day) Outdoor/Adventures Outdoor/Adventures (women-only)

Departure cities: LA, Miami, NYC

Answered: Which Birthright Israel trip should I choose?

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5 takeaways from President Biden's State of the Union address

Deirdre Walsh, 2018

Deirdre Walsh

birthright second trip

President Biden delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. J. Scott Applewhite/AP hide caption

President Biden delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

President Biden didn't waste any time in his prime-time State of the Union address drawing a sharp contrast with his likely 2024 presidential rival, former President Donald Trump.

Instead of a policy-heavy laundry list speech, the president leaned into politics, and at times, shouted and amped up Democrats with some fiery rhetoric.

Early in his speech he derided Trump, without mentioning his name, chastising those who failed to heed the threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin to Ukraine, and denouncing those who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The atmosphere in the House chamber often seemed more like a political convention than the annual required speech assessing the state of the nation.

Here are five takeaways.

1. He took on Trump extensively on a wide range of policies

The president referred to policies or comments from "my predecessor" more than a dozen times, making it clear the high-stakes televised speech was his campaign roadmap for his rematch with Trump in November.

The president leaned into the issues that energize his base, like abortion and gun control and tax hikes on the wealthy. But he also attempted to challenge Republicans in the chamber, and Trump outside of it, on issues like the border and crime, areas where he faces skepticism from many independent and suburban voters.

Key moments from Biden's 2024 State of the Union address you may have missed

Key moments from Biden's 2024 State of the Union address you may have missed

The president, who is 81, had a bar to clear to alleviate concerns from some in his own party about his age and capacity to hold the demanding job as commander in chief for four more years.

He stuck mostly to his script, was energetic and appeared to fire up Democrats in the chamber, who occasionally chanted "Four more years!" and jumped to their feet cheering the president.

Biden also worked to flip the age issue against his opponent, who at one point he referred to as "some other people my age." Trump is 77.

2. Reproductive rights are front and center in 2024 campaign

With six justices of the U.S. Supreme Court sitting in the front rows, the president criticized the majority conservative court for overturning the landmark abortion case Roe v. Wade in 2022. As he warned that "history is watching" how the U.S. handles alliances abroad, and supports Ukraine, he warned about "another assault on freedom."

Referring to Trump, Biden maintained that the former president was responsible for overturning the law and said, "In fact, he brags about it." He warned that Republicans in the Congress were pushing for a national abortion ban.

Alluding to Trump, Biden calls out Republicans 'bragging' about abortion bans

Alluding to Trump, Biden calls out Republicans 'bragging' about abortion bans

He ticked through how a host of red states have restricted access to reproductive health services — warning about the latest law in Alabama that effectively banned in vitro fertilization. He mentioned Kate Cox, a guest sitting with the first lady . Cox suffered a fatal fetal condition during her pregnancy but was unable to obtain an abortion in Texas and sued the state .

Biden warned that the GOP underestimated the power of women to mobilize, referencing past wins when reproductive freedom was on the ballot and predicting a win again in 2024.

He also promised to restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land — something he will need a Democratic House and Senate to achieve, which is not likely after the 2024 election, when Republicans are favored to flip control of the Senate.

The political symbolism of the power of women for Biden's campaign was also visibly on display in the chamber. Dozens of Democratic lawmakers donned white and sported buttons emblazoned with a slogan "fighting for reproductive freedom."

3. Biden made the case for why his economic policies are working

Congressional Democrats, especially those in swing seats , needed Biden to alleviate voters' concerns about his ability to do the job in this kickoff campaign speech. But they chiefly named the economy as the issue they wanted him to highlight.

He argued that the state of the country was far worse when Trump was in office, citing the pandemic that triggered job losses, millions of deaths and a "mental health crisis of isolation and loneliness."

He acknowledged what many Democrats concede, that some of the major bills that Democrats passed since 2021 aren't fully felt around the country.

"It doesn't make the news but in thousands of cities and towns, the American people are writing the greatest comeback story never told," he said.

Many Republicans in the chamber groaned and booed at Biden's description of Trump's record.

Biden touts economic 'comeback' in election-year pitch to skeptical voters

Biden touts economic 'comeback' in election-year pitch to skeptical voters

When Biden wasn't calling out Trump's record in the White House, he outlined his own. He pulled out statistics about real world projects that are funded through his top legislative accomplishments — a heath care and climate bill, which was passed without a single GOP vote, and the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

Biden took credit for lowering prescription drugs, and capping the cost of insulin for seniors on Medicare to $35 a month. He vowed in a second term to extend that cap for all who need insulin.

Biden used a familiar populist line from the stump about shifting more cost savings to those on the lower-income side, at the expense of the top 1%.

Biden cited Trump's 2017 tax cuts as the prime example of a president who was skewed toward helping the rich.

He looked into the cameras to those watching at home and asked the political question designed to relate to most Americans, "For folks at home, does anybody really think the tax code is fair?"

4. Border security provoked a GOP response, and blame game

Going into the State of the Union, the president and his advisers knew he needed to detail how he would address the situation at the U.S.-Mexico border and acknowledge the impact it is having, not just in red border states, but in blue cities across the country, where migrants are being bused and straining public resources.

Public opinion polls consistently show it's his weakest issue politically, and Trump and Republicans on Capitol Hill have made it their top priority. Before the president's speech on Thursday, the House approved a bill dubbed the "Laken Riley Act," a reference to the 22-year-old Georgia nursing student who was murdered recently by a migrant who entered the U.S. illegally in 2022. The move was a deliberate attempt to force Democrats to go on the record on a measure that requires the detention of any migrant with a record of theft, and 37 Democrats — chiefly from swing districts — backed it.

Biden spars with Republicans on border security during State of the Union

Biden spars with Republicans on border security during State of the Union

Republicans wore buttons that included Riley's name, and some chanted her name when President Biden called for Congress to pass the bipartisan Senate border security bill, which White House officials helped broker over several months. The Senate approved the legislation with a significant bipartisan vote, but House Speaker Mike Johnson said it was "dead on arrival" and declined to take it up.

Biden again didn't mention Trump by name, but blamed him for derailing it, "I'm told my predecessor called Republicans in Congress and demanded they block the bill. He feels it would be a political win for me and a political loser for him."

GOP rebuttals to Biden's State of the Union focus on the border and immigration

GOP rebuttals to Biden's State of the Union focus on the border and immigration

Biden repeated a challenge he issued in a recent trip to the southwest border for Trump to join him to help pass the bill. He mentioned he was looking at executive authority for policies to reduce the number of migrants — something that has split Democrats on Capitol Hill — but he also said he needed Congress to change the law to fund more enforcement personnel.

The blame game over which party is more serious about the situation at the border is expected to be a leading theme through the fall. Although Democrats are split on the president's embrace of some conservative policies, like altering who can be eligible to claim asylum, the strategy of trying to flip the script and put Republicans on defense for blocking a bipartisan plan is one candidates in competitive races are expected to replicate.

Latino Democrats launch 'Our Lucha' war room using Spanglish to combat GOP

Latino Democrats launch 'Our Lucha' war room using Spanglish to combat GOP

5. biden addressed critics on his mideast policy, stepped up criticism of israeli leaders.

President Biden made Israel's now five-month-long war against Hamas in Gaza a significant part of his speech, and he acknowledged families of those still being held hostage by Hamas in the chamber's visitors galleries.

His handling of the war has angered many progressives, and younger voters, who argue that the president isn't tough enough on the Israeli government. The fallout from his approach has cost him politically, and Democrats are concerned it could prompt some voters to stay home in the fall.

In Michigan, a significant bloc of Democrats upset about the president's handling of Israel's war in Gaza, sent a message in the primary last week, with more than 100,000 registering a vote for the "uncommitted" option on the ballot, instead of for Biden. A number of Super Tuesday states had similar efforts.

'Uncommitted' movement spreads to Super Tuesday states

'Uncommitted' movement spreads to Super Tuesday states

In Thursday's address, the president announced the U.S. military will build a temporary emergency pier to facilitate the delivery of aid to civilians desperate for food and medicine. But, he declared, "No U.S. boots will be on the ground."

The president stressed that his administration is working on a cease-fire so that hostages can be released and more humanitarian assistance can be delivered. He stressed his personal record over decades as a strong supporter of Israel and his visit during the early part of the war. But he also said, "As we look to the future, the only real solution is a two-state solution."

There is increasing pressure for an immediate cease-fire to materialize, and Biden, who recently predicted a temporary pause would be coming in a matter of days, faces calls from progressives in Congress to cut off military aid to Israel and concentrate on humanitarian assistance.

Biden may have largely united his own party on the need to continue supporting Ukraine. But the deep fissures when it comes to his approach to Israel, as the death toll of civilians mounts in Gaza, has been a regular flashpoint already in campaign stops and shows no sign of fading.

Correction March 8, 2024

An earlier version of this story mistakenly said Republicans are favored to flip control of the House. The GOP currently controls the House and could flip the Senate.

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Home > The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

Post author SJ

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Written by Campbell & Alya of  Stingy Nomads. They’ve traveled together to over 30 countries globally, including Africa, Latin America, Asia & Europe.

For many travelers visiting Russia is an adventure on its own ; with huge countries like Russia, it’s often difficult to decide where to go, how to move around. This two-week Russia itinerary allows you to visit both must-see places and more off-the-beaten paths destinations in Russia.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Ways To Move Around Russia

Caucasus Flags_Russia 1

Russia is a vast country for long-distance travel . We’d suggest flying, but budget airline options are quite limited in Russia – so be prepared to shell out some serious Russian Ruble. Also, if you are flying with a local airline, check for their luggage allowance, as it can vary.

For many tourists taking a train in Russia is a must-have experience, especially the Transsiberian or an overnight train from Moscow to St Petersburg . The train system is quite good in general for moving around Russia.

Taking a bus in Russia is also an option, but the costs for a coach are the same as for traveling by train for the same distance and the travel time might be a lot longer and buses, as you know, are much less comfortable.

Renting a car is not very popular for travelers to Russia, as it tends to be a bit of a hassle. There are always lengthy traffic jams, poor road maintenance, and random police inspections. So instead, look to get a private transfer service. 

The Best Two Week Russia Itinerary

Day 1 – 3: st.petersburg.

Russia Travel Blog_Best Two Week Russia Travel Itinerary_Peterhof-fountains

Russia’s most beautiful and romantic city has a lot to offer, from top world art museums and stunning royal residences to nightlife and shopping.

The best time to visit St.Petersburg is in the summer months of June and July to witness famous White Nights when the city literally doesn’t sleep, and neither do you.

Public transport works quite well in the city with the Metro being the fastest and the easiest way of moving around. One metro trip costs 0,5 Euro. There are hundreds of accommodation options in the city, from hostels to B&Bs and fancy hotels.

St.Petersburg Highlights

  • The Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace:  One of the top art museums in the world. It says if you stop at every item (painting, sculpture, or artifact) for 1 second, you’ll need years to finish. In summer, it gets hectic with thousands of people surrounding the main art treasures; Da Vinci, Raphael, Rembrandt’s paintings. Buy your ticket online; it’ll save you a lot of time staying in a long queue outside .
  • St. Isaac’s Cathedral: A stunning building crowned with a massive golden dome, inside it’s even more impressive. Not to miss the view from its colonnade, especially at night time.
  • Church Of The Savior On Spilled Blood : Probably the most famous and photographed building in the city. Built in the traditional Russian style with many, very similar to the famous St.Basil cathedral on the Red Square in Moscow . Do yourself a favor and go inside; you won’t be disappointed; the interior is impressive, richly decorated in gold, with many fresque paintings.
  • The Russian Museum: A great collection of Russian art from old icons to modern painting.
  • The Mariinsky Theatre: The main city theatre has three stages; the original one (Old Stage), the Concert Hall, and the Second (modern) stage. All three give performances; ballet, opera, Philharmonic orchestra almost every day.
  • Peterhof:  The fountain residence and ex-summer royal residence built as a repetition of Versaille. An impressive palace with golden, hundreds of small and big fountains, a beautiful park, it’s a must-visit place. If you travel with children, they will enjoy a visit there are many joke fountains where they can get soaking wet. Just be sure to bring extra clothes and a towel with you.
  • The Catherine Palace and Park:  Another ex-royal summer residence in the southern suburb of St.Petersburg. Catherine Palace is probably the most beautiful palace in the city. The main highlights are the famous restored Amber Room and the Grand Hall.

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  • White Nights and Drawing Bridges:  These two are strongly associated with each other. White Nights is a fascinating phenomenon when the daylight is basically 24 hours. The shortest night, June 21, in St.Petersburg is less than 2 hours, but in fact , it never gets really dark. Summer is navigation season in the city, the Neva river gets quite busy, but it starts only at night when all the bridges are closed for traffic. The show of opening bridges begins with music and lights between 1 am, and 2 am; thousands of people, locals, and tourists watch it every day.
  • St.Petersburg Metro:  Named one of the most beautiful metro systems in the world, and it deserves two hours of your time to explore. The most beautiful metro stations; Admiralteiskaya (the second deepest metro station in the world, 102m), Avtovo, Bukharestskaya, Kirovsky Zavod, Mezhdunarodnaya.

Day 4: Veliky Novgorod

Distance from St.Petersburg 195km takes 2h50min to get here by train.

Located between St.Petersburg and Moscow, the oldest Russian city, founded in 859, is definitely worthy of a day stop, especially for those who like history.

Veliky Novgorod is not a usual stop on any Russia itinerary, but it has many old churches and monasteries . The city is relatively small you can move on foot between the main attractions. To get from the train station take a bus, there is a bus stop in front of it.

You’ll notice that everything here is cheaper than in the capital cities; food, accommodation, souvenirs , and entrance fees. There are three of four hostels and quite a few hotels, both budget, and luxury , in the city.

Russia Travel Blog_The Best Two Week Russia Travel Itinerary_Novgorod-Kremlin

Veliky Novgorod Highlights

  • Novgorod Kremlin (Detinets):  The oldest Kremlin in Russia.
  • St.Sophia Cathedral
  • Yuriev Monastery
  • The Millenium of Russia Monument
  • Vitoslavlitsy Museum Of Wooden Architecture

Day 5 – 7: Moscow

birthright second trip

Distance from Novgorod 537km takes 8 hours to arrive by night train.

Crazy and bustling Russian capital city is a strange mix of everything; old-style Russian churches neighboring with skyscrapers of Moscow City. Moscow is famous for the terrible traffic; the Metro is the best way to move around the city , it’s cheap, 0,6 Euro per trip, and fast in the rush hours it gets hectic.

There are many hostels, B&Bs and hotels in the city for any budget , the most important thing is to find a place in the city center, or as close to it as possible otherwise you risk spending quite a lot of time commuting.

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Moscow Highlights

Like any capital city, there are many things to do and places to see , to explore Moscow you’ll need a lot of time, but you’ll be able to visit its highlights in three days.

  • Moscow Kremlin:  The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most famous in the world. The complex is big with a lot to see; Armoury museum, Diamond Fund, the Grand Kremlin Palace, Patriarch Palace, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Assumption Cathedral, and more.
  • Red Square:  Its name doesn’t come from the color as many people think; in old Russian, “red” (Rus. “Krasny”) meant “beautiful.” Most of the central city sights are located on the square. Tip. Come here early morning, at 6 am, and you’ll get the square all to yourself without the crowds.
  • St. Basil’s Cathedral: A favorite tourist attraction, its colorful domes and strange, vivid decoration contrast with traditional Russian churches found all over the city. It was built in the 16th century during the reign of Ivan the Terrible. City legend says that the cathedral architects were blinded to make sure they would not be able to build anything similar ever again.
  • The Tretyakov Gallery:  The most significant collection of Russian art from to XX century. The building itself is fascinating.
  • The Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery: The convent was founded in 1524 by Vasili III; during its history hosted many ladies from the Russian royal family who were forced to take the veil.
  • Kolomenskoye:  Located 12km from Moscow, this complex consists of many buildings representing different eras of traditional Russian architecture; the White Column of Kolomenskoye, the Wooden Palace, Church of John the Baptist, Church of Our Lady of Kazan, etc. This trip takes half of a day .
  • Moscow Metro: 212 stations with a total route length of 360km; it is the sixth-longest metro system in the world. But it is not just the size that is most impressive – it is also about its beauty.  Some stations look like palaces. The most spectacular stations are Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya, and Ploshchad’ Revolyutsii. The best time to explore the Moscow metro is Saturday and Sunday morning.

Day 8 – 9: Kazan

Distance from Moscow 825km takes 11 hours to get by night train.

Kazan is very different from St.Petersburg and Moscow, and visiting it will give you a more complete picture of Russia.

The city is becoming a new tourist attraction in Russia; in the last years, its infrastructure was improved significantly with FIFA World Cup games taking place here, the city got a new stadium and even a new metro. However, it’s relatively small and has only ten stations.

Kazan has the largest Muslim population in Russia, an interesting place to come, a unique mix of European and Asian traditions and culture. Due to recent significant sports events, many hostels and budget hotels were recently opened in the city.

Kazan Highlights

  • Kazan Kremlin:  Don’t be surprised, there is a Kremlin in every old Russian town. In fact, the Moscow Kremlin is one of the youngest out of all of them, although the most famous one.
  • Kul Sharif Mosque:  The biggest mosque in Russia.
  • Millenium Park of Kazan
  • Epiphany Cathedral and The Bell Tower
  • Syuyumbike Leaning Tower

Day 10 – 12: Sochi

Distance from Kazan 2000km, there are three flights per week, duration 2h40min.

A subtropical sea city might be the last most people imagine when thinking of Russia.

The city is busy all year round; in summer, many locals come here seeking sea and sun; in winter, it welcomes ski and snowboard enthusiasts, mainly from the capital cities. The local infrastructure and hospitality service was improved quite a lot for the Winter Olympic Games.

There are many hotels and resorts in the city for holiday travelers, but it’s possible to find a hostel, price from 5 Euro per dorm bed. Chilling on the beach (though it’s rocky), swimming in warm water, hiking to the waterfalls , or exploring the nearby subtropical forest, all these you can do here.

Sochi Highlights

  • Sochi Botanical Garden
  • Olympic Sochi Park
  • Krasnaya Polyana
  • Aquapark Amphibius
  • Caucasian Biosphere Reserve

Russia Travel Blog_Best Two Week Russia Travel Itinerary

Day 13: Sochi to St.Petersburg, Train/Flight

The longest distance traveled on this trip , 2339km. A train journey takes almost two days, usually two nights and one full day. For a comfortable ride, take the Severnaya Palmira train; it has AC, wi-fi, personal power outlets, showers, hot water boiler, and includes a hot meal. A flight is a better option if you have some extra cash; there are three daily flights between two cities, duration 3h10min.

Day 14: St.Petersburg

On the last day, you can relax, do souvenir shopping , wander around the city or maybe visit more city attractions. As an alternative to the standard sights and tours, you can do a roof tour or visit one of the modern art museums , e.g., Street Art museum, Erarta.

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Russia Travel Planning Tips

birthright second trip

To move around the country take night trains this way you save time by traveling at night and save money on accommodation. Night trains have bunk beds and are comfortable enough for sleeping.

In big cities Moscow, St.Petersburg, Kazan, Couchsurfing is quite popular if you’d like to get some insider tips and meet locals , it’s a great way to do it.

Buy train tickets online on the official Russian Railways website – it’s easy you can choose your seats and best price range, it’s easier than trying to explain all these at a ticket office.

Download Google Translator as it works well with Russian – English language combination and translates even written text if you scan it.

Getting A Russian Visa

For many foreigners, it’s the main reason for not visiting Russia as it requires a lot of paperwork and time. Good news for those who need a visa to visit Russia. In 2018 for the FIFA World Cup, citizens of any country with a Fan ID card and a valid passport can enter Russia from June 4 to July 25, 2018, can stay for the specified period without a visa.

If you fall out of that category, you will need to follow this process.

How To Get To Russia

Flying to russia.

This is the fastest way to get the most out of any Russia itinerary.

More than likely, your flight will arrive in Moscow as it has the best air connection with international destinations . If you have a connecting flight to catch in Moscow: make sure your arrival and departure airport are not the same. There are three airports in the city , and sometimes all operate local and international flights, and to commute between them is a nightmare even at night.

Your second option is to fly into St.Petersburg. Numerous international airlines arrive and depart there. If you have a choice, choose this one, as it’s an easier option. There is only one airport and to get to the city center by public transport only takes 30-40min.

Taking A Train To Russia

Several train routes connect St.Petersburg and Moscow with some European capitals; Helsinki, Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Tallinn; most of them depart once a week , except Helsinki and Tallinn, these go every day. Prices are between 30 Euro and 250 Euro, depending on the distance.

Russia  By Bus

It’s an option if you come from one of the nearby countries; many buses connect St.Petersburg with Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Belarus . Bus tickets are usually relatively cheap, from 10 Euro.

Arriving To Russia By Sea

This option is basically limited to St.Petersburg; several cruises go to Scandinavian countries , Finland and Estonia, and make a stop here; ferries passengers are allowed to stay within St.Petersburg without a visa for 72 hours.

More Russia Travel Blogs

  • What’s So Great About Russia? Know Before You Go!
  • Traditional Food In Russia You have a Try

Comments (21)

thanks for sharing,pictures are really cool

I appreciate for your blog post, Thanks for sharing.

Nice Blog, I have been Russia in the month of August and I indeed such a beautiful country it is, will consider this to visit it again.

Nice Blog, I hope I have a chance to go to Russia.

Did any of your hotels register you during your stay ?

Yes, all of them had to back when I went – maybe rules are different now.

This two week experience is the finest experience for every new travelers who want to go for Russia. Thanks

This is a very nice itinerary that enables you to explore the country in just a few days. Thank you for giving us transport at a glance, this enables people plan better.

Really enjoyed this, thanks for the information you provided here!

Very nice Itinerary! It cover the best travel essential in Russia. Great Photography Too.

great blog…….i loved russia

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Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog

Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

ultimate-Moscow-itinerary-phenomenalglobe.com

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

View of the Kremlin Moscow

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Moscow itinerary map

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

  • Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
  • Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
  • Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

The famous pedestrian street Nikolskaya Street (Никольская улица) located in Kitay-Gorod Moscow with thousands of fairy lights.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

Moscow metro station

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

  • The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Planning a trip to Moscow? Click through to read about the best things to do in Moscow and practical information to plan your Moscow trip. #Moscow #Russia #CityTrip

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

The Red Square Moscow Russia

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Red Square with GUM department store in Moscow

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

birthright second trip

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral Moscow

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Lenin Mausoleum Moscow Russia

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

State Historical Museum Moscow

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

Cathedral Square inside the Kremlin

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Moscow

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Gorky Park ice skating Moscow Russia

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theater Moscow

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

  • English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
  • A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Izmailovsky Market Moscow

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Hallway in Bunker 42 Moscow

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Pedestrian boardwalk in Park Zaryad'ye (also called Zaryadye Park)

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

View from Zaryadye Park Moscow

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

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This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

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The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

birthright second trip

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

  • St. Petersburg itinerary
  • Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
  • Ulaanbaatar itinerary
  • Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

Planning a trip to Moscow? This detailed Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and discover the best things to do in Moscow. #Moscow #Russia #CityTrip

This post was updated in December 2020.

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Kelly oubre jr., sixers looking to carry 2nd half effort to road trip, share this article.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers got down by as many as 35 in Friday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans which essentially did them in on a tough night overall.

However, Philadelphia’s effort in the second half was fantastic. The Sixers worked their way back into the game and were within six points with roughly 1:30 left. It was an impressive effort after halftime when considering how poor the first half was.

The key now for Kelly Oubre Jr. and the Sixers is to bottle the second-half effort and take it with them on their 3-game road trip beginning on Sunday against the New York Knicks.

“Honestly man, we just have to come out for 48 minutes, starting at minute zero, as soon as the ball tips,” said Oubre. “Coach emphasized a couple of things today in the pregame meeting and it was just do five or six things we talk about in the game plan and do them really well and stop trying to hit home runs, stop trying to do everything at once because once we start overthinking, especially with the group that we have out there now, which is never good. It’s over helping, or over something, right?”

Philadelphia’s margin for error is very slim. The Pelicans entered the contest playing well and were healthy. The Sixers entered missing Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, De’Anthony Melton, Nic Batum, and Robert Covington. That could be a starting lineup for any team in the league.

However, coach Nick Nurse and the Sixers just didn’t give up. That type of fight and effort now has to carry over to the next contest in order to get back on track.

“I mean obviously, we just aren’t reeling anything back,” Nurse said of the challenges. “It just seems like the list keeps getting longer every night and that’s not easy for anybody’s mentality or psyche, but I’m not giving no excuses. There are some good players out there that need to play a heck of a lot better than they did.”

Philadelphia could have Maxey return on Sunday against the Knicks, but even with his return, the Sixers will still be missing Embiid. The Sixers have got to figure out ways to get back in the win column. It has to start from the opening tip.

“It’s just about locking in,” Oubre finished. “Being game-ready from the tip and just executing for 48 minutes. Those things that coach puts his time in to tell us, it’s like a cheat sheet. We have to actually do those things, execute them at a high level, everybody.”

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

7-day Moscow itinerary

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

things to do in Moscow in one week

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

travel itinerary for one week in Moscow

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

exploring Moscow

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Moscow sights

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

top things to do in Moscow

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

one week Moscow itinerary

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

Moscow itinerary

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

things to do in Moscow in seven days

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

birthright second trip

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

birthright second trip

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

birthright second trip

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

birthright second trip

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

birthright second trip

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

birthright second trip

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

birthright second trip

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

birthright second trip

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

birthright second trip

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

birthright second trip

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

birthright second trip

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

birthright second trip

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

birthright second trip

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

birthright second trip

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

birthright second trip

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

birthright second trip

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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After a Night ‘on Fire,’ Biden Hits the Road to Make the Case for a Second Term

Pumped up by the reaction to his forceful address to Congress the evening before, the president sought to build on the momentum by opening his general election campaign with a trip to Pennsylvania.

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Biden Makes a Campaign Stop in Pennsylvania

President biden held a campaign rally outside philadelphia on friday to amplify his message from his state of the union address..

Our freedoms really are on the ballot this November. Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are trying to take away our freedoms. That’s not an exaggeration. Well, guess what? We will not let him. [cheering] We will not let him. I see a future where we defend democracy. Not diminish it. I see a future where we defend our freedom, not take them away. I see a future the middle class has a fair shot and the wealthy pay their fair share. I see a future for the planet — move from the climate crisis in our country, away from the gun violence that we have so much of. I see a future of America remains the beacon of the world.

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By Peter Baker

Reporting from Wallingford, Pa.

  • March 7, 2024

President Biden took his bid for a second term on the road on Friday, effectively opening the general election campaign with a strongly populist pitch and an aggressive attack on his Republican challenger, former President Donald J. Trump.

Kicking off a monthlong set of barnstorming trips mainly to swing states, Mr. Biden reprised the themes of his State of the Union address at a rally in Wallingford, Pa., as he sought to capitalize on his robust nationally televised performance and galvanize Democrats who have been anxious about his age and poor poll numbers.

Mr. Biden made clear that his regular targets during this re-election bid would be billionaires, corporations, pharmaceutical companies, banks, credit card companies and even potato chip makers. All of them, in his telling, are out to gouge consumers and duck their fair share of taxes. But his favorite villain in his election-year narrative will still be Mr. Trump, his opponent from 2020 now in a rematch set by this week’s Super Tuesday primaries .

“Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans are trying to take away our freedoms,” Mr. Biden told a crowd of cheering Democrats in a school gymnasium, this time not shying away from citing his challenger by name, unlike the night before. “That’s not an exaggeration. But guess what? We will not let him.”

Mr. Biden seemed delighted by the reviews of his State of the Union address, which allies hope will jump-start his campaign after months of Democratic uncertainty about his prospects. “I got my usual warm reception from Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene,” he joked, referring to the Georgia Republican who had heckled and jeered him .

He was so pumped up after the speech, he said, that he stayed up until 2 a.m. and checked out the Fox News coverage. Unsurprisingly, he disagreed with the conservative network’s take that his economic policies would “ruin America,” as he summarized it. “We have the strongest economy in the world right now,” he said.

The president was introduced on Friday by his wife, Jill Biden, who seemed likewise charged up by the address to Congress. “Wasn’t he on fire?” she asked the crowd.

She too went after Mr. Trump directly, contrasting him with her husband. “He wakes up every morning thinking about how he can make the lives of Americans better,” she said of Mr. Biden. “Donald Trump wakes up every morning caring about one person and one person only: himself.”

The president’s travel schedule is about to pick up. After this stop in Pennsylvania, Mr. Biden will head to Georgia on Saturday, New Hampshire on Monday and Wisconsin and Michigan in the middle of next week. Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Arizona and Nevada, meaning that between the two they will hit within a week all of the half-dozen swing states considered critical to the outcome in November.

The cabinet will join in the blitz as well, with the secretaries of the Treasury, interior, agriculture, labor, health and human services, education, energy and veterans affairs as well as various agency directors all taking to the road. The officials will talk about policy goals like protecting abortion rights and promote the administration’s accomplishments, such as strong job growth, rather than making formal campaign speeches, but it all fits into the broader effort. The president and his team got good news as they headed out when the Labor Department reported that U.S. employers had added 275,000 jobs last month.

Mr. Biden’s well-funded campaign announced that it would open the season with a $30 million advertising blitz . The campaign plans to hire 350 staff members and open 100 offices in battleground states over the next month, countering Democratic nervousness about its sluggish start.

After flying to Philadelphia on Friday, Mr. Biden stopped at a private home in Swarthmore to visit Jack and David Cunicelli, the owners of a local cafe. A member of their family is an old friend of Hunter Biden, the president’s son.

But one of the electoral challenges facing Mr. Biden as he seeks to reassemble his 2020 coalition manifested when he arrived at Strath Haven Middle School in Wallingford, where hundreds of protesters upset at his support for Israel’s war in Gaza were waiting. “Shame on you,” they chanted. They added, pointedly, “This November, we remember.”

Inside the gymnasium, Mr. Biden got a friendlier greeting from the crowd: “Four more years!”

Mr. Biden did not exhibit the same volume as he had the night before and stumbled over his words occasionally. But wearing a blue quarter-zip sweater and no tie, he appeared loose and in good spirits, engaging playfully with the crowd. At one point, he trotted out one of his regular lines, complaining that billionaires pay only 8 percent in taxes, a figure that fact checkers have said is misleading .

“I pay more than that,” a woman called out.

“You sure hell do!” he replied.

After his speech was over and Dr. Biden joined him onstage, the president interrupted the applause and made the campaign staff turn down the music so he could tell a well-worn story about how he had proposed to her. “I had to ask this woman five times to marry me!”

But he had a serious message about the choice he sees for the country between him and Mr. Trump, whom he blamed for threatening democracy and coarsening society.

“When you ride down the street, there’s a Trump banner with an F-U on it and a 6-year-old kid putting up his middle finger — did you ever think you’d hear people talk the way they do?” Mr. Biden asked. “Look, it demeans who we are. That’s not America.”

The president associated his challenger with dictators like President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and autocrats like Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary , essentially making the case that Mr. Trump shares their anti-democratic instincts.

“You know who he’s meeting with today down in Mar-a-Lago?” Mr. Biden asked the crowd. “Orban of Hungary, who stated flatly he doesn’t think democracy works, he’s looking for dictatorship.” He added, “That’s who he’s meeting with. I see a future where we defend democracy, not diminish it. I see a future where we defend our freedoms, not take them away.”

Peter Baker is the chief White House correspondent for The Times. He has covered the last five presidents and sometimes writes analytical pieces that place presidents and their administrations in a larger context and historical framework. More about Peter Baker

Our Coverage of the State of the Union

In a raucous state of the union address, president biden sought to reassure americans that at 81, he is ready for a second term..

Biden’s Performance: The president was feisty   and displayed a newly found solemnity and blunt combativeness . Republicans jeered  from their seats. And Democrats enthusiastically cheered their presidential nominee, even as a few aired their grievances about the war in Gaza .

A Contrast With Trump: In his speech, Biden launched a series of fiery attacks  against former President Donald Trump, a competitor whom he did not mention by name but made clear was a dire threat to American democracy  and to  stability in the world .

Middle East Crisis: During the State of the Union, the president announced the construction of a port to deliver aid to Gaza. That decision, as well as the  authorization of aid airdrops  on the territory, raised uncomfortable questions  about America’s role in the war.

Seeking a Tricky Balance: As he spoke to Congress, Biden tried to demonstrate that he could be tough on the border without demonizing immigrants .

A Rare Mention: Biden briefly referenced a topic  that he has often been reluctant to embrace: marijuana. His words could signal a move toward promoting the efforts he has made to liberalize cannabis policy.

Style Choices: Democratic women in suffragist white , Marjorie Taylor Greene in MAGA red. The sartorial statement-making on the congressional floor was clear .

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Hornets hand Nets second consecutive loss…

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Sports NBA Brooklyn Nets

Hornets hand nets second consecutive loss despite cam thomas’ return to starting lineup.

Nick Richards (r.) and Cam Thomas (l.) battle for a loose ball in Saturday night's matchup. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

The Nets kicked off their season-long six-game road trip with a disappointing loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons on Thursday night.

Saturday night served as a perfect bounce-back spot: A winnable game against a Charlotte Hornets team who entered on a six-game losing streak without star LaMelo Ball.

Unfortunately for the Nets, they couldn’t get the job done, even with Cam Thomas returning to the starting lineup and beginning the game with 17 first-quarter points.

Charlotte’s Miles Bridges retaliated with his own early scoring outburst that led his team to a 110-99 victory over the Nets. The loss put Kevin Ollie’s team 4.5 games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the final Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament spot.

Thomas returned Saturday night after missing the last six games due to a right ankle/mid-foot sprain. He started the game 7-of-8 from the field and poured in 17 points in the first eight minutes. He finished with a game-high 31 points.

Despite Thomas’ early outburst, the Nets only led by four at the end of the first due to Miles Bridges scoring 13 of his 24 points in the first quarter. Shortly after Thomas got his first rest of the game, the Hornets went on a 12-0 run to shorten the deficit.

Another run to end the second, 9-0, pushed Charlotte’s lead to 11 at the half. Hornets forward Grant Williams got an easy layup after cutting to the basket and led to Ollie calling timeout with 1:19 remaining. The timeout couldn’t stop the bleeding as the team continued to misfire. The Nets were held scoreless for the final 3:48 of the first half.

The Nets’ defense was porous. Ollie’s team allowed the Hornets to shoot 57% from the field and 47% (8-of-17) from downtown in the first half. That continued in the third quarter, with rookie Brandon Miller shooting 4-for-5 from the field in the period. The 21-year-old finished with 23 points and seven rebounds.

The Hornets later finished the game shooting 54.3% from the field and 36.7% from deep.

The Nets’ porous defense was coupled with a lackluster offense. Possessions that didn’t end with a Thomas bucket looked stagnant and resulted in misses that led to transition opportunities for the Hornets. Charlotte scored 26 fast break points, which was 16 more than their opponents’ total.

The team’s overall offensive struggles factored into Ollie allowing to disregard a possible minutes restriction for Thomas. The interim head coach said pregame he would monitor the guard’s minutes, but Thomas eventually logged 30 minutes in the loss.

In the final minutes of regulation, the Hornets kept the door open for a Nets comeback. Mikal Bridges knocked down a trey with 2:29 remaining to cut the deficit to six. He then forced a missed trey after Miller made a layup on the other end. And on the next possession, Dennis Schröder airballed a floater near the rim that essentially ended the Hornets’ six-game skid.

Miles Bridges’ and-one layup with 49.6 seconds remaining in regulation was the cherry on top that gave his team its 16th win of the season

Mikal Bridges struggles continued as he missed 12-of-18 shots. He was 4-of-11 from downtown and finished with 19 points, four assists and two rebounds. Nic Claxton recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds. Schröder contributed 12 points, seven assists and six boards. Day’Ron Sharpe returned to the lineup after missing two games and recorded two points and five rebounds in 10 minutes of action.

The Nets will be back in action Sunday in the second game of a back-to-back against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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The team went 3-3 without Cam Thomas' 20.9 points per game, which is tied with Mikal Bridges for most on the Nets.

Cam Thomas, Day’Ron Sharpe available to rejoin Nets on road trip as team eyes final Play-In spot

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IMAGES

  1. Exploring the Benefits of a Birthright Trip

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  2. Birthright cutting up to one-third of trip participants amid inflation

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  3. 'Birthright' trip returns safely from Israel

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  4. 10 Tips to Prepare for Your Birthright Trip

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  5. How to Determine If You're Eligible for a Birthright Israel Trip

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  6. BIRTHRIGHT adventures reach new heights

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COMMENTS

  1. What Is Birthright and Why Is It So Controversial?

    One, you have to be Jewish, defined by Birthright as having at least one Jewish birth parent or having converted through a recognized Jewish denomination. Two, you have to be between 18 and 26 ...

  2. A Free Trip to Israel

    Taglit- Birthright Israel offers a FREE trip to Israel for Jewish young adults between the ages of 18 - 26. Sign up today.

  3. Birthright Israel

    Taglit-Birthright Israel (Hebrew: תגלית), also known as Birthright Israel or simply Birthright, is a free ten-day heritage trip to Israel, Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights for young adults of Jewish heritage between the ages of 18 and 26. The program is sponsored by the Birthright Israel Foundation, whose donors subsidize participation. . Taglit is the Hebrew word for 'discovery'. During ...

  4. Frequently Asked Questions

    In 2023, due to rising prices as a result of inflation, the cost to send one participant increased 30%. Consequently, only 23,500 young Jews are able to participate in Birthright Israel's classic 10-day trip, compared to 35,000 in 2022 and 48,000 pre-COVID. For the summer of 2023, there were 32,000 applicants for only 12,000 North American ...

  5. FAQ

    Your Trip Organizer will provide you with additional contact information which can be shared with your parents. In the event that your parents can't contact you or your Trip Organizer directly, Birthright Israel will leave the number to an after hours emergency service on our main line + 1-888-99-ISRAEL (7723).

  6. Choose Your Free Israel Trip

    Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea + lots of TLV time. Inclusive approach alongside new Israeli friends. Campus. Arizona State University. OU - Israel Free Spirit. Go w friends or meet new ppl @ UofA & ASU. Tel Aviv, hikes, rafting, Jerusalem, Dead Sea. Combines outdoors, culture, & travel w Israelis. Campus.

  7. What to Know Before Your Birthright Trip

    Of course, my Israel trip was through Birthright (or Taglit in Hebrew)! If you aren't familiar, this organization fully funds trips to Israel for anyone of Jewish descent between 18-26 years old. I am 24 years old now and have been waiting since the second I turned 18 to go.

  8. The Free Birthright Israel Trips

    Israel Outdoors is a leading organizer of free Birthright Israel trips for eligible travelers, ages 18-26 - departing from across North America. Travel with Israel Outdoors because our trips are fun, adventurous, and inspiring! Our approach is pluralistic and we encourage open-minded exploration all along the way.

  9. How to Apply for a Birthright Israel Trip

    Step 2: Fill out the application. After you sort through the options and find the perfect trip, the next step is to create an account. After confirming your email address, you can get started on the application. Some of the questions will be about your Jewish background to confirm eligibility. You'll also be asked to provide contact ...

  10. Answered: Which Birthright Israel trip should I choose?

    Trip Length: Most Birthright trips are 10 days ("the standard"), but all trip organizers also offer 7-day expedited trips. There are also a few organizers who offer extended study abroad trips for 13 days (which include college credit and more in-depth activities) Trip Organizer: There are 9 different organizers to choose among.

  11. These 6 Other Countries Offer Birthright Trips, Too

    The trip is specifically geared toward second-, third-, or fourth-generation Americans with little to no connection with their Greek heritage. ... Birthright Armenia is a longer-term program, with ...

  12. Birthright Israel

    Is Birthright free? Birthright covers everything from flights, hotels, breakfast and dinner. There is a deposit of $360. The deposit is collected for a number of reasons, mainly to ensure that you arrive or show up for the trip. It covers any fees that might be incurred by Birthright Israel in the event that you cancel after the deadline.

  13. Hillel: Birthright Israel FAQs

    Yes, the $360 deposit is fully refundable. The $25 deposit processing fee isn't refundable. Shortly after your Birthright Israel trip, you'll receive an email with instructions on how to request a refund for your deposit. You'll also receive a refund if you're waitlisted or you withdraw prior to the refund deadline for accepted ...

  14. Sample Itinerary

    Birthright Israel Sample Itinerary. Birthright Israel is an unforgettable educational experience. Though we have evolved over the last two decades, one thing is constant: Birthright Israel is the largest educational program in the history of the Jewish people. In our sample itinerary, you'll see how a typical, 10-day Birthright Israel trip ...

  15. Birthright expands eligibility for free trips to Israel

    The Taglit-Birthright Israel program has expanded eligibility for its free 10-day trips to Israel for Jewish young adults ages 18-26. In a change first reported by JNS.org, teenagers who went on an educational trip to Israel during high school can now go on Birthright after previously being ineligible. Birthright's eligibility guidelines previously allowed people to participate if they had ...

  16. STEP 2

    In order to receive your extension confirmation prior to your Birthright trip departure, requests must be received at least 7-10 business days prior to US departure (depending on airline). Applying later than that date, may result in receiving your confirmation only AFTER you arrive in Israel. ... We will try to complete second changes within ...

  17. Answered: Which trip organizer should I choose?

    OU Israel Free Spirit. Sachlav Israel on the House. Shorashim. Yael Adventures. There isn't one "Birthright Israel trip.". Instead, there are almost 600 trip options from 9 trip organizers, affiliated with the official Birthright Israel organization. The one you choose makes a big difference on the type of trip you go on and the ...

  18. Eligibility

    You must be 18 to 26 years old at the time of the trip and not in high school. If you meet that criteria, mazel tov!—you're eligible for the Birthright Israel trip. Nearing the end of the age bracket? If you're applying for a summer trip, you must be 26 before May 1st. For winter trips, you must be 26 by December 1st.

  19. 5 takeaways from President Biden's State of the Union address

    President Biden used the high-profile speech to draw a contrast with his 2024 likely opponent, former President Donald Trump. He hit on the economy, abortion, the Mideast and the border.

  20. The Best 2 Week Russia Itinerary: What To See & Do In Russia

    One metro trip costs 0,5 Euro. There are hundreds of accommodation options in the city, from hostels to B&Bs and fancy hotels. St.Petersburg Highlights. The Hermitage Museum/Winter Palace: One of the top art museums in the world. It says if you stop at every item (painting, sculpture, or artifact) for 1 second, you'll need years to finish.

  21. Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

    First of all, it's located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century. The abbreviation stands for Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side ...

  22. Kelly Oubre Jr., Sixers looking to carry 2nd half effort to road trip

    The key now for Kelly Oubre Jr. and the Sixers is to bottle the second-half effort and take it with them on their 3-game road trip beginning on Sunday against the New York Knicks. "Honestly man, we just have to come out for 48 minutes, starting at minute zero, as soon as the ball tips," said Oubre.

  23. The Bucks faltered for the second-straight game with a one-point loss

    The Milwaukee Bucks dropped a second-straight game, losing to a Los Angeles Lakers team that didn't have LeBron James, 122-123, on Friday night.. The sorry one-point loss came after the Bucks ...

  24. Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson Illustrates All-Around Potential in

    The Houston Rockets began their three-game road trip with a 123-107 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers Friday night inside the Moda Center.. Jalen Green led the Rockets with a team-best 27 ...

  25. Girls basketball: O-G earns trip to state with strong defense

    ELIDA — For Ottawa-Glandorf's girls basketball team, revenge looks like allowing just five points in the second half. Revenge looks like holding a team to just 12% shooting in the final 16 ...

  26. Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

    Day 1 - Red Square And the Kremlin. Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line. No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone's throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city.

  27. Classic itinerary

    All the way up. A climb up one of Israel's tallest mountains, is the day's first order of business. Next up is the magical, mystical, and mountainous city of Tzfat. Be inspired by the artwork of Tzfat's Kabbalistic artists. Apply some more sunblock, and go merrily merrily rafting down the cool waters of the Jordan River. Treat.

  28. After a Night 'on Fire,' Biden Hits the Road to Make the Case for a

    Pumped up by the reaction to his forceful address to Congress the evening before, the president sought to build on the momentum by opening his general election campaign with a trip to Pennsylvania.

  29. Hotel Artcourt Moscow Center

    Set in a prime location of Moscow, Courtyard by Marriott Moscow City Center puts everything the city has to offer just outside your doorstep. The hotel offers a wide range of amenities and perks to ensure you have a great time. 24-hour room service, 24-hour front desk, facilities for disabled guests, Wi-Fi in public areas, car park are just some of the facilities on offer.

  30. Hornets hand Nets second consecutive loss despite Cam Thomas' return

    The Nets kicked off their season-long six-game road trip with a disappointing loss to the lowly Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. ... Another run to end the second, 9-0, pushed Charlotte's lead ...