Russian Federation Travel Itinerary - Visa Application Document body { font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; background-color: #000000; color: #ffffff; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0; padding: 40px 20px; } .container { max-width: 1000px; margin: 0 auto; } header { text-align: center; margin-bottom: 40px; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong { color: #ffffff; } h1 { font-size: 2rem; margin-bottom: 5px; text-transform: uppercase; letter-spacing: 1px; } .document-meta { font-size: 1rem; margin-bottom: 30px; } .itinerary-grid { display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr; gap: 20px; } .day-box { background-color: #000000; border: 2px solid #000000; outline: 1px solid #333333; padding: 20px; page-break-inside: avoid; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000; padding-bottom: 10px; margin-bottom: 15px; } .day-header h2 { margin: 0; font-size: 1.4rem; } .day-header .location { font-size: 1rem; font-weight: normal; font-style: italic; } .activity-list { list-style-type: none; padding: 0; margin: 0; } .activity-list li { margin-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 15px; position: relative; } .activity-list li::before { content: "-"; position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; } .highlight { font-weight: bold; } footer { margin-top: 40px; padding-top: 20px; border-top: 1px solid #000000; } .tips-section { margin-bottom: 20px; } .tips-section h3 { font-size: 1.2rem; margin-bottom: 10px; text-transform: uppercase; } .tips-list { list-style-type: square; padding-left: 20px; font-size: 0.95rem; } .tips-list li { margin-bottom: 8px; } .official-note { text-align: center; font-size: 0.9rem; font-style: italic; margin-top: 30px; } @media print { body { background-color: #ffffff !important; color: #000000 !important; padding: 0; } h1, h2, h3, p, span, li, strong, .location { color: #000000 !important; } .day-box { background-color: #ffffff !important; border: 2px solid #000000 !important; outline: none !important; margin-bottom: 20px; box-shadow: none !important; } .day-header { border-bottom: 1px solid #000000 !important; } footer { border-top: 1px solid #000000 !important; } @page { margin: 2cm; } } Travel Itinerary Destination: Russian Federation (Moscow, St. Petersburg) Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights Purpose of Travel: Tourism Day 1 - Arrival in Moscow & The Historic Heart International Arrival: Depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (DAC) in Dhaka. Following a connecting flight via a major transit hub (such as Dubai or Istanbul), arrive at Sheremetyevo (SVO) or Domodedovo (DME) International Airport in Moscow. Clear passport control by presenting your valid Russian Tourist Visa, Tourist Voucher, and completed migration card. Hotel Transfer & Check-in: Board the high-speed Aeroexpress train for a seamless, traffic-free transfer into central Moscow. Check into your pre-booked, centrally located hotel and refresh after your journey. Red Square & St. Basil's Cathedral: Head directly to Red Square, the epicenter of Russian history. Marvel at the world-famous, colorful onion domes of the 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral, commissioned by Ivan the Terrible. GUM Department Store: Explore the adjacent GUM Department Store. Beyond luxury shopping, this architectural masterpiece is renowned for its spectacular 19th-century glass-vaulted roof. Be sure to purchase the famous, traditional Soviet-style ice cream (Plombir) sold on the ground floor. Alexander Garden & The Eternal Flame: Walk along the western wall of the Kremlin through Alexander Garden. Witness the solemn, synchronized Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which burns an eternal flame honoring the fallen of World War II. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Moscow. Day 2 - Kremlin Citadels & Underground Palaces Moscow Kremlin & Armoury Chamber: Spend the morning inside the fortified walls of the Moscow Kremlin, the official residence of the Russian President. Visit Cathedral Square to see the breathtaking Assumption Cathedral. Access the Armoury Chamber to view the staggeringly wealthy collection of Imperial Fabergé eggs, royal carriages, and diamond-studded state regalia. Moscow Metro Guided Tour: Descend into the Moscow Metro, widely considered the most beautiful subway system in the world. Take a guided tour to admire stations like Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, and Ploshchad Revolyutsii, which operate as literal "underground palaces" adorned with crystal chandeliers, intricate mosaics, and bronze statues. Zaryadye Park & Floating Bridge: In the afternoon, visit the ultra-modern Zaryadye Park, located just steps from Red Square. Walk out onto the gravity-defying V-shaped "Floating Bridge" that extends over the Moskva River, offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the Kremlin walls and towers. Traditional Russian Dinner: Enjoy a hearty, authentic Russian dinner at a specialized local restaurant. Sample classic dishes such as rich beetroot "Borscht" soup, savory "Beef Stroganoff," and handmade "Pelmeni" (meat dumplings), accompanied by traditional Mors (berry juice) or Kvass. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Moscow. Day 3 - Russian Fine Art & Modern Vistas State Tretyakov Gallery: Dedicate your morning to the State Tretyakov Gallery, the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. View priceless masterpieces spanning from ancient medieval icons (including Andrei Rublev's 'Trinity') to the legendary 19th-century works of Ilya Repin. Winzavod Contemporary Art Centre: Transition from classical to modern by exploring Winzavod. This revitalized former wine factory has been transformed into Moscow's premier hub for contemporary art, housing cutting-edge galleries, design studios, and vibrant street art. Bunker-42 Excursion (Wildcard Option): For a unique historical thrill, take a guided tour of Bunker-42 on Taganka. Descend 65 meters below the city streets into a once highly classified, 7,000-square-meter Cold War-era underground nuclear communications center and bunker. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory): Conclude the day by taking the cable car or walking up to Sparrow Hills. This elevated vantage point provides a stunning sunset view of the sweeping Moscow skyline, flanked by the monumental, Stalinist-gothic architecture of the Moscow State University main building. Accommodation: Overnight stay in Moscow. Day 4 - High-Speed Rail to St. Petersburg & The Imperial Capital Sapsan High-Speed Train: Check out of your Moscow hotel and transfer to Leningradsky Railway Station. Board the luxurious Sapsan high-speed train for a comfortable, scenic 4-hour journey across the Russian countryside, arriving at Moskovsky Station in St. Petersburg. Palace Square (Dvortsovaya Ploshchad): After checking into your St. Petersburg hotel, walk to Palace Square, the vast, monumental heart of the former Russian Empire. Admire the towering Alexander Column and the sweeping, curved facade of the General Staff Building. State Hermitage Museum: Spend the afternoon exploring the State Hermitage Museum, housed within the magnificent mint-green and gold Winter Palace. As one of the largest and oldest museums globally, it holds over 3 million items, featuring opulent state reception rooms and masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Michelangelo. Nevsky Prospekt Evening Walk: Take a leisurely evening stroll down Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s grand main boulevard. Lined with spectacular 18th and 19th-century architecture, it is the perfect place to browse high-end boutiques and dine at historic venues like the Singer Cafe (House of Books). Accommodation: Overnight stay in St. Petersburg. Day 5 - Palace Gardens & The Amber Room Hydrofoil to Peterhof: Board a high-speed hydrofoil from the embankment near the Hermitage, enjoying a fast, scenic 45-minute ride across the Gulf of Finland to reach the magnificent Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the "Russian Versailles." Peterhof Lower Park & Fountains: Explore the impeccably manicured Lower Park. The absolute highlight is the Grand Cascade, an incredible, gravity-fed system of over 60 fountains and 200 gilded statues, centered around the spectacular monument of Samson tearing open the lion's jaws. Catherine Palace (Tsarskoye Selo): Travel south to the town of Pushkin to visit the Catherine Palace, distinguished by its brilliant blue, white, and gold Baroque exterior. Take a guided tour to witness the world-famous Amber Room, meticulously reconstructed with intricate amber panels, gold leaf, and mirrors. Traditional Tea Ceremony: Relax in the late afternoon with an authentic Russian tea ceremony. Enjoy hot tea poured from a traditional, ornate "Samovar," served alongside fresh "Blini" (thin Russian pancakes) topped with sour cream and high-quality red or black caviar. Accommodation: Overnight stay in St. Petersburg. Day 6 - Canals, Domes & Imperial Easter Eggs Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Start the day at this visually stunning Orthodox church, built on the exact cobblestone spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. The interior is a breathtaking masterpiece, completely covered from floor to ceiling in over 7,500 square meters of intricate, colorful mosaics. St. Isaac’s Cathedral: Visit the monumental St. Isaac’s Cathedral, defined by its massive, pure gold dome. For those with stamina, climb the 262 steps to the exterior colonnade, which rewards visitors with a spectacular, uninterrupted 360-degree view of the St. Petersburg skyline. River and Canal Cruise: Experience why St. Petersburg is dubbed the "Venice of the North" by taking a scenic boat cruise. Glide slowly along the Moika and Fontanka rivers, passing beneath dozens of romantic, low-hanging bridges and admiring the city's granite embankments and pastel palaces from the water. Fabergé Museum: Visit the beautifully restored Shuvalov Palace on the Fontanka River, which houses the Fabergé Museum. Marvel at the world's largest collection of works by Carl Fabergé, including nine of the priceless, exquisitely detailed Imperial Easter Eggs created for the last Russian Tsars. Accommodation: Overnight stay in St. Petersburg. Day 7 - Fortresses, Gourmet Emporiums & Departure Peter and Paul Fortress: Visit the original citadel of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Explore the grounds and enter the soaring Peter and Paul Cathedral, which serves as the somber, gilded burial site for nearly all Russian emperors, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II. Eliseyev Emporium: Walk back to Nevsky Prospekt to visit the Eliseyev Emporium, a striking Art Nouveau food hall that feels like a palace. It is the perfect spot to purchase high-quality Russian chocolates, premium vodka, and gourmet delicacies in a luxurious 19th-century setting. Final Souvenir Procurement: Take time to secure authentic Russian souvenirs. Excellent options include a beautifully hand-painted set of Matryoshka (nesting) dolls, exquisite Baltic amber jewelry, or delicate, cobalt-net patterned Imperial Porcelain tea sets. International Departure: Transfer securely to Pulkovo Airport (LED) in St. Petersburg via an authorized taxi or Yandex Go. Complete check-in for your domestic transit flight back to Moscow, connecting seamlessly to your final international flight to Dhaka (DAC). Accommodation: In-flight transit. Essential Travel Notes & Embassy Tips Visa Requirements: Bangladeshi citizens strictly require a regular Tourist Visa prior to arrival, as the Russian eVisa system is not available for Bangladesh. The application requires a specific Tourist Voucher and Confirmation of Receiving a Foreign Tourist from a licensed Russian travel agent; standard hotel bookings are not accepted as substitutes. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your visa expiry. Financial & Payment System: Due to international sanctions, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express cards issued outside of Russia do not function within the country. The Russian economy strictly operates on the Ruble. Travelers must bring physical cash (pristine, unmarked USD or EUR notes) to exchange locally, or obtain a local MIR payment card (such as via YooMoney) prior to or upon arrival to handle digital transactions. You may carry up to the equivalent of USD 10,000 in cash without declaring it at customs. VPN & Digital Access: A robust, paid VPN installed on your devices prior to departure is highly recommended. Many Western social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram) and news sites are restricted by domestic firewalls. Purchasing a local SIM card (MTS, Megafon, or Beeline) is easy and requires only your passport, ensuring you have 4G coverage to access necessary travel applications. Navigation & Ride-Hailing: Western apps like Uber or Google Maps are ineffective or unavailable in Russia. You must download the "Yandex Go" app for reliable, inexpensive ride-hailing and food delivery. Additionally, download "Yandex Maps" or "2GIS" for vastly superior, highly detailed navigation of Russian cities and public transit systems. Church Modesty & Dress Code: When entering active Russian Orthodox churches and cathedrals, strict modesty rules are enforced. Women are generally expected to cover their heads with a scarf and wear skirts or dresses below the knee. Men must remove hats and wear long trousers (shorts are strictly forbidden). High-Speed Rail & Transport Logistics: When booking intercity travel such as the Sapsan high-speed train between Moscow and St. Petersburg, tickets should be secured well in advance. You are strictly required to present your original physical passport to the train conductors prior to boarding; copies are not accepted. Climate & Packing Advice: Russia's climate is characterized by extremes. If traveling between November and March, sub-zero temperatures require heavy thermal layers, a high-quality insulated parka, waterproof snow boots, and thick accessories. If traveling in the summer, the weather is generally warm and pleasant, though a light rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the vast palace grounds. This document is prepared for visa application, immigration clearance, and comprehensive travel planning.