46 days in Russia & Poland Itinerary

Built on a desolate swamp as a showcase capital of Imperial Russia, this grand city has certainly lived up to the expectations of its founder, Tsar Peter the Great.

Take a break from St. Petersburg with a short trip to WindTunnel FlyStation in Kuzmolovsky, about 32 minutes away. There's still lots to do: explore the world behind art at The State Hermitage Museum, admire the natural beauty at Summer Garden, examine the collection at Saint Isaac's Cathedral, and admire the landmark architecture of Smolny Cathedral.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, read our St. Petersburg online route planner.

If you are flying in from South Africa, the closest major aiport is Pulkovo Airport. Expect a daytime high around 9°C in April, and nighttime lows around 0°C. On the 30th (Thu), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Moscow.

Russia's political, economic, and cultural center, Moscow remains the most populous inland city in the world, famed for its colorful history and rich architectural heritage.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Moscow: The Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra (in Sergiyev Posad), FREEZONE Aerodynamic Complex (in Sharapovo) and Monument to Street Cleaner (in Balashikha). Pack the 11th (Mon) with family-friendly diversions at Etnomir Tourist Complex. There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Red Square, admire the masterpieces at New Tretyakov Gallery, explore the different monuments and memorials at Tserkov' Uspeniya Presvyatoy Bogoroditsy V Novodevich'yem Monastyre, and pause for some serene contemplation at Saint Basil's Cathedral.

For maps, reviews, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Moscow trip planner.

Getting from St. Petersburg to Moscow by train takes about 5 hours. Other options: fly; or drive. Expect a daytime high around 11°C in April, and nighttime lows around 1°C. On the 15th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Warsaw.

Warsaw draws big crowds with its seemingly unstoppable energy, exemplified by the city's explosive nightlife and thriving music scene.

Warsaw is known for historic sites, museums, and parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get to know the fascinating history of Old Town, take in panoramic vistas at Palace of Culture and Science, appreciate the history behind Pomnik Bohaterów Getta, and take in the spiritual surroundings of St. Anne's Church (Kosciol Swietej Anny).

For photos, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, read Warsaw route planner.

You can fly from Moscow to Warsaw in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 2 hours traveling from Moscow to Warsaw. In May, daytime highs in Warsaw are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 11°C. On the 25th (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Krakow.

One of Poland's oldest cities, Krakow sits at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains, its historical town center nestled on the left bank of the Vistula River.

Change things up with a short trip to Panstwowe Muzeum Auschwitz-Birkenau in Oswiecim (about 1h 20 min away). There's lots more to do: make a trip to Krakow's Rynek Glowny Central Square, hunt for treasures at Sukiennice (Cloth Hall), take in the local highlights with Walking tours, and contemplate the long history of Muzeum Krakowa, oddzial Fabryka Emalia Oskara Schindlera.

For where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and tourist information, read Krakow trip itinerary planning website.

Traveling by train from Warsaw to Krakow takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. In May, daytime highs in Krakow are 22°C, while nighttime lows are 9°C. You'll have a few hours on the 30th (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling home.