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Backroads Trip Leaders: Compensation, Benefits & Work Authorization

Why backroads.

Where do we start? Dream job. Best job in the world. Recognized by  Outside Magazine  on their annual "Best Places to Work" surveys. Our leaders love their work so much, over 90% return to lead year after year. And that's just the start of it. Working for Backroads means you will:

• Have an office that's constantly changing —in the most beautiful areas of the world.
• Be outside on a daily basis, being active and healthy .
• Challenge yourself , physically and mentally, developing leadership skills and friendships that will carry with you forever.
• Be part of a continually growing company that provides extensive mentorship, embraces transparent management practices and provides dynamic career opportunities .

Now Getting Down to Business...

Backroads began in 1979 as an innovative active travel company. Now the industry leader in active travel, we offer more biking, walking and multi-adventure tours in more locations worldwide than any other company. In addition to our company headquarters in Berkeley, California, Backroads has three logistical hubs: Salt Lake City, Utah; Canmore, Alberta (near Banff) Canada; and "801 France" in Pernes-les-Fontaines (in Provence), France.

All of our Field Staff are legally authorized to work for one of our hubs. Learn more about our specific work authorization needs here .

Leaders based in the United States, Canada and Europe are eligible to work in Europe, and we do send a small number of new leaders overseas in their first season. The key factors in determining European trip leading schedules are language skills, European travel experience, and the ability to confidently drive a manual transmission van and pulling a trailer with guests in the van with you. Unfortunately, Backroads cannot sponsor an individual seeking a work visa. Work permits or visas must be obtained separately, on the applicant's own, prior to being considered for a Trip Leader position.

Leader Compensation & Benefits

The Backroads compensation and benefits package sets the standard in the active travel industry. The majority of Field Staff are hired as employees of Backroads, which entitles them to benefits not provided by companies that pay as independent contractors. On top of the most generous base pay rates in the industry, Backroads leaders receive a significant portion of their compensation in gratuities from guests. Our industry-leading position and higher average number of guests per trip translates into tips that usually double and occasionally triple a first year leader's per trip income. Additionally, many perks and benefits minimize out-of-pocket costs giving leaders the opportunity to save money. Here is more information to help you make an informed decision about whether or not being a Backroads Trip Leader is the right job for you.

Amount of Work

Trip Leader earning potential depends on the amount and type of work. New Leaders who graduate from earlier Leadership Training Programs have greater earning potential because they will be available for work sooner. Time off requests can limit earning potential, for more information visit the FAQs page. In 2023 New Leaders worked an average of 111 days from late spring through October. During this period of time, they worked an average of 5 - 6 weeks as a Trip Leader and 5-6 weeks as a Support Leader. The rest of the days were spent preparing for a trip, traveling, training, loading equipment, driving vans, becoming familiar with regions and maintaining equipment. During the same time period, high-performing second-year leaders worked an average of 12 weeks as Trip Leaders, and 2 weeks as Support Leaders (plus ancillary work, driving, etc.). Earning potential and opportunities to lead year-round grows in a leader's second year and beyond. While leaders aren’t working, they have the benefit of time off to explore the region they are in and go on their own outdoor adventures.

Trip Leaders are hired as "seasonal" employees and their season is a six-month period starting when they attend training. Seasonal leaders can expect to wrap up work on or before October 31. Some seasonal leaders are scheduled for work during our winter "peak" (generally late December/early January) based on performance and business need. On or before October 31, leaders will be notified of their status for the next year, and there are 3 possible status options: (1) seasonal leader (6-month or shorter season), (2) extended seasonal leader (greater than 6-month season), (3) year-round leader (leader works on a near year-round basis).

Pay & Gratuities Detailed information about compensation will be provided during the interview stage process.

Allowances While on trip working as a Trip Leader or Support Leader, food is provided. Food allowances are also provided for travel days, drive days, regional familiarization days and some prep days. On top of these allowances, Backroads leaders receive phone stipends and have access to Backroads' computers.

Housing Lodging is provided while leaders are on trips, either in hotels or at campsites. Communal housing is also provided between trips, so leaders will not incur any out-of-pocket expenses for lodging during the entire season. Many of our regions worldwide have "leader houses" in wonderful places that are available to all field staff free of charge while working, and in between trips. In Europe: Tuscany, Puglia, Provence, Loire Valley, Dordogne, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Ireland, Switzerland. In the United States: Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Anacortes, Washington; Portland, Maine; Whitefish, Montana; Berkeley, California; Stowe, Vermont; Anchorage, Alaska; St. George, Utah; In Canada: Outside Banff; Nova Scotia; Quebec. And other international locales such as: Wanaka, New Zealand; San José, Costa Rica. While housing is communal, all Field Staff will have separate beds (sometimes bunk beds!). Standard with these accommodations are computers, wireless internet and access to bikes for personal use.

Travel Backroads provides all work-related travel. It is a leader's responsibility to travel to their hub (Salt Lake, Canmore or Pernes-Les-Fontaines) at the beginning of the season and home at the end of the season. Leaders enjoy keeping their own frequent flyer miles for personal travel, and may choose to stopover or extend their stay in desired locales within work-sponsored itineraries. Backroads provides all travel to trip destinations during a working season.

Recreational Benefits  Backroads also offers several benefits to leaders that are of a more recreational nature, including generous discounts with brand-name equipment and clothing companies; Backroads-labeled gear (items vary each year); and Backroads trip discounts for family and friends and our favorite: Staff Ride. Select Field Staff in their second season and beyond are invited to our annual Staff Ride (our version of the company picnic). Staff Ride is an all-inclusive multi-day bike trip held in a different destination each year such as: Vietnam, California, Greece, Thailand, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Provence, India, etc.. Trip leaders who have lead 50, 100, 150, etc. Trips also receive additional milestone gifts to celebrate their accomplishments.

The "Leader Lifestyle" Perhaps the most valuable benefit is enjoying a lifestyle few can match. In addition to trips that feature some of the worlds' best hotels, restaurants and scenery, imagine having time off in some of the most desirable locations around the world, and having the freedom to explore on your own. Not to mention being a part of an incredible, kind, adventurous, friendly and tight-knit community that constantly inspires personal and professional growth. Being a Backroads leader allows for a lifestyle of flexibility, growth and experiences that many value above all other benefits of the job.

Additional Benefits Based on Hub of Employment

Leaders employed by  Backroads Utah  enjoy these benefits:

• 401k Plan : Leaders are eligible to contribute (up to 75% of their income) to a 401k plan after six months of employment. Backroads provides a 20% match on employee contributions of up to 15% of pay, vesting over the five-year period from date of hire.
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance : Backroads provides group medical, dental and vision insurance eligibility based on a leader's status. Leaders with extended seasonal status who work longer than six months are eligible on the first day of the month following their one-year anniversary if they work 1430 hours or more in their first 11 months of employment (or 1560 or more hours during the previous calendar year in subsequent years of employment). 
• Flex Plan : This plan allows benefits-eligible employees to set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualifying health and dependent daycare expenses. 
• Workers Compensation Coverage:  In the unfortunate event of a work-related injury all Backroads Leaders are covered by workers compensation insurance which provides coverage for medical care, disability pay and medically necessary transportation costs. 

Leaders employed by our Canadian subsidiary enjoy these benefits:

• Health/Dental Insurance Program : Backroads will reimburse up to $150 CAD per month for provincial medical and/or supplemental medical insurance beginning the first day of the month following the first day of training. Leaders are eligible to receive this reimbursement during months in which they work 10 days or more. 
• Holiday Pay : Canadian Leaders receive paid holidays in accordance with Canadian Labour Code. 
• Vacation Pay : Canadian Leaders receive vacation pay at the rate of 4% of pay for employees who have been with the company for one to five years and 6% of pay for employees who have been with the company for more than five years. 
• Workers Compensation Coverage : In the unfortunate event of a work-related injury all Canadian Backroads Leaders are covered by a combination of workers compensation insurance and employer paid travel medical plans (when working outside of Canada) which provides coverage for medical care, disability pay and medically necessary transportation costs.
• RRSP : Leaders are eligible to participate in our Canadian Retirement Savings Plan. This is a subsidy to your own individual retirement savings plan. Backroads currently matches 20% (on up to 15% of your total salary). Backroads will apply a five-year vesting period of 20% per year from date of hire. To receive a matching contribution, you must present a receipt for your retirement plan contribution by April 30th of the following year (e.g., 2022 RRSP contribution receipts must be received by the People and Culture department by April 30, 2023 and 2023 receipts by April 30, 2024).

Leaders employed by our French subsidiary also enjoy these benefits:

• Medical Benefits : Leaders under the European hub benefit from either the national health plan from their country of residency, or from the French health plan depending on which country is in charge of their coverage (this will be determined by the country of residence). European health plans usually cover part or the entire cost of the cares, as well as financial compensation during sick leave. 
• Holiday Pay : Time worked on French holidays is paid time and a half. Time worked on May 1 (Labor Day) is paid double. 
• Vacation Pay : Vacation pay for European leaders is included in the paycheck and paid out at the end of each month worked. The amount of vacation pay is equal to 10% of the total gross pay leaders make during the month. 
• European leaders also qualify for French government approved retirement and unemployment plans covered by Klesia and Pole Emploi.
• An additional 10% of your total gross season income will be paid at the end of your contract/season.

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When one learns that traveling to National Parks, historic landmarks, and breathtaking scenic destinations while facilitating a vacation experience for a group of curious, active, intrepid travelers is actually some people's JOB, most say "wow, why not me?" Well, perhaps it could be!

Compensation & Perks

Backroads sets the industry standard for the total leader compensation and benefit package. Backroads enables field employees to both work and play through many perks and benefits that mitigate out-of-pocket costs when leaders are on the road. In addition to a competitive daily wage and gratuities Trip Leaders will receive:

Travel Backroads provides all work-related travel expenses throughout the course of the season. It is a leader's responsibility to travel to their hub at the beginning of the season and home from their hub at the end of the season. Leaders enjoy keeping their own frequent flyer miles for personal travel and may choose to stopover or extend their stay in desired locales within work-sponsored itineraries. While it's a leader's responsibility to cover travel costs to and from a hub at the start and end of a leaders' season, Backroads provides all travel to trip destinations during a working season.

Joie de Vivre Perhaps the most valuable benefit is enjoying a lifestyle few can match. In addition to itineraries that feature some of the worlds' best hotels, restaurants and scenery, imagine having time off in some of the most desirable locations around the world, and having the freedom to explore on your own. Being a Backroads leader allows for a lifestyle of flexibility and variety that many value above all other benefits of the job.

Backroads Leaders are quick-thinking, team players, intuitive, funny, dynamic, active, decisive, professional, poised, motivated, friendly, empathetic, authentic, hardworking, assured, inexhaustible, creative, flexible and inspirational... phew! We know we're all unique, and we don't all possess each of these characteristics, but these are the qualities that define some of the most successful Backroads Trip Leaders.

At minimum, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid driver's license and excellent driving record. Leaders based in the U.S., Canada and Europe are eligible to work in Europe, and a small number of new Leaders will be sent overseas in their first season. The key factors in determining European trip leading schedules are language skills, European travel experience, and the ability to confidently drive a manual transmission van and pulling a trailer with guests in the vehicle with you.

Hiring Process & Connections

There are three stages to the hiring process . After each stage Backroads will let you know if you will, or will not, be advancing to the next stage. Once the Hiring Team has reviewed your application, they may contact you to schedule a video interview. Similarly, after a video interview, Backroads may invite you to attend a Hiring Event (with dates beginning in January). Finally, before leading trips, every new Leader must graduate from the Backroads Leadership Training Program.

If you are a natural leader who can do a world-class job with style and professionalism, please apply now (throughout the application process you will be able to pause, save your work and continue later).

Backroads 801 Cedar St. Berkeley, CA 94710 [email protected] Backroads.com/leaders

Backroads can be found in the Adventure Jobs Worldwide channel

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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.

Tara Pittman

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

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?

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!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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.

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!

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!

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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.

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

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…

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