marine atlantic travel

New Marine Atlantic ferry Ala'suinu will soon set sail for Atlantic Canada

The ala’suinu has more cabins than any other marine atlantic vessel, social sharing.

Marine Atlantic has a new ferry in the water, and it will soon begin its journey from a shipyard in China and sail into Atlantic Canada in April.

The Ala'suinu, which means "traveller" in Mi'kmaw, is expected to begin taking passengers between Cape Breton and eastern Newfoundland on the Argentia route beginning in June. It will operate on the Port aux Basques and North Sydney route during the fall, winter and spring.

At 203 metres long, the new ferry has 146 passenger cabins, more than any other Marine Atlantic vessel.

The standout feature is the vessel's energy-efficiency, said Marine Atlantic spokesperson Darrell Mercer.

The ferry uses "dual-fuel" technology, he said. It runs on regular engines and batteries, which work in tandem to reduce the amount of fuel burned.

It's also equipped with liquefied natural gas technology. Liquefied natural gas is a cleaner burning fuel than regular marine diesel, said Mercer, but it isn't readily available in Atlantic Canada and shipping it wouldn't be carbon-efficient.

Mercer said the company expects the technology to improve in the coming years and hopes the ferry will be able to use LNG in the near future.

• Get a 1st look at the new Marine Atlantic ferry — at a shipyard in China

The ferry is also designed with a "silent class," to reduce underwater noise.

"The technologies have improved so significantly over the past number of years that that's incorporated into this vessel, which will be positive for marine life in the Cabot Strait," Mercer said.

A long journey ahead

The vessel is owned by Stena North Sea Limited, a Swedish company that built the ferry in China. 

Marine Atlantic is leasing it for five years, after which it will determine whether it wants to purchase the ferry. 

In about a week, it will set sail to North America. The Ala'suinu has to travel across the Indian Ocean, around the southern tip of Africa and then to Newfoundland. 

Marine Atlantic evaluated the possibility of travelling through the Suez Canal, but due to safety concerns with recent attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the company opted for a longer route, Mercer said.

New features

The Ala'suinu is slightly longer than the Highlanders and Blue Puttees vessels, which are each 199 metres long.

The 146 cabins include 31 pet-friendly cabins and 40 passenger pods, which are smaller and less expensive private rooms. The ship also has accessible seating areas, similar to other Marine Atlantic ferries. 

Mercer said the new vessel has many Indigenous themes throughout, including Indigenous artwork, restaurant names and menu selections.

He said the company chose the name Ala'suinu through consultations with its employees and Indigenous stakeholder groups. 

"That was really important to us from a truth and reconciliation perspective," he said.

"It recognized the traditional travel between Cape Breton and Newfoundland of Mi'kmaw people as they visited relatives in years past."

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With files from CBC Newfoundland Morning and The St. John's Morning Show

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What It’s Like to Take the Ferry to Newfoundland (+Video)

Planning a vacation to Newfoundland and wondering what it’s like to take the ferry? If you’re debating whether or not the extra effort to get there is worth it, it is! We are wrapping up a two week road trip and the island exceeded our expectations around every corner.

Marine Atlantic Ferry to Newfoundland

Road tripping is the best way to explore Canada’s easternmost province. Click here if you are interested in reading our Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary with all our suggested things to see and do! 

The island is massive with a nine-hour drive between ferry ports. Make sure to read my top 20 tips for Newfoundland travel.

You can fly in and rent a car or bring your own car on one of the Marine Atlantic ferries from North Sydney.

If you are from the United States and are also wondering how to cross the border into Canada by car right now, click here to read about our experience.

There are two options for a ferry to Newfoundland from Nova Scotia; both leave from North Sydney and both offer an overnight ferry to Newfoundland.

How long is the ferry ride to Newfoundland?

The Port aux Basques route runs all year long arriving on the southwest part of the island and is roughly six to eight hours long with two sailings a day.

The Argentia route runs seasonally from June through September arriving on the southeast part of the island and is roughly fifteen hours long. There are only three sailings a week for the longer ferry.

How far in advance to book ferry to Newfoundland. As soon as you decide to visit Newfoundland, I recommend reserving your ferry tickets.

NOTE: Currently, the ferries are selling fewer tickets than normal to allow for physical distancing in the seating area. Every other row is cordoned off.

The summer crossings in July and August are the busiest and book up early.

You are allowed to modify or cancel the reservation within 48 hours of your scheduled departure but there is a $25.00 fee.

We tried reserving tickets in mid-July for mid-August (so a month in advance) and could not get a return ticket on the Argentia route for the night we needed.

Even though it added a lot more driving to our itinerary, we ended up taking the Port aux Basque ferry to Newfoundland and back because of the limited availability.

With only three sailings a week, planning ahead is highly recommended.

Since we didn’t book far in advance, we were disappointed to discover all the private cabins were reserved already as well on both ferries.

But since we ended up taking the daytime ferry both ways and with the comfortable seating area (more on that below), we ended up being happy not to have spent the extra money. A cabin is an additional fee on top of the passenger and vehicle charges.

All Aboard! Here’s what to expect on the ferry ride.

Once you book your reservation, you’ll be told to arrive at least two hours prior to departure to check in, or your tickets might be voided and given to another customer.

I thought a two-hour window was a little ridiculous since the ride is six hours long but I didn’t realize the ferry starts loading passengers early.

We arrived at 10:00 am on a Sunday for our 12:15 pm departure and they began announcements for loading at 10:20 am and began filling the ship at 10:40 am.

For check-in, makes sure to have your reservation number and a valid government-issued photo like your passport or driver’s license.

During the short wait at the terminal, there is a lounge area with seats, bathrooms, and a water station.

What to Bring On Board

Once you drive onboard, you’ll leave your car and will not be able to access it so make sure to plan ahead on what to bring up.

• Water &/or Drinks
• Sweatshirt or Jacket

Even on a warm day, you’ll need layers whether it’s on deck with the wind blowing or inside with the air conditioner on high.

TIP: You can find free comfy blankets near the doors on each floor.

There are normally a few stores, a restaurant, and a cafe available onboard but during Covid, only the to-go options were available at the cafe.

The cafe offers four kinds of paninis for $8.99, slices of pizza for $6.50, pre-made cold sandwiches for $4.99, soup, small salads, some other snacks, and coffee are also available.

We brought our own sandwiches and drinks on so we didn’t try any of the food, but thought most items are reasonably priced considering it’s the only option on the boat.

We boarded fairly early and were able to grab a window seat on the 7th floor – open to everyone.

The ferry has WI-FI available on the 8th floor but multiple people said it is spotty. But if you’d like to try for it, make sure to head up to the 8th floor straight away.

Our cell service (T-mobile) worked on and off inside the ferry but outside on the top deck we had a great connection most of the way.

Should You Book a Cabin

When we saw how spacious the seating areas are and that they have tray tables and USB plugs, we were happy we didn’t spend the extra money for the cabin.

There’s a ton of leg room and the floor is quiet since most people read or sleep.

An overnight ferry to Newfoundland takes 15 hours. It would probably be worth the extra cost for the private bed and bath for a good night’s sleep, but I think you could probably sleep quite comfortably if not.

How much is a cabin on the car ferry to Newfoundland? On the Argentia route:

• 2 bed cabin is $176.75
• 4 bed cabin is $194.50
• Deluxe cabin is $246.50

On the Port aux Basques route:

• 2 bed cabin – day is $53.50
• 2 bed cabin – night is $126.50
• 4 bed cabin – day is $58.50
• 4 bed cabin – night is $139.50
• Deluxe cabin – day is $112.50
• Deluxe cabin – night is $169.25

Will You Get Seasick on the Newfoundland Ferry

Unfortunately, if you suffer from motion sickness like me, there’s a chance of getting seasick on any boat, but luckily the days we sailed it was extremely smooth.

I suggest bringing Dramamine just in case based on the weather.

I almost took one when we boarded, but it wasn’t necessary at all.

Will You See Whales

There’s no guarantee for a whale sighting but we were told you’re most likely to see them around Newfoundland.

And guess what?

That’s where we saw them!

We stood on the top deck for the last hour of the ride and we saw a few spouting in the distance.

Travel Declaration

Once you drive off the car ferry onto Newfoundland, you’ll notice a few lines of vehicles. Here is where an agent is checking for Travel Forms.

Make sure to go online beforehand and fill out the appropriate forms. You Can find the Newfoundland Travel Declaration here.

If you have your confirmation number available when you pull up, the process won’t take but a few minutes.

Marine Atlantic Rates 2023

Rates vary depending on how many passengers and the size of the vehicle you’re traveling in.

For us – two adult passengers and an under 20 foot van – the roundtrip total cost was $403.52 ($320 USD) in 2021.

All current passenger rates below are in Canadian dollars.

Port aux Basques to/from Sydney One Way

• Children (ages 5 and under) free
• Children (5 – 12) $20.34
• Adults (13 – 65) $43.78
• Seniors (over 65) $40.23

Vehicle rates vary depending on the size of your automobile, van, or RV.

• Small autos and pickups 20′ or less start at an additional $114.19 with RVs over 60′ $456.18.

Check the Marine Atlantic for additional rates and NL ferry routes and schedules.

Sydney to/from Argentia One Way

• Children (5 – 12) $56.39
• Adults (13 – 65) $116.27
• Seniors (over 65) $105.09
• Small autos and pickups 20′ or less start at an additional $234.19 with RVs over 60′ $933.72.

Check Marine Atlantic’s website for the Newfoundland ferry for North Sydney to Argentia ferry schedule 2023. 

Do you have any other questions about taking the ferry to Newfoundland? Ask below!

• About Author
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Angela E. is a travel writer from the Chicagoland area who has visited all 50 states in the US and has traveled extensively around the world. She is passionate about exploring the great outdoors and hiking in particular. Her love for nature has taken her to some of the most beautiful locations on the planet. She has written extensively about her travels on her own website, Dang Travelers, and has been published in collaboration with other travel websites and multiple visitor bureaus around the country.

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9 Responses

Richard read.

Lovely guide. A place I want to go to but not so easy from the Isle of Man!

Jude Boudreaux

How long was the overnight trip? Trying to figure out if it’s long enough to even get some sleep!

Dang Travelers

I believe the sailing between North Sydney and Port aux Basques leaves around 11:45 pm and takes 6 – 7 hours so definitely a little time to catch some z’s.

Thanks y’all! Appreciate it!

I have to take the port aux basque ferry to newfoundland as I am moving there in June 2022..I am absolutely terrified of the boat ride and I am having some strong anxiety about it, it will be a day trip and I do suffer panic attacks

Is it anxiety about boats? Because it really was a smooth ride with the ferry being so big and all.

Colleen Pitcher

It is anxiety about rough trip across and just the whole middle of the ocean thing and also speeding threw the ocean

Supraja Lakshmi N

What a great post about the ferry to Newfoundland! You gave me a lot of useful information about the different routes, the booking process, the check-in procedure, and the onboard facilities. The ferry seems like a fun and relaxing way to start and end the trip to Newfoundland. I’m looking forward to visiting Newfoundland soon and I appreciate your post.

Glad it could help! I hope you have a great trip!!

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Every journey matters: marine atlantic ferries to newfoundland.

Get ready and fasten your seatbelts! We’ve just returned from an Epic Canadian Road Trip , driving from our home in Kalamazoo, Michigan all the way out to St. John’s , Newfoundland (yes, a ferry was involved ). Why? Well, I’m the co-founder of Writing Walking Women , and we chose St. John’s as the site of our conference this year – MUCH more on that to come! And, our daughter, Lillie (13), said that every teen should have an epic road trip. SO. 

Here's part of our journey - one of the most fun parts: taking the ferry from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Argentia, Newfoundland . We traveled with Marine Atlantic Ferries , and it was an EPIC journey, each way. Here's what happened - and some ferry tips, for those of you inspired to travel to Newfoundland via ferry (highly recommended!).

To take the ferry to Newfoundland, you arrive at the ferry terminal in North Sydney, Nova Scotia . Don't worry - the highway signs are very clear in directing you. Even if you get lost a lot, you won't here (hopefully I didn't just jinx you) . Be sure to arrive in plenty of time - follow the instructions on the website, but definitely a few hours before departure.

You'll park in lines according to when you get there. Handicap parking lines are closest to the terminal, and will be boarded first. Marine Atlantic Ferries are extremely accessible - here's more about our experience . 

The terminal in North Sydney is new - and beautiful! Be sure to head inside - there's a variety of things to see and do, including free wifi, art, a giftshop, and upstairs, a lovely photography exhibit of the ships in Marine Atlantic's history. But what you'll find is what you'll experience on your entire journey with Marine Atlantic - friendly people. It's their hallmark, I believe - and they provide outstanding customer service, and what's more, customer care. This is rare in today's world, and so I was pleasantly surprised.

So, you're hanging out in the terminal, perhaps scoping out the Newfoundland recipes and taking photos so you can make them later (ahem), and an announcement will be made to return to your vehicles. They board the handicap lanes first, so that you can take the time you need to get onboard and to your cabin. 

Recipes? Yes, please...

Driving on...

Tips for Taking the Marine Atlantic Ferry to Newfoundland

Reservations.

You can make a reservation online or by calling. I tried both and preferred calling, so that I could get the accessibility help I needed. The website is clean and easy to use (you'll find that you will refer to it again and again when planning your arrival to the terminal, and also how to get onboard, what to bring, etc.). The customer phone support is friendly (even as far as restaurant recommendations before boarding - thank you, Heather!). 

How to Take the Ferry

You can walk on or take a vehicle. 

You can rent a cabin , or just hang out in the airplane-like seating they have in several areas onboard. I highly recommend renting a cabin. They go fast, so be sure to book early if you want one! They contain beds (bunks or queen), a desk, and some cabins have a washroom. 

Accessible cabin (and view!)

The long hallways...

There are many restaurants onboard the ship - so you can pick what you'd like to eat, from family-style to gourmet! There is a snackbar-type restaurant too - with plenty of coffee (whew). There is also a bar up near the front of the ship, on the 7th floor. There will be an announcement when they open and close according to arrival and departure.

Don't worry, the bar will open once the ship sets sail...

There's a gift shop! 

Did you know you can bring your pet? There's a room for them with kennels, AND a walking area on deck.

How to Pass the Time

Right when you get onboard and settled, head to the main desk to look at the list of games - and check one out! We whiled away many an hour with Monopoly. There's also a tv in each room, and a WHOLE movie theater with lovely seats. You can also sit in the colorful seating area at the front of the ship, and listen to live entertainment and watch the sea progress in front of you. There's a children's play area (so cute!). You can also play cards on your table in your room, play video games in the entertainment area, or even SLEEP. Oh, the sleep we had on that ship was the best sleep in my life. We got a ship tour - but that's for another article.

Weather permitting, be sure to spend some time outside on the deck on the 10th floor. You can take great selfies, watch for whales and porpoises, check out the ship, and breathe in the fresh, salty sea air.

Selfie with Sr Chief Steward Albert Edwards

Upon Arrival

We ferried into Argentia, Newfoundland, and disembarked easily. When we made the return trip and landed in Nova Scotia, we had to go through a washing station to be sure we didn't bring back anything unwanted, on our car.

The Best Part of Marine Atlantic

The people . They are so caring - from our reservations help from Heather to the people guiding us onto the ship to Senior Chief Steward Albert Edwards' very kind help, the people are what make Marine Atlantic special. When you receive this level of care, you want to journey again and again with them. Albert noted that each ship's crew is like a small village - about 100 people, and they are on for 2 weeks at a time. You see this camaraderie and smoothness of working together in all onboard interactions. It's remarkable, and worth noting. 

Hi, Albert!

I also met with Marine Atlantic's St John's staff, and was so impressed with the scope and vision of Marine Atlantic. Their purpose of providing the best customer service is unsurpassed in the travel industry - and each person I have spoken with has shown me this, again and again. 

Selfie with MA Ferries St John's travel media team: Ashley Roche and Darrell Mercer

Marine Atlantic Ferries St John's, Newfoundland office memorabilia (above and below)

Myself with ship's captain Allan Keeping, Atlantic Vision

You can see this in this amazing profile of a pair of seasoned travelers, who have made traveling Marine Atlantic part of their lives:

Learn more:

http://www.marineatlantic.ca/en/

Have you taken Marine Atlantic to get to Newfoundland? What was your favorite part?

More Goodness! My guest post over at The Journey:

4 Reasons Why Marine Atlantic Enhances Family Travel

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators

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Preparations for Voyage Across Indian Ocean Underway for New Marine Atlantic Ferry

Marine Atlantic has accepted delivery of its brand new ferry the Ala’suinu, but the vessel will have logged some significant travel time before it starts regular service this summer.

Work is now underway to prepare the ferry, which was built by Stena RoRo in China, for its long journey to Canada’s east coast.

Marine Atlantic spokesperson Darrell Mercer says there are three routes to take to get a vessel from the other side of the world, and they chose the route across the Indian Ocean and around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

“We could go across the Pacific, but this is a passenger ferry, it’s not designed like a bulk carrier for long ocean distances, (and) between Asia and North America, there’s not a lot of stops.” The Suez Canal is another route, but because of difficulties in that region they decided not to take that option for safety reasons.

They’re expecting the ferry to arrive in Atlantic Canada sometime in April depending on the weather.

The Ala’suinu, which will replace the Atlantic Vision, will be used between Argentia and North Sydney starting in June and transfer to the Port aux Basques run for the fall, winter and spring.

The accessible ferry includes 146 passenger cabins—31 of which are pet friendly, 40 passenger pods, and a kennel for pets.

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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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