8 days in Raifa, Zelenodolsk & Kazan Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 29th (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Trinity Cathedral and then make a trip to Raifa Monastery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Tue): pause for some serene contemplation at Sofia Church, pause for some serene contemplation at Church in Honor of the Holy Fathers in Sinai and Raifa, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Belfry With The Church in Honor of Archangel Michael, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Cathedral of the Georgian Icon of Our Lady.

Before you visit Raifa, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Bratislava, Slovakia to Raifa is an approximately 13.5-hour combination of flight and car. You can also drive. You'll lose 2 hours traveling from Bratislava to Raifa due to the time zone difference. Expect colder temperatures when traveling from Bratislava in January; daily highs in Raifa reach -10°C and lows reach -17°C. On the 31st (Wed), you're off to Zelenodolsk.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Thu): don't miss a visit to Zelenodolsk Mosque, see the interesting displays at Zelenodolsk Museum, then don't miss a visit to Chapel of Prince Dimitry of Uglich, and finally explore the activities along City Lake.

For other places to visit, maps, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Zelenodolsk travel route website.

Zelenodolsk is just a short distance from Raifa. In January, daily temperatures in Zelenodolsk can reach -10°C, while at night they dip to -17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Fri) so you can travel to Kazan.

The heart of Tatar culture, Kazan carries the epithet of the "Third Capital of Russia" because of its rich history and thriving economy.

Plan for a day of cool, family-friendly fun on the 3rd (Sat) at Riviera Aquapark. There's still lots to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Kul Sharif Mosque, make a trip to Kazan Family Center/ Viewpoint, see the interesting displays at Museum of Soviet Life, and contemplate the long history of Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

For reviews, photos, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Kazan trip planner.

You can take a bus from Zelenodolsk to Kazan in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. February in Kazan sees daily highs of -5°C and lows of -14°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 5th (Mon) to allow time for travel back home.