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1600 Ken Thompson Parkway Sarasota, FL 34236 Ph: (941) 388-4441 Hours: 10AM - 5PM A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

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We bring the ocean to you

Mote virtual field trips are live, two-way, interactive experiences between your school or organization and our laboratory in Florida. We connect your audience to our STEM subject matter experts and engage their curiosity with science demonstrations and lively animal encounters. We can see and hear your learners and they can see and hear us via private, safe, interactive videoconferencing connections.

Our award-winning programs are based on the 60+ years of marine research at our lab. All programs are aligned with State and National Science standards and include free supplemental media and lesson plans . Options are available in 30 and 60 minute lengths for PreK-12th grades as well as Lifelong Learners. Our EdExploreSRQ listings are eligible for funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, as well as the Education Foundation of Sarasota County .

For more information about the programs below, contact:

• Jason Robertshaw
• seatrek @ mote.org
• (941) 388-2904

EDUCATOR FREEVIEW

We come to you live, from our distance learning studio featuring professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers and administrators.

Get a free preview of our award-winning virtual learning programs. A great way to introduce virtual learning to teachers and professionals. Go behind-the-scenes with SEA Trek and learn how to bring Mote's research, animals, and exhibits to your learners. Discover the many affordable, easy-to-use technology options available for making Virtual Field Trips.

• Recommended for: Adult (College), Adult (School Teachers/Admins; etc), Adult (Public; Library; Senior Center; Lifelong Learning, etc.
• Duration:  up to 30 minutes
• Price: $0 free

SEA Me Read

We read a storybook aloud with your learners and then engage in a learning segment to help build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension. Options for PK–4th grades. Up to 30 minutes.

Smiley Shark

by Ruth Galloway

Join us on an ocean adventure and meet a lonely shark who loves to smile. Read along as we help him save the day and find some friends. We read this fictional story aloud with your students and then engage in a learning segment to help build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension. Our thanks to Tiger Tales Publishing for making this lesson possible.

• Recommended for Ages (Grades): 5–9 (K–3rd)
• Duration: up to 30 minutes

Clumsy Crab

Snip, snap, clip, clap! Nipper the Crab hates his huge clumsy claws. Read along with us as we find out how useful Clumsy’s claws can be. We read this fictional story aloud with your students and then engage in a learning segment to help build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension. Our thanks to Tiger Tales Publishing for making this lesson possible. Made possible by a generous grant from the Kates Foundation.

If A Dolphin Were A Fish

by Loran Wlordarski and illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein

Join Delfina the dolphin as she imagines that she becomes other animals. Readers will watch Delfina become a fish with gills, a sea turtle laying eggs, a pelican with feathers, an octopus without bones, a shark with a sense of smell and even a vegetarian manatee. The incredible “morphing” illustrations will have children laughing as they learn about the real differences between these animals! Join us on this ocean adventure as we discover what makes a mammal a mammal and how creatures have adapted to live in the sea. We read this fictional story aloud with your students and then engage in a learning segment to help build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension. A special thanks to Arbordale Publishing for making this lesson possible.

• ❇️ Free Flipgrid lesson

Alfie (The Turtle That Disappeared)

by Thyra Heder

The night before Nia's seventh birthday, her turtle Alfie disappears. Where did he go? Go on an adventure and discover the friendship between a girl and her turtle—from both points of view. A warm and funny story that celebrates friendship through the seasons, even when those friends see the world very differently. We read this SEL-supportive, fictional story aloud with your students and then engage in a learning segment that helps build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension. Our thanks to ABRAMS books and Thyra Heder for making this program possible.

• Price:  $90

by Ann Downer and illustrated by Shennen Bersani

Spring into virtual learning and go on an ocean egg hunt with us. When Shark Baby’s egg case is torn loose in a storm, he goes on a journey across kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. He needs to find the “mermaid” to find out where he belongs. Will he find his way back? Read along with us to find out. We read this fictional story aloud with your students and then engage in a learning segment to help build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension.  A special thanks to Arbordale Publishing for making this lesson possible.

Otto the Otter: A Big Surprise

by Linda Hansen

We are otterly ecstatic for otters! Celebrate these sleek and wonderful watershed creatures with a storybook about their underwater lives. Then virtually meet our North American river otters. A special thanks to Linda Hansen for making this lesson possible.

Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark

by Heather Lang and illustrated by Jordi Solano

In the 1930s few people dared to explore the depths of the sea, and none were women. But Genie wasn’t afraid. Follow “the Shark Lady” as she uncovers the mysteries of the world’s most feared fish! We read this biographical story aloud with your students and then engage in a learning segment to help build critical thinking skills, promote oral language skills, fluency, pronunciation, STEM engagement, and reading comprehension. A special thanks to Albert Whitman and Co. for making this lesson possible.

• Recommended for Ages (Grades):  7–10 (2nd–4th)
• ❇️  Free Flipgrid lesson

Dive into our award-winning virtual learning programs. We come to you live for an interactive lesson using a combination of science gameshows, green screen effects and live animals. These programs will spark STEM curiosity while making conservation connections.

LIFE SCIENCE: Sharks

How smart are you about sharks? Take our interactive quiz show to uncover the mysteries and discover the truths about these fascinating creatures. In this lesson we introduce the learners to the diversity and adaptations of sharks.

• Recommended for Ages (Grades): 08–18 (3rd–12th)
• Duration: up to 60 minutes
• Before your connection:  explore our Online Shark Research Exhibit  
• Price:  $180

LIFE SCIENCE: Fish

Take a virtual excursion to Mote Aquarium and meet some fishy friends. Compare and contrast the specialized structures of bony fish versus cartilaginous sharks through a simulated dissection. Explore the economic and environmental importance of fish to humans and the stewardship actions needed to conserve threatened species.

• Recommended for Ages (Grades): 08–11 (3rd–5th)
• Duration:  up to 60 minutes
• Price: $180

LIFE SCIENCE: Sea Turtles

Learners participate in a interactive video lesson about sea turtles through a guided game show format. This is followed by an open Q&A chat with our ocean expert. Students will learn about general reptile characteristics and the different species of sea turtles. Student will also learn where sea turtles live and nest and their basic adaptations to marine life. Finally students will learn why sea turtles are threatened and what conservation measures are being taken to protect them.

LIFE SCIENCE: Manatees

Do you know how to train a 3000-pound relative of the elephant? Find out how Mote Marine Laboratory cares for manatees, and learn how big and smart these animals are. Students will learn the basic characteristics of mammals and the adaptations of manatees. Students will also learn how our biologist care for manatees and what conservation efforts are being made for wild populations.

SEA SCIENCE: Coral Reefs

Why are coral reefs important? Discover the value of coral reefs to wildlife and how important they are to people too. Through a guided game format, learners participate in a media-rich, interactive video lesson about coral reefs. This is followed by an open Q&A chat with our ocean expert.

SEA SCIENCE: Marine Careers

Students will learn about marine science and aquarium careers and what it takes to work in these fascinating fields. Featured topics can include: shark research, animal husbandry, sea turtle nest monitoring, manatee training and research, coral reef research and restoration, behind the scenes at Mote's cephalopod Lab and much more!

Beginning in 1955 with Dr. Eugenie Clark’s foundation of shark research, Mote is now more than 200 employees strong, including more than 30 Ph.D. scientists. We conduct groundbreaking research with more than 20 diverse research programs focusing on today’s challenges as well as identifying and addressing future impacts. The advancement of this kind of research is vital to unlocking potential solutions to some of today’s most daunting global challenges.

• Recommended for Ages (Grades): Recommended for ages 11–14 (grades 6–8). Can be differentiated for ages 8-10 or 15-18+ or lifelong learners.

SEA SCIENCE: How to Train Your Shark

Dive into our aquarium for a simulated shark training session.. This lesson is focused on shark research at Mote Marine Laboratory. Using a combination of pre-recorded and live shark cam video, we go on a virtual tour of our 135,000 shark habitat. After an overview of shark husbandry and training, we discuss the research technology we use to study sharks. We end with a Question and Answer session with our Ocean Expert.

• Booking note: This program is available on-demand, anytime.

TOUR: Manatee Habitat (outdoors)

Find out the favorite foods of Hugh and Buffett, our resident manatees, as we visit them during feeding time. We use our portable distance learning studio to get you up close from atop our 75,000 gallon habitat. This tour is focused on manatee husbandry at Mote. You talk with our aquarium biologist and learn about these amazing marine mammals. We review the history of manatee research at Mote then watch them get fed. We end with a Question and Answer session with our Ocean Experts.

• Booking note:  This outdoor tour is available on Wednesdays or Fridays, between 9:00 am–9:30 am ET or 11:00–11:30 am ET. Please make your requests at least three weeks in advance.
• Price:  $200
• ❇️ Free Flipgrid lesson

TOUR: Goodnight Aquarium (outdoors)

Say goodnight to your favorite sea creatures as we virtually visit them after our aquarium closes. Get up close and personal, and learn about their habitats, behaviors, and conservation efforts. This virtual tour is led by Mote's knowledgeable and passionate guides who are excited to share their love of the ocean with you. They'll be available to answer any questions you may have and provide insight into the amazing creatures you'll see on the tour. So why wait? Book your virtual aquarium tour today and discover the magic of the underwater world from the comfort of your own home!

• Booking note:  This tour is only available weekdays between 5:30pm–7:30pm ET (after our aquarium closes). Please make your requests at least three weeks in advance.
• Recommended for Ages (Grades): All ages
• Duration: up to 45 minutes
• Program Guide

EdExploreSRQ

Attention sarasota teachers.

Bring learning to life with explorations from Mote Marine Laboratory.  Our EdExploreSRQ listings  are eligible for funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, as well as the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Find out how to fund your virtual field trip.

Explore “The Bay” with Mote

Go on a lively journey with Mote as we explore and learn more about local habitats and adaptations during a virtual visit to the new “Bay Project.” This interactive science exploration will take you virtually to "The Bay" to learn more about this community park. During this class students will be transformed into scientists to learn how to use tools and to make observations. Students will learn what it's like to be a scientist while investigating plants, animals, and the bay environment along the way. Each student will be provided with a Field Guide to follow along and take notes.

• Recommended for Ages (Grades): Recommended for ages 5–11 (K–5th)
• Price:  Available for free to Sarasota classrooms thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of Sarasota County through The Bay. All others, $90.

How to Connect

We want to make this the best experience possible for you.  Request a free Tech Check and we will test your connectivity, audio and video. We can also give you a brief preview of our award-winning lessons.

We recommend connecting via Zoom but you also have the option of Microsoft Teams, WebEx, Google Meets, FaceTime or whatever works best for you. We can provide a free courtesy Zoom link from our account when you book with us. However, you are welcome to use your own account and invite us as a Panelist instead. If we meet via Mote's Zoom account, we can set it up as a fully interactive session for up to 99 participants, or as a non-interactive, webinar-style connection for up to 500 participants. You are only charged per booking, not per participant.

What You Need to Connect

• Device (Computer, iPad, phone).
• Ability to connect via Zoom, Webex, Skype or similar technologies.
• Speaker/microphone or headset mic.
• Internet connection — Hard connection preferred.

Sarasota teachers - ask your school TSP for help. They have cameras and equipment available to help you connect successfully!

Cancellation & Billing

Effective 8/15/2023, the following policies apply to ALL Mote Outreach (Classroom, Auditorium, Science Talks, Exploration Stations) and SEA Trek programs. For invoicing questions, please contact our Operations & Administration Manager ([email protected], 941-388-4441;348).

Mote Marine Laboratory participated in distance learning demonstrations as early as 1994, allowing learners at sites as far away as England to drive an underwater drone in Mote Aquarium's shark habitat. In 1996, Mote began its own distance learning program, bringing high-energy, multimedia science lessons right into the classroom using interactive video technology. Our lessons feature the research of actual scientists working at the lab with interviews showing how their interests led them to their careers.

SEA Trek  has received numerous accolades and awards over its twenty year history, including numerous Pinnacle Awards . The Pinnacle Award is given annually by the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration to organizations that receive outstanding scores on program evaluations submitted by educators. The award recognizes remarkable quality of educational content and exceptional skill at program delivery. We thank all of our customers for their support in making this possible. In 2017, Mote received the Interactive Video Conference Content Provider Award from the International Society for Technology in Education . In 2020, Mote Marine Laboratory was inducted into the first annual CILC Pinnacle Hall of Fame Award for Content Providers, recognizing us for for over 10 years of quality programming.

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Mote Aquarium is likely to be busy this week, with many timed-ticket entry slots selling out. Please purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee entry.   Mote Aquarium is open seven days a week at our normal hours, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. We hope to SEA you soon!

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Virtual Field Trips

Explore the World with Virtual Field Trips

Designed for ages 9-15 but customizable for all ages, virtual field trips allow students to travel the world and explore natural environments without leaving the classroom. Each virtual field trip contains a video, teacher guide and student activities.

Working Trees: Reforestation and Responsible Forestry

Forests represent a powerful opportunity to pull carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, helping to cool our planet while also providing clean air, clean water, and habitat for wildlife.

Less Harm on the Farm: Regenerative Agriculture

Food is more than something we eat to survive; it's a part of how we thrive. Learn how regenerative agriculture can help us feed a growing population while restoring nature.

Climb-It Change

Explore how climate change is impacting alpine ecosystems and go on a climbing adventure with scientists who take you to some of the most stunning mountain ranges in the United States. This film is a Rocket Soul Studios production.

Protecting Our Oceans and Ourselves

More people rely on our ocean for food, energy, transport, recreation and other natural resources than any other time in history.

Climate Heroes: The Power of Trees

Trees are our climate superheroes! From Louisville, Kentucky, in the United States to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean, trees are playing critical roles in cleaning our air and improving our resilience in the face of climate change.

You’re the Scientist! Citizen Science, Frogs and Cicadas

The conservation community relies heavily on volunteers not only to restore natural areas but to help gauge the success of restoration efforts.

Changing Climate, Changing Cities

Get a front-row, ground-level seat to the challenges cities face as they confront this force of nature, and discover the solutions experts are promoting to mitigate it.

The Secret Life of Corals

Learn how fragile reefs are being damaged by human activity and climate change, and how scientists are developing ways to restore corals.

Borneo: The Symphony of the Rainforest

On this journey, we’ll learn how experts are using cutting-edge science to find out how healthy the rainforest is—and to discover where it needs some help!

View from a Canoe

Can you imagine a place with 100 million acres of forest and 30,000 miles of coastline? It exists. The Emerald Edge is home to the largest intact coastal temperate rainforest.

Wild Biomes: America’s Rainforests & Deserts

Two wildly different ecosystems, both dependent on the same precious resource: Water. On this virtual field trip, we’ll travel to Seattle and Arizona.

The Coral Reefs of Palau

Join our expert scientist, marine biologist Stephanie Wear, on a virtual field trip to the coral reefs of Palau where you'll explore amazing underwater cities.

China’s Great Forests

Join our expert scientist Yue Wang, a conservation planning officer for The Nature Conservancy, on a virtual field trip across the world to two stunning provinces in China.

Powering the Planet: Renewable Energy

Join scientist Alex Wegmann as we embark on a Virtual Field Trip to explore a compelling question: How can we get the energy we need without harming nature?

Journey of Water: Colombia’s Páramo

In this virtual field trip, we will explore the magical páramo ecosystem and the stunning mountain landscapes found just beyond the capital city of Bogotá.

Peru: A Coastal Ecosystem

Join fisheries scientist Matias Caillaux to explore the Humboldt Current Ecosystem off the coast of Peru while learning about the area’s amazing diversity and productivity.

Ridge to Reef: A Virtual Field Trip to Hong Kong

The “Ridge to Reef” (R2R) concept is a holistic approach that takes into consideration all the environments within a watershed — from the top of the mountains down to the ocean — and shows that what happens on land affects what happens in the water.

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Virtual Field Trips

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Our virtual field trips bring the ocean and marine life to classrooms and students anywhere

Plastic Pollution Solutions: Virtual Classroom Workshop (Grades 6-12)

Our free Plastic Pollution Solutions Virtual Classroom Workshop provides students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to collaborate through solution-based inquiry into the global issue of plastic pollution. Following a screening of the 22-minute film A Plastic Ocean, students will be guided through a group discussion as well as receive an up close analysis of marine debris collected off the shores of Maui by our Pacific Whale Foundation research team.

The program is 1 to 1.5 hours long and is designed to reach up to 30 students at a time.

To schedule a Plastic Pollution Solutions Virtual Classroom Workshop, please email [email protected] . Requested dates are tentative until confirmed.

Plastic pollution is growing exponentially. More than 300 million tons of plastic is produced annually, half of which is designed for single use. Each year 8 million tons of it ends up in our oceans where it poses a dangerous threat. Plastic never truly biodegrades; instead, it photodegrades or breaks up into smaller pieces that remain in our environment. Pacific Whale Foundation research confirms that 70 to 90% of all debris found on and around Maui is plastic. Single-use plastics are the biggest contributor to this dilemma, as they permeate almost every facet of modern-day life but are thrown away after only one use. Let’s change that!

Plastic Pollution Solutions was originally designed in collaboration with the County of Maui Environmental Protection & Sustainability Division, Atherton Family Foundation, and Plastic Oceans International to exchange educator learning techniques, expertise and resources that further develop Maui Nui intermediate and high school students into future stewards of our planet’s oceans.

• Curriculum referenced  in  Plastic Pollution Solutions webinar
• Educational Resources for Teachers in Maui County,  click here
• Plastic Pollution Solutions curriculum for Classroom Adopters,  click here
• Learn more about supporting a marine animal in the ADOPT Program with a Classroom Package for your child or students.

Virtual Keiki Whalewatch

Virtual Keiki Whalewatch includes a customized one-hour live virtual whale watch and access to standards-based, grade-level appropriate curriculum that can be shared with students before and/or after their virtual whale watch experience.

The virtual whale watch combines live engagement with our Education team and pre-recorded video footage filmed off the coast of Maui, simulating the experience of a whale watch on board a PacWhale Eco-Adventures vessel with the added benefits of interactive online video conferencing and educational platforms. Each virtual whale watch can accommodate a maximum of 70 students.

Our included library of online lessons and lesson plans can be shared with students to enhance the program experience through engaging and hands-on activities that may be conducted by students independently or collaboratively as a class.

SCHEDULE: 2024

2024 schedule coming soon.

$50/program

Price includes 1 hour live virtual whale watch, plus access to optional classroom program activities to be conducted with or shared with students.

Maximum group size per program is 70 students.

The program is FREE for Maui County Schools. Please contact  [email protected]  for a discount code for booking.

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Virtual Field Trips

If a trip on the Marine Science Floating Lab is not possible, students can still explore the world of the ocean with our Virtual Field Trips . Without leaving the classroom, students can see what lives in the ocean and discover why it is important for all of us to take care of the marine environment.

Each Virtual Field Trip focuses on one of the activities that students participate in when they are on board the Floating Lab, which has been operating since 1974 through the Los Angeles County Office of Education.

Each Virtual Field Trip contains:

• a video – Each activity video is approximately 13 minutes long, but using the built-in pauses will extend the length and allow students to interact with the content.
• student worksheets – Handouts have students record and analyze data from the onboard experiments and identify the marine organisms they see.
• post-video activities – One or more activities can expand the content of the Virtual Field Trip video.

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Teacher Instructions

The Teacher Instructions provide guidelines for presenting the Virtual Field Trip videos and indicate alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards.

Introduction and Wildlife Observation

Get an overview of the Floating Lab activities with this brief 5-minute video for both teachers and students. As the boat motors through the harbor, students can look for and record the various marine wildlife encountered.

Plankton, the base of the food chain, is collected and then viewed under an optical microscope. Students learn about and identify phytoplankton and zooplankton and discover plankton’s importance to the health of our environment.

Fish and Invertebrates

A trawl net is towed behind the boat to collect a representative sample of fish and invertebrates. Students discover the morphology and adaptations of some of the sea creatures brought up in our net.

Bottom Sediment

After a special device “grabs” sediment from the ocean floor, students examine the sediment’s characteristics as well as the organisms that live in this benthic zone of the ocean.

Water Clarity, Color, and Temperature

Using scientific equipment, students measure the clarity, color, and temperature of the water in the harbor. Then they determine why tracking these characteristics is important.

© Think Earth Environmental Education Foundation. All rights reserved. Permission is granted to teachers and other not-for-profit users to download and use the instructional materials and videos. No portion of the videos or other materials may be copied and used for any commercial purposes.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning.

Connect directly with Explorers pushing the boundaries of science and discovery.

‘Travel’ to different parts of the globe through cutting-edge technology, interactive live sessions, and virtual field trips – without even leaving where you are. Learn about protecting rhinos firsthand from a conservationist in Africa. Explore the underwater world of manta rays with a biologist who swims among them.  Through immersive learning experiences, young people develop the skills to think critically, cultivate empathy, and seek solutions that create impact on their communities and the planet.

Explorer Classroom

Join live, interactive sessions that connect young people with National Geographic Explorers to hear behind-the-scenes stories and interact with these cutting-edge scientists, researchers, and powerful storytellers from around the globe. All events are free, open to the public, and include an instructional guide to help learners get the most out of the experience. 

Tracking Elephant Seals with Roxanne Beltran

Planetary systems with munazza alam, unplastify your world with agustina besada, seeing the sea floor with zoleka filander, virtual field trips.

With our Virtual Field Trips, students can travel back in time, go on a deep-sea excursion, or even explore the outer reaches of our Solar System – from anywhere in the world.

Virtual Field Trips Playlist

Exploring the Amazon

Native American Stories

Black history month, revisiting history.

Our Solar System and Beyond

Wild Washington

The Why of Where

Women Pushing Boundaries

Photo Credits from top of page: Mark Thiessen. Below: Michael Nichols, Andy Mann, Paul Nicklen, Ami Vitale, Christian Tryon, Kenneth Garrett, Mark Thiessen.

National Geographic Society is celebrating Earth and, this month only, you can make TWICE the impact. Donate to National Geographic Society and help us make remarkable discoveries about the ocean’s intelligent marine life. The planet and our Explorers are counting on you.

How to Create Virtual Field Trips: Marine Biology Example

In this case study we look at how the University of Southampton used ThingLink to create virtual tours of field sites for their learners to better prepare them for the hands-on experience. This approach could be used across a variety of subjects.

Meet a product expert

If you’d like to learn more about what ThingLink can offer to your university, college or school, you can schedule an online meeting with one of our product experts below.

University of Southampton

The University of Southampton is one of the UK’s top research universities, and a member of the Russell Group of the most prestigious universities in the country. Their Marine Biology degree course is based at The National Oceanography Centre, but the course also includes a good amount of field work elsewhere.

In previous years the students had been provided with a simple PDF map as well as links to the location’s website. For the 2020 cohort, the department was keen to better convey the entire experience to students before their arrival, to prepare them more fully so that less time would be required for familiarisation during the trip.

Key Skills for Undergraduates

Undergraduate Marine Biology students take part in a week-long Coastal Ecology Field Course in South Wales at the very start of their second year. Around 80 undergraduates attend, as well as staff and post-graduate demonstrators. The undergraduates are taught species identification, basic laboratory techniques and carry out an independent study project. During the week they also travel to a second location on nearby Skomer Island to explore the bird and seal colonies there.

Some of the key skills which the trip has historically helped develop is independent study and time management. Being able to visualise each zone of the study area as well as the accommodation beforehand, would save students’ time and also allow them to ask any questions before arrival. 

A more detailed and interactive introduction would be particularly useful for those students with additional needs such as dietary requirements, anxiety, spectrum disorders or any non-disclosed additional needs. There are also essential health and safety aspects of the trip which the staff wanted to be able to convey to the students to help create as smooth an experience as possible.

The ThingLink solution

Dr Sarah Fielding, Team Manager in the university’s Digital Learning Department, had been a user of ThingLink since its inception and had even taken part in early beta testing for the platform. ThingLink appeared to be the perfect solution for the introduction, and Sarah began to plan a comprehensive tour consisting of 360 images of the various locations with the academic Module Lead, Professor Martin Solan.

Dr. Sarah Fielding, Team Manager Digital Learning, University of Southampton

How the Virtual Field Trip was built

In ThingLink , practical and facility information would be embedded into images of the buildings and locations around the accommodation areas. Meanwhile academic teaching videos of the staff would be embedded into 360 images of the marine environments. The two would be linked via further 360 scenes, some including in-tag information on approaches and helpful tips around data collection and analysis, others practical information covering safety around the sites (such as signing in and out procedures).

An intuitive tool

“The (ThingLink) interface is very intuitive. I find that it’s a great way of conveying a lot of information in a way that people naturally process”. Dr Sarah Fielding, Digital Learning Team Manager, Southampton University

Explore a snapshot of the Field Trip  

Creating the virtual field trip.

During the 2018 and 2019 field courses, content was gathered. This included videos of the teaching staff giving short but detailed talks and demonstrations of the various species that students would encounter, on location. They also included videos of some of the 2018/19 students providing tips and advice about independent study projects for those future students who would come after them. Videos were recorded in situ using professional-grade equipment, in partnership with a media developer and a learning designer. Back in Southampton, the Digital Learning team put the tour together in ThingLink , with Sarah acting as the Learning Designer for the project, in collaboration with the Marine Biology and Ecology Research Group (the academic team on the field course).

The Virtual Tour Launches

The team have cleverly used the tour to divide their learning content into individual parts. The progressive aspect of the tour, moving on from one scene to another, has been used to separate out the two halves of the week’s learning. The videos introducing the different species are grouped together in one location, whilst the videos which the students will require to guide their independent study module in the latter part of the week are available to watch in another “location”. By filming each teaching video in the exact location within the 360 image into which they are embedded, the tour provides a seamless but extremely engaging and immersive learning experience, transporting the viewer to the marine environment.

Field Trip embedded in LMS

The ThingLink tour was embedded in Blackboard for the undergraduates to access, and it’s also been added into the department’s virtual open days. However the team has plans to develop the tour for next year and beyond. Although the current iteration has simple feedback forms embedded, future versions could also include tasks, tests or quizzes for the students to complete. The tour was built partly as a proof of concept and its success has meant that the Health Sciences Department have now started using ThingLink to build a tour of their Cardiac Physiology Clinical Lab. The university is also looking at creating virtual tours of labs for both undergraduates and postgraduates.

Dr Fielding’s top tips for creating tours for field trips

• One tour can easily combine video lessons alongside practical information. Use scene titles and different icons to differentiate the type of information being presented.
• Use your tour to create a chronological or linear break between subjects eg learning for Day 1 in the first location, Day 2 on the second and so on.
• Sharing a tour with students before your in-person field trip can reduce time spent on familiarisation and potential anxiety for students about working in a new environment.

“Provision of content in this way has had a notable impact on the way in which students interact with the content of the course, and enhances their enjoyment of learning.” Martin Solan, Professor in Marine Ecology within Ocean and Earth Science, National Oceanography Centre Southampton at the University of Southampton

NEW! The easy way to create 360 images: Pano to 360

Creating virtual tours, exhibitions, escape rooms and other immersive content just got even easier! ThingLink has now launched Pano to 360 by ThingLink : an easy way to create a 360 photosphere from a panoramic image using any smartphone. For more information, including step-by-step instructions see this helpful support article. 

Try the free Pano to 360 converter

The Pano to 360 photosphere converter is free to use for anyone, no ThingLink account required! Upload a panoramic image to see it in action.

What else could virtual field trips be used for?

Virtual experiences like these could be used for so many subjects. For example at cultural or historical sites for history or social studies students, for geographers, geologists and other natural science courses. For students at high school or even younger, they could be used to prepare them for visits to national monuments, national parks, galleries, museums, zoos – any real world location in fact where the environment will be new and unfamiliar. For younger students, why not embed worksheets or other learning activities in the tags?

An award-winning platform for creating virtual tours

ThingLink is an award-winning platform designed for learning, used by institutions across the globe like the Smithsonian, the V&A, Oxford University and Stanford University. In November 2022 it won Best Paid For App/Software at the prestigious GESS Education Awards. As well as for virtual learning experiences and distance learning, ThingLink is used increasingly for virtual campus tours of universities, colleges and schools. Why not create a free virtual field trip as a sample for potential students? Or a “behind the scenes at the museum” virtual tour of your university labs or science department? In the blog linked above we even provide a free template in Canva for you to create a campus tour.

Further examples of Virtual Field Trips

Read our case study from Queens University Belfast where award-winning virtual field trips were created during the pandemic for Conservation Biology post-graduates.  

Read more from our Higher Education and Student Learning Case Studies:

How to create a virtual lab in ThingLink

Virtual Escape Rooms for Medical Students

Evidence Base: The Use of Virtual Reality in Training: download this free resource.

Using ThingLink to create virtual team building activities for nursing students

• Download this Case Study in printable PDF Format Here

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Meet ThingLink Experts

If you’d like to learn more about what ThingLink can offer to your company, you can schedule an online meeting with one of our product experts below.

Marine Mammals Virtual Learning

Your experience.

• Read Book: The Snail and the Whale
• What makes a mammal a mammal?
• Feeding Strategies
• Sounds of the Sea

More Information:

The field trip will begin with the Ocean Institute team member reading the story. It is not required for the class to have read the book before nor for the teacher to have the book on hand.

Each field trip is 1-hour in length and allows 50 participants, this is including teacher(s) and students. Teachers are able to pick the date and the time of the program desired.

Price: $350

Purchase of 2 or more: $300 each

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Virtual Field Trips Program Information

Virtual Field Trips Home Implementation Guide and FAQ Start Your Virtual Field Trip

Below are descriptions for the three virtual field trip themes: The Volunteer Fish Survey Project, Grouper Moon Project, and the Invasive Species Program. If you would like more information regarding any of these topics for the virtual field trips, let us know! Email [email protected] or call our office at 305-852-0030. 

Volunteer Fish Survey Project

Through the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP), REEF facilitates programs that actively engage divers, snorkelers, and other marine enthusiasts in marine conservation. This citizen science program has generated the most extensive marine life database globally, with over 250,000 surveys conducted at almost 15,000 sites throughout the world’s oceans by over 16,000 volunteer divers and snorkelers worldwide.

REEF’s volunteer divers and snorkelers become citizen scientists, as they are collecting and reporting information on marine fish populations and selected invertebrate and algae species in temperate areas. Various resource agencies and researchers use the significant data contributed by these marine citizen scientists.

Become citizen scientists with REEF and contribute to the world’s largest marine life database!

Grouper Moon Project

Grouper Moon is a collaborative conservation program between REEF and the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment (CIDOE) studying Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) – a social and ecological cornerstone of the Caribbean’s coral reefs. Historically, Nassau grouper represented one of the Caribbean’s most economically important fisheries. Unfortunately, due to intense harvest at the gatherings where these fish reproduce, called spawning aggregations, their populations have dwindled to a fraction of their historic numbers.

Since 2002, REEF and the CIDOE have coordinated annual efforts to monitor and study Little Cayman Nassau grouper spawning aggregations. The team has developed a protocol for monitoring the fish’s numbers and activity at the site through the Grouper Moon Project. The project also studies the historical aggregation sites on Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac. It’s grown in scope to include an ambitious acoustic tagging project, juvenile habitat research, genetic studies, and a water current drifter project to understand how currents and other oceanographic conditions affect grouper larvae recruitment.

Support scientists in monitoring this vital endangered species to keep coral reefs healthy while exploring new technologies in marine science research! 

Invasive Species Program

Known for their show-stopping appearance, venomous spines, and the damage they cause to coral reefs, invasive lionfish are the first non-native marine fish established in the Atlantic. Lionfish pose a significant threat to local marine ecosystems due to widespread predation of native species, high-volume reproduction, and lack of natural predators. 

REEF works in close partnership with government agencies and partners throughout the region to help develop lionfish response plans, train resource managers and dive operators in effective collecting and handling techniques, and conduct cutting-edge research to help address the invasion. To aid in this effort, REEF recruits interested recreational divers and snorkelers to join organized lionfish research and removal projects, encouraging public participation to address the invasion through annual lionfish workshops and fishing competitions called derbies.

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Explore all that Manatee Lagoon has to offer with your group virtually! From our 10-lesson Marine Science Series for 5th graders in a live or recorded format plus several other offerings, Manatee Lagoon can bring the world of manatees and marine science to you and your students. 

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Tune in to join our Manatee Masters for a fun, educational virtual field trip full of facts about our favorite marine mammal – the Florida manatee!  Learn about “all things manatee”, why manatees travel to Manatee Lagoon, and the marine life locals that call Lake Worth Lagoon home.  Students will also learn about the Manatee Master program and unique career paths in the marine sciences.  Plus, a live view of Manatee Lagoon’s outflow area where hundreds of manatees can gather during the winter months! To view the recording of this virtual event, click here .

Virtual Field Trip to Manatee Lagoon Recorded: Dec. 20, 2022 (Duration: 1 hour)

Tune in to join one of our Manatee Masters for a fun, educational, virtual field trip full of facts about our favorite marine mammal – the Florida manatee! Learn about “all things manatee”, why manatees travel to Manatee Lagoon, and the marine life locals that call Lake Worth Lagoon home. To view the recording of this virtual event, which was a collaboration between the Education Technology Department of The School District of Palm Beach County and Manatee Lagoon,  click here .

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Explore the fascinating connection between Florida manatees and power plants. Take a deep dive into the history of Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center ® , an educational attraction located in Riviera Beach, Fla., and the adjacent Florida Power & Light Company Riviera Beach Next Generation Clean Energy Center. Learn about the role power plants play in this threatened species’ migratory habits and survival. To view the recording of this virtual event, which was a collaboration between EarthEcho International, Manatee Lagoon and Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Scientist in Every Florida School program,  click here . 

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Moscow city 360-degree virtual reality tour.

Take the virtual tour of the kremlin, moscow river, saint basil’s cathedral and red square.

The Moscow Kremlin  usually referred to as the Kremlin, is a fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west.

It is the best known of the Kremlins (Russian citadels) and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. Also within this complex is the Grand Kremlin Palace. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation.

The name “Kremlin” means “fortress inside a city”, and is often also used metonymically to refer to the government of the Russian Federation in a similar sense to how “White House” is used to refer to the Executive Office of the President of the United States. It had previously been used to refer to the government of the Soviet Union (1922–1991) and its highest members (such as general secretaries, premiers, presidents, ministers, and commissars). The term “Kremlinology” refers to the study of Soviet and Russian politics.

All of Moscow’s main streets start at  Red Square , so it’s easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum. In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil’s Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian designs, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colourful mural art.

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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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