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Russia

Despite being open to tourism for decades now, Russia remains, as Churchill once observed ‘a riddle wrapped in an enigma'. Mysterious, mighty, modern yet medieval; beautiful and brutal, romantic but cynical, poetic and pragmatic, this is an endlessly contradictory country, but large enough to allow all opposites to exist.

Russia's sheer scale is difficult to imagine, let alone thoroughly explore. Western Russia on its own, from the borders of Belarus to the Ural mountains, is the largest country in Europe, and that's just a fraction of the whole country. The Russian Federation only finishes when the sea separating it from Japan begins, a great sweep of steppes and Siberia in between. There are silvery birch forests too, and snow capped mountains, the warm sands of the Black Sea, rivers, deep lakes and every kind of physical beauty to enjoy.

If the landscapes soothe the soul, urban life in Russia stirs it. The cities are exciting, or enchanting, and in some cases both. From the chaotic yet compelling charm of Moscow, the enchanted feel of the ancient towns on the Golden Ring, the elegance of St Petersburg to the exuberance of Vladivostok in Russia's Far East, there's something for everyone here, from adventure holidays to cultural city breaks or both combined in a tailor made trip.

This is one country where working out an itinerary designed to take in as much variety as possible is recommended, due to both its size and scope. Preferably an itinerary that will allow for sociable stops in steamy bathhouses and chatty teahouses and bars for shots of what is known as ‘a little drop of water' in Russia - and consumed with as much regularity - vodka.

Russia holiday

Highlights
Itinerary ideas
Practical info

Click on a place name below to find out more. Alternatively, to start planning where to go in Russia, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

Eastern Region

Moscow

Moscow & The Golden Ring

Northern Region

Southern Region

St Petersburg

The Practical information displayed here is taken from The Traveller's Handbook, published by WEXAS (2009). While all possible care was taken to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, we are aware that situations change, so for the latest information and up-to-date visa requirements, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

Weather

Warm summers (June to August), freezing winters.

Festivals

International Folklore Festival is held in Moscow between August and December. The Russian Winter Festival held over the 12 days of Christmas is hosted in Moscow's Izmailovo Park with folk games, dancing, and sleigh rides. The Malenitsa Festival is held throughout February and March in Moscow to celebrate the coming of spring and advance of Lent. St Petersburg celebrates the founding of the city on 27 May for City Day. The summer solstice is marked with The White Nights, a period of all-night parties as the sun barely dips below the horizon, leaving a magical night sky.

Food & drink

Varies from region to region, but national favourites include borsch (beetroot soup with sour cream), blinis (small buckwheat pancakes) with sour cream and caviar or smoked salmon, and beef stroganoff. Pirozhky (filled rolls like ravioli) and pelmeni (dumplings) are popular. Although vodka is the drink to drink, local champagne is cheap and surprisingly good.

Etiquette

Dress conservatively, but consider the weather. Avoid displays of wealth and keep expensive items hidden. Gifts are welcomed. Normal social courtesies apply.

Safety

Safer than a few years ago, but can be unsafe in city centres. High levels of theft and alcoholism. Strong presence of the so-called 'Russian mafia'. Avoid areas in the Caucasus (e.g. Grozny, Ingushetia) affected by separatist conflicts and kidnapping.

International airport

Moscow (VKO) 28 km from the city, St Petersburg (LED) 16 km from the city.

Internal travel

Some domestic flights, very poor safety records. River transport, mainly on the Volga and Don rivers, especially in the summer. The rather slow rail network is vital as the road system is poor. Buses are good for short distances.

Visa

Required.

Vaccination

BCG, Diphtheria, Hep. A, Hep. B, JE, Rabies, TBE, Typhoid

Driving

International or national driving licence with authorised translation acceptable for car-hire.

Capital

Moscow.

Language

Russian.

People

Russian (82%), Tatar, Ukrainian, Chuvash.

Religion

Russian Orthodox (75%).

Size

16,995,800.

Population

140,702,094.

Population density

8.2.

Life expectancy

M 59.19, F 73.01.

Currency

Rouble (Rbl) = 100 kopeks.

Finance

Credit cards accepted in cities, cash is preferred to traveller's cheques.

Business hours

0900-1800 Mon-Friday.

Time difference

from +3 to +12.

Voltage

220 AC, 50 Hz.

International dial code

+7 (Do not omit 0 in area code).

The itinerary ideas listed below are designed to give you a flavour of the things to do in Russia. We can adjust any element and tailor-make your trip though, to suit your individual needs and available time. To start planning your trip, talk to one of our destination specialists on 020 7590 0618.

To make an enquiry or to start planning your trip talk to our team of specialists on 020 7590 0618

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