Russia

Visit the European outpost for an instant reward of impressive classical art and architecture. A picturesque city split by the Neva River delta, you’ll discover enough fine dining, exquisite palaces, cosy cafes and art collections to warrant a return trip.

• Take a City Tour – See the fascinating sights of St. Petersburg including the enormous Palace Square and the Hermitage Museum. Here you will see one of the world's largest collections of art displaying priceless works by Rembrandt, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Matisse and Picasso just to name a few. This collection will truly blow your mind!
• Peter and Paul Fortress – This beautiful and fascinating architectural landmark was once used as a political prison under the Tsars, today it houses the City Museum, the Mint and the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
• Visit St. Isaacs Cathedral with its stunning gilded some that still dominates the city skyline centuries after its construction.
• Our Experience journeys provide you with a unique and wonderful experience, dining in the home of a renowned cultural figure, Yury Petrochenkov and his wife. You will also visit the marvellous Russian Museum of Ethnography as well as a Russian Banya (bathhouse).
• Stroll around the oldest collection of garden statues in Russia in the Summer Garden, the location of Peter the Great's first Summer Palace.
• A canal boat tour, it is a great way to see this beautiful city in the summer.
• Explore the Russian Battleship, 'Aurora' which became a symbol for the Russian Revolution and is permanently docked on the Neva River.
• Holy Saviour on the Spilt Blood, built on the spot where Alexander II was fatally wounded. You can see the beautiful gold-draped onion domes of this lovely Russian church from all over the city.
• Climb the Colonnade of St Isaac’s Cathedral for an amazing panoramic view of St. Petersburg. It’s well worth the 300 steps!
• See a world-renowned Russian Ballet at the Mariinsky Theatre.
• Visit the magnificent summer residence of the Russian Tsars in the town of Pushkin where you will find the finest example of Russian Baroque, Catherine Palace, which contains the amazing Amber Room. Whilst Catherine's Palace is incredible for it's interiors Alexander's Palace, the last home of Nicholas II and his family, oozes an amazing history
• Admire exquisite and elaborately decorated Fabergé Eggs at the Fabergé Museum in St Petersburg’s Shuvalovsky Palace.
• Take the hydrofoil for the 30km scenic journey west of St. Petersburg to the incredible grandeur of the Summer Palace and Park of Peterhof (Petrodvorets), often referred to as the Russian Versaille, which was the inspiration for Peter the Great to build an imperial palace in the suburbs of his new city.

Uncover the majestic epicentre of Russia’s political, historical and architectural might. A cultural treasure-trove surviving centuries of revolution, where an ancient veneer converges with modern-slick in a city of 10 million. There’s something to ignite your senses at every turn.

• The Kremlin is a 'must see' when in Moscow, showcasing monumental walls and towers, golden domed cathedrals and amazing treasures in the Armoury. The treasures contained within the Armoury are overwhelming. From the chalice of Yuri Dolgoruky and armour of Boris Godunov to the renowned collection of over fifty Faberge eggs, this collection will astound you.
• Take a tour of the Moscow Metro to see the best examples of underground Soviet-era architecture with no expense spared by those who built this palatial web of tunnels and tracks.
• Learn from the masters how to make the iconic matryoshka dolls.
• Visit a Russian family for a tea tasting experience.
• See an amazing collection of Soviet space memorabilia and learn about the space race from a USSR perspective at the Cosmonaut Museum.
• Have an early morning start to beat the queues at the Tretyakov Gallery where you can see the world's best collection of Russian icons and other pre-Revolutionary Russian art.
• To see an incredible collection of European works from the likes of Rembrandt, Botticelli & Tiepolo visit the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum. Here you will also find an impressive Ancient Civilisation exhibit complete with ancient Egyptian weaponry, jewellery, ritual items and two haunting mummies.
• Visit one of the best-preserved historical complexes in Moscow visit the Novodevichy Convent. Adjacent is the Novodevichy Cemetery which is one of Russia's most famous cemeteries.
• Find out how the majority of Muscovites spend their free time at one of the trendiest places in the city at Gorky Park, with new cafes, places to explore on foot, an open air cinema & contemporary art makes this one of the most popular places in Moscow.
• Explore one if the city’s oldest streets, Arbat Street where you can pick up some of the tackiest souvenirs imaginable to some very fine, very expensive Russian handcrafts and art. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of street performers, bars, cafes and local restaurants. Be sure to wander the side streets that allow you to feel the "old Moscow spirit".
• In the midst of all the swanky shops on ul Petrovka, an archway leads to a courtyard that is strung with barbed wire and hung with portraits of political prisoners. This is the entrance to a unique museum dedicated to the Chief Administration of Corrective Labour Camps and Colonies, better known as the GULAG.
• Why not experience some of Moscow's most picturesque sights from a totally different perspective while drifting slowly along the banks of the Moscow River via a river cruise.
• The Izmaylovo market is a great place to pick up some traditional Russian gifts and souvenirs such as Matryoshka Dolls or Soviet paraphernalia. It is held every weekend beside the royal estate, a great spot for a picnic, bike riding and hiking.
• In the evening go and see a ballet at the infamous Bolshoi Theatre, circus, opera or a concert. Moscow is a cauldron of culture from famous classical music traditions to featuring on the touring schedules of international names in jazz, rock & pop music.
• Head out of the city to southern Moscow to the former summer residence of the princes of Moscow and later the Tsars, Kolomenskoye Estate.
• Visit the Moscow’s countryside to gain an insight into the life of the great Russian writer Leo Tolstoy at his estate. It was here that Tolstoy spent most of his life and wrote his epic novels Anna Karenina, War and Peace and many others.
• Spend a day exploring one of the cities of Russia’s Golden Ring famous for rich history, architecture and culture.

Once straddling the shifting borders of Russian and Tatarstan Empires, Kazan is a spiritual and architectural melting pot. No matter your inclination, the Temple of All Religions is a must; borrowing architectural flourishes from 16 religions, the abstract symbol of unity dazzles like a whimsical Gaudí masterpiece.

• The UNESCO World Heritage Listed Kazan Kremlin was once a Tatar fortress that was largely destroyed by Ivan the Terrible then reconstructed during the 16th and 17th centuries with new fortifications and Russian institutions. The Kremlin today houses Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan Bogoroditskiy Nunnery, Peter and Paul Cathedral, Raifsky Bogoroditsky Monastery, the Syuyumbike Tower and much more.
• Enter a time machine back to the USSR at the unique and eccentric Museum of Socialism, showcasing an abundance of anything and everything related to Soviet culture.
• Visit Kazan’s many museums – The National Museum of the Republic of Tatarstan, State Hermitage Museum, the Museum of 1000 Years of Kazan to name a few.
• Wander the Central Market.
• If you are visiting in summer take a swim near the waters of the mighty Volga and hit the manmade beach on the bank of the Kazanka River.
• Climb aboard a river cruise up the Volga.

One of Russia’s oldest settlements, it functioned as the capital when Moscow was a mere idea. It’s one of the smallest towns in the Golden Ring, but what it lacks in population it makes up for in grand-domed churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

• At the core of Suzdal is the towns kremlin, its north and south gates were crafted by a unique fire-gold technique and represent some of the best-preserved examples of ancient Russian architecture.
• Admire the lavish, neo-Byzantine Cathedral of the Nativity which overlooks the central market. The architectural masterpiece that is the Archbishops' Chambers took several centuries to build; it now houses a unique collection of historical and archaeological objects.
• Experience the life of days gone by at the Museum of Wooden Architecture.
• Visit the Holy Monastery of St Euthymius with its breathtaking interior and see its Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral built in 1594. Listen to the enchanting sounds of bells ringing from the bell tower every hour on the hour between and 11am and 5pm.
• The Convent of the Intercession founded in 1364, originally as a place of exile for the unruly wives of tsars. The first wife of Vasily III was sent here in the 1520’s due to her supposed infertility!
• Take a sleigh ride in winter through this fairy tale setting upon the frozen Kamenka River or wander the streets on foot or hire a bike.
• Feast on traditional Russian Bliny topped with caviar or delicious marinated forest mushrooms in the refectory of the Kremlin.
• Although Russia's beverage of choice is Vodka in Suzdal it is medovukha, a Russian type of cider made from honey. You can find homemade versions at market stalls however ask your guide or honcho where to find the ‘real deal’.
• Pickles with your vodka? Head to Suzdal in July and join in their Cucumber Festival to sample all things long and green!

A major trading centre since 1221 and a military stronghold once closed to tourists by the Soviets – it’s begging to be explored. A diverse collection of historical monuments harmonising with modern urban culture. Surrounded by charming countryside, it makes for a heady concoction likely to leave you spellbound.

A vibrant modern city rich in minerals and history. Visit the enormous Byzantine-style church built on the site of the Romanovs’ execution, stand on the boundary line of Europe and Asia, take in the urban panorama from the Vysotskiy Viewing Platform and stroll around an impressive collection of museums and historic monuments.

The cultural centre of Siberia has an interesting story to tell. Originally a fur trade frontier, the winter outpost became the saving grace of countless rebels exiled here after the Decembrist Revolt against Tsar Nicholas I. Today, it’s Siberia’s most important centre, filled with universities, museums and historic sites.

• To delve into the history and findings of the surrounding areas visit the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the Baikal Limnological Museum.
• Stroll around the city taking in the Angara River, classic architecture, wooden houses, churches and cathedrals and the central market.
• Experience a unique encounter visiting a region where Shamanism, an ancient healing tradition and way of life, is still practiced. This is a brilliant way to experience the Buryat people's hospitality, cuisine and traditions.
• Tailor your journey to head out of Irkutsk and spend some time at Olkhon Island. Apart from being a great place to get away from civilisation, get amongst nature and enjoy the pristine air and water. There are a number of sacred places that make Olkhon very important to the native Buryat people, the most well known of which is Shaman Rock.
• Ride the rails along the Circum Baikal Loop that was built more than 100 years ago! The train travels at a leisurely pace right along the shore of Lake Baikal allowing plenty of photo opportunities and stopping at its most significant architectural sights and stunning viewpoints.
• Explore the many hiking & walking tracks around the shores of the oldest and deepest lake in the world with the knowledge of a local guide.

You’ll know you’ve reached the city centre when you come face to face with Lenin or at least a 25-foot bronze statue of his head. A common meeting place for locals, it’s a great spot to people-watch in the cosy centre of Tibetan Buddhist culture – original home of the Buryats.

• View the world’s largest Lenin head standing at 7.7 metres tall!
• Make your way to Lenin Street, known by locals as Arbat Street, as it resembles Moscow's historic street lined with beautiful 17th - 19th century architecture. This is a great spot to meet the locals and experience day-to-day life in Ulan Ude.
• The Ivolginsky Datsan, built in 1945 is the main active and most important Buddhist religious centre in Russia. It is the chosen residence of the leader of all Russian Lamas and is also home to the preserved body of the Khambo Lama, who died in 1927 and remains sitting upright in the lotus position.
• About fifteen minutes from the centre of the city is the open-air Ethnographic Museum, it's the largest settlement of local architecture and documents the life of native Siberians and the colonisers. Take a look at the reconstruction of an ancient hunnu, an Evenk (native) settlement consisting of several small tipi's made of deer fur.
• See a performance at the Buryat National Academy Theatre of Opera and Ballet where you can also see spectacular views of the city.
• Take a step back in time with an excursion to the Old Believers Village. The Old Believers separated from the Russian Orthodox Church in 1666 in protest of new reforms, they were exiled and fled to avoid imprisonment and execution, some even burnt themselves alive as a form of protest! Today they still practice a form of the religion that stopped across much of Russia centuries ago. You will be warmly welcomed into their culture and homes for a home cooked lunch and traditional song and dance.

Quite possibly Russia’s most breathtaking natural landmark, it holds four world records as the largest, deepest, clearest and oldest lake on Earth. It’s no surprise this transformative triumph of nature is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hovercraft over its icy surface in winter or take a refreshing dip in summer – you may just discover it’s also the coldest lake in the world.

The eastern terminus of the Trans Siberian Railway is where Tsar Nicholas II laid the line’s founding stone in 1891. The Bay is striking and the town hilly, bearing some resemblance to San Francisco. Tire yourself out wandering the streets and learning about naval history, then hop on a ferry to Japan.