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Our Tour Experts St Petersburg
The city has a striking array of neoclassical and baroque architectural delights in the form of its many spectacularly designed palaces and…
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
Russia Holidays
A vast country such as Russia deserves more than one visit. Discover icons such as the masterpieces of the Hermitage and the colourful Church on Spilled Blood to the whimsical turrets of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the mighty Kremlin.
There is still a grittiness and unpredictability to Russia that makes every visit a new adventure. The sheer size and variety of locations ensure that one visit is not enough.
While Moscow and St Petersburg have become showcases of western opulence, move even a short distance outside of the cities and you enter a world which has, through force of circumstance, retained its traditional ways.
Moscow
Moscow is the central focal point of New Russia and everything that it represents.
Golden Ring
Amid plains, lakes and marshes of this vast country are scattered traditional Russian towns.
Russian Arctic
The Russian Arctic stretches from Murmansk in the west round to Anadyr in the east.
Solovki
Although it is not an easy destination, the trip is well worth the reward.
Experiences
Russia is waiting. Here are some of our favourite experiences to help you explore.
A country of great diversity
When it comes to things to see and do in Russia, you are truly spoilt for choice. Moscow is a beautiful contrast between old and new influences, St Petersburg is alive with dazzling colour, and then there is the idyllic countryside of the area.
Idea
Golden Eagle – Trans Siberian Railway
This iconic train journey connects east and west travelling from Moscow across endless steppes landscapes, over the Urals, hopping across the border into Mongolia before terminating in far eastern Russia in the military port of Vladivostok.…
Explore Russia
- Russian Arctic
- The Golden Ring
- Moscow
- Solovki
- St Petersburg
Places to stay
Every captivating tailor-made itinerary needs a perfect base. Our team has handpicked this collection of properties to give you luxury options in styles to suit any adventure.
When to travel
Russia in January
Russia experiences particularly cold winters, with minus temperatures not uncommon for many regions. The continuing cold winters will see many cities including St Petersburg and Moscow transformed into a winter wonderland as the snow settles on these cities.
Russia in February
Due to the predictability of Russia’s extreme winters, public transport systems are well prepared for snowy conditions meaning travelling through winter is not uncommon, particularly as temperatures slowly start to warm up in February.
Russia in March
Spring begins in Russia in March however not as you would typically expect, with snow still on the ground. We recommendation travelling during the winter months or from May, as you will be greeted with melting, dirtier snow in March and the beginning of April.
Russia in April
Throughout April, Russia will experience relatively cold temperatures and cloudy days, however, temperatures can range from -25°C in some regions and reach 25.C in others due to the sheer size of the country.
Russia in May
A perfect time to avoid the crowns prior to Russia’s peak season whilst still experiencing a pleasant climate.
Russia in June
Depending on your exact location, June can be the perfect time to travel to Russia, with temperatures starting to rise throughout the country ad summer begins.
Russia in July
As summer begins in Russia, many locals travel to the countryside and so cities will be much quieter with long, sunny days and very little humidity.
Russia in August
During the peak of summer, cities such as Moscow can experience high temperatures of up to 37°C with other regions generally still warm but with more comfortable conditions.
Russia in September
As summer draws to a close, temperatures will drop and due to this milder climate, sightseeing can become more comfortable yet not be as cold as visiting during winter.
Russia in October
Autumn and spring are typically short in Russia as the country experiences the two extremes – summer and winter. October can be an unpredictable month to travel to the country in terms of climate.
Russia in November
Prior to the beginning of winter, days can be unpredictable with temperatures averaging as low as 2°C, with November experiencing more rainfall depending on your exact destination.
Russia in December
Throughout Russia, December brings harsh winter conditions but can also be the ideal time to see Russia’s spectacular, iconic winter wonderlands.
Recommended reads
FICTION
A Gentleman in Moscow
HISTORY
War and Peace
Meet our experts
A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.
Katie Benden
The excitement of travelling the world has always hugely appealed. Largely cemented from my first solo trip to Egypt and the Middle East. The crazy hustle and bustle of Cairo was a huge assault on the senses, scrambling through the claustrophobic tunnels of the Great pyramid took me out of my comfort zone and I was left humbled by the warm hospitality of the Nubian people in Aswan as we shared dinner together. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Tom Frost
Having travelled to different parts of the world over the years it never ceases to amaze me how you constantly learn and evolve from the adventures you experience. I adore working in an environment where I can share my passion for the world and discuss fascinating stories both from my experiences and that of our clients. In the past year I’ve delved into the wintery beauty of St Petersburg, trekked through the colourful desert in Jordan and sailed down the iconic Nile in Egypt. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Kate Hitchen
My travels were first inspired by my love of the UK, which I take as much pleasure in exploring as countries far and wide. For me, travel is all about the adventure, the people I meet and the food I sample along the way. In fact, I am never happier than when I’m cycling, trekking or simply eating my way through a country! My heart and head regularly pull me east, notably to India but I may also be found wandering through the galleries and piazzas of Italy or daydreaming about fresh ceviche in the far west. Talk with our experts
- 1 855 2037885
Let’s chat
Speak to our experts
Our team is waiting to help you tailor a trip that will leave you with stories for a lifetime. Call us on
01285 601 784 Do I have to carry my passport with me when I am out and about?
All
Russians are required to carry official identification at all times. The rules
also apply to foreigners, so you should, technically, carry your passport when
you are out and about.
I hear the visa process is difficult
There is no denying that the Russian visa process is laborious. A long form plus a visit to have your fingerprints done. That said we have done this form many times, we keep up to date with changes and have an extensive crib sheet to make the process as simple as possible.
Is Russia safe?
Travelling around Russia is as safe now as it has always been. Like with any
destination, we always advise keeping an eye on your belongings, especially when
out in busy, crowded areas and it is sensible to leave any valuables at home.
Is there a dress code I should follow?
Russian women particularly take huge
pride in their appearance and visitors should pack something clean and tidy if
visiting the theatre, ballet or high end restaurants. When visiting churches,
women must remember to cover their heads, so pack a scarf. Men should never put
their hands in their pockets in church.
Will my mobile phone work?
Russia
has an excellent mobile network, but be warned, it is very expensive to
use a foreign mobile phone for calls and data. You will, however, find free Wi-Fi available all over
the place.
Are taxis safe and okay to use in Russia?
Perfectly so but they tend not to bother with a meter and charge extortionate amounts. Better to get one of the smartphone apps such as “Get Taxi” or Uber. Uber is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city and very cheap. Perfect for a visit to the theatre. The average ride costs £2. The cars vary and they can take 6-8 minutes to arrive, but it works well.
Are there any Russian customs that I should know?
Russia has a rich heritage of
traditions, so it can be hard to remember everything.
- Russians
love flowers, so if you are going to dinner in a private apartment flowers are
a perfect present – always take an odd number as even numbers are for funerals! - Never
give a gift of soap; it implies the person smells. Next best to flowers are
chocolates. - Never
show your back to someone, for example when entering a row of theatre seats, it
is appropriate to enter facing the people already seated. - Always
take your shoes off when you enter someone’s apartment or house, there are
usually slippers to wear. - Don’t
jay walk, as the police will fine you.
Are there any sensitive areas I should be aware of when taking photographs in Russia?
In any country you visit, we always advise obtaining permission before photographing the locals out of courtesy. Photography of the Metro, train stations, airports, government and Military buildings and instillations is prohibited so be aware.
Can I hire a car in Russia?
Yes,
but driving in Russia is not easy, particularly if you cannot read Cyrillic.
Additionally Russian drivers do not always adhere to rules and driving is thus quite
problematic. It is easier to hire a car and driver.
Can I pay using Euros?
Generally
no. Market traders will probably accept foreign currency, but restaurants,
shops etc. will only accept Roubles.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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