St Petersburg
The city has a striking array of neoclassical and baroque architectural delights in the form of its many spectacularly designed palaces and…
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.
Russia is waiting. Here are some of our favourite experiences to help you explore.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A perfect time to avoid the crowns prior to Russia’s peak season whilst still experiencing a pleasant climate.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Throughout Russia, December brings harsh winter conditions but can also be the ideal time to see Russia’s spectacular, iconic winter wonderlands.
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.
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 in many places.
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 up to eight minutes to arrive, but it works well.
Russia has a rich heritage of traditions, so it can be hard to remember everything. Here is a snapshot of our most favourite:
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 installations is prohibited so be aware.
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.
Generally, no. Market traders will probably accept foreign currency, but restaurants and shops will only accept local currency which is the Russian Rouble.
In the main cities most shops, restaurants and hotels accept credit cards. Additionally, there are ATM machines everywhere. Move out of the cities or main tourist centres and life is very different, and you should ensure you have sufficient roubles.
All Russians are always required to carry official identification. The rules also apply to foreigners, so you should, technically, carry your passport when
you are out and about.
There is no denying that the Russian visa process is laborious. A lot of form filling plus a visit to your closest Russian Embassy visa office (London, Dublin or Edinburgh) to have your fingerprints taken. 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. Processing times are around 21 days or an urgent service is normally returned to you within the week, or pop back in to collect in person after three business days. The standard visa fee is around £100.
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.
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