Destination introduction
Both forbidding and inviting Russia offers a trip with a difference. A visit here is ideal for those who want to enjoy a European city break yet are curious for something a little more unfamiliar and intriguing. A mere 3 hours flying time brings travellers to Moscow or St Petersburg, cities with huge historic and political significance. Our 8 day tour ‘Russian Reflections’ takes in both these destinations.
Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia has opened up to overseas tourism. Visitors will find locals who are welcoming, patient and, especially in the cities, excellent speakers of English. Even the signs in Cryllic – at first seemingly impossible – can be made out with a little effort.
Moscow and St Petersburg offer the opportunity to really indulge in luxury accommodation. 5 * city centre properties have a long history and a guest list to match and they reflect the shear opulence of a former age.
Your Russian Holiday Highlights
• Taking the high speed Sapsan train between Moscow and St Petersburg. Travelling at speeds of up to 250 kph in a first class carriage is the way to see the Russian countryside.
• Admiring the magnificent art in the Hermitage Museum. Once a private collection of Catherine the Great, the public can now view works by Rafael, Renoir, van Gogh, Picasso and Matisse to name a few.
• Standing in Moscow’s Red Square and taking in the swirling domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, while the forbidding walls of the Kremlim loom behind.
• Imagining your name up amongst the fabulous guest list at the Astoria in St Petersburg. Maybe you will stay in the same room as princes, film stars or even Kylie Minogue.
Where is Russia?
The largest country in the world, Russia spreads all the way from Europe in the west, right past Kazakhstan, China and Japan to meet the Bering Sea and Alaska in the east. Not surprisingly the country has 9 time zones, but Moscow and St Petersburg, close to Europe are just 3 hours ahead of GMT.
The weather is Moscow and St Petersburg is quite extreme. Winter sees average temperatures of -12°C, but can be much colder. Summer days average in the low 20s although scorching heat waves are not uncommon, leaving spring and autumn as the ideal times to travel. Being that much further north St Petersburg enjoys long days of sunlight. During the ‘White Nights’ in June, darkness never comes and people celebrate this period with late night concerts and midnight picnics.
Russian Cuisine
Traditional cuisine includes thick stew-like broths, Borsch – a delicious beetroot soup, lots of meat and potatoes, and blinis or little pancakes. Vegetables don’t really feature strongly although the ubiquitous cabbage can be enjoyed in various forms such as the cabbage stuffed with mince meat.
Having said that, Moscow and St Petersburg are awash with restaurants offering food from all over the world, Chinese, Italian, Greek, British and specialities from the former Soviet Union. There are prices to suit all pockets, but do be aware of the costs as they are generally steeper than UK prices. Japanese food has really taken off however, and many of the popular chains allow a chance to try something without breaking the bank.
Did you know? The Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and the Mariinsky Ballet in St Petersburg remain famous throughout the world?