Russia Travel Insights

Soviet History Tour: Moscow & St. Petersburg - 7 Days

Take a tour through Russia's two capitals, where you will experience the impact of its Soviet history firsthand. Start with a tour of Moscow, before continuing on to St. Petersburg, where you'll find a mix of Eastern and Western influences. Walk through the medieval halls of the Kremlin, explore Moscow's palatial metro stations built under Stalin's rule, stand on the decks of the Aurora Cruiser that played an important role in the 1917 Russian Revolution, and more.

Luxury Highlights of Moscow and St. Petersburg - 5 Days

Get a crash course in Russia's multi-faceted identity and history on this tour of its two capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This highlights tour will take you to the places you've read about in the books, as well as those known only to locals. Tour the medieval fortress of the Kremlin, view world-famous art in the ornate halls of the Hermitage Museum, shop like a local at GUM and the Eliseevsky Supermarket, and more.

Discover Russia's Capitals & Golden Ring - 14 Days

Discover the vibrant capital cities of Russia, starting in Moscow with its famous Red Square, Kremlin, and sprawling Izmailovsky Market. You'll visit ancient settlements of the Golden Ring, including the towns of Vladimir and Suzdal, touring museums, churches, and monasteries. End your trip exploring St Petersburg's monuments and palaces, including Tsar's Village, Peterhof, and the Hermitage with the world's largest collection of paintings.

Hidden Gems of Moscow, Veliky Novgorod, and St. Petersburg - 14 Days

If you're traveling to Russia for the first time but don't want to follow a typical tourist itinerary, consider this two-week tour.  We've combined stops at iconic Russian museums, palaces, and gardens with visits to local markets, urban spaces, historic sites, and food and beverage tastings to give you a taste of Russian culture and history. You'll visit trendy neighborhoods, famous fortresses, a Cold War museum in a secure bunker, and a beautifully-decorated Metro station.

Discover Russia's Cities - 15 Days

This tour of Russia's cities starts and ends in Moscow, where you'll enjoy guided tours through its Red Square, Kremlin, quirky markets, and many museums, plus visit ancient cities and villages in the country's Golden Ring, such as Vladimir and Suzdal. Then discover the cities of Veliky Novgorod with its onion-domed cathedrals and St Petersburg with its UNESCO sites of Peterhof and Peter and Paul Fortress. Head west to the Tatar city of Kazan and explore its unique culture, traditions, and religious monuments, including Orthodox churches, Catholic cathedrals, and grand mosques.

Explore Russia's Capitals & Golden Ring - 10 Days

Explore the capitals of Russia on this 10-day tour, starting in Moscow where you'll enjoy a guided tour through the famous Red Square, the Kremlin, and the sprawling Izmailovsky Market. Discover the ancient settlements of the Golden Ring with trips to Vladimir and Suzdal, touring its museums, churches, and monasteries. Finish the trip in St Petersburg, exploring the city's monuments and palaces, including Tsar's Village, Peterhof, and the Hermitage with the world's largest collection of paintings.

Russia in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Russia is very cold in December, but its fairytale churches and forts look especially lovely dusted in snow. Although Christmas isn't celebrated in December here, the lead up to New Year's Eve is very festive. Here are a few important things to know about traveling to Russia in December.

Russia in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November is the start of winter in Russia. This means cold temperatures in some parts, and very cold temperatures in others. But, Russia is actually very appealing in the winter as the cities in particular look lovely under snow. You just need to know where to go and be prepared for snow. Here's what you need to know about traveling to Russia in November.

Russia in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Autumn is short in many parts of Russia, and by late October you can expect snow in some places. But earlier in the month, temperatures remain mild, offering ideal conditions for city sightseeing. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in October.

Russia in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

September is the start of autumn across Russia, and brings a pleasant medium between the heat of summer and the bitter cold of winter. Schools and colleges are back, so there aren't many domestic travelers around. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in September.

Russia in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

August is the final month of summer in Russia. The temperatures are generally hot and there are crowds in some beach destinations, but the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg tend to be less crowded and expensive than in June and July. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in August.

Russia in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

July is mid-summer in Russia, and brings hot weather, festivals and concerts, and very long days. It's also peak travel season, with Russian schools out for summer and lots of domestic vacationers. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in July.

Russia in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

June is peak season in much of Russia: the weather is warm, the days are long, and the country is accessible. While the cities of the west and around Lake Baikal see a lot of visitors, Russia is so large that many places are less visited, even in mid-summer. Here are a few things to know about traveling to Russia in June.

Russia in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

After the freeze of winter and before the soaring temperatures of summer, May is a pleasant time to visit Russia. Travel routes are accessible, and the climate is mild. Tourist numbers pick up, but fewer people come than later in the summer. Here are a few things to know about visiting Russia in May.

Russia in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

April falls in Russia's short spring. A time of transition between winter and summer, the weather can be wintry or milder, depending on where you go. The cities of Western Russia get pretty slushy at this time of year, but the thaw means that other destinations away from the major cities of St. Petersburg and Moscow become more accessible again, after the winter. Here are a few important things to know about visiting Russia in April.

Russia in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Much of Russia sees warmer temperatures and more daylight hours in March than earlier in the winter, but conditions are still cold and snowy. Although it's not the ideal month to visit Russia, there are some advantages to visiting in March. Read on to find out more.

Russia in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Russia in mid-winter is cold, snowy, and icy, with winter storms sometimes throwing travel plans off course. But, if you keep your itinerary simple and stick to the major cities of the west, you can still enjoy traveling to Russia in February. Here are some important things to know about traveling during this month.

Russia in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Russia in January might conjure images of extreme cold and snow, and while that image is not false, it doesn't mean the whole country is a total no-go. By sticking to the major cities in the west visitors can enjoy many cozy indoor activities while gazing out at the snow-sprinkled landscape. Here are some important things to know about traveling to Russia in January.

St. Petersburg Highlights - 6 Days

St. Petersburg, Russia's second-largest city, is known as the Venice of the North and Russia's Cultural Capital. St. Petersburg's rivers, canals, museums, palaces, and art galleries link Russia's past, present, and future, just as Peter the Great intended when he founded the city. During your six days in St. Petersburg and its environs, you'll explore glittering imperial palaces, the world-famous Hermitage Museum, and the iconic churches and historic fortress that played key roles in St. Petersburg's history.

Highlights of Moscow, St Petersburg, and Veliky Novgorod - 10 Days

This 10-day tour through three of Russia's major cities starts in Moscow, with tours of its Red Square monuments, as well as museums, markets, and medieval neighborhoods. Take the train to St Petersburg where you'll visit one of the world's greatest art collections at the Hermitage Museum, as well as enjoy a river cruise and tour the Peter and Paul Fortress, Tsar's Village, and the UNESCO site of Peterhof. Visit the western city of Velikiy Novgorod to explore its folk-wooden architecture and a restored medieval Orthodox monastery.

Highlights of Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, and St Petersburg - 10 Days

This 10-day tour takes you through Russia's two capitals, as well as to the central city of Nizhny Novgorod where you'll explore its 16th-century Kremlin fortress. You'll discover Moscow's famous Red Square, its medieval neighborhood of Kitai Gorod, and the colorful Novodevichy Convent. In St Petersburg, you'll tour one of the world's largest art collections at the Hermitage Museum, enjoy the Tsars Village at the UNESCO site of Peterhof, and explore the city's birthplace at the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Explore Moscow and St Petersburg - 10 Days

Discover Russia's two capital cities on this trip to Moscow and St Petersburg, starting with tours of the Red Square, the Kremlin, and some of Moscow's most interesting monasteries, palaces, parks, and museums. Explore the medieval neighborhoods, as well as enjoy a boat cruise along the river. Take the train to St Petersburg, where you'll tour Peterhof in the Pushkin District, the world's largest painting collection at the Hermitage Museum, and the city's birthplace at the Peter and Paul Fortress, all while learning about the city's important cultural and historical significance.

Discover St Petersburg & Moscow - 5 Days

This trip takes you through the Russian capital cities, starting in St Petersburg with a guided tour of its main sites and cathedrals, including the Hermitage Museum, which is home to an expansive collection of world art. You'll enjoy a first-class cabin on the overnight to Moscow, then spend the next day touring the city's famous Red Square, the Kremlin Fortress, and the 90-year-old metro system. Learn about the history and culture of these two complex cities, both serving as capitals of the Russian Empire.

Highlights of St Petersburg - 5 Days

This trip through St Petersburg exposes the diverse stories and history of the city, with guided tours through its main squares and sites, as well as the Hermitage Museum, which is home to one of the world's most expansive collections of art. Discover the city's birthplace in the Peter and Paul Fortress, then explore the imperial mansions of the Tsars with visits to Catherine Palace and Alexander Palace. Enjoy a river cruise along the city's canals, channels, and rivers, then visit the grand buildings and gardens of Peterhof, known as the "Russian Versailles".

Highlights of Moscow - 5 Days

This trip to the Russian capital explores the best of Moscow, starting with a guided tour of Red Square, the Kremlin, and the metro stations. You'll then step out of the tourist zone to discover the city's medieval neighborhoods of Kitai Gorod and Krutitskoye Podvorye, viewing cathedrals and monuments from the as far back as the 16th century. End your trip with a day spent museum hopping, followed by an evening watching a ballet or opera at the world-famous Bolshoi Theater.

Highlights of Russia's Two Capitals: St. Petersburg & Moscow - 5 Days

This five-day tour of Russia’s two capitals will give you a taste of two most important cities in Russia. Tour the cultural and historic riches of St. Petersburg, which was the Russian capital for two centuries, including the legendary Hermitage Museum in the old Winter Palace of the Tsars. Then continue on to Moscow, the present capital and a less 'European', more 'Russian' place, home to some of Russia's most famous attractions, including Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil's Cathedral.

Baltic & Russian Explorer - 14 Days

This unforgettable two-week holiday takes you from the Baltics into Finland and Russia. The journey begins in Latvia's capital of Riga with a tour of its medieval Old Town. Continue up the coast to Estonia before taking a ferry to Helsinki and see its historic fortress. The adventure culminates in Russia with highlights of imperial St. Petersburg followed by Moscow and the Kremlin, Red Square, and much more.

Art & History in St. Petersburg - 7 Days

This tour of St. Petersburg gives you a taste of this magnificent city and its compelling stories. The city was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, and over the centuries it has gained a reputation as one of the most elegant of Europe's cities. Experience St. Petersburg's rich culture and history at its many museums, galleries, and palaces, including the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the "Russian Versailles", Peterhof.

Russia's Rural Golden Ring - 7 Days

Explore the old Russia of onion-domed churches rising behind medieval walls, traditional wooden peasant cottages, and legendary, expansive countryside. You'll experience the highlights of rural and provincial Russia in a short time on this seven-day tour, traveling beyond Moscow and St. Petersburg and getting the chance to visit lesser-known places including Vladimir, Yaroslavl, and Suzdal.

World War II History Tour of Russia: Moscow, Volgograd, St. Petersburg, & More - 10 Days

This tour takes you back to World War II, or what Russians call the Great Patriotic War of 1941 -1945. You will visit the battlefields of Borodino, which saw action in 1812 and 1941; Stalingrad, the high-water mark of Hitler's invasion and the site of his first major defeat in early 1943; and Leningrad, present-day St. Petersburg, which experienced one of history's worst sieges. History enthusiasts will love seeing where the action happened.

Cultural Immersion in Moscow - 8 Days

Spend a fabulous week deep-diving into Russian culture. Experience a Russian bathhouse and learn to cook some classic Russian dishes. Learn some of the language so you can communicate with the locals. Learn about Russian religion through its magnificent religious architecture, meet a local family for a traditional glass of tea, and enjoy other authentic experiences that will take you beyond the typical tourist trail.

Trans-Siberian Rail Tour: Moscow to Beijing - 16 Days

Three great nations—Russia, Mongolia, and China—all in one trip, on this Trans-Siberian rail tour. Begin in golden-domed Moscow, visiting the highlights of the Red Square, the Kremlin, and Novodeivchiy Convent. After, stop at the major Russian city of Yekaterinburg and Lake Baikal, the world’s largest lake. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert, finally ending in China with the legendary Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Ming tombs.

Russia of the Romanov Dynasty: Moscow & St. Petersburg - 10 Days

History enthusiasts will love the chance to experience Russia's two greatest cities through places associated with the ill-fated Romanov dynasty. Beginning with Peter the Great's eponymous city, you'll uncover more than two centuries of history while getting to know the modern side of this classical city. Continue to Moscow, where you'll visit the big-ticket attractions as well as lesser-known spots around the Kitai Gorod neighborhood.

Grand Russia Tour - 20 Days

Start in Moscow to see the iconic Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, then head to the countryside to see 16th-century wooden churches in Vladimir and Suzdal. Take an overnight train to visit 9th-century Velikiy Novgorod, then continue to European-influenced St. Petersburg for world-class art in the Hermitage and the sprawling Peterhof estate. See wooden churches in Russia's northern Karelia region before returning to Kazan to see ornate mosques and Tatar culture.

Moscow, St. Petersburg & The Golden Ring - 13 Days

Visit Russia's iconic capital, see 16th-century onion-domed wooden churches, and discover European art and architecture in St. Petersburg. Start in Moscow and explore history in the Kremlin, see the Red Square, and ride the 90-year-old-metro. Take a train to Vladimir and Suzdal to see small-town life, then continue to St. Petersburg to see the world-famous Hermitage art museum, winding city canals, and the sprawling Peterhof estate.

History & Art in Russia - 9 Days

Visit Russia's iconic capital and discover European art and architecture in St. Petersburg. Start in Moscow and explore history in the Kremlin, see the Red Square, and ride the 90-year-old-metro. Take a train to Tula to visit Leo Tolstoy's summer estate, then continue to St. Petersburg to see the world-famous Hermitage art museum, ornate Rococo palaces, and the world's largest Orthodox Cathedral.

Moscow and St. Petersburg Highlights - 6 Days

See Russia's capital cities in a 6-day highlights tour. Start in Moscow and explore the iconic Red Square, Kremlin fortress, and 90-year-old metro system. Take an express train to St. Petersburg to see Orthodox Cathedrals, the world-famous Hermitage art museum, and European-inspired gardens. Visit the sprawling Peterhof estate to see ornate fountains and an extravagant summer palace that matches Versaille's opulence.

Winter Holidays in St. Petersburg - 3 Days

Spend three magical winter days in Russia's "Window to the West". With more canals than Venice and an architectural style that is distinctly European, St. Petersburg is a confluence of art, history, and music. Explore the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, lavish Catherine's Palace, and imposing Peter and Paul Fortress. See the world's largest Orthodox Cathedral and enjoy holiday shopping on the snowy Nevsky Prospekt before catching an evening ballet performance at the Mariinski Theater.

Russia's Capital Cities & Golden Ring Tour - 7 Days

Russia has sometimes been described as a nation of two souls. Moscow represents traditional tsarist Muscovy, with its Orthodox faith and nearly 900-year history—not to mention the legacy of the authoritarian Soviet Union. St. Petersburg speaks to another side of Russia: a nation of intelligentsia, inspired by the Enlightenment. This tour provides an in-depth overview of Russia's contrasting capitals, along with the historic towns of the Golden Ring.

Highlights of Russia's Capital Cities - 8 Days

Moscow and St. Petersburg may be Russia's twin capitals, but each has a distinct spirit of its own. This tour helps you discover both cities by exploring beyond the highlights to hidden local gems. Whether this is your first time in Russia or a repeat visit, you’ll be sure to find something new and exciting on this tour.

Highlights of Russia's Two Capitals - 9 Days

This comprehensive tour of Russia’s two capital cities—Moscow and St. Petersburg—will bring you beyond the highlights to hidden gems known only to locals. Whether this is your first time in Russia or a repeat visit, you’ll be sure to find something new and exciting on this tour. Visit iconic sites like the Kremlin, Hermitage Museum, and Bolshoi Theater along the way.

Russian Capitals & Golden Ring Tour - 14 Days

Russia is sometimes described as a nation of two souls. Moscow represents old world tsarist Muscovy, with its Orthodox faith, onion domes, and thousand year history. St. Petersburg is an elegant city born from Enlightenment, aristocracy, and revolution. Discovering these two contrasting capitals is pure travel magic, and this exciting tour of Moscow and St. Petersburg will give you a taste of their compelling stories.