Russia, the largest country in the world, is a land of unparalleled beauty and history.
- Red Square and the Kremlin, Moscow: Begin your journey in Moscow by exploring the heart of Russia. Admire the St. Basil’s Cathedral, visit the historic Kremlin, and witness the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg: Immerse yourself in art and culture at the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and most renowned museums in the world. Admire its architecture while admiring masterpieces by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and other great artists.
- Catherine Palace, Pushkin: A short trip from St. Petersburg, the Catherine Palace awaits. Explore the opulent interiors, especially the Amber Room, known as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.”
- Lake Baikal, Siberia: Escape to the natural wonderland of Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest lake on Earth. Discover its crystal-clear waters, landscapes, and flora and fauna.
- Trans-Siberian Railway: Embark on an journey across the vast Siberian wilderness aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway. Experience the scenery and cultural diversity as you travel from Moscow to Vladivostok.
- Kazan Kremlin, Kazan: Discover the cultural fusion of East and West at the Kazan Kremlin. This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the history and architecture of Tatarstan, harmoniously blending Islamic and Orthodox influences.
- Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg: Step into a world of grandeur at Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the “Russian Versailles.” Roam the gardens, Admire the numerous fountains, and experience the grandeur that once mesmerised Russian nobility.
- Suzdal, Golden Ring: Explore the enchanting Golden Ring, a collection of historic cities northeast of Moscow. In Suzdal, experience the tranquility of a bygone era while wandering through its streets, ancient monasteries, and iconic onion domes.
- Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka: Venture to the remote Kamchatka Peninsula to witness the Valley of Geysers, the second-largest geyser field in the world. Admire the surreal landscape of boiling water erupting from the Earth’s crust, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the Russian wilderness.
- Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow: Indulge in the world of classical performing arts at the legendary Bolshoi Theatre. Witness ballet and opera performances in a venue that has stood as a pinnacle of cultural excellence for centuries.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems:
- Solovetsky Islands, White Sea: Delve into Russia’s spiritual heritage at the Solovetsky Monastery, Located on a remote archipelago. Discover landscapes, historical sites, and the peaceful serenity of this hidden gem.
- Valley of the Giants, Altai Mountains: Unleash your adventurous spirit by exploring the Altai Mountains. Discover the Valley of the Giants, a remote region where ancient wooden statues tower above the landscape, invoking a sense of mystery and ancient folklore.
- Kizhi Island, Lake Onega: Visit Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, located in Lake Onega. Walk among the open-air museum’s collection of wooden structures, including the iconic Church of the Transfiguration with its twenty-two onion domes.
- Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal: Experience the mystical allure of Olkhon Island, often considered the spiritual centre of Lake Baikal. Explore its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and witness the sunset over the world’s deepest lake.
- Dargavs, North Ossetia: Journey to Dargavs, the City of the Dead, where rows of ancient stone crypts silently guard the memories of the deceased. Explore this hauntingly beautiful necropolis, shrouded in legends and rich in history.
- Teriberka, Murmansk Oblast: Dive into the untouched natural beauty of Teriberka, a remote village perched on the Arctic Ocean coastline. Experience the rugged Arctic landscape, witness the Northern Lights, and immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Derbent, Dagestan: Explore the ancient city of Derbent, known as the “Gates of the Caucasus.” Discover ancient fortifications, meander through the narrow streets of the old town