A vast country that stretches from Europe to the Far East, Russia has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for culture, wildlife or an epic rail journey, Russia offers it all
The wooden Church of St. Nicholas, Suzdal (Dreamstime)
Head straight into the heart of Russian history and culture on this nine-day adventure through the country’s ‘Golden Ring’ with Evaneos.
The Golden Ring is the name given to the chain of ancient towns lying to the north and east of Moscow. It is one of the oldest Russian routes in the country, full of history and unique architecture.
Starting in Moscow, you’ll head through Sergiev Posad, Suzdal, Vladimir and Novgorod on your journey to St Petersburg. You’ll learn about each town's history and traditions, and meet the people who live there. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the cathedrals, fortresses, monasteries, cities and landscapes of this fascinating country.
Trip: Golden Ring Classic
Who: Evaneos
When: Dates throughout the year
How long: 10 days
How much: From £1,575
Herding reindeer on the Yamal Peninsula (Dreamstime)
Venture beyond the Arctic Circle to the Yamal Peninsula, staying with the nomadic Nenets people, on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure with Intrepid.
This isolated region has been home to the Nenets, a tribe of nomadic reindeer herders, for centuries. For the first time, they are inviting travellers into their community to learn about life on the frozen tundra and help them herd reindeer across this vast, beautiful landscape. You’ll also try your hand at ice fishing, enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of Horomdo Lake, and travel back to Moscow by train.
Trip: Russia Expedition - Footsteps of the Reindeer Herders
Who: Intrepid
When: Departures Jul & Aug
How long: 15 days
How much: From £2,350
Cruising the Volga River (Dreamstime)
Explore both the Russian countryside and the treasures of its grandest cities in style on this five-star cruise along the Volga River with Regent.
Choose the Volga Dream Platinum option and you will spend the nights either side of your cruise in Russia’s finest hotels: the opulent St. Regis Moscow Hotel Nikolskaya in Moscow and St Petersburg’s Grand Hotel Europe. You’ll tour the breathtaking sites in both cities in groups of no more than 15, with a special early entrance to the Hermitage Museum and a trip to Peterhof Palace by hydrofoil. Onboard you’ll enjoy gourmet meals, luxurious cabins, and the very highest standards of service as you drift through the beautiful Russian countryside.
Trip: 5-Star Russian River Cruise - Ms Volga Dream | Moscow - St Petersburg
Who: Regent
When: Departures May-Sep
How long: 13 days
How much: From £3,425 (exc. flights)
Saint Isaac's cathedral, St Petersburg (Dreamstime)
With its beautiful canals and grand buildings, St Petersburg is one of the prettiest cities in the world, bursting with culture, fine food and unforgettable sights. You’ll experience it all on this weekend break with Audley.
Every day brings a new delight, from the abundance of treasures in the Hermitage to the Peter and Paul Fortress – the city's first permanent building. Catherine Palace showcases the phenomenal wealth of the Tsars.
A boat trip along the canals reveals another, equally beguiling, side to the city.
Trip: St Petersburg weekend break
Who: Audley
When: Departures throughout the year
How long: 3 nights
How much: From £1,195
The Trans-Siberian near Lake Baikal (Dreamstime)
Watch the epic landscapes of Russia glide by through the window of a comfortable train on this Trans-Siberian rail journey with G Adventures.
You’ll travel from one side of this vast country to the other, crossing seven time zones and covering an extraordinary 9,330 kilometres. Starting in Moscow, you’ll cross the Ural Mountains (and into Asia) on your journey to Yekaterinburg, before heading to the heart of Siberia in Irkutsk and Lake Baikal. Here you’ll learn about Buryat culture in Ulan Ude before travelling to the coast in Vladivostok.
Whether you go in the summer or winter, this trip is the very definition of epic.
Trip: Epic Trans-Siberian Journey
Who: G Adventures
When: Departures throughout the year
How long: 17 days
How much: £2,599 (exc. flights)
Sunset over Moscow (Dreamstime)
Discover the unique charms of Russia’s biggest cities, Moscow and St Petersburg, on this seven-day break with Tucan Travel.
Each city has its own distinct personality. In Moscow, the country’s Soviet past is never far away. You’ll explore Lenin’s mausoleum, discover the Kremlin’s red brick towers, and gaze over the city’s iconic skyline – including the flamboyant onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square.
By contrast, St Petersburg offers a ‘window on the west’, with a Venetian-style canal network, neo-classical architectural style, and cosmopolitan sophistication.
Together, they make an unforgettable journey into Russian history, culture and cuisine.
Trip: Russian Highlights
Who: Tucan Travel
When: Departures throughout the year
How long: 7 days
How much: From £779 (exc. flights)
Polar bears in Arctic Russia (Dreamstime)
Sail through the Bering Strait and head west along the Chukotka coast on this 14-night expedition cruise along the wild fringes of northeast Siberia with Wildlife Worldwide.
Accompanied by renowned wildlife photographer Mark Carwardine, you’ll visit the remote and untouched Wrangel Island, with Zodiac outings and multiple landings providing memorable opportunities to see polar bears, wolverines, Arctic foxes, reindeer and musk ox.
The sea here boasts the largest population of Pacific walrus, and grey whales migrate from their breeding lagoons off Baja California – on the Mexican coast – to feed here. Killer whales, belugas, humpback, fin and bowhead whales and various beaked whales are all present too.
This is an extraordinary journey through the Russian High Arctic, one of the world’s last great pristine wildernesses.
Trip: Wrangel Island Exclusive With Mark Carwardine
Who: Wildlife Worldwide
When: Departures in July
How long: 14 nights
How much: From £13,395 (exc. flights)
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