As our tastes and desires for extravagant and enlightening holidays become more apparent, holidaymakers are broadening their horizons in their quest for that ultimate travel experience.
Looking for more than a suntan, some of us are opting for a break that will educate us and enrich our souls.
One country that has certainly intrigued us for years is Russia, the world’s largest country.
Russia has gone through many transformations in the past few decades and the changing face of this vast nation still holds a mysterious allure as a holiday destination.
Russia of today might surprise you. The cities of Moscow and St Petersburg are awash with trendy art galleries, opulent hotels, luxury shops and restaurants. This is new Russia and it’s showing its teeth.
I doubt anyone could crack Russia’s enigma in a two week vacation but there’s still many opportunities that offer an insight into this fascinating country even on the shortest of trips.
There is so much to discover in this culture-rich land that spans nine time zones and home to an array of historic treasures. Russia’s geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and East Asia certainly means you will encounter a variety of nationalities and influences but you will be in no doubt as to where you are.
Russia has a strong identity and everything around you is distinctly Russian in flavour.
Your first glimpse of Russia might be the onion domes of the candy coloured St Basil’s Cathedral, which, alongside the Kremlin, dominate Moscow’s skyline. Built by Ivan The Terrible (Tsar Ivan IV), St Basil’s Cathedral boasts no fewer than nine chapels; all capped with colourful, cupcake domed spires.
The Kremlin is still the epicenter of today’s super powers yet it has played a central role in Russian life for over 800 years.
Its monumental walls and towers majestically stand guard over its ancient treasures and political HQ.
The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral are often said to symbolize Russia itself and they are seriously impressive in the flesh.
If you did nothing else on your trip, visit these two magnificent structures.
There’s numerous other sights to behold in Russia though and we’ve compiled a handy guide below which details the top ten attractions and some of the best places to visit: –
Top Attractions:Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow The Kremlin, Moscow Lenin’s Mausoleum, Moscow Ballet performance at The Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg Catherine Palace (Summer Palace), St Petersburg Kizhi Island, St Petersburg The Peter and Paul Fortress, St Petersburg St. Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod Train ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Top places to visit :Moscow St Petersburg Vladimir Vladivostok Novgorod Yekaterinburg Krasnodar Novosibirsk Kaliningrad YaroslavlFor your visit to Russia you will need to ensure that you have all of your entry requirements in place. You should familiarise yourself with current safety warnings and any vaccination requirements
Here’s the current Russia travel guide for visitors from the UK.
Need some help booking your trip? Why not see who else has been there on talkholiday ? You could pick up some handy hints and tips.
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