Russia holiday, a taste of Russia

country:	Russia
trip type:	A small group adventure.
departures:	2009: 28 Dec 2010: 19 Apr, 3 May, 17 May, 31 May, 7 Jun, 14 Jun, 21 Jun, 28 Jun, 5 Jul, 12 Jul, 19 Jul, 26 Jul, 2 Aug, 9 Aug, 16 Aug, 23 Aug, 6 Sep, 13 Sep, 20 Sep, 4 Oct, 18 Oct 2011: 28 Mar, 11 Apr, 25 Apr, 2 May, 16 May, 30 May
price:	From £910 (8 days) excluding flights. We can arrange flights from the UK.
vouchers:	Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

read 1 travellers review

Russia holidays

the amazing things you'll be doing

Taste mystery and intrigue on an exploration of the land that lay hidden behind the Iron Curtain for decades. Experience the grandeur of Moscow, the beauty of Russia's ancient capitals and the grace of St Petersburg. Discover the cathedrals, monuments, age-old treasures and romantic landscapes of this great nation and find the heart of enigmatic Russia.

day-by-day itinerary

Days 1-2:	Moscow. A city where old-world orthodoxy meets audacious free enterprise, Moscow is one of the greatest capitals of the world. Explore the Kremlin and discover its huge collection of imperial treasures including exquisite Faberge eggs and ceremonial regalia. Wander among the cathedrals and museums within the Kremlin walls and join the hoards to get a glimpse of Lenin in his eternal state. Be sure to travel the metro system - these 'Palaces of the People' are unlike any in the world.
Days 3-4:	Vladimir/Suzdal. Marvel at these glittering towns and former Russian capitals, which form part of the Golden Ring. Inspect the elaborate frescoes on the walls of the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir, before travelling to Suzdal, a town with a remarkable number of churches and a memorable skyline. Wind down with a glass of medovukha, a light alcoholic drink made from honey, and enjoy lovely views across picturesque meadows.
Day 5:	Novgorod. Russia's oldest city is an absolute gem. Take in the many well-preserved architectural treasures that hint at the city's former glory. Travel back in time with a visit to the Millennium Monument and the Cathedral of St Sophia, both concealed within the kremlin walls.
Days 6-8:	St Petersburg. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the many historical characters associated with the beautiful sights of St Petersburg. This former imperial capital boasts the magnificent Hermitage Museum, located inside the opulent Winter Palace. Spend an afternoon browsing the museum's millions of artistic masterpieces from all over the world.

travellers' tales

The highlights were the new friends that I've made, interesting sites and history that I've discovered. (more)

small group adventure holiday

This is a 'small group adventure' - on our group trips you'll be with a maximum of 11 like minded travellers and you'll have a group leader with you. Whether you are travelling alone or with friends it's good value, and a great way to meet new people! While itineraries are pre-planned there is some flexibility and you'll have plenty of privacy. This trip will appeal to travellers of all ages who enjoy meeting people from other parts of the world as well as seeing new places! (more)

highly commended

This tourism business was Highly Commended in our 2007 Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards - the largest awards of their kind in the world, and organised by responsibletravel.com in association with The Times, World Travel Market and Geographical Magazine, of the Royal Geographical Society.

Since 2004, the Awards has recognised individuals, companies and organisations in travel making a big commitment to the culture and economies of local communities and helping to conserve biodiversity.

how this holiday makes a difference

This trip may only be short (8 days) but definitely manages to fit in as many local experiences as possible as you travel some of the highlights of the North West of this extensive country.

You are accompanied by a leader for the duration of the tour who will be able to help you understand more about the realities of living and travelling in Russia and help to facilitate your interaction with locals along the way. The local guides who take you on excursions and walking tours in each of the places we visit are passionate about their country and allow you to get a real insight into places significant to the history, culture and development of the nation.

During the journey there are numerous opportunities for local interaction and getting to know people. Wandering the back streets of Suzdal you'll no doubt encounter local residents tending their gardens, chickens and livestock or perhaps even come across monks, nuns and priests on their way to the many monasteries and churches in the town. In Novgorod in the summer months you can relax with locals as they soak up the sun along the river bank beaches or in winter join them for a steam at the public banya (sauna/bathhouse).

Along the way you'll have the opportunity to support local industries by shopping for food at local farmers markets, buying direct from the babushka's who sell their home produce on the streets or visiting local handicraft stalls.

Getting from place to place is done mainly by utilising public transport. In Moscow this means the ornate, bustling but superbly efficient metro system. From Novgorod to St Petersburg it's one of the frequent public buses, while to get to Novgorod you'll get a taste of Russian train travel on an overnight sleeper where the dining car is definitely the hub for chatting and drinking with local travellers. You’ll be surprised how much you can learn from a friendly local who strikes up a conversation on the train or as you explore on by foot or travel on local transport.

At the completion of your journey travellers are encouraged to donate any unwanted clothing and toiletries, which are distributed to a St Petersburg local charity (Nochlezhka) supported by us which provides support for the city's homeless.

Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people.

We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel.

'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left).

We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays.

We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism.

This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards.