Winston Churchill once said that “Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” We couldn’t agree more. It is impossible to capture the essence of the world’s largest country around double the USA’s size. Western Russia has a European feel with iconic cities, imperialistic history, glittering palaces, majestic churches, finest art and architecture, and outstanding restaurants and food quality. Eastern Russia is a road less traveled but incredibly rewarding. Ride the Trans Siberian Railway or sail to Russia’s eastern shores and discover pristine Siberia, renowned Lake Baikal, spectacular natural wonders, and unique cultural heritage.

Discover it all on a tailor-made journey with Recherché Journeys. Contact us for a FREE tour plan.

Why travel: 

History & Culture: One cannot talk about Russian history without mentioning the rise and fall of the Soviet Union, the Romanovs, revolutions, and the dictators. And that is just the 20th century. A visit to Moscow is not complete without a visit to the historic Kremlin and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Paul and Peter Fortress, and Nevsky Prospekt at St. Petersburg. Go back over 1,000 years to the towns and villages near Moscow, lined with majestic churches that make up the “Golden-Ring.”

Art & Architecture: Following architectural styles dating back over 1,000 years, Russia’s colorful, intricate, and monumental architecture reflects its rich history. From the multi-domed Byzantine churches to the over-the-top, opulent palaces, Russia’s architectural masterpieces tell a thousand stories. Art lovers can spend hours at the countless galleries and museums in St Petersburg and Moscow. The State Hermitage Museum displays one of the largest collections of fine art in the world. Russia has always expressed her soul through the arts. Russia’s great authors like Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky, Pushkin, Chekhov are revered the world over and a true mecca for classical ballet, Mariinsky and Bolshoi ballet stages are hallowed ground for any ballet aficionados. Watch the Swan Lake or the Nutcracker on the very stage they were choreographed for or go on a private backstage tour.

Untouched Nature: Home to spectacular and diverse nature reserves, Russia has 26 UNESCO World Heritage sites. Cruise on Lake Baikal’s brilliant blue waters, capture the perfect landscape photo of the Altai Mountains’ contrasting colors and trek up giant volcanos at Kamchatka. Spot spy bears gorge themselves during the annual salmon run, marvel at the 2.5m wing-span of the Steller Sea Eagle and get up close with polar bears in the Arctic Circle.

Food & Vodka: Russian cuisine evolved over centuries is a combination of traditional meals with dishes from Georgia, Armenia, Ukraine, and Central Asian countries. Try blini (Russian pancakes) with your choice of filling or as an accompaniment with caviar! Borscht (beet-based soup with mystery ingredients) is loved throughout the Slavic world, and Pelmini is the Russian version of boiled dumplings. Indulge in the highly sought-after seafood globally, Kamchatka crab, and a shot of the national drink, vodka. To really experience vodka the Russian way, pair it with a shot of pickle juice!

When to go:

Best time to visit: May-Oct. Summer months bring moderate temperatures in high the 70s. Spring (Apr-May) is the best time to avoid crowds, heat, and showers. Fall (Sep-Oct) experiences more rainfall and less sunlight.

High Season: Jun-Aug. The golden period of summer and peak season for crowds.

Low Season: Nov-Mar. Below freezing temperatures, but the scenery is magical and the Winter Festival (mid-Dec to mid-Jan) transforms the cities into a glorious winter wonderland.