Holidays in Russia

Stretching nearly 10,000 kilometres from St Petersburg in the west to Vladivostok in the east, spanning eleven time zones and sharing borders with countries from Finland to China, Russia is certainly a country rich in landscapes, culture and stories.

When is the best time to enjoy holidays in Russia?

Russia enjoys long, light evenings and balmy temperatures during the summer months between June and August, but in the quieter months of May or September the crowds are thinner and the weather is still pleasant. For fairytale scenes of cities covered in glittering snow and rides in a ‘Troika’ (a horse-drawn sleigh) the Christmas season in Russia is ideal, just be prepared for sub-zero temperatures and don’t forget the snow boots! Airfares tend to be at their lowest in November, March and late August.

Holidays in Russia: From ballet at the Bolshoi to trekking across Mount Fisht

One thing is certain, holidays in Russia will keep you busy! When in Moscow don’t miss St Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square or a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre. World class art awaits you at St Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum and a boat trip past the mighty Winter Palace is a real highlight of a visit to this city. Venture out of the cities towards Sochi and Anapa on the warm, subtropical Black Sea, where dolphins can often be seen frolicking off the coast. For a real sense of the outdoors, visit the Northern Caucasus Mountains for skiing in Krasnaya Polyana or trekking across Mount Fisht.

Trans-Siberian adventures in Russia

Holidays in Russia aren't complete without a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Stop off at Irkutsk to enjoy the splendours of Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, and chug past the Atlai Mountains and the wild steppes of Tyva near the Mongolian border. Looking for something more explosive? Then don’t miss Kamchatka Volcano on Russia’s northeastern coast.