Russia Tours & Holidays
Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
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Overview
Winston Churchill once said - ‘’Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’’. No statement could be more accurate when describing the world’s largest country. Stretching from the borders of Europe to its Alaskan neighbour in the far north-east, the country spans 9 different time zones across two continents, and is home to over 160 ethnic groups and 100 different languages.
In addition to its rich history and culture, much of the land remains ...
Winston Churchill once said - ‘’Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma’’. No statement could be more accurate when describing the world’s largest country. Stretching from the borders of Europe to its Alaskan neighbour in the far north-east, the country spans 9 different time zones across two continents, and is home to over 160 ethnic groups and 100 different languages.
In addition to its rich history and culture, much of the land remains almost completely untouched and wild, offering spectacular scenery and the opportunity to connect with nature on a whole other level. A land of superlatives, it boasts the highest mountain in Russia and Europe (Mount Elbrus), the world’s deepest and oldest lake (Lake Baikal), the largest forest reserves on the planet and, of course, the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway.
Culturally it is no less impressive. Home to the serene majesty of Saint Petersburg and Moscow’s Kremlin, its culture and traditions span thousands of years of history, from the Scythian tombs of the 5th century BC to the opulence of the Tsars, and the stark Soviet dogma of the post-revolutionary years.
Meet the Expert
Start your journey
Group tours
Travel to Russia with like-minded people on one of our small group tours (usually max size 12), featuring knowledgeable local guides and an expert tour leader.
Siberia Explorer
Travel from the epic landscapes of the UNESCO Altai Mountains along the Trans-Siberian to Lake Baikal.HIGHLIGHTS OF RUSSIA
BEST EXPERIENCES
Travel along the Trans-Siberian Railway
There's no question that travelling along the Trans-Siberian is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences, as you journey from the grandeur of Russia's western cities to the remote depths of Siberia in the far east, passing endless alpine forest and remote Siberian villages, enjoying the company (and vodka!) of locals as you travel.
Discover Altai's myths & legends
Often overlooked by travellers, the UNESCO Altai Mountains in Siberia are one of Russia's most extraordinary hidden gems. Walk through sacred valleys where shamans and snow leopards have endured for generations, discover ‘Martian’ lands and dazzling glaciers, Bronze Age sites and ancient petroglyphs.
Explore Lake Baikal
Enjoy discovering the unique beauty of Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world and the world's deepest. Steeped in ancient traditions and stunning scenery and wildlife, you can easily spend a week here immersing yourself in it's communities and history.Discover more
WHEN TO GO
Irkutsk
Vladivostok
Moscow
INSPIRATION
Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Russia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258
USEFUL INFORMATION
Health and Vaccinations
There are no mandatory immunisations for travellers to Russia though you should be up to date with Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio and Hepatitis A. We recommend you seek advice from your local GP or travel centre as to the correct immunisations and preventative treatments.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) is present in all forested areas of Russia and travellers visiting these areas are at risk, especially through taking part in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Peak transmission season is typically between March and November.
A TBE vaccination is now available in the UK. Two separate injections are required at least two months prior to travel and so please plan ahead to leave time for both. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tick-borne-encephalitis/
Currency
In Russia the official unit of currency is the Ruble. To check out the latest exchange rate for the places that you are visiting you can go to www.oanda.com.
Cultural Sensitivity
In the churches and cathedrals women should cover their heads with a scarf or hat, while men should take their hats off.
On our tours we frequently interact with local people, each with their own distinct customs and traditions. We therefore ask you to be considerate and to treat them with respect. Your tour leader will be able to advise you accordingly.
Language & Religion
Russian is spoken across the whole of the country, but there are hundred’s of regional dialects. For instance, in Siberia there is also the Altai language specific to the Altai region - which is a Turkic origin language. English is more widely spoke in the more touristed areas such as Moscow, St Petersburg and around Lake Baikal.
With 75% of Russian following Orthodox Christianity, it is the largest religion in Russia. The second largest religion in Russia is Islam. Buddhism counts for around 1% of the country’s population. Shamanism is also practised in more rural regions where there is more of a traditional outlook.
Time
Russia is 4 hours ahead of GMT. A useful website to check the time zone differences is www.worldtimezone.com
Food and drink
Russian cuisine is a collection of the different cooking traditions of the Russian people. The cuisine is diverse, with Northern and Eastern European, Caucasian, Central Asian, Siberian, and East Asian influences. Its foundations were laid by the peasant food of the rural population in an often harsh climate, with a combination of plentiful fish, pork, poultry, caviar, mushrooms, berries, and honey.