Russia Tour Packages : Why Magnificent Russia Should be Your Next Travel Destination

What comes to your mind when you hear ‘Russia’? Superpower? Communism? Iron Curtain? Let me take you on a visual tour by the end of which you might start looking for Russia Tour Packages.

Well I don’t blame you. Russia was all about this for last century. But not anymore. I mean it’s still one of the world’s leading economic power, but it’s not closed as it was before. Still very few people were aware of this fact. But in 2018 when FIFA World Cup was hosted by Russia, the world came to know.

It already had all the ingredients to attract all kind of tourist.

Ya it’s true, even after fall of USSR (Soviet Union) Russia continues to be biggest county in the world, Saint Petersburg to Vladivostok.

Here is an interesting fact, Russia’s Seal is a two headed Eagle. Why? The country is situated in two continents, Asia & Europe. So, One head in Europe & Another in Asia.

I believe introduction is brief enough so let’s turn to mobility.

How to get there?

Aeroflot, which is a Russian Carries, connects Delhi to Moscow with two direct flights a day. So, if you are from any other city than Delhi, easiest way is to catch a flight to Delhi & connect to Aeroflot for Moscow.

Other options are Emirates, Etihad & Air Arabia which operate from Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad & Bangalore. You will be taking a stopover in UAE & Flight Hrs are more due to the route, but advantage is your bags getting transferred internally unlike Delhi. (Where you must check out & Check in again). Air Arabia is LCC (Low Cost Carrier) that is why it’s the most economical one.

What about visa?

As you can choose flight as per your convenience, let’s talk about visa. I’ll have to say that Russia is much like Europe in this case. They will give you exact visa (From the day of arrival to the day of Departure).

You need to allow it a week’s time else if it’s a last min. Plan you can pay few additional bucks & get it in two working days. Another thing to be noted is that you can’t fly for 72 hr’s (min) from the stamping date of your visa. So, make sure you have those in between. You can contact us anytime for any kind of VISA assistance.

Currency –

Russian Rubles. 1 RUB = 1.2 INR quite cheap right? It’s easily available in India & this makes your shopping for souvenirs cheap.

Old Russian Ruble

Getting Around –

Major Cities are connected through flights & Trains (Called Sapsan). If you wish to get any place in Russia faster, fight is the answer but don’t miss out experience of SAPSAN which offers breathtaking views of Russian countryside.

Getting around in cities is much easy. Russian Metro is famous for its heritage & efficiency. But that requirers knowledge of Stations & Metro lines. Of course, language is going to be a barrier so safer way is to get a car & Driver to move around.

Destinations –

Let’s talk Itinerary. If you are visiting Russia for the first time, what you should see is Moscow & Saint Petersburg. You must have min. a week to explore these two cities (3 Nights each). Destinations like Lake Baykal or experiences like Trans Siberian Express can be done in the 2nd visit as though they are must do they are costly + take more days. But I’m sure you will do it because you are gonna fall in love with this country & would like to go back again & again just like I did.

Moscow

Moscow –

So, first one is Moscow, Capital & biggest city in Russia. Spread almost 4 times to Mumbai with one third of its population, this is country’s financial capital as well. It holds country’s seat of power & has seen many up’s & downs in last 100 years. Let’s have a glance at some of the most interesting places & iconic landmarks of Moscow.

Places of Interest –

First one is of Course, The Red Square. Situated right in the heart of the Moscow, it holds important Landmarks like, the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral & oldest mall in Russia “Gum Mall.” Well it’s hard to cover beauty of Red Square without Panorama. It’s huge & jam packed with the tourists around the year. You will travel back in time on Your Tour inside the Kremlin Walls. It accommodates major political landmarks since the ZAR Dynasty & is centre of political power of Russia today as well. Once you are done visiting important structures & what they call “ZAR’s Jewels” road leads you out through Alexander Gardens. This magnificent arrangement of flora hardly goes unnoticed.

Saint Basil’s cathedral is popular photo stop but if you like to indulge in Christen Mythology, take a few minutes to check out the unique paintings & decorations inside the church walls.

Gum mall is more of a window sightseeing stop for most of the tourist as what they sell is international designer brands. But you must taste “crème brûlée” which is the most sought-after ice cream in Russia. They claim, until this day the ice cream is handmade according to the 1954 recipe with no artificial flavours or colours.

Nowadays, lot of cities have metros. What’s so special in Moscow’s metro stations? So special that there a “Metro tour”? There is! These stations are built in 1932, 150 Meters below the ground (which is like 50 floors) & are still intact. It’s like an underground city. In WWII, it worked as a fortified shelter for civilians in Moscow. Like all other capitals around the world, Moscow’s got traffic problem. While car takes 1.5 hrs. To 2 hrs. To get you out of city centre & drop at your hotel, with metro, you can get anywhere in literally, 20-30 minutes. Another reason for metro tour is that stations are declared UNESCO World Heritage sites, due to their unique built & interiors.

Museum of Cosmonauts is a place which represents Russia’s race to the stars. If you have seen NASA in USA. This is similar experience. Of course, all the stories which you will find here are different. Next to museum there is a monument dedicated to Conquerers of Space & Gardens which contains Pavilion s of USSR. Both are must see.

Luzinski Stadium

Other sites include Luzinski Stadium, which is home to football team “Locomotive Moscow” & hosted FIFA World Cup Final of 2018, Sparrow Hill which is residence of many Russia elite & offers spectacular views of the city, Cathedral of Christ the saviour which is another masterpiece of Gothic architecture & if you hear properly, shares many interesting tales.

Looking for some fun after the lessons of history & culture? Head to Russian circus in Moscow. It’s obvious to feel that’s child activity but save it. That’s not gonna continue once the performance starts. Performers (Human’s as well as Animals) around the world will Dazzle you with their talent. Sit tight & don’t try this at home.

If you are a party person, then Moscow holds few of the Europes most happening Pubs & Bars. Famous ones are Gypsy, Night fight & Propaganda. Here you can meet locals, try your moves on dance floor & sip Russian Cocktails.

Saint Petersburg –

Cobblestone Streets

Unlike Moscow, Saint Petersburg is much less commercial. Interesting fact is this city was destroyed by the Nazi Germany in 2nd World War. Russian Government rebuilt it the same, as it was. A total cultural city. Just like one built by Peter the Great, the one who established the city in 1703. In Russian history Moscow & Saint Petersburg have been swapping role of “Capital.” But Saint Petersburg received more than its fair share. Characterised with extravagant palaces, breathtaking Citadels & magnificent gardens, St. Petersburg is truly Russias Imperial city. It’s grandiose architecture & picturesque canals were born from glittering ambition of Peter the Great & Progressively gilded by generations of Russian Royalties. Over centuries Russian dynasty sought to create a city to rival against greatest cities in Europe & as you step onto the cobblestones streets here, you will agree that they have succeeded.

Fun fact, while building St. Petersburg, Peter the Great banned use of stone anywhere else in Russia. I’m sure you are quite intrigued by the description so let’s have a look at places which you should visit in St. Petersburg.

Places of Interest –

All important sightseeing s of the city as located in / around Nevesky Prospect. Hermitage Museum/ Winter palace is the ideal starting point. Previously, it was palace of ZAR Peter. Later, it was residence of Cathrine the Great, who opened collection of all ZAR’s before her for Public viewing in 1852. Now it hosts one of the biggest collection of Arts & Crafts around the world. It’s 2nd after Louvre Museum (Paris) which contains over 3 million artworks. They say to have a look at each artwork properly you will have to give 3 months to hermitage museum.

Peter The Great Statue

You will easily notice statue of Peter the Great along the Nava River Cruise which pays tribute to their favourite ZAR. There are 3 Cathedrals which you must visit, St. Isaac’s Cathedral (Which is standing for more than 100 years & offers Panasonic views of the city), Kazan Cathedral (which is exact replica of Cathedral in Kazan, South of Russia) & Church of the Spilled Blood (Which is appreciated due to it’s Onion Domes).

Peter and Paul Fortress- the historical kernel of St. Petersburg, military engineering and architectural monument. From this place the city began its construction in 1701. Monument for bunny at the bridge on Rabbit Island, where the Peter and Paul Fortress located, especially favoured by tourists. The composition of a single architectural ensemble consists of fortifications – walls, curtain walls, bastions and ravelins. In the centre of the ensemble is Peter and Paul Cathedral. It a resting place of many ZAR’s & his dignitaries.

Peterhof Palace

Peterhof Palace (German) is located on Gulf of Finland & is another architectural gem. It was built by Peter the Great as a direct answer to Palace of Versailles of France. This place is strategically important as it opened the gates of Russia to the world by allowing entry to Baltic Sea. Russia was connected to Europe & rest of the world (Especially western parts) from this point.

A short drive (1.5 Hrs.) from St. Petersburg is must to explore this palace. The complex comprises of Peterhof Palace & Gardens. Palace comprises royal court rooms & personal spaces of ZAR. On the other hand, gardens really makes worth of your money. Situated on the shore of Finish Gulf, it has more than 141 different types of fountains (engineered as such, most of them work without pumps).