Experience the treasures of Russian culture, history and architecture on this eight-day jaunt into the largest country in the world. Marvel at Orthodox frescoes and golden domes, watch beautiful ballets and sample the best vodka on the planet. You’ll be led by an expert guide, and the local guides along the way will help you uncover a Russian flavor. Visit the Kremlin in Moscow and contemplate artistic masterpieces in St. Petersburg’s famous Hermitage. The graceful cathedrals of St. Petersburg coupled with the grandeur of Moscow are awaiting discovery on this glimpse behind the ‘Iron Curtain’.
For most westerners, Russia is associated with its European cities – Moscow and St.Petersburg. This is the heartland of Russia, and these great and ancient cities often become the focus for most guests. However, there is much more about Russia, a country that spans eleven time zones, ending less than 85 km from North America. Within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanoes, and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country of the Earth, with enormous tracts of land, its natural and cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
An icon of the Russian traditions, the Red Square is an assembly of contrasting pictures, beautiful churches, palaces and the impressive Kremlin Wall. The biggest attraction here is the famous Wasilewski Sabor - a one of a kind temple with exquisite colorful domes that pierce the sky with their golden pinnacles. The main tower of the cathedral bares the accent of the temple with an astonishing golden dome. The panoramic view that you can enjoy from the center of the square is simply marvelous!
A former Russian capital, St. Petersburg is a beautiful city, filled with neo-classical and Baroque buildings and home to one of the oldest and largest art galleries in the world - the Hermitage. With its grand size and richness, the Hermitage collection can only be surpassed by the Louvre in Paris. The astonishing exhibit is constantly evolving over the centuries and features works of brilliant artists like Da Vinci and Rembrandt. A must see for every art lover, the Hermitage is an integral part of the modern cultural image of St. Petersburg.
Also known as the Blue Eye of Siberia, Lake Baikal is absolutely unique. It is the biggest, deepest, and the oldest freshwater lake on Earth, containing twenty percent of the unfrozen freshwater reserves of our planet. The amazingly beautiful area of Lake Baikal is surrounded by mountains and forests, while its waters are dotted by thirty little islands. Enjoy a hike in the exceptionally scenic Sayan Mountains. Or take boat ride on the crystal water, so clear that at some sites you can see up to 50 m deep and peek in the unique flora and fauna of the underwater world.
Caucasus mountain chain bares so much history over the centuries, as the territory of different interests, tough and strong people and harsh inaccessible landscapes. A huge massive of rock and stone, it serves as the natural border between Europe and Asia and was part of three former empires - the Persian, Ottoman and Russian. Breathtaking sights and marvelous nature attract adventure and winter sports connoisseurs from all over the world.