Overview for Russia
Moscow – the capital of the Russian Federation – is situated in the centre of the European part of Russia, on the banks of the Moskva River. The heart of the capital is the Kremlin which stands on the crest of a hill above the river and is flanked by Red Square.
The imperial capital of St Petersburg houses some of the world’s most impressive museums, palaces and monuments including the great Hermitage Museum, with over three million artifacts on display.
To the north east of the capital lies a circle of ancient Russian towns which together make up the Golden Ring. Former political and cultural centres of Russia, some are scarcely more than villages but Vladimir, Suzdal and Yaroslavl enchant with their ancient churches, charming museums, city forts and monasteries.
River travel has stood at the heart of Russian life for a thousand years and the greatest of Russia’s rivers is the Volga. Russia’s most revered and beautiful cities are along its banks, including Yaroslavl, boasting Russia’s oldest theatre, and the 8th century town of Uglich, with the Cathedral of Transfiguration and its impressive vaulted ceiling. A White Nights Cruise tours these fascinating sites, travelling the route of Peter the Great. The UNESCO Heritage Site of Kizhi Island is also seen en-route, where distinctive and imposing wooden structures have wowed visitors for centuries.
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When to Go
April to June and September to October is best. It can get very warm and wet during the high summer months of Jul-Aug, which are their main holiday months.