Tips for trips in European Russia

Russia is a vast country and it offers various opportunities for travelling: cultural or adventure; historical or religious; dedicated to crafts, cuisine or literature. The European Russia is the most inhabitant part of the country with a number of big and small cities and developed transport network which makes it convenient for travelling.

The easiest and most common way to get to Russia is to fly to Moscow or to St. Petersburg. Once you are there it is highly recommended to spend at least a day or two in the city even if it is not your main destination. If you have some more time to spend in Moscow and/or St. Petersburg you can look through our advices (Moscow tips and St. Petersburg tips) and examples of itineraries to get inspired.

After visiting Moscow travel to one or several of the towns east-north from Moscow. These towns once played a great role in the history of Russia but nowadays they are provincial towns with a certain charm. They form a so-called Golden Ring which is one of the most popular routes among Russian and foreign travellers. You can have a look at our advices to get a better idea. There is also a convenient connection with Kazan and Nizhniy Novgorod. These cities are not so often visited due to the time limits but they are definitely worth seeing.

St. Petersburg has a good train connection with Petrozavodsk, the capital of Karelia – a region located in the north-west of Russia and famous with its pure water lakes and coniferous forests. If time allows you can go further to the north and visit the Solovky Isles in the White Sea. Here are our recommendations on what aspects to pay attention when travelling in Karelia and Russian North and an example of tour in the region.

Not far from St. Petersburg there are two rather old towns both with long and interesting history: Velikiy Novgorod and Pskov. You visit Velikiy Novgorod as a one-day trip during your stay in St. Petersburg. But for Pskov it will be more comfortable for you if you stay there for a night or two. Due to its location it might be convenient to combine visiting Pskov with a tour to Estonia and other Baltic States. Here is an example of such a tour.

For active travelers we offer a great variety of scheduled trips to the highest top of Europe – Mt Elbrus, 5642m. You can find the dates, prices and descriptions of the trips here.

Upon request we organise tailor-made tours that will correspond to your preferences.