Menshikov Palace Kishmish in Barrikadnaya

Russia Highlights

All content by Intrepid

8 days (ex Moscow)

Destinations visited: Russia, St Petersburg, Moscow, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$1,840

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Description

Taste mystery and intrigue on a revealing tour of Russia - a land that lay hidden behind the Iron Curtain for decades. Experience the grandeur of Moscow, the beauty of Russia's ancient capitals Suzdal and Novgorod, and the grace of St Petersburg. Visit the intricately detailed cathedrals, historic monuments, age-old treasures and romantic landscapes of this great nation, and find the heart of enigmatic Russia.

Highlights

Experience a mesh of communist and capitalist cultures in the city of Moscow.
Discover imperial treasures in the Kremlin.
See Lenin in his eternal state.
Explore medieval Russian capitals in the Golden Ring.
Sip mead among sweeping meadows in Suzdal.
Travel to Russia's oldest city.
Novgorod.
Admire tsarist treasures in the Hermitage.
Take a guided tour of cultural attractions in St Petersburg.
Be treated to a Russian tea party.
Steam up in a public bath house.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Moscow

Learn why the city of Moscow is one of the greatest capitals in the world - a place where old-world orthodoxy meets audacious free enterprise. Explore the Kremlin and witness its huge collection of imperial treasures, including exquisite Faberge eggs and ceremonial regalia. Walk among the cathedrals and museums within the Kremlin walls and get a glimpse of Lenin in his eternal resting state. While here, be sure to visit Moscow's metro stations - these lavishly decorated 'Palaces of the People' are unlike any other in the world.

Days 3-4 Suzdal

Farewell Moscow and travel to ancient Suzdal. Marvel at this glittering former capital, which forms part of Russia's legendary Golden Ring. Wander past decorative wooden cottages and peek inside crumbling churches that line the narrow streets and alleys of this magical spot. Perfect local specialties in a hands-on cooking lesson before winding down with a glass of medovukha - a light alcoholic drink made from honey - while watching the shadows lengthen across the weathered city walls. Return to Moscow before relaxing aboard a northbound overnight train.

Day 5 Novgorod

Descend upon the oldest city in Russia and see how well-preserved architectural treasures linger as echoes of medieval times. Travel back in time with a visit to the Millennium of Russia monument and the Cathedral of St Sophia, both concealed within the walls of Novgorod's riverside Kremlin. Join locals for a refreshing steam at the public banya (bath house) - no trip to Russia would be complete without experiencing this quirky custom.

Days 6-8 St Petersburg

Complete the final leg of the journey to St Petersburg. Join a guided tour and hear tales about the colourful characters who are associated with each historical attraction in St Petersburg. Later, be a special guest of a local family for a Russian tea party. Before heading home, perhaps spy famous works of art in the Hermitage Museum or, for a final dose of mystery and intrigue, visit the Kunstkamera, home to a collection of Peter the Great's ghoulish oddities.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed, subject to 4 people travelling

Accommodation

Hotel (5 nts), Guesthouse (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

Transport

Taxi, Metro, Minibus, Bus, Private Bus, Overnight sleeper train, Train, Boat

Budget

Allow USD $260 for meals not included.

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Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,840

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