Russia Small Group Holidays
Russia
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The largest country in the world, Russia occupies one-tenth of all the land on Earth. It spans eleven time zones across two continents (Europe and Asia) and has coasts on three oceans. Russia’s vast geographical and cultural distances mean you don’t tick off the highlights as you would in a smaller country. The Russian Far East, for example, is the size of Europe. Russia is a country of diverse landscapes of icy tundra and sunny beaches; dynamic city living and ancient architectural beauty. If culture and architecture are what you’re after, stick to European Russia. St. Petersburg and capital, Moscow, boast spectacular churches, fortres... (Read more...)
ses and palaces. Sights such as the body of Lenin in Red Square brim with historical importance. Explore Russia’s great outdoors by venturing into vast Siberia or the Urals mountain range for an off-the-beaten-track adventure.
Russia’s terrain and climate are vast and diverse. Climate ranges from semi-desert steppes in the south to humid, continental weather in much of European Russia. Polar north, Siberia experiences a tundra climate all year round. Winters vary from cool along the Black Sea coast, to freezing in Sibera, while summers are hot in the steppes and colder along the Arctic coast. The European end is typically dry most of the year. Though this may be bad for agriculture, it makes for an enjoyable visit. Russia’s terrain consists of broad plains, vast coniferous forests, icy mountains and volcanic ranges in the east.
Overland Tours
Experience Russia on the Trans-Siberian railway, the world’s most famous long-distance rail journey. Departing from Yaroslavski station in Moscow, the train takes you through the heart of Russia, Siberia, and on to Mongolia and China. Travel through the unique Siberian Taiga Forest, rolling steppe and across salt lakes, from the luxury of your train. Numerous stops include Irkutsk, home to the deepest lake in the world; exceptionally clear and rich in aquatic life. This journey also takes you across the Ural mountain range, past secluded villages and hidden-away churches. Travelling by train is a quick and efficient way to experience this vast country. It is also the most eco-friendly way to travel across the entire Asian continent – and a good chunk of Europe.
Cultural
Russia’s turbulent history makes it a prime location for any culture enthusiasts. Gargantuan capital, Moscow, is experiencing a burst of creative energy. Former factories and deserted warehouses have been converted in edgy art galleries and underground clubs. The red brick towers of the Kremlin occupy the founding site of Moscow, and remains of the soviet state are scattered around the city. The city’s many theatres celebrate Tchaikovsky and Chekhov. Cultural and former political capital, St. Petersburg, is home to the Hermitage, one of the world’s best museums. Built by a westward-looking Tsar, the city centre is a living open air museum in its own right as stunning unique architecture decorates every corner.
Whitewater Rafting
Russia has more than 40,000 rivers, many of which are ideal for white water rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. The wild rivers have achieved world wide acclaim among rafters as some of the most exciting in the world. A rafting trip will be an adventure far from civilisation. Kaa-Kem River is an ideal destination due to its beauty, length, and challenging, but navigable rapids. The Kaa-Khem is located in the Sanyan Region of Siberia, just north of the Mongolian border. Completely remote, this region has very few villages and roads, but is covered in rivers, mountains and glaciers. The river starts in the Sayan Mountains at 5,412ft. It cuts through the Siberian Mountains at 16.4ft. per mile. You will also pass through the Mel’zeyskiy Cascade, a section of river ten miles long with over thirty rapids.
Trekking
Russia’s Ural Mountains are a perfect location for a challenging hiking adventure. Some trails on the southern mountains are not far from the cities Zlatoust, Satka and Ekterinburg. Whatever trail you choose you will experience total isolation from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Mountain lakes and meadows, sublime scenery, and coniferous forests make this landscape impossible to forget. Many of Russia’s national parks and reserves are hidden in the most wild and remote parts of the Urals. Here nature is preserved in primordial condition. The fittest among your group can attempt to climb Mt. Sabyla. This, the most difficult and complicated mountain of the Ural range has a 600m wall to conquer.
Classic Itineraries
Any trip to Russia should begin in Moscow or St. Petersburg, both cities of haunting magnificence. The Venetian canals that adorn St. Petersburg, the grandeur of the Winter Palace, and Moscow’s Red Square mean you could spend an entire trip discovering just one of these cities. Venturing into the country is recommended as the diverse landscapes offer a range of activities for the intrepid explorer. Mountain hiking, rafting and skiing are all to be enjoyed across the Ural and Siberian regions. The most efficient way to discover this unconquerable land is on the famous Trans-Siberian railway; the most eco-friendly way to experience the largest country in the world.
Other Activities
It would be easy to spend several years getting to know Russia’s cities alone, but there is far more to see and do off the beaten-track. The spectacular and nearly virgin terrain makes Russia an adventurer’s dream. In recent years, the Russian government has opened up enormous areas that have been closed to humans for decades. For the truly intrepid, Russia presents a lifetime’s worth of unexplored territory. With climates ranging from arctic icecap to subtropical forests, there is no limit to the choices for hiking and trekking. Expert guide companies have sprung up across the country in recent years, making expeditions to the most remote regions possible. Tours specialising in bird watching, volcanoes, river travel are all exciting ways to experience the country. Alpine skiing is also provided for by facilities in the western Caucasus. In the Far East, the land is densely populated with wildlife, including bears, elk and even the rare Siberian tiger.
