Russia is enigmatic to many American travelers: visions of this expansive country are hazy, yet vivid at the same time. People might think of the following things when thinking of Russia: literary and poetic giants, remnants of the Soviet Union, the land of the lavish czars and czarinas, jovial and heady nightlife complete with shots of vodka, and ornate cathedrals with colorful domes and sky-high crosses, just to name a few. It`s also known for its booming folk arts and crafts industry, an industry that is key to Russia`s many ethnic minorities and indigenous peoples. Visiting many of these semi-autonomous republics are unique and exciting off-the-beaten-path vacation possibilities.

Most visitors to Russia flock to the country`s two largest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Other popular tourist destinations include the Golden Ring of Russia, important to the country`s history; and the ski resort of Sochi, host of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. The largest city in Pacific Russia is Vladivostok, which is closer physically to Tokyo and Seoul than Moscow.

The best times to visit Russia vary by region. For St. Petersburg, it is better to visit from late April to early June, when crowds at tourist attractions are smaller but temperatures aren`t too cold. In Moscow, for many of the same reasons, the best time to visit are early April to late May. In other parts of the country, including Siberia, the best times to visit are July and August, because the temperatures are warmest then and there are more hours of daylight.

We recommend approximately 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Russia is a very large country, so we recommend seeing it by air. Most international travelers will arrive in Russia via Moscow and St. Petersburg in European Russia, with visa in hand from the Russian Embassy or Consulate local to you; there are no visas issued on arrival for Americans visiting Russia. Most tourist visas for U.S. citizens are valid for 30 days.

The currency of Russia is the ruble (₽). U.S. dollars are not accepted. Have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for rubles upon arrival. Currency exchange desks are available at the airport, most high-end hotels and resorts, and many other places around the country.

Only about one in ten Russians speak conversational English or better. You will find the highest concentrations of English speakers and English-language signage in Moscow, followed closely by St. Petersburg. It will be difficult to converse with people outside these two cities and some additional tourist areas. Be prepared to learn basic Russian phrases like hello/goodbye, please/thank you, how much is it?, where is the bathroom?, and the numbers from 1-10. To say `Does anyone speak English?`, say `Kto-nibud' govorit' po-angliyski?`

Moscow and St Petersburg by Air (6 nights)

The Jewels of Russia and the perfect itinerary for a vacation in Russia! Visit Moscow (One of the oldest and most beautiful Russian cities, with the Kremlin, world-renowned architecture and performing arts culture, museums and galleries) and St. Petersburg (Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 as a `Window to Europe,` The city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Hermitage, the Mariinsky Theatre, and the Russian Museum). Travel between them by flight.

Includes: Flight into Moscow and out of St Petersburg, Hotel for 3 nights in Moscow, Flight Moscow to St Petersburg, Hotel for 3 nights in St Petersburg

Little Tour of Russia (Escorted) (6 nights)

An escorted motorcoach tour traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Relax and let all the details be taken care of for you!

Guaranteed departures: Fridays
2019: April 26; May 10, 17, 24; June 14, 28; July 19; Aug 16, 30; Sep 06, 13, 27

Includes: Centrally located 4-star hotels, Airport arrival and departure transfers, 3 nights in Moscow at Marriot Grand (Superior First Class) or similar, 3 nights in St. Petersburg at Ambassador (First Class) or similar, Service charges and hotel taxes, Breakfast daily, 1 lunch and 3 dinners, Touring by modern air conditioned motorcoach, Professional Tour Director, Luggage handling (One piece per person), Sightseeing tours of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Headsets will be provided for included sightseeing tours, so you can easily hear your guide`s commentary

Paris and St Petersburg by Air (6 nights)

A popular combination of history and culture will delight and inspire you in this vacation package through France and Russia! Visit 2 fascinating cities beginning in Paris (the romantic City of Lights; museums with famed artwork, world-class shopping and the finest cuisine) and St. Petersburg (a UNESCO World Heritage site, a major European cultural center and the most important Russian port on the Baltic; home to famous writers and artists). Travel between these cities by plane.

Includes: Flight into Paris and out of St Petersburg, Hotel for 3 nights in Paris, Flight Paris to St Petersburg, Hotel for 3 nights in St Petersburg

Copenhagen - Moscow - St Petersburg by Air (6 nights)

Combine Copenhagen, Moscow and St Petersburg with flights between the cities.

Includes: Flight into Copenhagen and out of St Petersburg, Hotel for 2 nights in Copenhagen, Flight Copenhagen to Moscow , Hotel for 2 nights in Moscow, Flight Moscow to St Petersburg, Hotel for 2 nights in St Petersburg,

Paris and Moscow by Air (6 nights)

Take the time to enjoy this fantastic vacation package through France and Russia; Start your adventure in Paris (the City of Lights, experience The Louvre, shop at the Champs Elysses and sample the amazing cuisine and wines) then fly to Moscow (one of the oldest and most beautiful Russian cities, with the Kremlin, world-renowned architecture and performing arts culture, museums and galleries). Fly between cities.

Includes: Flight into Paris and out of Moscow, Hotel for 3 nights in Paris, Flight Paris to Moscow, Hotel for 3 nights in Moscow,

Yes, you can combine with: Sweden | Poland | Norway | Latvia | Hungary | Germany | France | Finland | Estonia | Denmark | Czech Republic

• Helsinki - St Petersburg - Moscow by Air (6 nights from $1225)
• Tallin - St. Petersburg - Moscow by Air (9 nights from $1133)
• Warsaw - Tallin - St Petersburg - Moscow by Air (8 nights from $1253)
• Incredible Northern Europe (10 nights from $1648)
• Northern Delights (14 nights from $1800)