Europe / Asia
Russia
Russia stretches across eleven time zones from the Baltic to the Pacific and offers extraordinary cultural and natural variety. From the imperial splendour of St Petersburg and the grandeur of Moscow to the volcanic landscapes of Kamchatka and the ancient city of Kazan, Russia provides a depth of discovery that few destinations can rival. Travellers should check current entry requirements and travel advisories before planning any visit.
Elect's take
"St Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the cultural heritage of Russia is genuinely extraordinary. The Hermitage alone is worth the journey and the combination of imperial architecture, art and history creates a travel experience of remarkable depth."
St Petersburg is a city of exceptional beauty. The Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum house one of the world's great art collections. The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is among the most visually striking religious buildings in Europe. The White Nights of midsummer create an atmosphere that is entirely magical. Moscow offers Red Square, the Kremlin, St Basil's Cathedral and the extraordinary Moscow Metro. The Trans-Siberian Railway journey remains one of the world's great travel experiences.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
St Petersburg
An imperial city of extraordinary palaces, canals and world class cultural institutions.
Hermitage Museum
One of the world's greatest art museums housed in the magnificent Winter Palace.
Red Square
Moscow's iconic central square flanked by the Kremlin and St Basil's Cathedral.
Trans-Siberian Railway
One of the world's great rail journeys crossing the entire continent.
Lake Baikal
The world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake in a spectacular Siberian landscape.
Bolshoi Theatre
One of the world's most celebrated opera and ballet companies and venues.
