Explore Russia through the remote northern Solovetsky Islands and the charms of the Golden Ring
It’s the multi-faceted culture Russia has to offer that makes it so appealing. Places like St. Petersburg or the cities of the Golden Ring boast so much in art and culture that it would take near decades to even loosely acquaint yourself with what they have to offer, yet the frosty reaches to the north tell different tales of old castles, derelict towns, prison camps and time-lost labyrinths. This trip takes you across a land shrouded in both magnificence and secrets as you explore the bustling architectural glory of St Petersburg, Yaroslavl and Moscow and right up to the Arctic treasures of Murmansk and the Solovetsky Islands.
Encounter the legacy of Russian tsar Peter the Great while exploring the enigmatic streets that showcase the many palaces and museums of St Petersburg.
Join a local family in St. Petersburg and have some tasty home cooked meal while learning some Russia games!
Visit the Solovetsky Islands, location of one of the first GULAGs
Travel to Murmansk, the biggest city within the Arctic Circle, and venture through tundra to the deserted town of Teriberka by the Barents Sea.
Visit the Golden Ring towns of Yaroslavl, an 'open air museum' displaying Russia's history through its onion-domed Orthodox churches, monasteries and kremlins
Red Square has long been at the heart of Russian history – visit the austere mausoleum of Lenin, the initiator of the 1917 Russian revolution, contrasting with the eye-bulging treasure collection in the Kremlin and Armoury Museum.
This trip is a perfect balance of the must see highlights of Russia and the off the beaten track adventures in this great country. You'll cover immense grounds and travel deep into the country and its culture with the help and insight of your local tour leader.
This trip includes two long overnight train journeys. Conditions on the trains are simple but comfortable – a truly Intrepid experience and a great way to meet, and travel like, the locals. There is a toilet/bathroom and compartments with bunks/berths. Please note that we travel 2nd class on all overnight trains (4 people per compartment). While we always try to have our groups stay together, there may be times, where due to ticket availability, the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages.
As well as overnight train travel, we experience a variety of different transport types on this journey, such as a flight, ferries, public and private buses, the metro and plenty of exploring on foot.The road travel to 'the end of the world' Teriberka can be long and bumpy, but you'll be well rewarded by the vast tundra scenery on the way.
We travel far north to the Kola Peninsula, Republic of Karelia and Solovetsky Islands. The weather can be unpredictable, and severe even in summer months. Bring your sense of adventure and be open minded to changes we may have to make due to weather conditions.
Please note that on occasion Lenin's Mausoleum and Red Square may be closed to the public during regular opening hours without prior warning.
Trip departures are unavailable.
There are currently no scheduled departures on our Russia Explorer trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 4,7 (Sleeper Train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel.
3. Please provide your passport details and full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for train tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 31 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
4. We advise against travelling with multiple passports with visas in different passports. Customs officers may not allow you entry even if the visas are valid. Please provide the exact details of the passport you will be using for travel.
5. Even in the summer months, the temperature within the Arctic Circle can be low with day time temperatures of 20C/68F, dropping to 10C/50F at night. Please come prepared with beanie, gloves, fleece/water/windproof jacket as the weather can change drastically within a day.
6. To avoid disappointment we recommend that you book any theatre performances that you wish to attend in Moscow or St Petersburg in advance.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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