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Introducing Russia

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NOTE: kimkim is not offering trips to Russia until further notice
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Make the most of your time in Russia

Spanning two continents over millions of miles, Russia is the world's largest country by far—and this vastness is reflected in its diverse possibilities for travel. Architecture and history bring world travelers to the European side while adventurers head to Russia's eastern expanse, drawn to the natural wonders of Northern Asia. From Moscow's old-meets-new atmosphere and the cultural hotbed of St. Petersburg to the remote Siberian tundra, Russia offers many lifetimes of exploration. 

When should I go?
Unless you're keen to experience the legendary Russian winter—which has a charm of its own, especially in glittering St. Petersburg—plan to visit in summer, between May and October. Nature is at its most showy and temperatures are warm, inching toward 90°F in the southern resort areas. Planning to visit in spring or fall? You may want to reconsider—March, April, and October through December all bring freezing rain (and lots of it), making sightseeing unpleasant at best.

Where should I go?
Moscow and St. Petersburg are where most travelers start, and you could spend your entire trip in just one of these cities without seeing all there is to see (more info on this below). Road trip the Golden Ring route, stopping to check out great food and golden-domed churches in eight medieval towns. Travelers with an interest in history will want to spend time at WWII-era battlefield sites in Stalingrad and Kurst and centuries-old villages like Staraya Russa.

Summer is a nice time to check out Sochi, a posh resort area on the Black Sea known as the "Russian Riviera." Or take an epic cross-country train journey on the Trans Siberian Railway—explore the lakes, peaks, and outposts of the Altai and Ural mountain ranges, learn about the region's geology, and extend your trip all the way to Mongolia or China. 

How many days do I need?
With 5 days you can have a satisfying trip getting to know one of its major cities plus a day trip—or, split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg for a quick highlights tour of both. With more than a week, you can comfortably see both cities and add visits to a medieval town in the Golden Ring, along with Novograd or Lagoda and historic battlefields. With 2 weeks, add a two-day excursion down the Volga River, stopping at off-the-beaten-path towns along the way.

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 14 days

Russia Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by trips other travelers have loved
Wooden churches in Khizhi
Map of Grand Russia Tour - 20 Days
Grand Russia Tour - 20 Days

Start in Moscow to see the iconic Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral, then head to the countryside to see 16th-century wooden churches in Vladimir and Suzdal. Take an overnight train to visit 9th-century Velikiy Novgorod, then continue to European-influenced St. Petersburg for world-class art in the Hermitage and the sprawling Peterhof estate. See wooden churches in Russia's northern Karelia region before returning to Kazan to see ornate mosques and Tatar culture.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow
Map of Moscow and St. Petersburg Highlights - 6 Days
Moscow and St. Petersburg Highlights - 6 Days

See Russia's capital cities in a 6-day highlights tour. Start in Moscow and explore the iconic Red Square, Kremlin fortress, and 90-year-old metro system. Take an express train to St. Petersburg to see Orthodox Cathedrals, the world-famous Hermitage art museum, and European-inspired gardens. Visit the sprawling Peterhof estate to see ornate fountains and an extravagant summer palace that matches Versaille's opulence.

Magnificent Domes of St. Basil's Cathedral
Map of Russia's Capital Cities & Golden Ring Tour - 7 Days
Russia's Capital Cities & Golden Ring Tour - 7 Days

Russia has sometimes been described as a nation of two souls. Moscow represents traditional tsarist Muscovy, with its Orthodox faith and nearly 900-year history—not to mention the legacy of the authoritarian Soviet Union. St. Petersburg speaks to another side of Russia: a nation of intelligentsia, inspired by the Enlightenment. This tour provides an in-depth overview of Russia's contrasting capitals, along with the historic towns of the Golden Ring.

Trans-Siberian train
Trans-Siberian Rail Tour: Moscow to Beijing - 16 Days

Three great nations—Russia, Mongolia, and China—all in one trip, on this Trans-Siberian rail tour. Begin in golden-domed Moscow, visiting the highlights of the Red Square, the Kremlin, and Novodeivchiy Convent. After, stop at the major Russian city of Yekaterinburg and Lake Baikal, the world’s largest lake. Mongolia will greet you with its endless steppes and the Gobi Desert, finally ending in China with the legendary Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Ming tombs.

Soviet reenactors in St. Petersburg bring the days of the Second World War back to life
Map of World War II History Tour of Russia: Moscow, Volgograd, St. Petersburg, & More - 10 Days
World War II History Tour of Russia: Moscow, Volgograd, St. Petersburg, & More - 10 Days

This tour takes you back to World War II, or what Russians call the Great Patriotic War of 1941 -1945. You will visit the battlefields of Borodino, which saw action in 1812 and 1941; Stalingrad, the high-water mark of Hitler's invasion and the site of his first major defeat in early 1943; and Leningrad, present-day St. Petersburg, which experienced one of history's worst sieges. History enthusiasts will love seeing where the action happened.

Kunstkamera Building
Map of Highlights of Russia's Two Capitals: St. Petersburg & Moscow - 5 Days
Highlights of Russia's Two Capitals: St. Petersburg & Moscow - 5 Days

This five-day tour of Russia’s two capitals will give you a taste of two most important cities in Russia. Tour the cultural and historic riches of St. Petersburg, which was the Russian capital for two centuries, including the legendary Hermitage Museum in the old Winter Palace of the Tsars. Then continue on to Moscow, the present capital and a less 'European', more 'Russian' place, home to some of Russia's most famous attractions, including Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil's Cathedral.

Russia Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip

Our Latest Russia Content

The stunning Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg
Map of Soviet History Tour: Moscow & St. Petersburg - 7 Days
Soviet History Tour: Moscow & St. Petersburg - 7 Days

Take a tour through Russia's two capitals, where you will experience the impact of its Soviet history firsthand. Start with a tour of Moscow, before continuing on to St. Petersburg, where you'll find a mix of Eastern and Western influences. Walk through the medieval halls of the Kremlin, explore Moscow's palatial metro stations built under Stalin's rule, stand on the decks of the Aurora Cruiser that played an important role in the 1917 Russian Revolution, and more.

The Domes of St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow
Luxury Highlights of Moscow and St. Petersburg - 5 Days

Get a crash course in Russia's multi-faceted identity and history on this tour of its two capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This highlights tour will take you to the places you've read about in the books, as well as those known only to locals. Tour the medieval fortress of the Kremlin, view world-famous art in the ornate halls of the Hermitage Museum, shop like a local at GUM and the Eliseevsky Supermarket, and more.

Moskva River, Moscow
Discover Russia's Capitals & Golden Ring - 14 Days

Discover the vibrant capital cities of Russia, starting in Moscow with its famous Red Square, Kremlin, and sprawling Izmailovsky Market. You'll visit ancient settlements of the Golden Ring, including the towns of Vladimir and Suzdal, touring museums, churches, and monasteries. End your trip exploring St Petersburg's monuments and palaces, including Tsar's Village, Peterhof, and the Hermitage with the world's largest collection of paintings.

Russia Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map Grand Russia Tour - 21 Days
Grand Russia Tour - 21 Days
View article
Map Moscow and St. Petersburg Highlights - 6 Days
Moscow and St. Petersburg Highlights - 6 Days
View article
Map Russia's Capital Cities & Golden Ring Tour - 7 Days
Russia's Capital Cities & Golden Ring Tour - 7 Days
View article

Why travelers love kimkim

Custom trips for independent travelers who are too busy to plan

Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist

Kimkim has handpicked the world’s top local travel specialists so you will have peace of mind and an unforgettable trip that meets your exact requirements.

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Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.

Local support during your trip

You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.

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Trip Reviews for Russia

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Navigating the Chaos
Russia | Oct 9 - Oct 18, 2021

Beth
Beth D.
Cleveland Heights, OH | Reviewed on Nov 22, 2021
This was my first time personally using KimKim and I have to say that this trip would have been near impossible without the help of Margarita. Due to Covid we had tons of flight changes (adding and removing days in our plans) and needed to wait until the last minute to confirm things. She was incredibly helpful and patient through all of the changes back and forth. In the end my flight was delayed due to weather and she needed to see what could be re-arranged on other days. No matter when... Read more

This was my first time personally using KimKim and I have to say that this trip would have been near impossible without the help of Margarita. Due to Covid we had tons of flight changes (adding and removing days in our plans) and needed to wait until the last minute to confirm things. She was incredibly helpful and patient through all of the changes back and forth.

In the end my flight was delayed due to weather and she needed to see what could be re-arranged on other days. No matter when we messaged her she responded (I don't know when she slept!) and even met up with us a few days to see us in and out of St Petersburg.

Due to the delays it was a quick, tightly packed schedule. I feel like I was able to see everything I wanted to and was able to make the most of my time there with her help. We had a few issues with the drivers but overall the guides were great. I really enjoyed our time in St. Petersburg and the Red Square in Moscow was definitely a highlight. I didn't find the temperature cold personally but I felt the heat in some buildings was up quite high so I should have planned on removable layers.

All in all, I am glad I went and hope to go again in the future. Thanks Maragarita!

Local specialist: Margarita Gordienko
Margarita
Margarita Gordienko
Local specialist in Russia, St. Petersburg | Replied on Nov 24, 2021

Hi Beth,
thank you very much for your kind and detailed review. Due to the pandemic, it was a unique experience to re-order the plans in the last minute, however, hopefully, it didn't spoil an overall trip impression. It was pleasure for me too meet you and Brad in person, I enjoyed those couple of days in St. Petersburg as well!
Hope to welcome you in Russia again in more pleasant (non-pandemic) circumstances!

With kindest regards,
Margarita

One person can make a difference.
Russia | Oct 1 - Oct 7, 2021

A
a m.
the United Arab Emirates | Reviewed on Oct 14, 2021
Margarita Gordienko was without a doubt the best thing that happened to us on our trip to Russia from the 1st to the 8th of October, 2021. There was never a time when she was not available to us, however whimsical our demands were. She went beyond the call of duty to please each and every one of us, which was eight spoilt ladies. Right from a request to giving us a bigger van to filling out eight covid test forms which was not in her line of work, she aimed to please. She never ever... Read more

Margarita Gordienko was without a doubt the best thing that happened to us on our trip to Russia from the 1st to the 8th of October, 2021. There was never a time when she was not available to us, however whimsical our demands were. She went beyond the call of duty to please each and every one of us, which was eight spoilt ladies. Right from a request to giving us a bigger van to filling out eight covid test forms which was not in her line of work, she aimed to please.

She never ever pressurized us to take extra services from her or insist on getting all the money beforehand. We had even more peace of mind knowing that she was available for our help with just one text message whatever the time of day.

The icing on the cake was when she came to our hotel not only to say goodbye but took the long ride with us to the airport and even helped with our bags. Whatever the shortcomings of other guides during the seven days, we have no cause for complaint because she made up for all of them.

Margarita is an asset to Kim Kim and we hope they will never ever lose her.

We insisted we leave a review for her in spite of there being no prompt from her side to do so.
Dimitry was an excellent guide, very patient and calm who had a lot of knowledge .

Local specialist: Margarita Gordienko
Margarita
Margarita Gordienko
Local specialist in Russia, St. Petersburg | Replied on Oct 15, 2021

Dear Angleen,

I am so touched with your trip review! Thank you very much!
In such complicated pandemic period I would like the guests of our country still experience the Russian hospitality and to get as much as possible from your short stay.

I hope, the memories of your trip will warm your souls. And I am always here to organise another trip to the hidden jams of our big country.

With kindest regards,
Margarita

Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Ru...
Russia | Feb 29 - Mar 18, 2020

Peter
Peter G.
Australia | Reviewed on Mar 23, 2020
Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Russia. The dealings I had with kimkim in planning my trip - 18 days encompassing Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Suzdal and Vladimir - were amazingly efficient. Their responses were quick and detailed. It was great being able to deal all the time with people in Moscow and Saint Petersburg who were on the ground and able to provide quick support in those very rare moments in a trip where something goes off the rails. Beyond Saint Petersburg, I really had... Read more

Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Russia.

The dealings I had with kimkim in planning my trip - 18 days encompassing Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Suzdal and Vladimir - were amazingly efficient. Their responses were quick and detailed. It was great being able to deal all the time with people in Moscow and Saint Petersburg who were on the ground and able to provide quick support in those very rare moments in a trip where something goes off the rails.

Beyond Saint Petersburg, I really had no idea what to expect of Russia, so I really appreciated the exciting options and ideas presented to me, and given I was travelling at the end of winter, choices which took account of the seasons, places being open and tourist numbers.

It was great having local guides. All were good English speakers and all were amenable to adjusting plans on the basis of the things I was really interested in. I particularly enjoyed the company of Victor, Natasha and Alex who were very passionate about their cities and ‘clicked’ with me.

One decision I made early in the planning was to use drivers only when absolutely necessary and, instead, to get around on public transport as much as possible, I think a really good decision to get to experience the surprises which you can get as you’re walking around a city.

As for highlights, there were so many. And it was so wonderful being “low season” to be at places like Catherine Palace and the Hermitage with very few other people. Imagine standing in front of Da Vinci’s Madonna and Child for five minutes - and you’re the only person in the room, or taking photos in one of the State rooms at Catherine Palace and there being no one else in the picture.
Very pleased Sean talked me into visiting Suzdal and Vladimir which were not initially on my list of places to go. It was great seeing some of the smaller medieval towns and experiencing the life outside of the big cities.

Local specialist: Sean Stewart
Sean
Sean Stewart
Local specialist in Chicago | Replied on Apr 06, 2020

Thank you, Peter, for your kind words, it was a privilege to have you as our guest!