This month takes us on-wards and upwards to the magical realm of Russia with it's spell bounding domes, Faberge eggs and ballet. The largest country in the world by a considerable amount at 17, 125,200 square kilometres. Today you can fly from Edinburgh reaching the capital of Moscow in just under six hours. Here's more on this incredible destination.
Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg ©
A to Z Travel Blog - Russia (St Petersburg)
Classed as one of the Baltic destinations you can kind of understand why, located by the Baltic Sea. Here in Scotland when it's cold, we say it's baltic! I can only imagine the excruciating winters Russia experiences. The spring and summer months are my favourite times to visit.
* There maybe affiliate links in this blog, that if you click on them, I may earn a little but at no additional cost to you.
How To Reach Russia
Today you can fly to not only the capital Moscow and popular city of St Petersburg but also to many other destinations including Vladivostok (one of the starting point's for the tour on-board the Trans-Siberian Express).
Discover the most direct and best flights available via Skyscanner. Did you know you can now download the Skyscanner App.
Wizz Air are launching a new service this October (2019) with flights to both St Petersburg and Moscow. Price starting from only £39 to St Petersburg and from £50 to Moscow. Novermber and December dates departing from London Luton. Please note that you get a free carry-on bag (40 x 30 x 20 cm) in the cabin which is to be placed under the seat. Hold luggage is not included in the base fare, expect to pay approximately £70 - £80 more if you wish to take hold luggage. You will need a Visa to visit Russia, more information can be found here.
EVisa's are said to become available in October 2019.
Seas the day and visit via cruise ship? Enjoy a relaxing 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, or 14 night on-board one of Royal Caribbean's state of the art cruise ships, such as Brillance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas or Explorer of the Seas. I loved cruising the Baltic's and visiting St Petersburg. It is a great way to explore many destinations and have a taster. Which destination will you return to visit for longer?
There is lots to see and do while visiting St Petersburg! Look out for the cruise itinerary that includes an overnight stay. This will give you the maximum time in port to explore and also the opportunity to enjoy a world class evening ballet performance at the Mariinsky.
Where To Stay
If your not staying on-board a state of the art luxury cruise ship, check out the Top 10 Best Hotels to Stay in St Petersburg.
Another accommodation option is Airbnb with lots of alternatives from private homes to guest houses. Save £25.00 off your first Airbnb adventure.
What To Visit
St Petersburg is an incredible city to visit. Don't miss the Peterhof Grand Palace, Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood with it's 7,000 square metres of mosaics, historical underground, the ballet and of course Russia's Royal Faberge Eggs. Today you can discover the history and see some of the most incredible marvels at the Faberge Museum. The museum has one of the largest collections in the world with over 4,000 items on display showcasing Russia's heritage and preserving it's culture.
Take a boat ride along it's many beautiful stretches of canals, stroll through it's colourful parks and enjoy the jaw-dropping views from St Isaac's Cathedral as well as much more!
Skip the lines/queue's and book fast track attraction tickets, unique first hand experiences such as cooking classes, vodka tasting tours and more before you go with Get Your Guide.
Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood ©
Shopping
There are a few things that you might like to buy to take home for friends and family or possibly a treat for yourself. You can't visit Russia without buying a Faberge egg. These delicate works of art are created by the house of Faberge in St Petersburg. They come in a range of sizes and price tags.
The most expensive Faberge object ever sold was the 1913 Winter Egg in 2002 for an astonishing $9.6 million dollars.
One of the other full exports is the Russian Matryoshka Nesting Dolls. You can visit Matreshka Tanushka for the original and traditional Russian Dolls including Semenov, Vyatka and themed Matryoshka.
I hope you have enjoyed reading and inspired to visit Russia/St Petersburg. Have you already visited? What was your highlight? Please comment and share. As always, I love to hear from you. You can reach me via email or on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Until next time....Happy Travels:) x
P.s If your visiting Edinburgh don't miss the exhibition Russia - Royalty & The Romanovs 21st June till 3rd November 2019 at The Queens Galley - Holyrood Palace.