Russia Tour Packages

1. About Russia
2. Tidbits
3. Essential Tips to Know Before Travelling to Russia
4. Relationship Between India and Russia
5. Our Best Budget Russia Tour Packages
6. Russia at a Glance
7. Top Reasons to Visit Russia
8. Best Time to Visit Russia
9. Top Things to do in Russia
10. Foods to Try Out in Russia
11. Dos and Don’ts for Indian Travellers
12. Shopping in Russia
13. Top Cities to Visit In Russia
14. Art and Culture in Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning two continents, Europe and Asia. It is bordered by 14 countries, including Poland, Ukraine, China, and North Korea. Given its huge landmass, it is natural that the country is home to various ecosystems and landscapes. It has multiple climate zones, from the steppes in the south to the subarctic in Siberia and the tundra climate of the south. The north is bordered by the Arctic Ocean, and the east by the Pacific Ocean. The Caucasus Mountains dominate the south of Russia, while west Russia is home to the Russian Plains.

The country is home to many rare animals, such as polar bears, snow leopards, and Asiatic black bears. The most famous animal in Russia is the Siberian tiger, the world’s largest cat. Russia is home to over 100,000 rivers, including two of Europe’s largest: Ladoga and Onega.

Russian history spans thousands of years, from when it was occupied by East Slavs, a subgroup of the Slavs, a group of people who lived in the northern parts of Eurasia. Up until the 9th century, various tribes, including the Huns, Avars, and Goths, passed Russian territories briefly. The Mongols occupied Russia for 200 years until the 14th century. The next significant rulers of Russia were the Ruriks, followed by the Romanovs. The Communists later toppled them following the Russian Revolution. The Communist regime came to an end after the dissolution of the USSR when Russia became a democracy in 1991.

The country’s economy is majorly dependent on its natural resources, which include aluminum, gold, iron ore, coal, and oil.

• Russia is home to the largest city in Europe, Moscow.
• The State Hermitage Museum employs cats to protect their premise from mice.
• Russia has more than one-fifth of the world’s forest areas.
• The country has 20% of the world’s trees.
• The coldest permanently inhabited place on Earth, the village of Oymyakon, is in Russia.
• Russia has the world’s longest single rail system, the Trans-Siberian Railroad.
• The Kremlin in Moscow is the largest active medieval fortress in the world.
• Russia’s Lake Baikal is the world’s largest freshwater lake by volume.
• Russia is among the countries with the most active volcanoes in the world.
• Hematogen, a candy bar made using cow blood, is a childhood staple of most Russian children and is used to treat anaemia.
• Russians are big on superstition. From not sitting on a corner of the table to whistling inside the house, they have beliefs for every aspect of daily life.
• Pickling is integral to Russian culture – they pickle everything, including watermelons and okras.
• Russians are some of the biggest consumers of vodka in the world – an average Russian consumes 180 bottles per year.
• Russians celebrate Christmas on January 7th as they follow the Julian Calendar. They celebrate New Year first and Christmas later.
• Ice bathing is a huge thing in Russia, where they go winter swimming in temperatures of -30°C.

• Russia offers a single-entry Unified e-visa or UEV valid for 60 days but a maximum stay of 16 days.
• Dress for the weather. But always carry layered clothing, including long coats, scarves, and gloves, regardless of the weather. In winter, wear thermals, warm shoes, and mittens.
• Don’t take unlicensed or black cabs, as they are known to scam tourists. Stick to licensed cabs.
• Tipping is not mandatory but standard in Russia. The usual tip is 10-15% of the bill.
• If you want your currency exchanged, you can do so at hotels, banks, and currency exchange kiosks.
• Foreign visitors are required to register their visa with the Russian Federal Migration Service within seven working days of their arrival in the country.
• Keep the registration safe at all times, as you’ll need to submit it before leaving. Losing the immigration card can cause many unwanted hassles.
• If you are travelling to different cities in Russia, make sure to get a SIM card that works across the country. Remember that you will need your passport to get a SIM card in Russia.
• Familiarising yourself with the Cyrillic alphabet might help you decode menus, timetables, maps, and street and metro signs.
• Avoid taking photos of sensitive areas or military places in Russia. This also includes some government buildings.

The relationship between India and Russia can be traced back to the 1950s during the Cold War. The Soviet Union aided in bringing about a ceasefire to end the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War which was fought over the region of Kashmir. The Soviet Union utilised its veto power at the United Nations to support India during the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971. In August 1971, the Indo-Soviet Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation was signed between India and the Soviet Union.

Following the Sino-Indian War, India began to look for Soviet arms. In 2004, India purchased the aircraft carrier named INS Vikramaditya from Russia. The air force of India currently operates over 410 Soviet and Russian fighters. The military inventory of India also includes Russian-made submarines, frigates, helicopters, tanks, and missiles.

With its natural landscapes, beautiful architecture, and vibrant culture, Russia is a must-visit destination for Indians looking for a memorable vacation. Here are some of the top reasons why you should avail our Russia tour packages right away:

Russia is part of Asia and Europe, so its cultural influences are deep and diverse. The gardens and palaces take you back to the era of the Tsars, and Soviet architecture reveals Russia’s modern history. Russia is known for its deep-rooted literature, art, music, and ballet traditions. The country is home to more than 190 ethnic groups, making it one of the most diverse nations in the world, with various customs and traditions woven into the fabric of Russia.

Russia’s architecture reflects its intricate and rich history. The Russian Renaissance architecture is evident in numerous structures throughout the country, such as the kind we see at St. Basil’s Cathedral with its onion domes. Even the Moscow metro stations remind us of Russia’s palaces, mainly because Joseph Stalin ordered them to be designed as palaces of the people.

Although the rest of the world has yet to discover the vastness of Russian cuisine, this doesn’t diminish the fact that Russian food is a delightful mix of various cultures. Traditional Russian cuisine includes a lot of pickled and fermented vegetables, striking the right balance between hearty and healthy. Despite Russian food being quite meat-oriented, you will find plenty of vegan and vegetarian options in the country, which you can discover with our Russia tour packages.

The Golden Ring of Russia refers to a circle of cities belonging to five Oblasts or administrative divisions, namely Vladimir, Suzdal, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Veliky, Pereslavl-Zalessky, and Sergiev Posad. These cities represent the remarkable Russian architecture from the 12th century to the 18th century. The ancient cities are renowned for preserving Russia’s medieval and imperial history well to the point that the authentic ambience will leave you in awe.

Russia’s landscapes are diverse and mesmerising, including the rooftop bars of Moscow, the Volcanoes of Kamchatka, and the sceneries visible from the window of a Trans-Siberian cabin. Covering close to one-fifth of the forests on the planet, Russia has the world’s largest forest area, enough to satiate nature lovers. The country hosts various kinds of wildlife, including the Eurasian brown bear, Amur leopard, polar bear, snow sheep, and Baikal seal.

Due to Russia’s high latitude and location near the pole, the country experiences extremely cold winters. With the temperature going sub-zero, it’s unsurprising that winter is Russia’s low season. If you hail from the southern region of India, for example, and are not used to such cold weather, you might want to avoid planning a trip to Russia now.

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons in Russia, with autumn slightly warmer than spring. The peak season, which is the summer season, is usually considered the best time to visit Russia, in case you’re wondering when to book our Russia tour packages. Let’s see what each season in Russia brings about so you can decide when to plan your trip there.

Russia’s temperature remains between -8 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Celsius during the spring. The weather is cold, but it isn’t unbearable. It’s still possible to see snowfall in Russia in March. The snow begins to melt away in April, gifting tourists with a colourful and fragrant month. The temperature finally rises to two digits by the end of April. The flowers bloom, and the locals flock to the gardens and parks.

If you wish to explore Russia with fewer crowds, this is the right time to do so with GT Holidays’ Russia tour packages. Since most of spring remains cold in the country, carry warm clothes, including a heavy jacket. The festivals in Russia at this time include the Russian Orthodox Easter, Victory Day, and Labour Day.

Russia’s summer temperature oscillates between 11 degrees Celsius and 23 degrees Celsius. Summer is also the rainy season in the country. July is the peak of summer in Russia and is usually the hottest month. Since the days get longer, you can spend more time doing touristy things with our Russia tour packages.

During the summer months, the northern cities in the country, such as Saint Petersburg, experience a natural phenomenon known as ‘White Nights’ where the sun barely sets at night. This is when the country gets crowded, and it’s the peak tourist season. Therefore, make sure to book your Russia tour packages in advance to save money on flight tickets and accommodation. Stay hydrated and pack light clothes, sunscreen, and a mosquito repellent. The festivals you can hope to enjoy in Russia at this time are the Spasskaya Tower Military Music Festival, White Nights, and Scarlet Sails.

With autumn’s arrival, Russia’s temperature remains between -3 degrees Celsius and 16 degrees Celsius. The weather in the country is quite unpredictable during these months. Although it does continue to rain, the rainfall isn’t that heavy. The crowds begin to thin down at this time. Therefore, if budget-friendly travel is what you’re looking for, then you might want to book our Russia tour packages for this season. You might consider September as your month of travel since Russia begins to get colder during October and November.

Carry a thick jacket in your luggage and dress in layers whenever needed. Also, keep an umbrella with you while you go sightseeing. The autumn festivals that are held in Russia include the Moscow International Book Fair and the Golden Autumn Festival.

During the winter, Russia’s temperature stays between -15 degrees Celsius and -5 degrees Celsius. Those not used to harsh winters might want to avoid visiting the country now. In the region of Siberia, for example, the temperature can fall to -50 degrees Celsius.

The ambience in Russia does look like a winter wonderland, though, and the prices are usually much lower overall than the rest of the year. If you decide to visit the country at this time, make sure to pack the heaviest woollen clothes along with a thermal suit.

When you visit Russia with GT Holidays’ Russia tour packages, you will witness all its famous attractions and participate in thrilling activities. Here are the places you must visit with your family and the adventures you can partake in:

The Moscow Kremlin, or the Kremlin, is situated in the centre of Moscow. It’s a group of buildings that serves as the official seat of the Russian government. The structure includes four cathedrals, five palaces, the Kremlin towers, and the Kremlin Wall. The word ‘kremlin’ means ‘citadel’ or ‘fortress’, and the complex is sprawled over 70 acres. The Moscow Kremlin was rebuilt in the late 15th century, taking on its current iconic red brick appearance.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is also known as Pokrovsky Cathedral or Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat. Built by order of Tsar Ivan IV between 1555 and 1561, it commemorates the Russian victory over the Kazan Khanate. The cathedral was the tallest building in the city until the Ivan the Great Bell Tower was completed in 1600. Oil paintings and frescoes cover the domes and walls of the Cathedral, depicting pictures of saints and plant ornaments.

The State Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and most prestigious museums in the world, with more than three million items on display. It was founded when Catherine the Great bought an extensive collection of paintings from Johann Ernst Gotzkowsky, a Berlin-based merchant.
The museum was reconstructed by Nicholas I from 1840 to 1852 and opened to the public in 1852. In the 1920s, following the October Revolution of 1917, it was expanded after art was acquired from private collections.

Mount Elbrus is the highest point in Europe and the highest peak in the Caucasus Mountains. In 1964, a large tourist and mountaineering base with sporting facilities was established at Mount Elbrus, making it a coveted spot for tourism and mountaineering.

Lake Baikal is known to be the oldest and deepest freshwater lake in the world. Situated in the southern part of eastern Siberia, it covers a surface area of close to 12,200 square miles, which is equivalent to 31,500 square kilometres. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also called the ‘Pearl of Siberia’. Some of the activities that tourists can indulge in at Lake Baikal are ice fishing, dog sledging, ice diving, and kayaking. The lake is estimated to be about 25 to 30 million years old, and its unique freshwater fauna and flora have given it the title of the ‘Galapagos of Russia’.

The Trans-Siberian Railway is the world’s longest single rail system. The 5,771-mile railway runs from Moscow to Vladivostok. This railway has played a crucial role in the economic and military history of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union in several ways. Some of the places you will be able to spot by riding this railway include Lake Baikal, Vladimir Oblast, Novosibirsk, and Beijing.

• Hiking: The Eco Path Ridge of Vyaramyanselkya is one of the best places to go for hiking in Russia. This 7.3 mile-trail can usually be covered in a little over three hours.
• Mountaineering: The volcanic peak of Mount Elbrus is perfect for mountaineering. It can take about nine hours to reach the summit, and climbing down can take anywhere between four to six hours.
• Snowmobiling: The Listvyanka village in Russia offers snowmobiling tours. The duration of such tours is usually five hours.
• Whitewater rafting: The regions of Altai and Karelia offer whitewater rafting opportunities to tourists. The summer months are the best time for this activity.
• Dog sledding: The Husky Park in Russia’s Lovozero village is where you can enjoy dog sledding. It usually takes place from December to mid-April.
• Skiing: The Krasnaya Polyana Resort is a resort in Russia where travellers can partake in activities like skiing and snowboarding. The ski season at this resort is from early December to mid-May. While the operating hours are from 9 am to 4 pm, the timing could vary depending on public holidays, school holidays, and so on.

Russian cuisine is inspired by so many different areas and traditions that there are numerous permutations and combinations you can try out. The food culture of Russia has a family-oriented approach and is almost slightly eccentric in its philosophy, in addition to being unique. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can satisfy their cravings through Russian dishes, all of which you can try out with our Russian tour packages. Cities like Saint Petersburg and Moscow, for instance, are experiencing a modern-day gourmet renaissance, and the fine-dining restaurants in the country are gaining more and more international attention.

The cuisine of Russia is quite influenced by the country’s connections to Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. You will find that many of the classic Russian dishes consist of wheat and veggies, including porridge, soups, and stuffed dough. Let’s take a look at some of the delicious Russian food that you can try out during your holiday:

Pelmeni is Russia’s version of boiled dumplings. The origin of the dish can be traced back to the 15th century when Chinese merchants visited Siberia. These bite-sized dumplings are made using unleavened dough. Stuffing of ground meat is used – which can either be chicken, lamb, pork, or beef – around which the dough is folded.

The other ingredients used to make these dumplings are onions, mushrooms, garlic, other veggies, spices, and herbs. These dumplings are usually served with sour cream. However, they can also be served in broth, or along with vinegar, mustard, or butter.

Solyanka is a thick, traditional Russian soup that has a mix of salty, spicy, and sour flavours. This comes from the inclusion of elements like lemons, brine, olives, and pickles. Various kinds of meats are used to make this soup, including beef, ham, bacon, and sausages.

A variety of vegetables go into creating solyanka, such as potatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbage. Pickled cucumbers and fish are often included in the recipe as well. Solyanka is often eaten with lavash, which is a Georgian flatbread, or with adzhika, which is a red and spicy sauce.

Pirozhki, which translates to ‘little pies,’ are Russian stuffed buns filled with meat and vegetables. Herbs and cheese are often added to the concoction to amplify the flavour of these soft, buttery pastries. You will often find these being served as street food. They are also popular during Christmas; people consume them as snacks while preparing for elaborate and festive dinners.

There are baked and fried versions of this dish, and some also make them in sweet varieties with cherries, stewed apples, cottage cheese, or jam as the stuffing. The savoury versions usually include rice, vegetables, fish, eggs, and meat.

Blini are traditional Russian pancakes that differ from other pancakes because of the presence of yeast. They are made using eggs, flour, yeast, milk, and a bit of salt. Once the batter is poured into a hot pan and shaped into a circle, both sides are fried for a couple of minutes. The fillings of these pancakes include ground meat, onions, caviar, sour cream, cheese, jam, or chocolate syrup. Blini is often served along with caviar.

The dish has roots in ancient times. Traditionally, it was served as a ceremonial dish during Maslenitsa, a festival celebrated to signify the beginning of spring and the end of winter.

Borscht is a sour soup that has been part of Russian and Ukrainian cuisine for a long time. Although numerous varieties of borscht are present today, the traditional version of the soup is made using beef or pork broth. The other ingredients include potatoes, beetroot, carrots, tomatoes, onions, and cabbage. It is usually served with sour cream on top, and the soup can be served both hot and cold. The Russian version of borscht is served with fried bread or a savoury slice of pie. In Ukraine, this soup is served with bacon and rye bread.

Shashlik refers to Russian shish kebabs that are skewered and grilled cubes of meat. It could be pork, beef, or lamb, based on religious and regional preferences. This shish kebab most probably came to Moscow from Central Asia in the 19th century. You will often find these kebabs being cooked over an open fire at social gatherings during the summer. The meat used to make this dish is combined with vegetable chunks, including tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. The meat is usually marinated overnight with dry wine, spices, herbs, and vinegar to make these kebabs.

Beef stroganoff consists of sliced beef fillet, mushrooms, and onions sauteed in a combination of sour cream sauce and white wine. The dish was named after Count Alexander Grigorievich Stroganov, a Russian nobleman who lived during the late 19th century. Numerous variations of this recipe exist, with some adding paprika, mustard, and tomato paste.

• Showing respect and giving attention to elderly people is considered very important in Russia.
• Gender roles are clearly defined in Russia, with men expected to carry a woman’s luggage and vacate their seats for women in public places.
• Russian people value those who are close to their families. Therefore, discuss your family in a way that shows how much you respect them, especially the elderly members of your family.
• Present your ideas, advice, and input directly and confidently, as doing so indirectly may result in your not being taken seriously.
• If you have to provide feedback, criticise, or address a mistake, do it privately and promptly.
• Don’t criticise or offer your opinion regarding the country’s politics.
• Whistling is not only considered bad manners in Russia; whistling inside a house is considered bad luck. Russians believe that those who do so will lose their money and become financially irresponsible.
• Don’t leave empty bottles on the table, especially alcohol bottles, as this is considered bad luck.
  In Russia, it is considered impolite to shake someone’s hands with gloves on.
• Don’t shake hands over a threshold, as Russians believe it could lead to a quarrel.
• If you’re visiting someone in Russia and staying with them, chances are they will pay for your food as a sign of hospitality.
• If you go out to eat, most Russians pay for their respective meals.
• Keeping your hands in your pockets while talking to someone is thought of as rude in Russia.
• Always remain well-dressed in Russia.
• Russians think of it as uncivilised to drink at the table without making a toast. This is because toasting is an important part of the country’s culture and signifies gratitude and respect.

Listed below are the souvenirs to buy from Russia and the best places to shop from with our Russia tour packages:

Gzhel ceramics have been produced in the Moscow suburbs since 1802, making these blue-and-white souvenirs some of the most popular things to buy in Russia. Floral details, soft hues, and a fairytale-like appearance give these ceramics a distinct look. They are created by pumping clay into moulds, after which it is fired in a kiln. Following this step, the pieces are painted and glazed and then fired again.

A Fabergé egg is a decorative egg first created in 1885 by Peter Carl Faberge for Empress Maria Feodorovna. Replicas of these precious items can be bought as souvenirs from Russia. They are available in silver or gold, and most are decorated with pearls, jade, diamonds, or rubies.

A samovar is a metal container used to boil water. It is an integral part of tea drinking in Russia and symbolises sociability and hospitality. Both modern and antique samovars are available in the country, and you can pick a size based on your comfort and choice.

A matryoshka is a set of stacking dolls. These wooden dolls resemble women dressed in traditional Russian peasant clothing, including a scarf on their heads. The sets usually have 5 to 10 dolls.

Lacquer boxes are decorative, small boxes made from paper mâché. The designs on these boxes usually include paintings from fairy tales, landscapes, or scenes from Russian literature. The first time these lacquer boxes appeared in Russia was during the 18th century, but the art form flourished in the 20th century following the Revolution.

• Izmailovo Market: For books, bags, fashion items, furniture, classic paintings, handmade items, and rugs.
• Flacon Design Factory: For books, art, souvenirs, and décor products.
• Galleria Shopping Mall: For footwear, accessories, clothes, and electronics.
• GUM: For fashion items, cafes, restaurants.
• Arbat Street: For shawls, linens, Russian dolls, and lacquer boxes.

• The supermarkets in the larger cities are usually open from 8 am or 9 am to 10 pm or 11 pm.
• Although many Russian stores are open on Sundays, the working hours are usually shorter than the rest of the week.
• Most of the merchants in Russia accept debit and credit cards.

Moscow, the vibrant capital of Russia, is a delightful combination of culture, history, modernity, and awe-inspiring architecture. From its dazzling markets and bustling neighbourhoods to its many statues, monuments, and museums, you will never run out of things to discover in Moscow. There is the Kremlin and Red Square, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is known worldwide for its performing arts. So, art lovers must catch an opera performance, a circus act, or even a ballet show when they are in Moscow.

Popularly known as the ‘Venice of the North,’ Saint Petersburg is not only the second largest city in Russia but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great, it served as the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. It is regarded as the cultural capital of Russia, as the city is home to more than 80 theatres, 100 concert halls, and 221 museums.

Several writers, artists, and music composers have called Saint Petersburg home. The city’s tourist attractions include the State Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and Savior on the Spilled Blood.

Kazan is the capital city of the Tatarstan Republic in Russia. The city is known for being a vital cultural and educational centre of the country. The Kazan State University, which the city is home to, has played host to numerous talents that went on to become big names in the future. The list includes Nikolai Ivanovich Lobachevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Mily Balakirev, and Vladimir Lenin.

Yekaterinburg is a city in the east of the Ural Mountains, a mountain range in Russia. Make sure to visit the Church of All Saints or Church on the Blood, which is an important historical site and imperative monument for the Russian Orthodox people. The church was built on the site where the Romanov family was executed in 1918 and attracts thousands of pilgrims from across the globe. Yet another architectural landmark the city is famous for is the Sevastyanov House, known as the House of Labor Unions during the Soviet era.

Located in Siberia in southern Russia, Novosibirsk is the country’s third-largest city. Despite its remote location, Novosibirsk is quite a thriving cultural hub, thanks to its museums, theatres, and art galleries. The spots you can visit in Novosibirsk include the Novosibirsk Zoo, Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, and the Grand Novosibirsk Planetarium.

For several centuries, religious art dominated Russia. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Russia’s nobility adopted various aspects of European literature, music, and art. The painters explored fresh subjects, including folklore, historical occurrences, and the life of the peasant folk in Russia. Some of the most famous artists to have come out of Russia are Alexei Savrasov, Valentin Serov, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Boris Kustodiev, and Ilya Repin.

From simple folk songs to intricate melodies, Russian music has truly evolved. Drama, lightness, depth, and volume characterise the country’s classical music. Several reputable theatres worldwide are known to perform works of Russian composers, including Modest Mussorgsky, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and Mikhail Glinka.

The late 19th century and early 20th century was the Silver Age of Russian poetry, marked by the works of poets such as Sergei Yesenin, Anna Akhmatova, Alexander Blok, Marina Tsvetaeva, and Valery Bryusov. The culture of Russia was also impacted by literary creations dating from the Soviet era, as evidenced by the works of Yevgeny Yevtushenko, Vladimir Vysotsky, Arkady and Boris Strugatsky. A couple of the common features of Russian literature include vivid descriptions of natural landscapes, the emotional experiences of the central characters, and detailed analysis of the inner workings of humans.