Russia

Only in winter does one have the chance to jump aboard a troika sledge in the gardens of the Pavlovsk Palace, or when best to experience the century old tradition of the Russian banya – equivalent to a sauna and followed by an invigorating roll in the snow, or dip in the lake, nothing more romantic in a dark Russian Winter.  First chronicled in as early as 945 AD by Slavic tribe of Drevlians.  Don your felt hat and be prepared to be battered with Veniki  – Eucalyptus or Birch branches to ease the circulation.

St Petersburg in Summer is beautiful, with long days filled with alfresco dining and concerts.  Take time to wander the city, following the canals of the Neva River and coming across cafes and restaurants.  The palace gardens also come alive during this time with impressive displays of fountains and landscaping.   It is also the time, where many Russians retreat to their summer dachas, wooden ‘country houses’.  Spend a day visiting some of these unique homes and meet the local characters.

Moscow

From St Petersburg you can take the high-speed train to Moscow, 4hrs.  The city is fascinating with much to see and we recommend three – four nights is sufficient.  Unlike St Petersburg, the city is less ornate but by no means less intriguing.  See the Seven Sisters skyscrapers that dominate Moscow’s skyline.  These fierce structures are a blend of Gothic and Baroque architecture and were designed at the request of Stalin to celebrate the Soviet State.  The Red Square is impressive with the colourful St Basil’s Cathedral and the vast wall of the Kremlin.  You can visit the Kremlin, touring the churches and sacred spaces within the walls.

A highlight of the city is the metro.  Each station is unique in design with beautiful mosaics, stained glass, sculptures and marble floors.  Buy a ticket and enjoy jumping on and off the metro, discovering the inspiring and stylish stations.

Other must-see are the Novodevichy Cemetery where Boris Yeltsin is buried, Arbat Square, Boulevard Ring, Tverskaya street, Manezh Square, churches and Cathedrals, the university and the White House.

Weather

Summer: Pleasant average temperatures of 22°C with moderate to high humidity.  The White Nights (all day sunshine) begin from the end of May to mid July.  During this time, the sun only sets for an hour and the city is in a magical twilight state.
Winter: Temperatures can get down to -7°C so it is important to layer up as indoors, heating is at full blast.  However, snow covered St Petersburg and Moscow are magnificent sites.