Russia, what a destination!
I had such a wonderful time exploring the culture, food, people, learning about their history and the beautiful architecture that it has to offer. You have not seen beautiful churches until you step inside some that they have to offer. The beautiful colours and onion domes on the outside and then the icons, frescos and mosaics were mind blowing.
“Seeing Moscow at night is now up there with one of my favourites. The lights around the city are stunning.”
I not only spent 3 days in each Moscow and St Petersburg but traveled along the Volga and Neva River to experience the small towns of Sergiev Posad, Uglich, Yaroslavl, Kuzino, Kizhi and Mandrogy. We passed through 17 locks and seeing the locals on the river was so nice and gave you an insight as to how they live. It was White Nights when I was there which was such a great thing to experience. Looking outside at 2am to beautiful sun was such a weird and great thing to see.
Seeing Moscow at night is now up there with one of my favourites. The lights around the city are stunning. I will never forget the first time I saw a glimpse of St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square. Simply breathtaking.
St. Petersburg was absolutely stunning. I loved everything about it from the architecture, to the people, the gardens, shopping, the amazing palaces and going to see a performance of Swan Lake was a dream come true.
If you ever get the chance to travel to Russia you must try the Borscht soup, Pelmeni, see a Cossack performance and of course try the local moonshine, Vodka.
I traveled with Viking Cruises and it was the perfect way to see Russia. The staff are all so friendly and really interested in getting to know you and how your day was. You are looked after so well but have the time and options to explore at your own pace. There was a “wow” around every corner and having the local guides on board and at each stop just enhanced the experience and was something I wouldn’t have got without them. Just amazing!
Carly
Carly Cunningham - Travel Specialist