5 ideas for guided tours in Russia

• Golden Ring

  North-east of Moscow begins the route that includes several cities of the historical Russia of the Middle Ages. This territory is perfectly delimited between the Volga and Kliazma rivers.

  You will be able to explore this famous circuit going from hamlet to village and visit cathedrals, churches, monasteries and museums. It will be very interesting to spend a few days accompanied by a Russia tour guide to discover this region and immerse yourself in a heritage and a way of life that has remained authentic.

  Here are the most important stops:
  
  * Souzdal: The most beautiful city of the route, it was the spiritual center of the country.
  * Vladimir : Several religious sites of the XII century
  * Serguiev Possad: Beautiful monastery of the Trinity-St. Sergius, it is called “the Orthodox Vatican”.
  * Yaroslavl : Central place of the itinerary, the city has a historical center classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
  * Kostroma : less visited, this ancient trading town has kept a real authenticity.
  * Pereslavl-Zalesski : Old city, it is located on the coast of the lake Plechtcheïevo.

• Kiji Island

  The beautiful and picturesque island of Kiji is located 700 kilometers north of Moscow on Lake Onega, in the heart of the Karelian Republic.

  The island is only 7 kilometers long and 500 meters wide, but coming here on a trip is a real enchantment because you will discover a whole heritage of wooden architecture of the old times with mills, barns and several churches among them one of the highest wooden buildings in the world.

  The 37-meter high Church of the Transfiguration was built without any nails and has 22 domes at its top. You can also visit a whole parish complex made of fir wood.

• Vladivostok

  In the far reaches of the former Soviet Empire, facing Japan, lies Vladivostok. The final stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, this city has become a vibrant and modern metropolis. From the top of its hills, especially from the Eagle’s Nest, accessible on foot or by funicular, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Zolotoi Rog Bay (Golden Horn).

  You will discover its enormous port, the largest in the Pacific and the Russian Far East, surrounded by mountains. History enthusiasts can visit the Vladivostok Fortress and its military museum, which chronicles the maritime history of the region. In the old town, the Millionka district stands out with its diverse architectural styles, including classical, baroque, and gothic.

  In the historic center, you can reach the sea from Fokina Oulitsa Street, passing through numerous courtyards and hidden corners that house bars and restaurants. For a more nature-filled escape, head to Russky Island. This untouched wilderness has no infrastructure, featuring deserted beaches and cliffs that plunge into the ocean.

• The Kola Peninsula

  In the northern part of the country, west of Finland, lies the Kola Peninsula. This region, also known as “Russian Lapland,” boasts majestic Nordic landscapes.

  Traveling along the shores of the Barents Sea, you will journey through the wild tundra. The trip begins above the Arctic Circle and extends to the port city of Murmansk.

  You will meet the reindeer-herding Sami people near Lake Lovozero. Depending on the itinerary, you may cross the frozen Oumbozero Lake by snowmobile or explore the Khibiny Mountains. The months from January to March are ideal for witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of the Northern Lights.

• Yekaterinburg

  Now, we arrive at the economic center of the Urals, located at the border between Europe and Asia. Yekaterinburg is the fourth-largest city in Russia. It was here, in the Ipatiev House, that the Tsar Nicholas II and his entire family were assassinated on July 17, 1918.

  The house was later replaced by the Church on the Blood. Today, the city remains an important industrial hub, particularly in metallurgy. It is home to several museums, including the Museum of Architectural History, where you can see the “Shigir Collection,” featuring the Great Shigir Idol, recognized as the oldest known wooden sculpture in the world, estimated to be 9,500 years old.

  Yekaterinburg has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous libraries, theaters, and exhibition centers. The city center is focused around the Vaynera Pedestrian Avenue and Lenin Boulevard, where visitors can find a bustling tourist bazaar with numerous shops, bars, restaurants, and nightlife attractions.