Russia
Being the largest country in the world, stretching from eastern Europe to the Pacific, Russia is a fascinating combination of intense history, beautiful palaces, artistic riches, idyllic countryside, and sublime ballet and theatre productions. A luxury holiday to Russia promises an abundance of the finer things in life.
Moscow is the political and spiritual powerhouse of Russia, and one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Visit famous landmarks the Kremlin, Lenin’s tomb, and the colourful onion domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Red Square.
Soak up culture at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts or go on a discovery of the city’s beautifully ornate metro stations. Gorky Park, on the bank of the river, is the place for couples and families to hang out at the hip cafés, boating lake and funfair. In the evening, dress up for ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre.
In St Petersburg, a day isn’t enough to explore the legendary Hermitage museum, which showcases masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso and Rembrandt. Indeed, officials say it would take eleven years to examine every single exhibit!
The city also offers a veritable feast of sumptuous imperial palaces built for members of the Imperial Family; Pavlovsk, the Catherine Palace at Pushkin (which is a Baroque treasure), and the Alexander Palace. There’s also so much to see at the Peter and Paul Fortress, including the baroque Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is the final resting place of almost all of Russia’s pre-revolutionary leaders.
When night falls, enjoy caviar and vodka at a bar or restaurant on Nevsky Prospekt, before indulging in some opera at the Mariinsky Theatre. Families especially will love the Children’s Musical Theatre.
