Tourist Information for Russia

121099 Moscow
10 Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya
Tel: 00 7 095 956 7200
Fax: 00 7 095 956 7201

Russia is almost twice the size of the United States and occupies most of Eastern Europe and north Asia. Russian holiday makers taking the opportunity to explore Russia will not be disappointed, not only is its size impressive, spanning 10 time zones, but the diversity of the country is overwhelming. Today, city break explorers can embrace Russia’s newfound freedom and discover its rich cultural heritage, historical treasures, imperial cities, virgin wilderness & sun splashed beaches. All types of holiday breaks are available in Russia, from ice hiking & city tours to opera luxury breaks, Christmas market short breaks, New Year celebrations and much much more. The most popular holiday destinations in Russia are Moscow and St Petersburg. Anyone who’s had a city break in either of these two fantastic cities returns home raving about them. Russia really is the perfect cultural holiday destination, with so many things to see and do. Have a holiday in Russia and experience the countries amazing cultural achievements in the fields of architecture, opera & ballet, literature, and music. Feel the enchantment of Tchaikovsky, the Kirov and Bolshoi Ballet or the many colourful domed buildings. A short break journey to Russia will be a trip to remember forever. It’s more than a country, it’s a wonderland.

“Russia is a discerning traveler’s wonderland”
(The Independent)

Prince Yuri Dolgoruky founded Moscow in 1147 and 10 years later the original towers and walls of the Kremlin were completed. Over the next 2 centuries Moscow fell under Tatar rule until Ivan the Great managed to win the city back. Later his son replaced as the next Tsar, and was nick named ‘Ivan the Terrible.’ The next major influence on Moscow was Peter the Great. Peter the Great set about the task of modernising the city but he also made the controversial decision of transferring the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg. He built St. Petersburg on the Baltic to open Russia up to Western trade and to carry on his military victories over Sweden. However, Moscow remained important enough to be Napoleon's main agenda, and took over the city in 1812. This reign was short lived, as the night he arrived a great fire broke out which burnt most of the city, including the stores. With winter coming, the French had to pull out little more than a month after they had arrived. Once again, Moscow was rebuilt and the government moved back there. However, it wasn’t long till Russia was under foreign invasion. In 1941, Hitler broke the nonaggression pact he had signed with Stalin and German troops came within 40km of the Kremlin. As with Napoleon's army, they were halted by the cruel Russian winter, the cities best defence. Since the 80s has seen some dramatic political changes. Boris Yeltsin became the peoples champion as he sacked corrupt officials, permitted demonstrations and set up new modern food markets. By the mid-1990s people were experiencing the benefits of capitalism, banks, casinos, hotels and nightlife. But parallel to it a wave of organised crime. The current Russian president Vladimir Putin, is keen to tighten Moscow's business dealings and the state control. Optimistically, the younger generations are enjoying their new found freedom and reap the endless possibilities that the capital offers. However, the only way to truly discover Moscow’s fascinating history, culture and general way of life is to book a citybreak holiday there. Contact the Russia Travel experts or browse through our on-line city break deals in Russia and luxury short break packages. Enjoy our passionate and professional holiday services that include: Atol protected flights, private car transfers, great hotel prices, city tours etc. Travel with the Russia breaks experts, a company that dedicates itself to its valued clients.