Russia in the spotlight

With its grand cities, incredible history and undiscovered regions, Russia is one of Regent’s favourite destinations. We have been pioneering travel experiences through this fascinating country for over thirty years. Most first- time visitors head to the current and former capitals, Moscow and St Petersburg. Both cities possess their own unique charms; Moscow with its air of chintzy glamour, iconic landmarks and incredible architecture, and St Petersburg, a cultural hub, where world- class ballet, opera and theatre flourish, and serene canals line boulevards oozing Parisian sophistication.

Russia is also home to one of the world’s most iconic train lines: The Trans- Siberian Railway. This colossal feat of engineering stretches some 9287 kilometres through frozen Siberian tundra, connecting Moscow to Vladivostok on Russia’s eastern coast, and in 2016 famously celebrated its centenary. A journey aboard is truly a once- in- a- lifetime experience. Skirt around the glassy waters of Lake Baikal; stop to explore the Kremlin and golden- topped cathedral at Yekaterinburg and chug through the foothills of the jagged Ural Mountains. Later this year the football World Cup will throw a spotlight on many Russian cities that are rarely talked about, but are fascinating to visit, and many of them are notable stops on the Trans-Siberian line. With all eyes on Russia, preparations have long been underway to get the host cities looking their finest, and ready to accept tourists and sports fans alike. During the football season, these cities are expected to receive high numbers of visitors. But, during the rest of the year, travellers along the Trans- Siberian Railway can make the most of the local authorities’ efforts and combine explorations that discover the character of each city.

British Airways direct flights connect London with Moscow in under four hours, three- times daily. All western visitors to Russia need a visa. At Regent Holidays, we make the Russian Visa process smooth by providing expert advice and a supportive dossier to guide you through the application process. Our team of Russia Specialists can offer unparalleled advice on planning any holiday to this vast country.

“There’s nothing quite like climbing on board the epic Trans- Siberian Railway – you feel like a pioneering explorer, and in 2018 there’s no better time to explore some of the country’s lesser- known cities.” Peter Wybrow, Russia Travel Specialist