Why to visit Russia in winter?
Though Russia largely remains a one-season tourist destination, with the summer months seeing cities welcome visitors from around the globe, the country still has lots to offer in winter as well. Infact after our recent visit to Russia in the March, we can only say it a “Winter Wonderland”. We only can suggest you all that don’t let the weather be a barrier to decide your trip to Russia.
Let’s start with why we choose MARCH month to visit Russia? Want to know the reasons? Scroll down to check out why you must visit Russia in the month of March?
Well, Russia in March has been termed 'beautiful' by many as the snow starts melting in the cities towards the very end of the month.
1. You can enjoy last snowfall and first sunlight of the season. You get to see the gorgeousness of natural vistas at its best. You will see people coming out of their houses and walking around because the temperatures are not as low as they were from November until February.
2. The tourist attractions are less crowded. More people visit here during summer and that makes it crowded. Sometimes, you don’t get the tickets even after waiting for quite long. Some of the most popular tourist attractions, including Hermitage Museum or the Kremlin are so packed with tourists, even if you have pre-booked your tickets, you will have to wait for hours to make an entry.
3. Flights to Russia and accommodation costs while you're there will be lower than at most other times of year.
The VISA?
The most important document for Russian tourist VISA is the Russian Invitation. After a hectic search, we got this site
Probably the cheapest among all and it will cost around 20$ per person for the invitation. Fill the details, pay by credit card and bang. The invitation letter will be in your inbox in minutes. The other document list you can check it from VFS website. They will help you to get the visa from Embassy.
Places to Visit in Russia
The tourist landmarks in Moscow and other places look absolutely stunning and sparkling in the snow during the winter season. Here are a few places worth a mention when visiting Russia.
Moscow: Is known as the home of the legendary Red square, the mighty Kremlin and the iconic St. Basil’s cathedral. This place is the cultural and political center of the country. The red square is where there are some of the most recognizable landmarks and it is a fascinating place where you will see the old places colliding with the new ones. The city is resplendent with ballet studios and old churches along with high-rise buildings dotting the skyline of the city.
St. Petersburg: It is also called the "VENICE OF NORTH". This is a rather an enchanting city which has a fascinating and rich history. Old palaces and grand gardens are a highlight of the city. Best part is in St. Petersburg water is as much a part of the city's make-up as brick or stone. Built across the marshlands of the Neva River delta, St. Petersburg is interlaces with around a hundred tributaries and canals with a total length of 300 kilometres and over 800 bridges crossing them. So, your trip is incomplete without a visit to these beautiful bridges and canals.
Veliky Novgorod: Is an ancient and provincial town in Russia, which is a popular pit stop on the way to Moscow from St. Petersburg. It is another one of the oldest towns in the country. One must explore one of the most ancient Kremlin in this place which is now a relic of Russia’s past. As an insider tip, we suggest you trek along the borders of the Kremlin which will be no less than a scenic trek.
Pskov/ Kazan (Optional): Pskov is a very old city which dates to 903, which is almost as ancient as the country itself Pskov still has remnants its medieval town walls and those walls are cramped with small picturesque churches that are an amazing example of Byzantine architecture.
On the other hand, Kazan is bit far from these cities and you have to catch flight to reach there. It is considered as the Sports Capital of Russia and is also famous for its beautiful architecture.
Our detailed Itinerary for Russia
We planned our trip for 15 days, but due to corona outbreak we have to come back early. So, we are sharing our 15 days itinerary with you all. You can cut short it depending on the number of days you plan to visit.
15 Days Itinerary for Russia
Day 1-5: Moscow
Day 1: Arrival at Moscow, check in and have some rest.
Day 2: Visit Red Square, Lenin Mausoleum, St Basil Cathedral.
Day 3: The Kremlin Museum Complex, Tretyakov Gallery, Novodevichy Convent, Nikulin Circus.
Day 4: Take a day tour and visit beautiful metros stations of Moscow. Also, don't forget to stop at Old/New Arbat Street for some shopping.
Day 5: Take afternoon train to St. Petersburg. The fastest way to travel is by the Sapsan train, which is a comfortable, modern train that takes just under four hours of journey time. You can book it online in advance.
Day 6- 9: St. Petersburg
Day 6: Tour inside State Hermitage Museum and visit Catherine’s Palace & Peterhof Grand Palace.
Day 7: Visit the beautiful churches & cathedrals- Kazan Cathedral, St Isaac’s Cathedral and Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood.
Day 8: Enjoy a lovely walk across the Birzhevoy Bridge towards the Peter and Paul Fortress and spend a day exploring the fortress. Also, don’t forget to visit The Great Mosque of St. Petersburg.
Day 9: Take afternoon bus to Veliky Novgorod.
Day 10-11 Veliky Novgorod
Day 10: Visit Novgorod Kremlin (The oldest Kremlin in Russia), St. Sophia Cathedral, Novgorod State United Museum, Millennium of Russia, The St. George's (Yuriev) Monastery.
Day 11: After breakfast take afternoon bus to Pskov.
Day 12-13: Pskov
Day 12: Visit Trinity Cathedral, Pskov National Museum of History, Architecture & Art, Olginskaya Chapel and Viewing Point, Monument in memory of the Ledovoye Battle.
Day 13: Spend day visiting Pskov Kremlin/Krom, Writ Chamber and board overnight train to Moscow.
Day 14-15 Moscow
Day 14: Arrival at Moscow in the morning, it’s your last day to take a ride and admire the beautiful metro stations of Moscow and try local delicacies.
Day 15: Catch flight back to home.
Must Visit Metro Stations of Russia
Is it a Ballroom or a metro station?? First thought that came to our mind when we entered the beautiful metro station of Moscow Generally metro stations are one of the busiest places of a city and all you can see is crowd. People running to catch train one after other, but here in Moscow although the stations are crowded but the only thing that will catch your sight is the stunning architecture and beautifully lit chandeliers. Without a doubt, despite so many amazing sights in Moscow, when you return from your Russia holiday, one of the first thing you'll mention is the beautiful metro stations. It’s possible to spend an entire day or more travelling the metro and exploring the vast array of ornate stations; each constructed and decorated in its own unique way Some of our favorites are: 1. Komsomolskaya: With elegant bronze chandeliers, marble arcades and monumental mosaics made from smalt this station stole our hearts 2. Novoslobodskaya with 32 stained-glass panels. 3. Taganskaya for its Medieval architecture 4. Prospect Mira Station for beautiful chandeliers. 5. Kiyevskaya Station is a bit more romantic because of beautiful paintings with classical decorations.
Must know things before you board the flight to Russia
Make sure to get this checklist done:
1. Book your accommodation in advance and get your registration done on arrival. Either your hotel or Airbnb host can do the same for you.
2. Passport and Invitation Letter Printout. Also, click a picture of immigration slip and carry it with you always police do check that randomly in Moscow.
3. The most used travel card in Moscow is the Troika Card, which can be used to pay on most of the capital city’s public transit systems. Buy this card from any metro station for smooth travelling.
4. Power Bank.
5. Power Plug Converters for Russian standard.
6. Jacket, head cap, gloves that can survive negative temperature. Two pair of shoes and minimum 4 pairs of socks.
7. Cash according to your need, get dollars as you can exchange them everywhere.
Happy Travelling!
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