In 2018 we joined a group tour that took us from Helsinki through the stunning imperial grandeur of St Petersburg all the way to the dramatic heart of Moscow. Nine days, two extraordinary cities, the Hermitage, Peterhof's Grand Palace, the Kremlin, Red Square, Novodevichy Convent, a high-speed train through the Russian landscape and the warmest, friendliest people we never expected. St Petersburg in particular stopped us in our tracks — the architecture alone is worth the journey. One of the great trips of our travelling lives.
From Helsinki we travelled through Vyborg to St Petersburg, explored Peterhof and the Hermitage, then crossed the country by Sapsan high-speed train to Moscow. Tap the markers for the places that formed part of our trip.
Nine days across two of the world's most extraordinary cities
We joined a group tour with Travelescapes in 2018 that took us on one of the most extraordinary journeys of our travelling lives — Helsinki as the gateway, a border crossing through historic Vyborg, three days immersed in the imperial splendour of St Petersburg, a ride on the Sapsan high-speed train through the Russian heartland, and then Moscow — vast, dramatic and endlessly surprising.
The group tour format was absolutely the right choice for Russia. Having a knowledgeable guide who could unlock the history and context of everything we were seeing transformed the experience. Russia's history is so rich and so complex that having someone to guide you through it makes every palace, cathedral and monument come alive in a way that independent travel simply cannot replicate.
St Petersburg was the undisputed highlight. We had high expectations — and it exceeded every one of them. The architecture along the Neva River, the grand boulevards, the ornate facades, the golden domes catching the summer light — it is simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Hermitage alone could absorb a week. Peterhof was staggering. Novodevichy Convent was quietly magnificent.
Moscow then delivered a completely different kind of grandeur — bigger, bolder, more dramatic. Standing in Red Square with St Basil's Cathedral on one side and the Kremlin walls on the other is one of those travel moments where you genuinely have to stop and take in the fact that you are actually there. The energy of the city — Moscow is a place that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go.
The Russian people were a revelation too — warm, generous, proud of their country and delighted when visitors made the effort to engage. We came home with full hearts and an enormous amount of respect for a country and culture we had only begun to understand.
Three remarkable cities await
The crown jewel of our Russia trip — the Hermitage, Peterhof, the architecture, the canals, the Sapsan train departure.
⭐Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Novodevichy Convent, Sergiev Posad and the drama of Russia's capital.
🏰Our border crossing from Finland — historic Vyborg Castle and the gateway to Russia.
Simply one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The imperial palaces, the grand facades, the golden domes and the canals — Venice of the North at its finest.
One of the greatest art museums on earth — housed in the spectacular Winter Palace on the Neva. The collection is almost incomprehensibly vast.
Peter the Great's answer to Versailles — the Grand Palace, the Grand Cascade of fountains and vast landscaped parks on the Gulf of Finland.
Standing in Red Square with St Basil's Cathedral on one side and the Kremlin walls on the other is one of those travel moments you never forget.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Moscow's most quietly magnificent places — a beautiful walled convent with extraordinary churches.
The high-speed train between St Petersburg and Moscow is a brilliant experience in itself — smooth, comfortable and atmospheric.
Helsinki, St Petersburg, Moscow and the journey between them — our 2018 Russia group tour on video.
What to pack for Russia
Russia involves an enormous amount of walking on cobblestones — Red Square, the Kremlin grounds, Peterhof's extensive parks — so good footwear is absolutely essential. Evenings in St Petersburg and Moscow can be cool even in summer, so layers are important. A warm windproof jacket is a must.
Russia means cobblestones — Red Square, the Kremlin and Peterhof's vast parkland. Good waterproof walking boots will save your feet.
View on Amazon →Even in July, St Petersburg and Moscow evenings can be cool. A good thermal base layer keeps you comfortable.
View on Amazon →Essential for the canal and Neva waterfront in St Petersburg and the open expanses of Red Square.
View on Amazon →Russia is relentlessly photogenic. Keep a power bank charged for the Hermitage, Red Square and Peterhof.
View on Amazon →Essential for long sightseeing days — carry water, layers, camera and anything you pick up.
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Common questions
The world has changed enormously since we made this journey, but our memories of Russia have not. We loved the atmosphere, the extraordinary history and architecture, and above all the warmth of the people we met. St Petersburg remains one of our favourite cities anywhere in the world. Explore the places that made this trip so unforgettable.