City-Specific Travel Packages
Planning to visit Russia from Austria? Fantastic! We’ve put together some top-notch travel packages that offer up the charm of Moscow and St. Petersburg on a silver platter. Let’s dive into what makes these tours the bee’s knees for Austrian travellers.
Top City Tours for Austrians
We get that Austrians have a keen taste for the finer things, so these tours are crafted to give more than just a glimpse, offering a real feel of Russia’s iconic cities—and then some. Here’s what’s on the menu:
- Moscow Discovery Tour: Strap in for a 5-day escapade where you’ll walk through the formidable Kremlin, gaze at the grandeur of Red Square, and soak up artistic genius at the Tretyakov Gallery.
- St. Petersburg Highlights Tour: Over 4 action-packed days, you’ll wander the Hermitage Museum, bask in the splendor of Peterhof Palace, and marvel at Catherine Palace.
| City Tour | Duration | Highlights | Stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moscow Discovery Tour | 5 days | Kremlin, Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery | 4-star |
| St. Petersburg Highlights Tour | 4 days | Hermitage Museum, Peterhof, Catherine Palace | 4-star |
Want more? Sneak a peek at tailor-made city tours in Russia for Austrians.
Key Highlights in Moscow
Moscow—it’s a heady mix of rich history rubbing shoulders with the buzz of contemporary life. Here’s what’s not to miss:
- Kremlin: This isn’t just any building—it’s the powerhouse of Russian governance and a must-see UNESCO gem.
- Red Square: Stand in awe before the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral and pay respects at Lenin’s Mausoleum.
- Tretyakov Gallery: Art lovers, this is your paradise, home to Russia’s brilliant national art collection.
- Bolshoi Theatre: Ever fancied watching ballet or opera? This is the holy grail for both.
Ready to learn more about the best tour packages for Moscow and St. Petersburg adventures from Austria?
Must-See Attractions in St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg doesn’t just offer scenery; it serves up artworks and monuments wrapped in stories. Here’s where you should be pointing your camera:
- Hermitage Museum: Gargantuan in size and rich in exhibits, there’s no end to the treasures you’ll find here.
- Peterhof Palace: Known fancy-like as the “Russian Versailles”, it’s loaded with eye-popping gardens and fountains.
- Catherine Palace: Step into luxury with its ornate Rococo designs and the famous Amber Room.
- Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Gothic and glorious—its design is top-level artistry.
For a sneak peek into how you can explore all this amazingness, head over to explore Russia’s top cities with tailor-made packages for Austrians.
Choosing the right travel package means you’re not just visiting Russia—you’re having an unforgettable feast of culture and history. Go on, make those memories!
Planning Your Trip
Ideal Itinerary for Austrian Tourists
Making the most of your Russian escapade doesn’t have to be a brain teaser. Here’s a game plan that mixes a bit of sightseeing with a touch of chill time:
Day 1-3: Moscow
- Day 1: Land, drop your bags at the hotel, and head to Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral.
- Day 2: Check out the Kremlin and the Armoury Chamber, then grab a bite at one of the cosy local spots.
- Day 3: Hit up the Tretyakov Gallery and take a leisurely stroll through Gorky Park.
Day 4-7: St. Petersburg
- Day 4: Off to St. Petersburg! Settle into your digs and take a walk down Nevsky Prospect.
- Day 5: Spend the day at the Hermitage Museum and Winter Palace.
- Day 6: Wander around Peterhof Palace and Gardens.
- Day 7: Dive into the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, and cap it off with a canal boat ride before heading home.
Need more options? Check our tour packages for Moscow and St. Petersburg from Austria.
Travel Tips for Austria to Russia
A few handy tips to make your travels stress-free and fun:
- Visa Requirements: Get all your paperwork sorted first. More on that in our Visa Requirements and Documentation section.
- Language: Russian is the way to go. Know a few key phrases and you’ll be ahead of the game.
- Currency: The Russian Ruble (RUB) is your go-to cash here. Swap those Euros for some Rubles before you land.
- Health and Safety: Keep your meds and travel insurance handy.
- Time Zone: Both Moscow and St. Pete run on Moscow Standard Time.
Cultural Etiquette and Customs
A little know-how about Russian etiquette can make your trip a smooth sail:
- Greeting: Firm handshakes with eye contact, and don’t forget those titles like “Mr.” or “Ms.”.
- Dining Etiquette: Keep those hands on the table while eating and stick to utensils. Tips around 10% are cool.
- Dress Code: Go modest for religious spots, but smart casual works everywhere else.
- Public Behaviour: Keep hugs and kisses private and your voice down in public.
Get the full scoop in our article on cultural etiquette and customs.
Here’s what your wallet might look like for a week-long trip from Austria to Russia:
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Visa | 60 |
| Flight (Return) | 250 – 400 |
| Accommodation (Hotel per night) | 50 – 150 |
| Daily Meals | 20 – 50 |
| Local Transportation | 10 – 20 |
| Attractions & Tours | 100 – 200 |
| Total (Approx.) | 730 – 1,500 |
For a deeper dive into the finances, jump over to cost breakdown for Austrian travelers.
Follow this advice and itinerary, and you’re set up for a fantastically unforgettable Russian adventure. For more insider tips, give our section on tailored city tours in Russia for Austrians a look.
Practical Information
So you’re off to Russia and you’ve got to make more choices than just picking between vodka varieties! Let’s go step by step to make your Moscow and St. Petersburg adventure one for the ages.
Visa Requirements and Documentation
Before you land in Russia, make sure your paperwork’s done and dusted. Here’s the checklist:
- Passport: Needs at least six months of life left, post-Russia trip.
- Visa Application: Fill it out and slap your signature on it.
- Snappy Snaps: Two recent passport pics. No selfies allowed!
- Invitation Letter: Grab one from your Russian host—a hotel or tour operator will do.
- Accommodation Proof: Show them where you’ll be snoozing.
- Travel Insurance: Get it sorted for every single day you’re there.
- Flight Plans: Proof you’ve got a plan to head back or onward.
| Requirement | What You Need |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid beyond your exit by 6 months |
| Visa Application | Filled and signed |
| Photos | Two fresh passport-size ones |
| Invitation Letter | From a Russian host |
| Accommodation | Proof required |
| Insurance | Mandatory |
| Flight Itinerary | Return or onward proof |
Thinking of deals? Check out our city-specific travel deals for Austrians visiting Russia.
Cost Breakdown for Austrian Travellers
Time to break out the calculator and plan how much your Russian escapade might set you back for seven days:
- Flight Price: Look at spending around €300 – €500 for round trips.
- Stayovers:
- Bargain spots: €50 – €100 nightly
- Middle road spots: €100 – €200 nightly
- Fancy digs: €200+ nightly
- Mealtime Costs:
- Cheap eats: €5 – €10 a meal
- Average dining: €10 – €30 a meal
- Posh nosh: €30+ for that fancy taste
- Getting Around:
- Metro/Buses: €1 – €2 each trip
- Cabs: €10 – €20 a ride around town
| Expense | Estimated Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Flights | 300 – 500 |
| Accommodation | 50 – 200+ per night |
| Dining | 5 – 30+ per meal |
| Local Transport | 1 – 20 per ride |
Looking for the best tours? Look over here best tour packages for exploring Moscow and St. Petersburg from Austria.
Safety Tips and Considerations
Stay on your toes and have your wits about you. Some savvy pointers for you folks heading east:
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on travel warnings—always trust the reliable ones.
- Embassy Register: Let your embassy know you’ve landed in Russia.
- Valuables Security: Stash them in hotel safes or other secure places.
- Basic Russian Lingo: Handy to know some basic words. Could save your bacon.
- Be Alert: More so in jam-packed areas.
- Trustworthy Transport: Stick to taxis with a license or go for ride-sharing apps.
For more info on exploring Russia with packages tailored for Austrians, have a look at explore Russia’s top cities with tailored packages for Austrians.
If you’ve packed your docs, planned your pennies, and prepped for safety, you’re all set for an awe-inspiring Russian expedition. For tailor-made tours, pop by tailored city tours in Russia for Austrians. Enjoy!
Experiencing the Cities
When you hop from Austria to Russia, jumping into the local vibes means diving into their amazing food scenes too. Moscow and St. Petersburg pack a punch with their rich dining choices. Here’s the scoop on making your meal adventures legendary in these lively cities.
Local Cuisine Recommendations
Russian dishes offer a flavor explosion that’ll make any Austrian visitor’s taste buds dance. Feast on these local favorites:
- Borscht – A heartwarming beet soup, best enjoyed with a dollop of sour cream.
- Pelmeni – Juicy dumplings stuffed with minced meat, perfect with sour cream or vinegar on the side.
- Blini – Delicate pancakes you can fill with anything from caviar to sweet condensed milk.
- Beef Stroganoff – Savory beef strips swimming in a creamy sauce, served on rice or noodles.
Unique Food Experiences
Hitting up local markets and quirky eateries in Moscow and St. Petersburg opens up some tasty surprises. The bold flavors from Georgian and Ukrainian cuisines spice up the culinary lineup.
- Georgian Cuisine: Treat yourself to Khachapuri, a scrumptious boat of cheese bread, and Khinkali, savory meat dumplings that ooze deliciousness.
- Street Food: Grab some freshly baked pirozhki (little pastry wonders) stuffed with meat, cheese, or veggies from street stalls.
- Local Markets: Swing by Izmailovsky Market in Moscow to snag fresh picks of produce, meats, and Russian goodies.
For more travel goodies, check out our personalized city tours in Russia for Austrians.
Dining Dos and Don’ts
Getting the hang of Russian dining manners can make your experience smoother and save you from awkward moments.
Dos:
- Do Be Adventurous: Give Slovakian-style dishes a whirl, which are somewhat like Hungarian and Polish dishes.
- Do Chat About Ingredients: If you’ve got dietary needs, asking what’s inside can keep you safe and sound.
Don’ts:
- Don’t Fidget with Your Food: Picking at your meal might tick off the chef.
- Don’t Leave a Morsel: If something doesn’t tickle your fancy, just place your cutlery in a “finished” position to avoid quizzical looks.
For more savvy tips on dining and travel etiquette, swing by our explore Russia’s top cities with special tours for Austrians.
Tasting your way through Moscow and St. Petersburg promises to be a firework memory on your trip. Stick to these tips and you’ll enjoy the best city treats without a hitch!