Holiday Specials in Russia
Dive into the festive spirit with a Russian holiday tour departing from Austria. You get to experience the rich traditions and festivities that make Russian celebrations pop. Discover the excitement of Russian New Year and soak up the spiritual vibes of Orthodox Christmas.
Experiencing New Year Celebrations
New Year is the big deal on Russia’s holiday calendar, celebrated in style on 31st December and 1st January. This is prime time for visitors from Austria to get a taste of the buzz and join in the fun.
In Moscow, stand in awe as fireworks bang pop and fill the skies over Red Square. Feel the energy of the street performers, ice-rinks, and crowd celebrations. Over in St Petersburg, fireworks dazzle over the Neva River while everyone, locals and visitors alike, gets in on the party (56th Parallel).
| Activity | Moscow | St Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Fireworks Display | Red Square | Neva River |
| Street Performances | Tverskaya Street | Nevsky Prospekt |
| Ice Skating | Gorky Park | New Holland Island |
For travel deals from Austria to Russia during New Year, be sure to visit our page on exclusive holiday travel deals from Austria to Russia.
Witnessing Orthodox Christmas
Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on 7th January, contrasts the lively New Year with a quieter, more spiritual atmosphere. In this period, Moscow and St Petersburg burst with decorations, and fairs pop up everywhere, adding their own festive charm.
Tourists can soak in the traditional midnight masses held in softly lit Russian churches—a beautiful touch of Orthodox Christianity. Outside the church doors, caroling and customs unfold, giving a snapshot of Russian culture (56th Parallel).
Key highlights of an Orthodox Christmas tour include:
- Midnight Mass at Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
- Christmas Fair at both Manezhnaya Square in Moscow and Palace Square in St Petersburg.
- Traditional Caroling in local neighborhoods.
| Activity | Moscow | St Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Midnight Mass | Cathedral of Christ the Savior | Kazan Cathedral |
| Christmas Fair | Manezhnaya Square | Palace Square |
| Caroling | Various neighborhoods | Various neighborhoods |
For more on top Russian destinations during this time, head over to top russian destinations for christmas and new year celebrations.
Join the excitement and immerse yourself in Russia’s festive aura. Whether you go for the lively New Year’s bash or the peaceful charm of Orthodox Christmas, a Russian holiday tour from Austria is a ticket to amazing memories. Also, find out about the best winter holiday packages for families traveling to Russia on our page about best winter holiday packages for families traveling to russia.
Russian Festivals and Events
Visiting Russia during its lively festival season? Oh, you’re in for the kind of cultural joy you won’t forget. Here’s a look at two must-see festivals when planning that one-of-a-kind trip from Austria to Russia.
Maslenitsa – Pancake Week
Here’s something to put a spring in your step: Maslenitsa, a lively bash marking the farewell to winter (finally!) and the warm welcome to spring. From February to early March, towns come alive with pancake madness, parades, catchy tunes, joyful dancing, and even some fireworks to light up the night. You can gulp down traditional Russian pancakes (blini) like there’s no tomorrow and watch winter go up in flames with the burning of a straw figure.
| Event | Date Range | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Maslenitsa | February – early March | Pancake feasts, parades, live music, dancing, fireworks, effigy burning |
There’s nothing like Maslenitsa to dive headfirst into Russian festivities and enjoy its old-school vibes. For pro tips on maximizing your adventure, peep at our guide on exclusive holiday travel deals from Austria to Russia.
Reindeer Herders Festival in Yamal
Ever wondered what it’s like to hang out with reindeer in Russia? Check out the fun-filled Reindeer Herders Festival in Yamal. Wrapping up March into early April, this gem gives you a peek into the intriguing world of the Nenets folks. Jump into reindeer races, witness tribal sports in full swing, and snack on traditional reindeer munchies.
| Festival | Date Range | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| Reindeer Herders Festival | End of March – early April | Reindeer races, tribal sports, traditional snacks |
If you’re on the hunt for cultural wonders, the Reindeer Herders Festival is your ticket to stand-out memories on your Russian getaway. To grab the best of these far-out experiences, skim through our best winter holiday packages for families travelling to Russia.
Jumping into these festivals doesn’t just boost your cultural IQ but packs your trip with stories worth retelling. Swing by our pages for more nuggets of wisdom on how to save on holiday travel from Austria to Russia and explore top Russian destinations for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Cultural Tours in Russia
Get ready to dive headfirst into the fascinating world of Russian culture and history. When you celebrate the holidays with a Russian adventure from Austria, you’ll experience the historic and cultural gems that make Russia an amazing destination.
Classical Russia Tour Highlights
The Classical Russia tour is a 9-day ride through Russia’s most iconic spots. This trip mixes the hustle and bustle of city life with the peace of the countryside, giving you a full-on Russian experience.
Here are the highlights you won’t want to miss:
- St. Petersburg’s Imperial Treasures: Marvel at the grand Peterhof Palace and get lost in the endless halls of the Hermitage Museum.
- Russian Countryside: Roam through forests, lakes, and those charming little villages you see in fairytales.
- Tchaikovsky’s House in Klin: Sneak a peek into the life of the legendary composer.
- Suzdal: Step into the past at the Wooden Architecture Museum.
- Moscow City Tour: Walk through the iconic Red Square, stand in awe before St. Basil’s Cathedral, and visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
This tour is your ticket to dive into Russia’s rich history and vibe. For the full scoop on the itinerary, hop over to MyHolidays.
Exploring the Golden Ring Cities
The Golden Ring Cities are a string of ancient towns northeast of Moscow, famed for their architectural and cultural charm. This tour lets you step right into the time capsule of old Russia.
What you’ll explore:
- Alexandrov and Yuryev Polskiy: Stroll through historic landmarks.
- Suzdal: Watch Matryoshka dolls come to life and peek inside the Wooden Architecture Museum.
- Monastery of St. Eugene: Dive into Russia’s spiritual roots.
- Cathedral of the Assumption in Vladimir: Feast your eyes on its majestic structures.
| City | Key Attractions |
|---|---|
| Alexandrov | Historic landmarks |
| Yuryev Polskiy | Cultural sites |
| Suzdal | Matryoshka dolls, Wooden Architecture Museum |
| Vladimir | Cathedral of the Assumption |
If you want the full rundown on the Golden Ring Cities journey, check out MyHolidays.
Boost your travel plans with tips from other areas, such as top Russian destinations for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and explore the best winter holiday packages for families traveling to Russia.
Choosing one of these adventures means setting yourself up for an unforgettable cultural ride that will leave a lasting impression!
Planning Your Unique Russian Tour
Hopping over from Austria to Russia for the holidays needs a bit of thought to keep things smooth and fun. So, here’s your go-to guide for pulling off an unforgettable Russian tour.
Package Holidays vs. Individual Bookings
First things first, you gotta decide if you’re going all-in on a package deal or piecing together your trip solo.
Package Holidays
Going with a package tour can be like hitting the easy button. Packages bundle everything up nicely – flights, hotels, maybe even a vodka tasting or two. The organiser is your go-to for any hiccups along the way, handling issues at no extra cost if something doesn’t go as planned (Europa.eu). Plus, if things really go sideways, they owe you repatriation or compensation.
Why packages can be sweet:
- A safety net of travel support at your beck and call
- Ready-made activities and crash pads
- Saving those euros with potential group discounts
Individual Bookings
Planning your own adventure means you call the shots. Flexibility is the name of the game, but it might take a bit more elbow grease to pull it all together.
Why flying solo rocks:
- You design the whole trip, from flights to fun
- Pick exactly what you want: your kind of flights, your choice of hotels, your style of fun
- Play it by ear and change plans on the go if life throws you a curveball
And don’t forget about tossing in some travel insurance to have your back for any mishaps on the road (JTB Global Marketing & Travel Inc.).
| Criteria | Package Holidays | Individual Bookings |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | High | Low |
| Cost | Usually cheaper overall | Can fluctuate, maybe costly |
| Flexibility | Lower, with pre-set plans | High, do as you please |
| Support | Loads of help from the organiser | You’re on your own mostly |
| Financial Security | Strong | Depends on who you book with |
Looking for some [exclusive travel deals to Russia]? Package deals might be your ticket to savings.
Important Travel Information
Keep these pointers in your pocket to cruise through your holiday adventure without a hitch.
Travel Documents
Make sure your passport is good for six months after your set return—better safe than sorry. Depending on where you’re stopping, a visa might also be on your list; check and apply well ahead of time.
Money Matters
Rubles are the name of the game in Russia. A little cash on hand before you land can be handy, but fear not—ATMs and exchange spots are everywhere in the cities.
Language Tips
Russian is the lingo. Brushing up on a few basics or grabbing a translation app could save your skin in tricky situations.
Insurance Know-How
Think about nabbing some full-on travel insurance for med mishaps or tripped-up travel plans. It’s about peace of mind and potentially saving your holiday budget from disaster.
Health & Vitality
Double-check for any jabs you might need before jetting off. Pack essential meds and a small first-aid kit just in case.
Getting Around
Get to know the lay of the land transport-wise—buses, taxis, and apps are your pals. Moscow and St. Pete’s metro systems are solid ways to zip around town.
For more penny-pinching tricks, pop over to our saving tips for Austria to Russia holidays or check out Russian hotspots for Christmas and New Year.
Keep these tips close, and your Russian holiday will be a breeze rather than a blizzard.