Russia Cultural Tours & Trip Packages

Russia Cultural Tours & Trips

129 Russia trips. Tours from 94 tour companies. 344 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

104 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Cultural
Signature City St. Petersburg
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

St. Petersburg

Highlights

  • An expert in historic preservation leads a motor coach introduction that tells the city’s unique story
  • At The Dali Museum a docent enlightens you both about the breathtaking building and the largest collection of the surrealist’s work outside Spain
  • Learn about Studio Art Glass, then visit the beautiful Chihuly Collection

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I sent to them the medical documents from the Mayo Clinic confirming my new diagnosis. They sent me an email telling me my oncologist needed to fill in a form. I asked my oncologist to do that and I submitted it by fax on April 6th. When I didn’t hear anything, I sent them more medical documentation and asked them to please push forward my refund as I have travel expenses from a clinical trial coming up. Several days later I received an email that they needed further documentation from my doctor. How much more documentation do you need than the patient has stage 4 metastatic cancer and is starting a clinical trial??? This is heartless to me. Please don’t plan to travel through Road Scholar if you’re medically vulnerable!!"

Trip dates & details
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Cathedrals & Capitals: Scandinavia by Sea
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Copenhagen, Gdańsk, Helsinki, London, Stockholm, St. Petersburg

Highlights

  • An extended discovery of Saint Petersburg allows you to see the spectacular cathedrals, fortresses and palaces built under Peter the Great.
  • Discover fascinating cities including Karlskrona, Klaipeda, Mariehamm and Helsinki.
  • Explore Copenhagen, an elegant Scandinavian city of expansive parks and plazas.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I sent to them the medical documents from the Mayo Clinic confirming my new diagnosis. They sent me an email telling me my oncologist needed to fill in a form. I asked my oncologist to do that and I submitted it by fax on April 6th. When I didn’t hear anything, I sent them more medical documentation and asked them to please push forward my refund as I have travel expenses from a clinical trial coming up. Several days later I received an email that they needed further documentation from my doctor. How much more documentation do you need than the patient has stage 4 metastatic cancer and is starting a clinical trial??? This is heartless to me. Please don’t plan to travel through Road Scholar if you’re medically vulnerable!!"

Trip dates & details
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Celebrated Cities of Scandinavia, The Baltics, Russia and More
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Copenhagen, Gdańsk, Stockholm

Highlights

  • Spend three days exploring magnificent St. Petersburg, Russia, founded in 1703 by Peter the Great.
  • Examine ancient history and modern heritage in Estonia, Lithuania and Finland.
  • In Denmark, discover the setting for Shakespeare's “Hamlet,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I sent to them the medical documents from the Mayo Clinic confirming my new diagnosis. They sent me an email telling me my oncologist needed to fill in a form. I asked my oncologist to do that and I submitted it by fax on April 6th. When I didn’t hear anything, I sent them more medical documentation and asked them to please push forward my refund as I have travel expenses from a clinical trial coming up. Several days later I received an email that they needed further documentation from my doctor. How much more documentation do you need than the patient has stage 4 metastatic cancer and is starting a clinical trial??? This is heartless to me. Please don’t plan to travel through Road Scholar if you’re medically vulnerable!!"

Trip dates & details
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Seaside Capitals of the Baltic
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4.4/5 Great
100+ reviews
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Copenhagen, Hermitage Museum, Kronborg Castle, Stockholm, Tallinn

Highlights

  • Discover and compare the cosmopolitan capital cities of Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm.
  • Explore the palaces of the tsars in Saint Petersburg and examine the treasures of the State Hermitage Museum.
  • Learn about the powerful Hanseatic League of cities and merchant guilds in the German seaport of Rostock.

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Because I have Stage 4 cancer, I chose to spend the extra money for trip insurance in case my cancer recurred. When a scan showed that it had, I cancelled my trip. I sent to them the medical documents from the Mayo Clinic confirming my new diagnosis. They sent me an email telling me my oncologist needed to fill in a form. I asked my oncologist to do that and I submitted it by fax on April 6th. When I didn’t hear anything, I sent them more medical documentation and asked them to please push forward my refund as I have travel expenses from a clinical trial coming up. Several days later I received an email that they needed further documentation from my doctor. How much more documentation do you need than the patient has stage 4 metastatic cancer and is starting a clinical trial??? This is heartless to me. Please don’t plan to travel through Road Scholar if you’re medically vulnerable!!"

Trip dates & details
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Russian Glories, Baltic Treasures 2021
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Helsinki, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vilnius

Highlights

  • Discover the 'Old World'... from Baltic cities to St. Petersburg and Moscow
  • where architectural gems from the Middle Ages intertwine with age old customs
  • ingrained in local towns
  • cities and villages…Explore Helsinki
  • Finland; Riga
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Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
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Russian Glories, Baltic Treasures 2023
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4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Helsinki, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vilnius

Highlights

  • Discover the 'Old World'... from Baltic cities to St. Petersburg and Moscow
  • where architectural gems from the Middle Ages intertwine with age old customs
  • ingrained in local towns
  • cities and villages…Explore Helsinki
  • Finland; Riga
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

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Russian Glories, Baltic Treasures 2022
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.2/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Helsinki, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vilnius

Highlights

  • Discover the 'Old World'... from Baltic cities to St. Petersburg and Moscow
  • where architectural gems from the Middle Ages intertwine with age old customs
  • ingrained in local towns
  • cities and villages…Explore Helsinki
  • Finland; Riga
Show more

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Sad to see a once good tour company stumble and fall into mediocrity. That’s Tauck post-Covid. My May 2023 tour of Normandy, Brittany and the Loire Valley was done on the cheap by Tauck, yet cost me thousands of dollars extra as a solo traveler on a special small-group tour. 

5-star hotels switched to 3 and 4 (without any compensation or explanation)… many more meals “on your own”… lots of “self-guided” tours of museums and chateaux and castles we knew nothing about… airline quality “rubber chicken” dinners, not in hotel restaurants, but in sad and isolated business convention spaces… poorly-trained newer Tour Directors (like the one on this tour) with limited experience traveling outside her tiny Canadian village or dealing with people from diverse backgrounds. She even confessed that this was a second gig job that took her away from her own business back home! You get what Tauck pays for, but unfortunately, not what YOU pay for. 

Speaking to a “Guest Relations” agent was comically pointless. She tried to make everything my fault, which I now understand is par for the course with the “new” post-Covid Tauck. Please reconsider spending huge amounts of your hard-earned money on a tour company that has lost its way and no longer delivers."

Trip dates & details
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Moscow to Baltic States, Poland, Prague & Vienna
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Krakow, Moscow, Moscow Red Square, Prague, Riga, St. Petersburg, Tallinn, Vienna, Warsaw

Highlights

  • Visit Moscow’s Red Square & Kremlin
  • See the Yasna Gora Monastery
  • Visit to the world-famous Hermitage Museum
  • Discover Moscow to Baltic States
  • View the Jewish Ghetto

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"I waited 20 years for my dream trip to Scotland and Ireland and splurged $7000 on this tour. The second half of touring Ireland was great, the first portion in Scotland was horrendous. The tour guide for Scotland made sexual advances and inappropriate comments to me and I had to cautiously avoid him and stay with the group to not have any interaction with him. I also sustained an injury on the bus, caused by the driver, which I had to report to CIE myself. I filed a complaint with a CIE customer service manager when I returned and learned that another woman also filed a complaint regarding the tour guide (2 women from the same tour!) CIE has not responded from the initial report over a month ago and have DONE NOTHING!!! This sexual predator is still working as a tour guide for them which is a screaming indicator regarding the sexual harassment investigations and policy enforcement for this company. Beware if you are a single woman and are looking to book with CIE, there are better options and I strongly recommend you avoid this company!!"

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104 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Cultural

Russia Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
344  Reviews
See all Russia tour reviews
Excellent
202
Great
76
Average
3
Disappointing
1
Terrible
0
M

Mark

May 2024

Written on

Baltic Capital Cities

The guide was great! The accommodation was nice, but was a little warm as we had no control over the air conditioning/ heating. I would highly recommend this trip. I...

V

Valerie

May 2024

Written on

Baltic Capital Cities

Excellent leader, showed us very many sites. Adding a rest break to the 2 hour tours would be good.

C

Charles

May 2024

Written on

Baltic Capital Cities

Overall, a great trip. Hotels not as good as in the past with Explore.

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Russia Tour Selection Trips

  • Russia is changing rapidly and although more and more people here speak English, many citizens won't. Learning some elementary Russian will help with communication.
  • The visa process can be cumbersome and challenging, so consider booking a tour with a company that has deep experience in organizing Russian guided tours.

Additional details

Russia tours often visit the two great cities on the European side of Russia: Moscow and surroundings (the ancient Golden Ring) and the beautiful Baltic city of St. Petersburg. It is often difficult to exchange for rubles (RUB) in your home country, so it is advised to take out 3,000-10,000 RUB at an ATM upon arrival.

If you can avoid using an ATM at an airport, you can generally cut down the price of withdrawal fees. Make sure to pack a 220 volt - 2 round European outlet power adapter and brush up on some basic Russian phrases (hello: privet, yes: da, no: nyet) to have an enjoyable and memorable trip!

Who Will Enjoy Russia Tours?

There is a little bit for everyone when it comes to Russia tours. Ranging from children and families to seasoned senior travelers, you can find over 100 tour options for every age group. Whether you are looking for a relaxing culturally enriched tour or a high-adventure tour, a solo trip or a group tour excursion, luxury to value lodging. No matter your interests or travel style you can find the perfect Russia tour for you on Stride.

Top Cities & Attractions in Russia

Russia is one of the largest countries in the world. Here are some top destinations to visit on your next tour.

  1. Moscow - Moscow is one of the most popular cities in Russia for travelers. Existing as the nation’s capital, this cosmopolitan city is the home to many of Russia’s iconic sights including the Moscow Kremlin, the GUM department store, and St. Basil's Cathedral.

  2. Red Square -  Located in Moscow, Russia, Red Square is the most famous and central square. The city’s most beautiful and historical buildings are found at Red Square, including the vibrant State History Museum, Lenin's Mausoleum, St Basil's Cathedral, the Moscow Kremlin, and the GUM department store.

  3. Saint Petersburg -  A Russian port city on the Baltic Sea, Saint Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city after Moscow. With European influences, this cosmopolitan city is remarkable in architecture and culture.

  4. Bering Strait - The Bering Strait is a narrow body of water that straddles the International Date Line between Russia and Alaska, U.S.

  5. Irkutsk - Irkutsk is located is Siberia, Russia along the Angara River. This southeastern city is lined with beautiful churches and buildings and is located close to the Mongolian border.

  6. Hermitage Museum - The State Hermitage Museum is located in Saint Petersburg. Home to over 3 million spectacular pieces art from around the world, this museum is a staple stop on a visit to the great city.

  7. Kazan - Kazan is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. You can find many of Russia’s must-see sights including Kazan Kremlin, the Kul Sharif Mosque, and the Temple of All Religions in this southwestern Russian city.

  8. Vladivostok - Overlooking Golden Horn Bay, Vladivostok is a major Pacific port city bordering with North Korea and China. Vladivostok is most famously known for being the final eastern stop of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

  9. Trans-Siberian Railway - Running 9,289 kilometres (5,772 miles) in length, the Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest railway in the world. It is a fun and convenient way to travel across Russia from Moscow to far east Russia.

  10. Peterhof Palace - Peterhof Palace is comprised of magnificent palaces, gardens, and fountains within Saint Petersburg. Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” Peterhof Palace is a must-see destination in Saint Petersburg.

What is The Weather Like in Russia?

A common misconception about the weather in Russia is that it is always cold. Don’t let the phrase “Russian Winter” mislead you. Given the large size of the country, weather can vary depending on region and time of year. Generally speaking, Russia follows a continental climate trend, where summers range from warm (18°C/64°F) to hot (30°C/86°F) and winters are cold (-6°C/22°F).

January tends to be the coldest month, with the northern regions experiencing the coldest, and longest winters, with snowfall and average temperatures of -40°C/-40°F. If you are looking for more mild Russian weather, a destination near the Baltic coast would be the location for you.

Common Russia Tour Lengths

The average Russia tour length is 13 days. A majority of these tours focus on the two most popular destinations in Russia: Moscow and St. Petersburg. If you are planning to tour in these regions, plan for at least a 1-2 week period.

Physical Level Requirements

If you are looking for an experiential tour that is relaxing and spectacular, Russia is the place for you. Most tours offered are in the very easy-moderate physical range. Don’t worry, if you are a traveler who enjoys a more strenuous tour, there are plenty of options for you! Hiking, trekking, biking, and expeditions are some of the many tours that would be a perfect fit for higher-intensity, active travels.

Is Russia Safe?

As of December, 2018 - a Level 2 Travel Advisorywas put into place by the United States Government. This advises "increased caution" traveling to Russia, as a result of terrorism, harassment, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

But can I still travel to Russia? Yes! There are several precautions to take to ensure that you have a safe and fun trip to Russia. When traveling to Russia, it is advised to remain aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times, especially in high density tourist destinations. Avoid traveling to The north Caucasus, including Chechnya and Mount Elbrus, and Crimea. Locate your country’s embassy address and contact information in advance, and tour in regions that are deemed safe to visit.

It is recommended to check your government websites for crime and safety reports for the area as well as sign up to receive updated information and alerts regarding safety conditions.For visitors from the US,you can enroll in STEP(Smart Traveler Enrollment Program). It is always a good idea to share your itinerary with family and friends prior to your trip.

Finally, we at Stride highly recommend booking a guided tour, rather than trying to navigate the foreign country yourself.

Travelers should take note that Russia has confirmed 2 cases of coronavirus as of March 2nd, 2020. 

Obtaining a Russia Travel Visa

Do you need one? Most tourists visiting Russia will need to obtain a Tourist Visa prior to their trip. Check your government website to see if you are from one of the few countries that do not require a Visa upon entry. There are few countries that are offered and E-Visa option, but most tourists will need to fill out their application and deliver it to a consulate in person or by mail, or go through a third-party agency for processing.

A standard Tourist Visa last for 30 days and can be either single-entry or double-entry. For US citizens, you can obtain a Tourist Visa application and find the most up-to-date rules and regulations for applying for a Russian Tourist Visa on the Embassy of the Russian Federation website. See the Visa list below for information on obtaining a Russian Visa in other countries.

Are there ways to travel to Russia without a Visa? Yes! There is a way to travel to Russia “Visa-free.” Designated tour companies operating transportation into Russia via a cruise ship or ferry allow travelers to visit for up to 72 hours while accompanied by a licensed tour operator.


Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 129 trips to Russia and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

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