Russia and the Baltic States

Sightseeing

The treasures of St Petersburg aren’t all in the Hermitage. The whole city is a unique and beautiful blend of Western European and Russian styles. No visit to Russia is complete without standing in Moscow’s Red Square, surrounded by the Kremlin Walls and the onion domed St Basil’s Cathedral. The Baltic capitals of Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius still echo with memories of Medieval Guilds, orders of chivalry like the Teutonic Knights and a turbulent history of conquests and partitions.

Shopping

In Russia there are the ubiquitous matryoshka (nesting dolls), Soviet era souvenirs, and lacquer boxes, but a good buy is art sold on the streets by the artists themselves. Amber jewellery is the traditional Baltic souvenir but you will also find a fine selection of handicrafts including locally made linens, pottery, woodcarvings and traditional toys.

Entertainment

Moscow is often described as the world’s circus capital, and the Moscow State Circus is internationally renowned for the skill and inventiveness of its acrobats and clowns. Also, don’t miss the chance of an evening at the Bolshoi Ballet. In St Petersburg the White Nights Festival celebrates summer with a riot of music, theatre, fireworks and street performances. The Baltic capitals are now in vogue with the young and hip and are gaining a reputation for great nightlife.

Specialties

It’s no great secret - there’s vodka in Russia, but don’t miss Russian champagne which is surprisingly good. Local specialities of the Baltics include corn soup with whipped cream and a hearty dish of cottage cheese with potatoes sour cream and butter. Estonians share a German taste for pork with sauerkraut, while Lithuanian cooking reflects its long links with Poland.

5 Fun Things To Do

1. If you happen to be in St Petersburg during June, stay up all night, and join locals in making the most of the eternal twilight.

2. In the Vilnius Cathedral Square, locate the colourful “miracle tile”. Stand on the tile, close your eyes, turn clockwise and make a wish.

3. Check out Moscow’s Novodevichy cemetery to see memorials to such greats as Krushchev, Chekhov, Mayakovsky, Prokoviev and Eisenstein.

4. In Tallinn, it’s almost impossible not to involve yourself in one of the many festivals taking place throughout the year. From beer, to song or ballet they’ve got it covered.

5. Pass under some of St Petersburg’s 365 bridges for views of the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress on a canal cruise.