Enjoy a grand Russian adventure
Book flights to Russia to enjoy historic cities, dazzling culture and stunning scenery in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
This vast and varied nation spans two continents and takes you from the polar ice of Siberia to the warm climes of the Black Sea.
Explore the bustling cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, where you can immerse yourself in Russia’s rich culture, arts scene and history.
Step into the world of literary greats such as Tolstoy, Pushkin and Dostoevsky, explore gleaming onion-domed churches in the capital’s Red Square and chart a course across the Siberian expanses on one of the world’s great railways.
Hit the road to explore the wild mountains of the Caucasus region, where paragliding and hang gliding are among the favourite ways to travel.
Head north to Siberia for husky sled rides and ice diving or take time to relax on sun-kissed sands in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Book your flight tickets to Russia with Etihad Airways today.
Flying to Russia with Etihad
Moscow (SVO)
Best known for the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral with its colourful onion domes, Russia’s capital is a treasure trove of delights for those looking to dive deep into the country’s culture. Book flights to Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) and enjoy the international collection at the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, relax in Gorky Park or visit Lenin’s body, still on display in his mausoleum on Red Square.
St Petersburg (LED)
The beautiful city of St Petersburg is Russia’s second largest and a UNESCO heritage site. Visit the internationally renowned Hermitage Museum on the banks of the River Neva to explore its huge art collection and the many grand palaces and gardens across the city.
Sochi (AER)
The largest of Russia’s Black Sea resorts, Sochi was made famous internationally by the Winter Olympics. Despite that, it’s actually a bustling summer resort, as the Caucasus mountains reach right down to the sea. With world-class sports facilities, multiple beaches and a subtropical climate, it’s the perfect year-round playground.
Reasons to visit Russia
Spend an evening at the Bolshoi Ballet
The Bolshoi Theatre is a true icon of Russia. Built in the 18th century, it has been rebuilt several times and can be seen on the 100 ruble note.
Almost destroyed after the 1917 Revolution, the theatre fought on and is now home to regular performances from the Bolshoi Ballet and some of the world’s best opera companies. Take in a show, book in for a building tour or visit the museum to experience the best of Russian culture and history.
A day trip to Peterhof Palace
Peterhof Palace is a magnificent palace complex overlooking the Gulf of Finland, around 18 miles from St Petersburg. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by Peter the Great in 1703. There are a number of palaces to explore – the Grand Palace is the most majestic of them all.
The gardens are truly spectacular. Walk around the Lower Park and marvel at the water features and waterfalls – all fed by a nearby natural water source. The Grand Cascade leads the way to the Grand Palace with an alleyway of fountains and bronze statues – during the summer, arrive for the morning switch on to see the musical dancing fountains.
Explore the Golden Ring
A tourist route made popular in the 1960s, the Golden Ring brings together a group of cities around Moscow, linked by traditional Russian countryside. It’s a place to experience old Russia, where life moves slowly, and the country’s rural traditions are still in evidence.
You’ll see ancient fortresses, monasteries and white stone churches topped with colourful domes. Take time to wander the backstreets, soak up the sights and taste traditional Russian food, such as borscht, a popular beetroot stew.
Flying to Russia: FAQs
Where should I fly to in Russia?
Where you fly to in Russia depends on the type of holiday you want.
Moscow is full of famous sights which tell the tale of this city’s history, while St Petersburg is a cultural hotspot. Fly to Sochi in winter and enjoy the slopes that featured in the 2014 Winter Olympics.
How many days do you need to visit Russia?
Russia is a huge country so exploring the whole country could take months. The main cities, Moscow and St Petersburg, can both be explored for up to a week. You can travel between them by train to extend your Russian adventure, or even head further north.
Do I need to carry my passport while visiting Russia?
While travelling in Russia you may find you need your passport for various things, like checking into a hotel, boarding a train or entering a national park. It’s best to keep your passport on you at all times.