Spanning nine time zones and two continents, Russia is the largest country on earth. From the Arctic north to the temperate south, evidence of its Soviet history are found in colossal cities and wooden villages throughout the country. In a land of snow-capped mountains and expansive steppes, beautiful ballets and beguiling palaces, student groups can expect an incredible and rewarding experience.

As you wander through Moscow’s red-brick towers and onion-domed cathedrals, take your pick from its 130 museums, enjoy an opera by Tchaikovsky or watch ballet in Moscow’s classic theatres. Visit Russia’s seat of power, and trace the history of the Tsars and Emperors, when you step inside the kremlin walls. Travel north, past conifer forests and crystal clear lakes, to arrive in St Petersburg – the site of The Russian Revolution. Take a canal trip past the Church on Spilt Blood and the Winter Palace, view over two million works of art in The Hermitage, walk through Palace Square and crane your neck at The Alexander Column.

Students will be blown away by the unique history, chaotic culture and sheer size of this commanding country. Hugely prosperous, yet with pockets of glaring poverty, Russia invites students to examine the consequences of immense political power, the fruits of Russia’s driven population and the different lifestyles within this vast landmass.

Key Information

Travel: STS offers tours to Russia by air, with flight times of around 3 hours from the UK. In-country travel is excellent, with good roads and high speed rail.

Accommodation: A choice of well-located hotels, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, is offered on a half-board basis.

Weather: This massive country experiences contrasting climates across its landmass. In Moscow and St. Petersburg, summers can reach above 20 °C and icy winters can drop to -10 °C. Early summer and autumn are the most comfortable times in the school calendar to visit.

Spending money: One of Europe’s more expensive countries, students will need to spend their roubles wisely.