Irkutsk Vacations

The largest lake in Europe and the second-largest in Russia offers fantastic Nordic scenery, made up of rocky coastlines and both dense and sparse coniferous forests. With its strong, although Nordic, light, its natural areas of great serenity and an absence of urban areas on its shores, despite the proximity of St. Petersburg, Lake Ladoga is an enchanting setting.

With its subtropical climate, beaches  and beautiful mountain landscapes, the Black Sea coastline is perfect for a coastal trip in an exotic setting. With its datchas and dynamism, Sochi is the Black Sea resort par excellence along the Russian Riviera, though it's so close to the Krasnaïa Poliana ski resorts; other people perhaps prefer Adler which is frequented by a less affluent crowd.

Alongside the Louvre or the British Museum, the Saint Petersburg Hermitage Museum is amongst the best in the world. A sumptuous neo-classical palace built on the command of Peter the Great, it holds an impressive collection of paintings. Playing host to some of the most beautiful works of European art, this must see is likely to keep you there for days and days.

Moscow was built in the heart of Russian history. All around, princes, dukes and tsars built sumptuous palaces, and the Orthodox church erected some magnificent monasteries. Between Moscow and the Golden Ring cities, you can go on fascinating trips discovering Russia's historical heritage.