'I'm a travel expert - you should do these 10 things before going on holiday'

With summer travel season around the corner, Andy Squirrell - Chief Commercial Officer at Titan Travel - has commented on 10 things you never knew you needed to do before travelling on a short and long-term trip

  • 15:56, 28 APR 2024

Rear view of a woman at the airport holding a passport.

Even the most seasoned travellers can let things fall off the to-do list ahead of jetting off, adding hours of worry to their travel.

But what are some things you must do before going on holiday ? With summer travel season around the corner, Andy Squirrell, chief commercial officer at Titan Travel has shared 10 important things you should always do before travelling on a short and long-term trip.

Read on below to find out more.

10 things you must do before travelling

Five things you must do before travelling on a short-term vacation.

  • Check roaming tariffs on your mobile phone and purchase a sim or credits before going abroad.
  • Carry photocopies/and take screenshots of all important documents such as your passport, credit cards and driving licence. This will help in the event that your phone or luggage gets lost.
  • Invest in some packing cubes and some luggage scales so that you can pack smart and light and to make sure you're not over your limit. Layers are best If you're touring all over.
  • Charge your phone! With many people relying on access to boarding passes and other documentation on their phones, make sure that yours is fully charged and take a charger with you in your hand luggage.
  • Withdraw some cash in the local currency of your onward destination as this is so useful for tipping and for emergencies.

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Five things you must do before travelling for an extended period abroad

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  • If you're planning an extended trip abroad, it's worth noting that many destinations require at least six months validity on your passport from the date of travel.
  • Remember, some places may require paper documentation for entry rather than digital copies on your phone, so it's always best to check in advance.
  • Don't forget to pack extra medication for your entire trip and keep some in your hand luggage too, just in case your suitcase goes missing.
  • Consider booking your holiday through a tour operator. They'll handle all the nitty-gritty details like airport pick-ups, itineraries, tickets, porterage and more, leaving you stress-free. Plus, you'll have financial protection.
  • Ensure your travel insurance covers you for the entirety of your trip as some policies may be limited to a certain number of days.

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New to TTG?

Titan travel to spearhead saga's escorted touring offering.

James Chapple

Titan Travel remains "absolutely committed to the trade" and will become the focal point for parent Saga Travel Group’s escorted touring operations, boss Andy Squirrell has said.

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Squirrell’s comments came after Saga on Thursday (27 January) said it was finalising plans to combine the operations of Saga Holidays and sister escorted touring brand Titan as part of a wholesale restructure of the group’s tour operating business.

The over-50s specialist said the restructure would reduce costs and maximise efficiency across its touring division, where it said the two brands’ product was already "highly complementary".

News of the restructure comes after Saga last week said it would, in future, work with "a smaller group of trade partners . A Saga spokesperson confirmed to TTG the decision would affect agents selling both Saga’s cruise and holidays product, with a slightly greater skew towards those selling Saga holidays.

Titan managing director Andy Squirrell, though, has once again stressed Titan will continue to service the trade, reiterating comments made to TTG last week . He added Titan would lead Saga Travel Group’s "touring vertical" going forward.

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Titan Travel

“Reiterating our messages from last week, Titan remains absolutely committed to the trade," said Squirrell on Thursday. "This is an incredibly exciting time for us as a brand and one that will see our touring operations and relationships with the trade grow.

"Looking ahead, we have a trade-friendly strategy filled with innovative and technological investments that will further modernise and streamline our agent and customer journey. Recent booking trends have been fantastically encouraging and set the scene for a buoyant year of travel which we wish to capitalise on with the trade and their support."

Speaking to TTG last week, Squirrell said Titan had no plans to step back from agents . “We have a longstanding and very important relationship with the trade and a significant part of our business comes from agents,” he said. “That absolutely remains in our plans going forward."

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John will join Titan on 21 June with both Andy Squirrell, Managing Director, and Steve Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer, reporting to him.

Escorted touring specialist, Titan Travel announce the appointment of John Constable as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 21 June 2021.

John Constable is an established leader in the travel industry with a wealth of sector knowledge and leadership experience at CEO level. Most recently, John was Executive Group General Manager of Helloworld, one of the largest travel distributors in Australia and New Zealand, and prior to this spent five years as the Global CEO of STA Travel . John has also held senior roles within TUI UK and Austravel .

John will join Titan on 21 June with both Andy Squirrell , Managing Director, and Steve Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer, reporting to him.

Titan Travel’s Non-Executive Chairman, Richard Bowden-Doyle comments, “John’s appointment as CEO comes at exactly the right time for the business, as we emerge from the pandemic with bold and ambitious plans for recovery and growth. We’re buoyed by the incredible loyalty shown by our customers and their clear desire to make new travel plans, so we are ready to get back to doing what we do best – giving Titan customers perfect travel experiences time after time.

“We’ve been actively adding to our ‘team strength’, investing back into our customer facing functions and senior management positions; John’s experience and leadership will be a huge asset to us and we look forward to welcoming him to the team.”

John Constable, incoming CEO, comments, “Titan Travel is a hugely respected business in the escorted touring sector and wider travel industry, and I’m thrilled to be joining the team later this month. I look forward to working with everyone in the business to further develop its offering and provide customers with exceptional travel moments around the world in this exciting and challenging new era of travel.”

Titan Travel is one of the UK’s leading escorted touring specialists. With over 40 years’ experience, Titan offers more than 200 itineraries to over 60 countries and all seven continents.

In 2020, Titan introduced its Protection Promise to help customers book with confidence amid COVID-19. Focused around promoting safe and confident travel, Titan’s Protection Promise outlines its new and existing health and safety measures as well as the financial guarantees that customers can expect when booking with Titan. Titan’s ongoing Flexi-Deposit also provides customers with more control and flexibility over their holiday, allowing customers to amend or postpone their booking up until final payment at no extra cost.

Tatiana Rokou

Tatiana Rokou

Tatiana is the news coordinator for TravelDailyNews Media Network (traveldailynews.gr, traveldailynews.com and traveldailynews.asia). Her role includes monitoring the hundreds of news sources of TravelDailyNews Media Network and skimming the most important according to our strategy.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.

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Titan Travel confirms ‘trade is part of our recovery’

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Saga-owned escorted touring brand Titan Travel has moved to reassure agents it will continue to work with them after Saga said it would reduce its trade distribution.

Over-50s specialist  Saga announced changes to “work with a smaller group of trade partners”  on Wednesday, prompting fears among agents that Titan may follow suit.

Agents slammed the cruise and touring operator for its move , which was labelled “a bolt out of the blue” by some.

However, managing director Andy Squirrell told  Travel Weekly  today that “nothing changes” in terms of the escorted touring specialist’s trade ties.

He said: “We have partnered with the trade for a long time. They’ve always been a significant part of our business. Nothing changes at all.”

Squirrell stressed the trade is “part of our recovery” as Titan emerges from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’ve seen really great [customer] retention and the trade has played a big part in that,” he said.

“They’ve got an integral role to play. We’re very keen to enforce that message in terms of support for the trade.”

He added that Titan was “delighted” with how the trade had responded to its automatic £10 booking incentive offer  for peaks.

Squirrell vowed: “As we go forward into 2022 we’ve got a lot more to come [for agents].

“We’re hugely grateful for the support of the trade and we’re looking to strengthening it further.”

More: Saga ‘seeking sale of Titan Travel’

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01 September 2023, 13:00

Titan Travel, UK’s most awarded escorted tour operator, launches in Australia

Titan Travel, UK’s most awarded escorted tour operator, launches in Australia: Turkey

1 September 2023: Titan Travel is delivering on its aim to grow its renowned touring programme by launching in Australia this week, a market with a strong retail travel market where travel agents are valued for their expertise.

Titan, the UK’s most awarded escorted tour operator, will be partnering with Ascend Travel Group to offer agents across Australia access to its 85 world-wide itineraries to sell alongside their own travel product and flights. Customers can choose from destinations across Asia, North America, Europe and Africa, and opt for small group tours, dedicated solo traveller departure dates, active tours or more relaxed single and two centre holidays. 

John Constable, CEO, Saga Travel Group, said: “As we continue to grow our renowned touring programme, we’re delighted to launch Titan to the Australian market in partnership with Ascend Travel Group. 

“We’re confident that Titan tours will be well received by travel agents across the country looking to sell award-winning, expert-led holidays, and will offer an exciting and expansive range to the established touring market.” 

As the UK’s largest tour operator to the trade, Titan is in an excellent position to expand its portfolio to a market that has similar travel interests and requirements to UK based customers. And thanks to the operator’s 45-years of experience, the brand’s top customers travel with them an average of 35 times so the Australian trade can rest assured their clients are in very safe hands.

The brand’s high standards mean that every tour is accompanied by an experienced tour manager and expert guides are on hand to add real knowledge and depth to the tour. Customers will experience the very best of each destination, from must-see highlights to hidden gem experiences and there’s free time wrapped into every itinerary.

Andy Squirrell, Chief Commercial Officer, Titan Travel, said: “Our aim is to make adventure effortless, and we know that Australian travellers are looking for similar travel experiences to our British customers in terms of the destinations and type of tours they want to enjoy, so this is an exciting new market for us to move into.

“Many of those travellers rely on the trade to help them plan their most memorable trips to make the absolute most of it. They want to experience amazing sights and adventure, with a qualified and knowledgeable team that bring out the very best in every destination and Titan is perfectly placed to deliver just that.”

Led by Lynda Wallace, Director and Julie Primmer, Director, Ascend Travel Group will act as Titan’s General Sales Agent (GSA) in Australia to drive sales through strategic commercial agreements and activity with selected partners.

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of Titan Travel and honoured to be representing this multi award-winning touring company in Australia.  With a strong focus on unique and immersive travel experiences, Titan Travel is set to provide Australian travellers with great value for money and memorable experiences. Drawing on over 45 years of touring experience, and with a long history of working with travel agents and understanding their needs, we’re confident that Titan will be well-received in the Australian market” said Lynda Wallace, Director and Julie Primmer, Director, Ascend Travel Group.

For any journalist enquiries, please contact [email protected] .

Images of Titan tours are available here .

Amanda Allan

Turkey: Turkey

Travel Bulletin

Titan launches 2022 holidays earlier than ever

andy squirrell titan travel

Titan Travel has released part of its 2022 escorted touring programme earlier than ever before, to keep up with demand from travellers looking to book in advance.

Available to book now, Titan has released more than 50 new departure dates for 2022 holidays. From African adventures, to travelling across Canada or exploring down under, some of its most popular tours are now on sale for travellers looking to book early and secure a future holiday at the best price.

Andy Squirrell, managing director, Titan Travel, commented: ?2020 has taught us a lot of things, including not taking travel and our freedom to explore the world for granted. With many travellers unable to explore the world this year it has given people the time and opportunity to think about their future travel plans and where they most wish to visit next. Following our recent customer survey, we know that many are already looking to travel in both 2021 and 2022, and so we have decided to launch a number of 2022 holidays earlier than ever before to help travellers plan ahead and start dreaming about their next adventure.

?It is a general rule of thumb that holiday prices increase closer to departure date and so Titan travellers will always get the best possible price the earlier they book. Should the price of a holiday become cheaper post booking, we will automatically refund the customer the difference ? in cash! With Titan the early bird really does catch the best price.?   

Early bookers can benefit even more if booking before March 1, 2021 with Titan?s ?49 per person, Flexi Deposit. Available on the majority of tours. Titan?s Flexi Deposit provides travellers with unlimited booking changes at no extra cost until 75 days prior to departure. 

Titan?s full collection of available 2022 holidays can be found here: https://www.titantravel.co.uk/best-tours-in-2022 .

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andy squirrell titan travel

Titan Travel set to play key role in merger with Saga Holidays

Titan

Titan Travel will continue to operate as a standalone brand despite being merged with Saga Holidays, the operator has insisted.

The over-50s specialist announced this morning that its tour operating businesses will be ‘combined to maximise efficiency in touring’.

But the company told Travel Gossip that both brands will continue to exist, with Titan set to lead the ‘touring vertical’, its MD Andy Squirrell said.

It is unclear if there will separate reservation teams, with detail of the merger still being worked through.

Job losses are likely to be ‘minimal’.

“Saga is combining the operations of Saga Holidays and Titan Travel, however the Titan brand will remain. Branded Saga holidays will also be sold by Titan,” a company spokesperson said.

“Titan continues to be a core part of the Saga travel business and strategy going forward.”

Squirrell later said Titan will ‘lead the touring vertical of the new Saga Travel Group’.

It is also understood the merger will have no impact on the move by Saga Holidays to cut ties with some agents or on Titan’s stated ‘commitment’ to the trade , which was again stressed by Squirrell.

“Our tour operations business, like the rest of the market, has been significantly impacted by COVID-19,” Saga said in an update this morning. “We are completing the restructuring of our Tour Operations business to position ourselves for growth and create a lower-cost, more agile and dynamic operation which is focused on the changing needs of our customers.”

The decision to combine Saga Holidays with Titan Travel ‘will maximise efficiency in touring, where the product offerings are highly complementary’, it added.

The business also said it will launch a hotel stay operation later in 2022, while management of its river cruise operation is being moved to Ocean Cruise.

“These actions place us in a strong position as travel restrictions ease and pent-up customer demand builds,” it said.

Saga estimated restructuring costs of £10-15m in the year ended 31 January 2022.

Meanwhile, the cruise division reported a positive earnings in the second half of 2021 with a load factor of 68%.

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Andy's World Journeys

travel, photos & more from 84 countries & counting!

andy squirrell titan travel

Moscow, City of Wow!

Well, tomorrow I leave Moscow for London. It’s been an incredible time since I left Beijing a little over two weeks ago. It’s been another whirlwind trip, but it’s still going. However, I hope to slow the pace down in London because everyday is either travel or packed with things to see and do.

andy squirrell titan travel

And so has it been in the incredible capital of Russia, Moscow. I don’t know how to begin and if I get into any sort of detail here, well, I’ll be writing into the wee hours of the morning which I really don’t want to do. So, a quick summary it is.

Moscow really is a wonderful city. Safe in day and night, full of culture and grandeur. The metro system is second to none as far as I’m concerned. Trains every two minutes, inter-connecting everywhere and taking people to every corner of the city.

andy squirrell titan travel

On Wednesday after I arrived I was straight into the sights. I got a look at the City Museum, nearby Gorky Park which was stunning. A great spot for Moscovites to escape too, with fountains, lakes, a small amusement park and beach volleyball courts.

andy squirrell titan travel

That wasn’t too far from an outdoor statue museum with plenty of Soviet figures. From here I crossed the Moscow River to visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, going up 248 steps to the terraces for a great view of Moscow.

andy squirrell titan travel

Wednesday was cold, but the sun came out on Thursday with wonderful weather. This was the biggest day of the trip. I enetered the Mausoleum of Lenin and saw his body, preserved, lying there for all to see. That’s in Red Square where I also visited St Basil’s Cathedral and the State Museum, which has an incredible collection including this old Dutch globe.

andy squirrell titan travel

The Gulag Museum was worth a visit, although it’s more about the time in the USSR following Stalin’s death when thousands of prisoners were released. There stories are told here and it’s moving.

andy squirrell titan travel

In the evening I went to the Tchaikosky Theatre and spent the evening listening to the Symphony. The solo violinist they had was superb. A brilliant night.

andy squirrell titan travel

Today I visited the Kremlin and saw inside a number of churches. This broken bell belonged to Ivan the Terrible and is a favourite spot for selfies! 

andy squirrell titan travel

This afternoon I went to the Novodevichy Monastery, in beautiful gardens. I also spent much time looking for all of Stalin’s ‘Seven Sisters’. These are seven monolithic buildings built near the end of Stalin’s reign. 

andy squirrell titan travel

And then a nice dinner, and back to the hotel. Yes, Moscow has blown my socks off. Wonderful city! But, eventually it’s always time to say ‘goodbye’! May the Journey Never End!

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8 thoughts on “ moscow, city of wow ”.

Glad you enjoyed Moscow! It is still one of my favourite places to live and I would love to go back again.

Yes it’s full of suprises and quite elegant! thanks for reading!

Ahhhh I’d love to go to Moscow! Again, I’m living vicariously through your blog! Beautiful pics, too 🙂

Looks grand. It’s a place I’d like to visit one day. Nice pics!

Frank (bbqboy)

Well worth the visit Frank. I was surprised actually. In a good way. thanks for commenting!

Pingback: I Visited Russia – So You Don’t Have To! – Andy's World Journeys

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

7-day Moscow itinerary

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

things to do in Moscow in one week

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

travel itinerary for one week in Moscow

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

exploring Moscow

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Moscow sights

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

top things to do in Moscow

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

one week Moscow itinerary

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

Moscow itinerary

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

things to do in Moscow in seven days

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

andy squirrell titan travel

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

andy squirrell titan travel

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

andy squirrell titan travel

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

andy squirrell titan travel

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

andy squirrell titan travel

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

andy squirrell titan travel

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

andy squirrell titan travel

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

andy squirrell titan travel

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

andy squirrell titan travel

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

andy squirrell titan travel

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

andy squirrell titan travel

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

andy squirrell titan travel

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

andy squirrell titan travel

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

andy squirrell titan travel

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

andy squirrell titan travel

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

andy squirrell titan travel

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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IMAGES

  1. Titan Travel celebrates 40 Years: Interview with Andy Squirrell

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  2. TTG

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  3. Titan Travel: A message from Andy Squirrel, Titans Managing Director

    andy squirrell titan travel

  4. Titan Travel U.K. Has Published the 2020 Travel Trends Guide

    andy squirrell titan travel

  5. TTG

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  6. How Titan Travel plans to win over Australian travel advisors

    andy squirrell titan travel

VIDEO

  1. Squirrell asks Hiker for water. #shorts

COMMENTS

  1. About Titan Travel

    Why choose a Titan Travel tour or cruise? Our award-winning collection of holidays covers all seven continents, with carefully planned itineraries ranging from rail journeys and river cruises, to small-group adventures and trips exclusively for solo travellers. VIP travel service. Smooth transfers to and from home with unlimited mileage.

  2. Titan Travel boss Andy Squirrell joins board of Atas

    The Association of Touring and Adventure Suppliers (Atas) has welcomed Andy Squirrell to its board, representing Titan Travel. Squirrell, chief commercial officer at Titan's parent, Saga Travel Group, replaces Giles Hawke, who has moved from Cosmos to join Celebrity Cruises as vice-president and managing director EMEA.. Titan Travel rejoined Atas in April as the operator sees travel agents ...

  3. 'I'm a travel expert

    With summer travel season around the corner, Andy Squirrell, chief commercial officer at Titan Travel has shared 10 important things you should always do before travelling on a short and long-term ...

  4. Andy Squirrell

    ️🌍 Titan Travel will be at the Rockhampton and Gladstone Travel Expos this weekend. ️🌍 Join us for a chance to explore our latest travel… Liked by Andy Squirrell Last day of filming has kicked off at Palma Pictures, first up is Ambassador Cruise Line with Karen Cameron and Sarah Lou from (TUI)Marella Cruises…

  5. Travel Talk: Titan Travel

    We talk to Andy Squirrell, Managaing Director of Titan Travel about how the business has reacted to the pandemic, what's selling well and how agents can pass...

  6. A message from Andy Squirrell, Titan Travel's Managing Director

    2.4K views, 67 likes, 6 loves, 37 comments, 5 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Titan Travel UK: Here at Titan, we're all willing for a safe return to travel but we're taking each day as it comes. A message from Andy Squirrell, Titan Travel's Managing Director. | Here at Titan, we're all willing for a safe return to travel but we're taking ...

  7. Titan Travel launches latest business class jet tour following the

    Andy Squirrell, Chief Commercial Officer of Titan Travel, said: "Our new Spice Route business class jet tour is an incredible opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those original spice traders following the trail from Jordan, through Zanzibar, Madagascar, India, Oman and Italy over the course of 17 adventure-filled days. This is truly a ...

  8. Titan Travel to spearhead Saga's escorted touring offering

    Titan Travel remains "absolutely committed to the trade" and will become the focal point for parent Saga Travel Group's escorted touring operations, boss Andy Squirrell has said. Squirrell's comments came after Saga on Thursday (27 January) said it was finalising plans to combine the operations of Saga Holidays and sister escorted touring ...

  9. Titan Travel rebrands to reflect its 'Adventure Made Effortless' spirit

    Andy Squirrell, Managing Director, Titan Travel, comments, "Our new brand proposition symbolises our continued pursuit for innovation, excitement, and quality as we enter our 45th anniversary ...

  10. travelBulletin

    New-to-market tour brand Titan Travel is expecting some "really significant volume coming out of the Australian market" and suggested there was a "very serious plan behind it". Those were the words of Andy Squirrell, Chief Commercial Officer of Titan parent company Saga Travel Group, in an interview with travelBulletin during a visit to ...

  11. Titan Travel expands range of private jet tours

    Titan Travel plans to operate three new private jet tours for 2024, following the success of its first such itinerary. ... Andy Squirrell, Titan Travel managing director, said: "After seeing increased appetite for luxurious and intrepid holidays we're delighted to have started 2023 by expanding our touring portfolio with new and immersive ...

  12. Titan Travel appoints John Constable as Chief Executive Officer

    Africa. John will join Titan on 21 June with both Andy Squirrell, Managing Director, and Steve Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer, reporting to him. Escorted touring specialist, Titan Travel announce the appointment of John Constable as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective from 21 June 2021.

  13. Titan Travel confirms 'trade is part of our recovery'

    Squirrell stressed the trade is "part of our recovery" as Titan emerges from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. "We've seen really great [customer] retention and the trade has played a big part in that," he said. "They've got an integral role to play. We're very keen to enforce that message in terms of support for the trade.".

  14. Award winning UK tour operator launches in Australia

    Saga Travel Group Chief Commercial Officer, Andy Squirrell, shares his excitement about Titan's international laucnh into Australia in this video: Constable said "as we continue to grow our renowned touring program, we're delighted to launch Titan to the Australian market in partnership with Ascend Travel Group".

  15. Titan Travel, UK's most awarded escorted tour operator, launches in

    Andy Squirrell, Chief Commercial Officer, Titan Travel, said: "Our aim is to make adventure effortless, and we know that Australian travellers are looking for similar travel experiences to our British customers in terms of the destinations and type of tours they want to enjoy, so this is an exciting new market for us to move into. ...

  16. Events

    Watch Titan's online event launching its latest Travel Trends report with Managing Director, Andy Squirrell. Filled with the latest booking data, insight from recent customer surveys, as well as comments from travel experts and Titan customers, Titan's Travel Trends report has been designed to be your guide to future travel.

  17. Travel Bulletin

    Andy Squirrell, managing director, Titan Travel, commented: ?2020 has taught us a lot of things, including not taking travel and our freedom to explore the world for granted. With many travellers unable to explore the world this year it has given people the time and opportunity to think about their future travel plans and where they most wish ...

  18. Titan Travel set to play key role in merger with Saga Holidays

    But the company told Travel Gossip that both brands will continue to exist, with Titan set to lead the 'touring vertical', its MD Andy Squirrell said. It is unclear if there will separate reservation teams, with detail of the merger still being worked through. Job losses are likely to be 'minimal'.

  19. Andy Squirrell email address & phone number

    Andy Squirrell, based in Dorking, GB, is currently a Chief Commercial Officer - Saga Travel Group at Saga plc., bringing experience from previous roles at Saga plc. and Titan Travel UK. Andy Squirrell holds a 1993 - 1996 Travel & Tourism Management @ City College Norwich.

  20. Titan Travel

    Why choose a Titan Travel tour or cruise? Our award-winning collection of holidays covers all seven continents, with carefully planned itineraries ranging from rail journeys and river cruises, to small-group adventures and trips exclusively for solo travellers. VIP travel service. Smooth transfers to and from home with unlimited mileage.

  21. Moscow, City of Wow!

    However, I hope to slow the pace down in London because everyday is either travel or packed with things to see and do. And so has it been in the incredible capital of Russia, Moscow. I don't know how to begin and if I get into any sort of detail here, well, I'll be writing into the wee hours of the morning which I really don't want to do ...

  22. Anton BABKIN email address & phone number

    Senior Product Manager at Titan Travel UK Redhill, GB View. 1 titantravel.co.uk; 1 44800988XXXX; Andy Squirrell Chief Commercial Officer - Saga Travel Group at Saga plc. Dorking, GB View. 1 titantravel.co.uk; 2

  23. Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

    Day 6 - Explore the Golden Ring. Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.