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• Extended Tours for Seniors

Australian Coach Tours

AUSTRALIAN COACH TOURS FOR SENIORS.

Taylor Made Tours Pty Ltd commenced back in April 1997 by Simon Taylor & his team. The first trip was a 7 day Seniors coach tour to Mildura and the Mighty Murray River. 

Over the last 27 years, the company has completed over 500 Australian Coach tours for seniors to such diverse places as the Great Ocean Road, Kangaroo Island, Broken Hill & NSW Outback, The Corner Country, Eyre Peninsula & the Gawler Rangers, the Outback of North Queensland, the Gulf of Carpentaria & The Whitsundays, Cape York & the Torres Strait Islands, Fraser Island & The Coral Coast, Western Australia Wildflowers, The Nullabor, Tasmania, King Island, The Melbourne Cup, Australian Tennis Open, The Kimberley (Bungles Bungles), The Red Centre, Flinders Ranges & Lake Eyre, Barramundi Fishing in the Northern Territory. The overseas tours have included New Zealand, Norfolk Island, Canada & Alaska, Eastern Canada & USA, Borneo & Brunei, Europe & River Cruising, Lord Howe Island, The Cook Islands, Samoa & Fiji.

The company is delighted to announce the family name will continue, as Simon’s brother Adam, has acquired the business. The family trait is strong, as we all share a love for Travel, Geography, History and most importantly engaging with People to ensure they have a good time.

The tours are fully escorted and are designed for active seniors and are all inclusive of luxury coach travel, ensuite motel accommodation, airfares (when applicable), all excursion fees, most meals a day and wonderful attractions. The accommodation is from 3 to 5 star with a restaurant on site. This allows their passengers to retire to their room when it suits them.

All the itineraries are designed accordingly with the active senior in mind, being very conscious of the amount of travelling that is done each day. The company has realised over many years that it is important to arrive at each night’s accommodation mid afternoon. This gives everyone time to retire to their rooms, freshen up, have a quick kip or a swim, make a cup of tea or go for a walk before joining everyone for dinner.

We have decided not to own coaches, as we rather be known as tours operators and not coach operators. This gives us the freedom & flexibility to tour all around Australia and use the best local coach companies, with the best local drivers for our tours. The tours are always fully escorted, normally by Adam & his wife Tania or one of his team leaders.

If you are a coordinator for a group please contact Adam on his mobile 0414 665747 or email  [email protected] , as he would be more than happy for one of your tours to be “Taylor Made”  for your organisation.

So if you would like to travel with like minded people, see Australia at its best, via an abundance of tours on offer, we’d be delighted to take your call.

Call Taylor Made Tours        0414 665 747

Contact Me: [email protected]

Phone: 0414 665 747

Address: Taylor Made Tours PO Box 346 Seaforth, NSW 2092

Group Co-ordinators please note:- Any of our tours can be "Taylor Made" for your Group.

• Prices quoted are per person twin share

Copyright Taylor Made Tours © 2018

Simon Taylor Announces Australian Tour Following THE TONIGHT SHOW Debut

The announcement follows Simon's stunning American TV debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon.

Acclaimed writer and comedian Simon Taylor has announced an encore Australian September tour of his hit show, Epic which is inspired by his love for travel complete with his personal adventures and mishaps overseas.

The announcement follows Simon's stunning American TV debut on The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon . Simon is the first Australian to perform on the Tonight Show.

Simon Will perform Epic encore dates in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

In Epic, Simon recounts his story of him being stranded in middle- America, as we get to meet the wild characters he encountered on his journey back home. The show captures Simon's trademark storytelling and sharp stand-up that has earned him fans around the world.

Simon Taylor is your international funny boy, growing up in Melbourne and then becoming a writer for Jay Leno and Shaun Micallef. His comedy has appeared on Netflix, Channel 10 and your cool friend's TikTok feed.

For more information on Simon please visit: https://simontaylorfunnyboy.com

For tour dates please visit: https://alist.com.au/tours/epic/

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Simon Taylor: the 10 funniest things I have ever seen (on the internet)

If you felt like your life was lacking a video of a gambling cat or a list of the ways people have misspelled ‘pregnant’ online, this comedian is here to help

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A sking someone to list the funniest things they’ve ever seen on the internet should be an official tool for psychological evaluation. I imagine a therapist could determine their client is severely sociopathic just by knowing that they don’t erupt into spasms of unstoppable laughter when watching videos of squirrels riding tiny jet skis. I mean, come on.

So below is a rather intimate insight into my psyche in the form of viral videos. Let’s put me in the therapist’s chair, shall we?

1. I Smell Like Beef

What were your first words? I think what gets me about this video is the repetition. It’s as if this toddler is trying to communicate a whole range of emotions and human experiences with the one sentence she knows. Bellissimo.

2. This animal documentary narration

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Let’s get away from narrators who sound like they are reading a textbook. This clip features the kind of enthusiasm I want in a nature documentary. The woman here is legitimately enthralled by the bird mating ritual and I desperately want her to have her own series on the Discovery Channel.

3. Game Changer

This is my favourite gameshow of all time. The game changes every episode, but in this one, they require the players to improvise a scene given to them in the moment. I’ll say no more other than the comedic timing of these actors is impeccable.

4. Off to school

Get this kid a comedy special. She has more character than a Disney movie. I wish I was this excited to go to school when I was a kid. Plus, she has quite a repertoire of dance moves.

5. This TikTok duet

I’m not one for cringe comedy and I’m certainly not into teasing people. However, the comedic enginuity of this video is just so impressive you can’t help but cackle. Keep in mind when watching that each new video is a completely independent person adding their own idea to the gag. I’m in awe of this global collaboration.

6. Nathan Fielder: the best burger in Los Angeles

Nathan Fielder’s new show The Rehearsal is big right now, but his first show, Nathan For You, was on Comedy Central a few years back. Fielder is brilliant at staying deadpan during the ridiculous scenarios he creates. This is just a part of one episode, but damn it is hilariously awkward.

7. A dad impersonates his daughter

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I don’t use TikTok . I like to wait three months to see which videos are so funny they make their way on to my Instagram feed. I’m glad this one did. The father’s performance in this video is Oscar-worthy, in my opinion, and the daughter is a great sport for posting it.

8. Trying to be quiet at 2am

By the time I get home from doing gigs, my wife is already asleep. This video demonstrates exactly why I’ve given up on trying to have a snack before bed or even get a glass of water. Ridiculous and yet relatable.

9. Gambler cat

I love a friendly game of poker, but damn, I would lose to this cat.

10. Am I pregnant?

For someone who has had books published, I’m a terrible speller. If it weren’t for autocorrect and a team of underpaid editors, this article wouldn’t be about the “internet” but probably the “interest”. Hearing how so many people tried to spell the word pregnant is cathartic and gut-bustingly funny.

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Simon Taylor is an Australian standup comedian based in Melbourne and LA. He is the TV host on Channel 31’s flagship show Live on Bowen along with That Startup Show and Beat Streets with Simon Taylor. He was a writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno until its completion and also wrote for Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell on the ABC.

Simon has toured the world with his standup in places diverse as New York, Albuquerque, Singapore and Cambodia. Time Out describes him as “a shooting star of the comedy scene”, The Age depicts him as “a master of timing” and he is a recipient of The Butterfly Club’s prestigious Under Our Wing Award, previously won by Tim Minchin and Sammy J.

He has also recorded a standup album called “ Simon Taylor – Funny ” available online.

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Simon Taylor

• Simon Taylor is a Melbourne-born comedian, who by the age of 24 became a writer for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in Los Angeles. Since then he has appeared on Just for Laughs and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon. His one-hour comedy special was filmed at the famous Enmore Theatre in Sydney and went on to air on ABC and Network Ten. Has also written a number of books including One-Night Stand, which received critical praise for its humor and heart. - IMDb Mini Biography By: Simon Taylor
• Simon studied psychology at the University of Melbourne and worked with autistic children.

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Jim Schembri

Journalist, critic and author based in melbourne, australia, hard work still feels like play and experience has made stress a smaller issue for comedy festival fixture simon taylor: review/interview.

“I do like that idea of the audience seeing you grow.”

REVIEW Simon Taylor: Epic The Toff in Town Reviewed Sunday 18 April

No stand-up comedian has had it easy over the past two years, and Simon Taylor is keen for his people to know. “I’ll never take a crowd for granted again,” he says as he closes the show.

He certainly didn’t. Playing to an appreciative gathering of about 40 in a large room he had packed out the previous night, Taylor brought the love with the affable, bouncy energy he typically exudes, especially when embarking on one of his story-time routines.

Freshly married and full of beans, Taylor repeatedly hit home with a solid set that included a lovely spot of mimed magic, some amusing, if somewhat lengthy, poetry and the travails of being a reluctant wedding planner.

His satirical edge proving as sharp as ever, he hit a peak with a killer bit about radio hosts, reserving his deepest bites for FM commercial presenters and their habit of howling with laughter at every conceivable opportunity.

Taylor’s travels across America are the focus here, his proven ability to paint vivid portraits with words in full flight as he takes us through his experiences with theme parks, Greyhound buses and the cross-section of colourful Americans he commuted with across the Wild West while trying to make a flight to take him back to his ailing grandfather.

It wasn’t exactly a tough room, yet Taylor was clearly working hard to keep the crowd on side. And they were.

Though there weren’t as many laugh-out-loud moments as we typically get from a Simon Taylor gig, he kept the vibe from ever dropping below titter level with a strong, breezy, chiefly anecdotal show that, unlike his trek across America, had a smooth run before a receptive, if somewhat muted, crowd.

INTERVIEW Long-established as a fixture on the Comedy Festival program – this is his 12th MICF – Simon Taylor finds himself better able to manage the stress that comes with the ebb and flow of performing, no longer getting grumpy when his rooms aren’t full, or his audience isn’t as boisterous as they usually are.

After signing copies of his debut novel One Night Stand and children’s book Sally and The Magical Sneeze (both published by Larrikin House), Simon Taylor retired to his far-flung dressing room on the top floor of Curtin House to discuss the gig, his comedy and various other matters.

These include his upcoming Opera House show, how he keys in to the vibe of an audience each night and what part luck has played in his comedy journey thus far.

Famously, Taylor landed a writing gig for American talk show titan Jay Leno when he was 24, a job he landed through pure happenstance. He has also written for Shaun Micallef, Comedy Central and Netflix.

He is now looking forward to being a life-long beneficiary of the greatest generator of comedy material – marriage.

Though he says he will be mindful of how much he’ll reveal – “I think, generally, I’m a prude,” he admits – he believes the permission he has granted his new wife to paint a naked portrait of him should earn him some license.

For info and tix to Simon Taylor’s MICF show Epic , please go here . For more about him and to purchase his books please go here .

Please enjoy.

Simon Taylor interview index 00:00 Assessing the gig and which way the energy flows; 01:04 Not taking audiences for granted after the last two years; 01:40 No longer grumpy; 02:10 12 MICFs in, does it get any easier?; 03:00 Better at “killing my darlings”; 03:55 When he knows where the crowd is; 05:10 Nutshelling his CV; Jay Leno, Shaun Micallef; 06:10 Writing endeavours; 07:00 “It doesn’t feel like work when you’re really excited about it”; 07:50 How big a part luck has played; 09:15 Comedy God – does he believe?; 10:20 Working out how long he’s been at it; 11:10 What justifies the risk of being a career comedian?; 12:10 Opera House gig; 13:00 Diversity – is it still an issue?; 16:08 Importance of supportive local comedians; 17:30 Classic comedy influences; 17:50 George Carlin; 19:20 Bill Cosby; Peter Ustinov; Michael Birbiglia; 20:45 Joan Rivers; 20:52 Talk show influence; Johnny Carson; David Letterman; 21:20 Sacrificing gags for story; 22:20 Books; 22:50 One Night Stand novel; “Painful” writing process; 25:10 Second novel; Exclusive – The Hidden Power of Parker Ray King; 26:25 Marriage as a source of material; “I do like that idea of the audience seeing you grow.” 27:55 “I think, generally, I’m a prude.”; 28:45 Team Rock or Team Smith?; “I’m Team Mental Health”; 29:30 Using his Italian heritage a tad more; 30:52 Pre-comedy jobs; 31:20 Making a living out of comedy; 32:00 Bonus content.

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Winchester College ex-teacher not guilty of sexual activity with boy

• Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again later. More content below

A former teacher at a prestigious boarding school has been found not guilty of two counts of sexual activity with a pupil.

Simon Taylor, 78, taught English and Drama at Winchester College, a school attended by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak .

The defendant was accused of kissing and cuddling a teenage boy who visited him at his home in 2005 and 2006.

Mr Taylor, of Bermondsey, London, was discharged following the verdicts at Winchester Crown Court.

Follow BBC South on Facebook , X , or Instagram . Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2240 .

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The society

Keen to share their passion for travel with a personal touch, the luxury travel society was formed., with over 45 years of collective experience in the travel industry our founders, spencer and simon, yearned to go back to the days when the travel industry was regarded as a service industry. the world is full of five-star hotels offering amazing amenities, infinity pools, spa treatments and michelin star cuisine; the views alone often sell the hotel to consumers. not every hotel is for everyone and not every destination is for everyone, this is where that gap was forming for consumers and where we connect the dots., what sets us apart.

We’re Lucky enough to have travelled the world and experience the very best that luxury travel has to offer, We have stayed at the finest hotels, forming great relationships with the hotel management. We have rubbed shoulders with the locals and experienced their authentic culture. Its these unique connections and diverse experiences that allow us to connect travellers with a hotel and destination that truly suits them. The finer details make a holiday an experience to cherish and it in these fine details where we excel. We specialise in bespoke holidays offering only the finest quality activities and accommodations accompanied by an exemplary level of service.

MEET OUR FOUNDERS

SPENCER GROVES

I always knew I wanted to work in the travel industry and explore the world. Some 27 years ago I had a chance encounter with a lady who informed me of a new travel agency branch opening in Fulham, changing my life forever. I joined Lunn Poly in 1992 spending 4 years with them on reservations starting in the new Fulham store before moving to the flagship Bayswater store.

In 1996 I left Lunn Poly and moved into the world of direct packaging and marketing of our own tailor made holidays and this is where I first met Simon. It was during my first visit to Dubai in 1999 that I decided my future would be away from sales and set myself a 5 year plan to move into the Product and Contracting side of the travel industry; this has been where I have operated since 2004. I have been lucky enough to travel the world staying at some great hotels, embracing new cultures, winning a few awards and forging long lasting relationships.

I joined the travel industry straight from school, initially working for an air fares database company loading airfares and selling the system to travel agents across the country.

I soon realised I had more interest in the destinations than the technology side of the industry, so I moved on to work for an agent selling Australia & New Zealand holiday packages and Round the World itineraries. From here, I caught the travel bug and soon decided to explore the world, spending time travelling through the Middle East & Asia, before settling to live and work in Australia for some time. Ever since I returned to the UK in 2003 I have specialised in luxury holidays and bespoke travel arrangements to destinations worldwide. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit many of these amazing destinations and experience the hotels for myself, getting to know my clients personally along the way.

SUSTAINABILITY

In 2023, The Luxury Travel Society is committed to incorporating sustainable practices into every aspect of our business. We understand that travel can have a significant impact on the environment,and we believe it is our responsibility to minimize that impact as much as possible.

We have implemented a number of measures to reduce our carbon footprint, including using renewable energy sources, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable tourism. Additionally, we have partnered with local organizations to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable economic development in the destinations we visit. We are also dedicated to educating our clients on the importance of sustainable travel and encouraging them to make environmentally-friendly choices while on their trips.

FINANCIAL PROTECTION

We are fully ATOL bonded (11696 SESG Travel Ltd) and hold liability insurance up to £10m per person.

For additional financial protection we are part of the Protected Trust Services Group (Member 5416), this means that any money you pay us is held in an independently regulated trust account and we do not use a penny of your funds for the day to day running of our business. At the relevant time close to travel the trustees will make the final balance payments to all suppliers who make up your fully tailor-made package giving you complete peace of mind that your funds are protected from start to finish.

Learn more about our process by clicking here.

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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.

Tara Pittman

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

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?

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!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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.

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!

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!

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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.

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

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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Looking for cheaper Eras Tour tickets? See Taylor Swift at these 10 international cities.

Swifties who want to snag tickets to Taylor Swift’s colossal Eras Tour know the experience won’t come cheap.  

This year, the billionaire will only visit three U.S. cities – Miami, New Orleans and Indianapolis – and prices for the in-demand shows are astronomical . For the Oct. 18 show in Miami, for example, cost of a single ticket ranged between $1,615 and $8,524 on StubHub.com as of Wednesday afternoon.

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In the past 30 days, searches for ‘Taylor Swift Europe tour 2024 tickets’ have increased by 300% in the U.S., indicating that some people are ready to take a long-haul flight to see the wildly popular artist live, according to travel website Islands.com .

Concert-goers who head to Europe for their Swift experience may actually save more money in the long-run . Not only are ticket prices across the pond cheaper, but many European cities, like Warsaw and Lisbon, are also budget-friendly, offering inexpensive food and lodging. 

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To determine the most affordable Eras Tour stops, Islands.com researchers compared the cost of a two-night trip, including one cheap ticket on StubHub.com, two nights at a four-star hotel, six inexpensive meals, two five-mile taxi rides, and one domestic beer. However, researchers didn’t account for airline tickets or concert merchandise.

With safety at the top of travelers' minds, the researchers also factored in the city’s safety rating out of 100. 

To stay extra safe, the State Department encourages travelers to register with the U.S. embassy in the country they're visiting any time they travel abroad. That can be done at step.state.gov .

10 cheapest destinations for the Eras Tour in 2024

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Averting the SaaS Data Apocalypse: The Role Data Protection will Play in the Battle To Save Our Digital Future

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Bad blood with China? Blinken buys Taylor Swift album in Beijing

W ASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken snapped up a Taylor Swift album along with one by classic Chinese rocker Dou Wei during an unexpected detour to a Beijing record store on Friday after talks in China meant to ease superpower tensions.

En route to the airport after a visit that included a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Blinken popped into the LiPi record store in the Chinese capital's arts district where the owner handed him an album by Dou Wei, which he bought along with Swift's 2022 record "Midnights".

One of the aims of Blinken's trip has been to emphasize the importance of what the State Department calls "people-to-people ties" as part of efforts to improve relations.

In the Beijing record store, he described mega pop star Swift, whose hits include "Bad Blood" from her fifth album in 2014, as a successful American export.

Blinken, an avid musician and guitar player, described music as "the best connector, regardless of geography", and said he loved vinyl records because of the liner notes.

Asked by the shop owner what music he was into, Blinken, who is 62, said he loved everything but added: "I’m a bit stuck in the '70s."

(Reporting by pool, Simon Lewis and David Brunnstrom; editing by Mark Heinrich)

'Brat Pack' actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy speaking at Canton Palace Theatre

• Actor Andrew McCarthy, known for the '80s movies 'Pretty in Pink,' 'St. Elmo's Fire' and 'Mannequin,' will be speaking at 6:30 p.m. May 11 at Canton Palace Theatre.
• McCarthy is a travel writer and author, including the New York Times bestseller, "Walking with Sam."
• Admission to McCarthy's presentation is free but reservations must be made online through the Stark Library.

Andrew McCarthy sounded every bit of four decades removed from his "Brat Pack" Hollywood glory days while discussing the 500-mile trek he took with his teenage son across the famed El Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Far in the rearview mirror were his starring roles in the '80s movies "Pretty in Pink," "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Weekend at Bernie's."

McCarthy was merely dad, not a celebrity. Sometimes dismissively referred to as "bro" by his 19-year-old son, Sam. Other times tapped for advice while the younger McCarthy grappled with the aftermath of a breakup from his girlfriend.

Along the blister-inducing journey in the summer of 2021, the father-son dynamic was often as bumpy as the rugged terrain. However, by the end, there were bonding moments, even transcendent ones, where the parent was schooled by the child.

Standing outside the splendor of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the elder McCarthy was dejected because the portico was locked. Touching the Tree of Jesse was also forbidden due to erosion. Neither could he hug the statue of St. James.

"It's OK," the son said while draping an arm over his dad's shoulder. "This one truly was about the journey." Earlier on the trip, Sam had blown off similar advice from his dad. Now he espoused it.

Asked if such revelatory moments still happen with his son today, McCarthy turned to a recent anecdote.

"About three days ago, he called me up and said, 'Dad, you got seven minutes?' And I was like, 'Go,'" the father recalled with affection. "And he just wanted to work through something he was going through, and he just wanted to bounce it off me, and that's a phone call that probably wouldn't have happened if we hadn't of walked together."

McCarthy relays and explores those father-son moments profoundly, humorously and candidly in the New York Times bestselling book, " Walking with Sam: A Father, A Son, and Five Hundred Miles Across Spain ." His other works include " Brat: An '80s Story ," "Just Fly Away" and "The Longest Way Home."

McCarthy talked openly during a 25-minute phone call promoting a book tour that will bring him to the Canton Palace Theatre at 6:30 p.m. May 11 as part of the Stark County Library's Speaking of Books Author Series. Admission is free but reservations must be made at https://www.starklibrary.org/ or by calling 330-452-0665. VIP meet-and-greet tickets also can be purchased.

McCarthy has lots to tell. So many films, so many Hollywood encounters, so many lessons learned, so many miles logged across the globe as an award-winning travel writer , including a stint as editor-at-large of National Geographic Traveler magazine.

During the interview, McCarthy touched on it all, plus some unexpected subjects, including what he thought of a Taylor Swift concert he attended with his teen daughter and which of his '80s movies most deserves a sequel.

Walking across Spain: 'It's a life-changing experience for anybody.'

McCarthy had walked the El Camino 25 years earlier while in the throes of a professional and personal crisis.

"It's just a place where I feel very at home in myself," he said of travel in general. "I often joke that the further from home I get, the more at home in myself I feel. The more out of my normal comfort zone I am, sort of the better I respond.

"The Camino was a transformative experience for me the first time I did it," McCarthy said. "... As my son was growing and our relationship was sort of evolving, I wanted it to evolve into like two men. How does one do that? I didn't have a template for that in m own life, so I thought (walking the Camino) would be a wonderful way to transition our relationship from dominant parent to submissive or rebellious kid to adult learning to communicate on an equal level. So I thought the Camino would sort of jumpstart that process, which it did."

Of "Walking with Sam," he said: "It's really about fathers and sons and your place in that and how do we manage that.

"And that's one of the great things about walking and walking that long of a distance," McCarthy said. "You can try to be however you're going to be, but yourself comes out pretty quickly when you're walking 15 miles and you've got blisters and you're tired and you need a place to sleep. You're you. That was just a great experience to share with (Sam) in that regard.

"On day two on the walk, he said, 'Dad, what's the point of this? And on the last day of the walk, he said, 'That's the only 10 out of 10 thing that I've ever done in my life,' so something happened."

The intimate relationship of author and reader

Being recognized and appreciated as a writer is rewarding, McCarthy said.

"I was lucky enough to be on TV and in movies," he said. "When people come up to you about a book, it's a very different thing, and it's much more personal in a certain way because you know it's a very intimate relationship with someone reading a book.

"They take you to bed at night usually, and they're alone with you in bed for an hour before they go to bed. And to ask someone for their time in that way, you have to sort of meet them and come clean with them."

And "I'll put down things on paper that strangers will read that I'd be very hesitant to say in the rest of my life," he added. "There's something about the act of writing that you disclose these kinds of things."

The 'Brat Pack' is an avatar 'of a certain generation's youth.'

McCarthy is clearly still more widely known for being a member of the "Brat Pack," however.

"I think it's kind of an amazing thing at this point," he said. "The 'Brat Pack' (actors and movies) are the avatars of a certain generation's youth.

"You look at those things and you start talking, 'Oh, I love that movie,'" he said. "You're talking about your own youth, and I come to represent that. I just hold up a mirror to that because there's no more exciting and wondrous time in life than when we're in our late teens and 20s. You're just cusping into your own life and you're taking the world by the tail, and your life's a blank slate to be written on, and it's a thrilling moment in life. And I and other members of the 'Brat Pack' and the other people who were in those movies represent that for a group of people.

"And it took me a long time, but I realize that's sort of a wonderful gift I've been given, to be that role for certain people, and there's great affection and fondness for those movies for me as well," McCarthy continued. "You know, they're flawed certainly (and from) another time, but I loved those movies."

McCarthy is open to a sequel to 'St. Elmo's Fire'

When asked which of his '80s movies deserved a sequel, McCarthy didn't hesitate − "St. Elmo's Fire."

"It always pops up occasionally," he said of the talk of a sequel. "Sure, I'm game. I love that character ( Kevin Dolenz ) in 'St. Elmo's Fire.' I thought he was a great character for me at that time in my life, and what happened to him 30 years later, I think that would be interesting.

"I mean, sure, why not," McCarthy said. "Somebody comes up with a good idea (and) has some money to do it.

"That character was really the closest to me of any of those characters I did when I was young. I had that sort of rotten before I was ripe cynicism to cover up my fear and vulnerability, I think. I really related to him a lot.

"Mostly people keep coming up with these 'Weekend at Bernie's' 3 ideas," McCarthy said with laughter. "I'm like, 'Dude, he's dead, he's still dead, he's been dead a long time. I have great affection for Bernie."

When does the 'Brat Pack' documentary come out?

Written and directed by McCarthy, the documentary , "Brats" is scheduled for release on the Hulu streaming service on June 12, McCarthy said.

The film will premiere on June 7 at the Tribeca Festival .

The 92-minute documentary follows up the book, "Brat: An 80s Story," authored by McCarthy and released in 2021.

"The 'Brat' book was just my my own sort of exploration of, 'Well, what the hell happened during that time?,'" he said of being thrust into stardom. "It was just a seminal moment in my life, and it was one that I sort of ran from for decades, and I finally just turned around and said, 'Well, what's under that rock?'"

The documentary, however, sought out answers and insights from his fellow "Brat Pack" actors, including Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore and Ally Sheedy.

"And so when I finished that (book), it was quite liberating in a certain way," McCarthy said. "But I felt, 'What in the hell did everyone else think?,' because I know it was life-changing for everybody... We hated that ('Brat Pack') label, and it was very pejorative at the beginning, and that it's come 180 degrees to represent this wonderfully iconic thing in pop culture is kind of a beautiful thing. So I wanted to go see what everyone else's experience was. So I just called up people I hadn't seen in 30 years, and I went to see them and just sort of brought a camera and chatted with them.

"I could call it a homemade movie," he added. "Some of it I shot on my iPhone. It's just very informal. There's lots of moments of sort of nostalgia as it were with clips from films and old interviews and songs and things, but it's also very much a look back from someone looking back at their youth from a period of no longer being young.

"So I was reconnecting with all the old gang as it were, which was fantastic. A big takeaway from that for me was all the affection we had for each other after all these years, where we didn't when we were young. We were young, competitive and scared and trying to start our careers, and it was a very fraught time, where as now, none of it matters anymore."

What do McCarthy's kids think of their movie star dad?

McCarthy said his kids have only seen a few of his films or snippets.

"Those are old ancient history things," he said.

"When they discovered that I did a movie with 'Iron Man' (Robert Downey Jr.) when they were young, they go, 'You worked with 'Iron Man!' They thought that was pretty impressive."

"My son ... when he was like 15, he watched 'Weekend at Bernie's,'" McCarthy recalled with laughter. "And he said, 'Dad, I love you, but that's the stupidest movie I've ever seen,' and I was like, 'That's the point.'"

"And my daughter, one of her classmates said she should watch 'Pretty in Pink.' And she watched the trailer online, and she said, 'I'm not going to watch some movie where you're kissing another woman; I don't want to see that,' so as it should be, I'm just their dad."

Is McCarthy a Swifty?

The actor and writer attended a Taylor Swift concert with his teen daughter, Willow McCarthy. She even surprised him with the gift of an outrageously glitzy sport coat for the event.

"To experience my daughter experiencing it was a beautiful thing for me, and I thought Taylor Swift was terrific," McCarthy said. "I've seen a lot of big shows in big stadiums, and I've never seen anybody be able to hold the crowd in one hand looking live and then at the same time on the Jumbotron being played intimately into the close-up.

"I thought she's able to do that in an extraordinary way. I've seen The Rolling Stones or Bruce Springsteen. They're just playing to the crowd … or they're mugging for the camera. But (Swift) was able to be intimate with the camera and yet expansive to the crowd at the same time, and I thought it was a real lesson in stardom. I thought it was great. I really enjoyed that."

McCarthy is working on his next book

McCarthy has been on the road working on his next book, which he describes as "a cross-country exploration on male friendship."

He's reuniting with friends in Kentucky, Dallas and San Francisco, people whom he hasn't seen in decades and knows from outside the spotlight of Hollywood.

"There's all sorts of documentation now about this recession in male friendship and all these kind of things," McCarthy said. "And particularly, the older men get the more isolated they become, and so I just found that very interesting … and have been traveling for the last few months sort of gathering that, which has been really interesting."

Reach Ed at [email protected] . On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP and Instagram at ed_balint .