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Lynsey and staff at the Horsforth…

Lynsey and staff at the Horsforth branch had always been very friendly and helpful whenever we enquired about any holiday destination. All we need to do is decide where to go. They will sort out everything from booking to checking in and print out relevant documents. We would definitely recommend them.

Date of experience : 14 April 2024

Big shout out to Ruth Whittlestone what…

Big shout out to Ruth Whittlestone what a professional friendly personable lady she is. Found just what I was looking for in a holiday for myself and family took the time to listen came back with several choices. Cant thank you enough Ruth. An absolute credit to Althams. Because of you my first port of call booking future holidays will be Althams. Thank you so much. Maureen Johnson and family.

Date of experience : 18 March 2024

Reply from Althams Travel Services Limited

Thank you for your lovely comments. We're so happy to hear that are satisfied with the service received from Ruth. We hope you have a fabulous holiday! Thank you for booking with Althams Travel and we hope to hear from you again soon.

Excellent Service

Having told ourselves we did not need a travel agent for a routine Package holiday we called at Althams in Otley for some advice on a holiday in Kefalonia. We received a warm welcome from Karhryn the manager whose help and advice was invaluable so we booked there and then! Just helpful advice and no hard sell guided us to exactly what we wanted. She also sorted out a future more complex trip for us. If you need any help with holiday planning without any unwanted sales pressure call in at this branch.

Date of experience : 15 February 2024

Thank you for your lovely comments. We're so happy to hear that are satisfied with the service received from our Otley branch. We hope you had a fabulous holiday. Thank you for booking with Althams Travel and we hope to hear from you again soon. Kind regards, Althams Travel.

Chan family

I recently had the pleasure of booking a holiday with Ruth Whittlestone at Althams travel and I must say, it was one of the best decisions I've made. From the moment we contact Ruth, she was professional, attentive and went above and beyond to plan our dream holiday. Everything was organised to perfection and ran like clockwork, making our trip stress-free and enjoyable. the destinations of Hong Kong and Thailand were absolutely amazing, and we have Ruth to thank for curating such a memorable experience. Her attention to detail and personal touch made all the difference. I cannot thank Ruth enough for all the hared work she put into planning our holiday, and I will definitely be using her services again in the future. I highly recommend Ruth and Althams travel for anyone looking to plan their next adventure. Thank you, Ruth, for the holiday of a lifetime!

Date of experience : 19 January 2024

Thank you for your lovely comments. We're glad you had an enjoyable trip and that you are satisfied with the service received from Ruth. Thank you for booking with Althams Travel and we hope to hear from you again soon. Kind regards, Althams Travel.

Excellent service at the otley branch

Excellent service at the otley branch. They went above and beyond helping me with my holiday, I didn’t know where I wanted to go but they gave me amazing advice. They booked everything for me even my airport parking thank you so much. Highly recommend x

Date of experience : 06 January 2024

We are happy to hear that you are satisfied with the service you received from our Otley branch. We will pass your kind comments on to the team. Thank you for booking with Althams Travel and we hope to see you again soon Kind regards, Althams Travel.

You will not be disappointed using this travel agency

I would high recommend using this Denton travel agency so much because they go above and beyond !! to help and to give you the right advice...I lovely lady called Sally help to ease my worries and anxiety about me travelling to Australia on my own ..I just can't thank sally enough for everything she has done for me today ..all of the staff are lovely and so friendly and willing to do their very best for you . I'm looking forward to spending time with my family in Australia and hopefully in getting my permanent visa..wish me luck 🙂

Date of experience : 03 January 2024

That's great to hear that you are satisfied with the service you received when booking your solo trip to Australia. We thank you for booking with us and wish you all the best for your future in Australia kind regards, Althams Travel.

Excellent Customer Service

Excellent Customer Service The team at the Brigg branch have been brilliant. They have helped us with everything from a big family holiday with a disabled guest through to a romantic break in Rome. We can't recommend them highly enough, we look forward to using them again soon.

Date of experience : 20 October 2022

I have just returned from a cruise booked in the Otley branch, my husband has special health requirements and the staff organised full assistance throughout and ensured that the whole holiday ran smoothly. 100% recommend

Date of experience : 05 December 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments we will pass this on to our Otley branch. Thank you for booking with Althams Travel kind regards, Althams Travel.

Amazing friendly service

I always book my holidays with the ladies in the Otley branch. They are always so helpful and knowledgeable to find me the perfect break! Wouldn't go anywhere else, thank you so much x

Date of experience : 01 December 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments & continued loyalty. We will pass this on to our Otley branch. Thank you for booking with Althams Travel kind regards, Althams Travel.

Would definitely recommend!!!

The lady I did my booking with was very helpful and attentive to my needs, she showed me any deals that worked with my budget as well as an appropriate hotel and travel for my holiday.

Date of experience : 22 September 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments and thank you for trusting us to book your holiday. We hope to see you again soon kind regards, Althams Travel.

Booked my family holiday with the Colne…

Booked my family holiday with the Colne branch. Excellent help from start to finish, great customer service and would definitely book with them again!

Date of experience : 03 July 2023

Thank you Emily for your lovely comments. We will pass this on to our Colne branch. Kind regards, Althams Travel.

great from start to finish

We have just returned from a fantastic 10 day vacation which we booked with Sharon at the Ramsbottom office she was very professional and knowledgeable of our requirements. I would definitely use Sharon again and have no problem recommending Althams at Ramsbottom

Date of experience : 20 September 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments and thank you for booking with us kind regards, Althams Travel.

Used althams for a few years now

Used althams for a few years now , and I find it so easy to get sorted with a holiday . Me and my daughter are always pleased .The staff are very friendly and go out of there way to help .

Date of experience : 05 August 2023

Thank you for your lovely comments Nigel. Thank you for booking with us kind regards, Althams Travel.

Do not book with this company

DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS COMPANY. THE OTLEY OFFICE IS RUN BY PEOPLE THAT FIND IT FUNNY WHEN SOMEONE HAS A ROAD TRAFFIC ACCIDENT. THE MANAGER OF THE OTLEY BRANCH WENT OUT OF HER WAY TO TREAT US BAD To give context - Myself and my partner were parked just along from this store. We are both disabled badge holders. Whilst stationary, a heavy goods vehicle crashed into the side of our car. The manager of Althams who’s initials are K.A then felt it appropriate to come out and shout at us about how we shouldn’t even be parked there as it says keep clear. We were actually parked behind the keep clear and weren’t blocking and entries / exits. Althams are also not in charge of policing the roads, they’re there to sell holidays. When I asked what negative impact we were having on their business, they couldn’t answer because they knew they were in the wrong. A shop keeper a couple of doors down made us aware that he’d had his car hit in that spot 4 times and that each time, Althams staff were rude and nasty to him. It doesn’t set a good example for your company when you have a bunch of 50 odd year old women all belittling and berating people in the street over something that doesn’t concern them or their business. I’m sure it isn’t in their contact of employment to police the traffic and to try and tell disabled badge holders where they can and can not park. A lot of disabilities are hidden and the way these women spoke to us and treated us had a bad impact on us. We were clearly shook up and yet this was the moment all 3 shop workers of Althams thought it appropriate to laugh loudly in our faces & belittle us because in their opinion we shouldn’t have been there. I admit it got my back up and sue to the sheer embarrassment, the stress they caused, the humiliation and the upset, I did start shouting back at them. They then tried to turn it all on us. We were the victims of an RTA and yet they couldn’t even ask if we were ok or were hurt. We’d like to thank the businesses either side of Althams who were very kind, empathetic, made sure we were ok and offered help. SHAME ON ALTHAMS STAFF. I will not recommend them.

Date of experience : 13 June 2023

Day Trips, Tours and Excursions

CLICK TO BOOK   Day Trips | Tours | Excursions

DAY TRIPS  |  TOURS  |  EXCURSIONS

Offering the best value UK Day Excursions and Tours collecting on two routes within the Greater Manchester area.

SEE More here in our Winter 2021 Brochure for local pick-ups on the YELLOW Route from Failsworth, Hollinwood, Ashton, Oldham, Royton, Shaw, Milnrow and Rochdale PLUS the ORANGE Route from Heywood, Middleton and Bury

Destinations include: Blackpool , Fleetwood , Chester , Llandudno , Llangollen , Scarborough , Alton Towers , Whitby , Buxton , Harrogate , York , North Wales , Skipton , Wakefield , Oswaldtwistle , Southport , Cheshire Oaks , Ormskirk , Bridlington , Lytham St Annes , Settle , More cambe , Barton Grange , Liverpool , Cleveleys , Manchester , Portmeirion Village , Yorkshire , Lichfield , Staffordshire , Pickering , Chesterfield , Port Sunlight Village , Ullswater , Nantwich , Caernarfon , Wirral , Ambleside , Beamish , Durham , Flamingo Land , Anglesey , Beaumaris , Ludlow , Chatsworth House , Colne , Boundary Mill and many many more…

SAVE £1 per booking when you book on-line or telephone our office and speak to a human on 0161 287 5566.

You can also book at one of our many agents listed below;

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Bury Tourist Information Centre, Bury

Failsworth Travel, Failsworth

Hit the Beach Travel, Firgrove, Rochdale, OL16 3BD

Jo-Jay-Rees Coffee Shop, Shaw, OL2 8NP

Oldham Tourist Information Centre, Oldham

Pole Travel Worldchoice, Failsworth, M35 0AA

Touchstones Your Trust Tourist Information Centre, Rochdale

TfGM Ashton

TfGM Bolton

TfGM Middleton

TfGM Oldham

TfGM Rochdale

Yelloway has come a long way ….. with many roads traveled since the early years and a rich family heritage dating back to 1911 when Mr Holt became the pioneer of long distance travel when he borrowed from his friend a purpose built char-a-banc travelling from Rochdale to Torquay, full of excited holiday makers – one of whom was 13-year old Gracie Fields !

In 1915, Mr Robert Holt officially commenced trading as Holt Bros (Rochdale) Ltd which later became Yelloway Motor Services Ltd.

As Yelloway grew, it absorbed several other transport businesses in the North West. But like a stick of rock, the history of Yelloway has ‘family values’ running the whole way through it.

It’s the history of the gradual merging of family-owned businesses that started small and through hard work became successful. That solid belief in taking a very personal pride in serving your customers well is still firmly embedded in everything Yelloway does today.

So why not hop on board and let nostalgia take a hold of you as Yelloway whisk you away on a day trip of your choice. We promise that you and the kids will love it!!

Cross Church St, Huddersfield

01484 546511

Pop in and say hello!

Don't want to book online? Pop in to the store or give us a call to speak to one of our expert travel consultants directly!

Please note that opening times may vary due to staff training, if you are unable to get through please try our free out-of-hours sales hotline on 0800 917 9997

Manager: Nicky Lynn

Scroll down to meet the team!

Althams travel winners - branch of the year 2023.

[email protected]

26 Cross Church Street

Huddersfield

Opening Times

Mon - Fri 9.30 - 17.00

Saturday  9.30 - 17.00

Sunday CLOSED

Meet the team!

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For more than 45 years, we've made taking trips fun for the entire group. Leave the driving to us and enjoy one-day excursions, weekend getaways or week long bus trips. With a deluxe motorcoach experience that typically includes reclining seats and a restroom onboard, you can enjoy your trip the moment you step on board. View our upcoming trips and pricing below.

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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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Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 60 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

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Back in the USSR - 7 days

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• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

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Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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Home » Travel Guides » Russia » 15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

Moscow, the sprawling Russian capital, is a city that’s both full of history and contemporary culture.

This is the centre of the Russian world, a city that armies have invaded, where nations have clashed and where revolutions have played out through the centuries.

It’s a city on the fringe of Europe, but a place that is very much at the heart of European history and politics, and for visitors, it can be a complex and enthralling destination to visit.

As much as there is to see and to do in the city itself, there is just as much to experience on day trips from Moscow too.

While Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country, and many of the better-known cities such as St Petersburg or Volgograd are hundreds and hundreds of miles away, there are many more unknown and unusual destinations to visit within a few hours’ drive of the capital.

Immerse yourself in the Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields and the lavish estates of the former Russian nobility. There are rural villages, grand Orthodox Monasteries and the chance to see Russian life outside of the city first-hand.

Here are the best day trips from Moscow.

Located just an hour north of the Moscow city centre, Korolev is an area that is almost a suburb of the expansive capital, but has retained its own unique identity. During the Soviet era, this was one of the most important industrial areas in the country, because this was the base for Soviet Space Exploration.

During World War II, the factories here produced anti-tank guns that helped keep the Soviet Union in the fight. After Germany was defeated, the factories and research centres began to focus on space.

The city became a ‘Science City’ as skilled workers from across the Union came here to settle and to launch the space programme. It became one of the more affluent areas in the country, and today, that distinction can still be seen on the streets and in the buildings.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, Korolev remained the headquarters of Russian space travel and still hosts Russian Mission Control.

2. Borodino

A two-hour drive to the west of Moscow is the battlefield of Borodino. This is a place that is revered in Russian history, and which perhaps should be much more well-known in wider European history too, because this is where the infamous French General Napolean Bonaparte fought the Russians during his invasion in 1812.

Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went on to capture Moscow, this was the beginning of the end for Napolean, as he went on to be ravaged by the Russian Winter and was forced to retreat soon after.

Just outside the small village of Borodino is the green and grassy field where the battle was fought. On top of a substantial hill is a lasting monument to the important event.

Located to the south-east of Moscow is the city of Kolomna, which in comparison to the Russian capital is very much a small-town escape.

This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region and there is a long and intriguing history to be discovered in the museums and monasteries.

Interestingly, the city was off-limits for much its tenure under the Soviet Union, because it was the site of important weapons factories. It was only in 1994 that the city was opened up and even now it is still very much unknown to tourists.

Kolomna makes for a great day trip, and you can explore the restored medieval walls, and the city’s very own Kremlin, a huge fortress which dates back to the 16th century.

4. Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is as little as an hour’s drive away from Moscow city centre, and the small town makes for a pleasant break from the capital.

Zvenigorod is an old and historic place, with a history dating back almost a thousand years.

There are some beautiful monasteries to visit as well as the unusual Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can sample and explore this aspect of the local culinary culture.

Zvenigorod was also a town where the world-renowned Anton Checkov once lived, and you can visit a museum here that’s dedicated to his life.

5. Sergiyev Posad

North of the capital is the city of Sergiyev Posad, which is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in the surrounding region.

You will find this as a suggested stop on most travel itineraries to Moscow, and many tour companies include this as part of their excursions around the city because this city is home to the famous Trinity Lavra of St Sergius.

This is a huge Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, and continues to be run by monks who look after the revered tomb of St Sergius, who was laid to rest here.

It’s an important pilgrimage place for Orthodox Christians and an important stop for tourists.

6. Kubinka Tank Museum

Outside Moscow, you can find an unusual museum which will give you a truly ‘Russian’ experience.

The Kubinka Tank Museum was once the location of a Red Army tank testing ground. Now, it’s been turned into a huge museum that showcases every conceivable type of armoured vehicle.

7. Arkhangelskoye Estate

The Arkhangelskoye Estate was built on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th century when it was constructed by a Rusian aristocratic family.

For over a century, it was the domain of the nobility, until of course, the Russian Revolution and the advent of Communism swept the family that owned the estate out of the country.

The estate was opened to the public by the Communists and turned into a museum, which it remains today.

Restoration work after the fall of the Soviet Union saved the Arkhangelskoye Estate from falling into disrepair and kept the grounds and the grand palace as a lavish example of pre-Revolution Russia.

8. Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is found a few hours to the north of Moscow and makes for a long day trip from the city. It’s worth the journey to experience one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Yaroslavl is found on the banks of the River Volga and has been a historically important city throughout Russian history. The city has even been the capital of the country at various points.

You can explore the many museums and monasteries to learn more about this intriguing destination.

9. Rostov Veliky

Just south of Yaroslavl is the small but culturally rich town of Rostov Veliky.

This is another important site in Russian history, as the town can date its origins back to early Slavic settlement around Moscow.

Lake Nero is a beautiful and expansive lake near the town, fringed on one side by an ancient fortress, giving Rostov Veliky a wonderful atmosphere to experience.

10. Vladimir

Two hours east of Moscow is another historic Russian city that is very much on the regional tourist trail.

It makes for a great day trip from the capital because Vladimir dates back to the 12th century and is full of Russian history and culture.

This was one of the first Russian capitals and it still contains many beautiful medieval buildings that are hundreds of years old.

The small town of Suzdal is just a few kilometres north of the city of Vladimir.

The town is part of a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the historic sites from both Suzdal and Vladimir.

The town was founded in medieval times and also acted for a time as an early capital for Russian kingdoms in the region.

Klin is a fairly unassuming town to the north-west of Moscow, but it’s worth visiting to see one particular sight, the house of Tchaikovsky.

The famous 19th-century composer spent his final days here and wrote his very last piece of work in the house in Klin. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

It’s a grand estate and an interesting insight into pre-Soviet, Russian culture.

13. Melikova

A short trip past the Moscow suburbs will bring you to another famous estate, the house of renowned Russian writer and playwright Anton Checkov.

By the town of Checkov, which was renamed in his honour, the museum of Melikova will take you on a journey through his life and indeed, what the lives of many of his contemporary fellow Russians would have been like too.

14. Gorki Leninskie

On the southern edge of Moscow is Gorki Leniniskie.

This grand estate was once the realm of Russian nobles, but after the Russian Revolution it was personally taken over by Vladimir Lenin who turned it into his own home.

He spent much of his last years here, and after his death, the estate became a shrine to his life and legacy.

Today it still remains an interesting museum, and is still in many ways a shrine to communism.

15. Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park is a huge area of protected land that is found right on the edge of Moscow and is even surrounded on several sides by suburbs of the city.

It’s unusual to find such a large national park so close to a capital and it’s easy to spend the day exploring this veritable wilderness of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife.

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow:

• Sergiyev Posad
• Kubinka Tank Museum
• Arkhangelskoye Estate
• Rostov Veliky
• Gorki Leninskie
• Losiny Ostrov National Park