Winter is a strange time to travel, especially around Russia. Daylight hours are very short, with dirt all around and an eternally gray sky. In winter dreams, one generally wants to be somewhere far away, and preferably where it is warm. But in the editorial office, when spring comes, it often seems that we missed something: we didn’t play enough snowballs, we didn’t walk through the winter forest, we didn’t ride the ice rink and we didn’t spend the evening with friends by the fireplace. To avoid this, we, together with the tire manufacturer, have prepared a list of destinations where you can go on a weekend or next holiday from Moscow.

Naturally, you can go somewhere on the weekend by train or bus, but it is the travel by car, according to the editors, the best (and only) way to travel comfortably in the winter months. Here you and comfort, and independence from the schedule, and the ability to see places remote from the stations. From the first minutes (well, after it warms up and you overcome Moscow traffic jams), the car will become a warm and comfortable home, and with the right choice of travel companions you will have fun all the way.

It is generally believed that for the winter the car requires special preparation and care. But in fact (if you do not have a VAZ-2101), the most important detail is one - the change of tires from summer to winter. Firstly, you need to choose the right rubber, and secondly - to change it in time. And if we don’t help with the second question, then on the first we would be pleased to recommend the brand Nitto, the younger brother of the famous Japanese manufacturer Toyo.

Why? Good grip, low tire noise and good price. We at the editorial office tested the tires all winter and made sure that this is a great choice. Get ready and go!

On the road: what to bring with you

Before you go on a trip, you need to prepare for it. We have compiled a short list of things that are sure to come in handy during your winter car trip:

Washer fluid spray gun. It will help to quickly defrost the glass in the morning and wipe the headlights with high quality, which will cause a lot of dirt during the trip.

Thermos. Stock of hot tea for the driver and mulled wine for passengers. - Gas burner and coffee pot. Making fresh coffee in a picturesque place is priceless. Plus in Russia on the road, well, very rarely you can find normal coffee, it is better to make it yourself.

Light things and sneakers. In winter boots it is uncomfortable to sit even for two hours in a car. It is better to immediately change them to comfortable sneakers before landing, and instead of winter clothes, put on a down jacket.

Music or podcasts. If there is no person among your fellow travelers who will open the whole day for Swedish indie pop, American noise punk or Danish new wave, then be sure to download music to your player and podcast apps, for example, from Arzamas. Firstly, time flies so fast (especially when you come back), and secondly, there will be something to discuss.

Direction number 1. Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is a great city. We at the editorial board of PRTBRT love him very much. There is a huge cultural layer, and a cozy center with low buildings, as well as a good selection of hotels and a bar culture (yes, the whole city center is dotted with small bars and cafes). This destination is perfect for a family trip, and for a noisy weekend with friends.

In the morning and in the afternoon you can see the old churches and museums, and in the evening just wander around the city and go to bars and cafes. Mandatory historical program: Transfiguration Monastery, Governor's House and Museum of the History of Yaroslavl. If the weather is clear, take a walk to Yaroslavskaya Strelka. It was from here that the history of the city began, when in 1010, Yaroslav the Wise decided to found Yaroslavl at the confluence of Kotorosli and the Volga. From here a gorgeous view of the city and the water opens, the main thing is to dress warmer, because a strong wind often blows from the river.

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl has a lot of cool and cozy bars and cafes. Here is a list of our favorites:

“Baguette, paste and yellow plaid” is suitable for breakfast.
  Gavrosh is another good place with breakfast, pastries and coffee.
  “Horns and Hooves” is one of the most popular restaurants in Yaroslavl. There are always a lot of people here, and the design raises questions, but you can have a good lunch or dinner.
Rocky pizza  - great Neapolitan pizza cooked on wood.
  “Tavern on the waterfront” - if you suddenly want borscht, pies or dumplings with champagne. We just wanted to once.

“Baguette, paste and yellow plaid”

Gavrosh

Bar "Nettle"

Yaroslavl has a large selection of hotels. There are chain hotels, Soviet monsters, cozy family hotels and modern hostels.

Here is a list of four good local hotels:
"Kuptsov House"  - our favorite. A cozy and beautiful hotel in the very center of the city.
Hotel on the water "Volga Pearl"  - the name speaks for itself. Floating hotel overlooking the Volga.
Baccara - A large hotel in Yaroslavl, which always has affordable rooms. Perhaps not the most comfortable, but with spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast.

"Kuptsov House"

"Volga pearl"

A huge plus of the trip to Yaroslavl is that there are a lot of attractions along the way to it. If you leave early in the morning, then you can see a lot of interesting things in a day.

What to see along the way

Abramtsevo

Abramtsevo is one of the most famous and beautiful estates of the Moscow Region. This place has a fascinating story: at different times Turgenev, Serov, Vasnetsov, Korovin and Vrubel visited and lived in it. In winter, it is especially beautiful and picturesque, so we advise you to walk along all the paths on the estate. This place is perfect for the first stop on a winter trip - in the morning there are not many tourists and, most importantly, you can drink coffee to finally wake up.

Abramtsevo

Sergiev Posad

Sergiev Posad is not only an all-Russian attraction, but also the largest operating monastery with the residence of the patriarch. The flow of tourists and pilgrims here never runs dry, so be prepared for a large number of people and crowds at the entrance (especially if you are traveling during religious holidays or fasting). The ensemble of the Trinity-Sergius Lavra is really very beautiful (it is not in vain that it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List). But if Orthodox sights do not bother you at all, then feel free to skip this stop.

Sergiev Posad

Pereslavl-Zalessky

Another city of the Golden Ring of Russia. We like this place for two things: the huge Pleshcheyevo Lake and the stupid but cute museums of the whole world. Here and the museum of ingenuity, and the museum of the iron and the house of the kettle - let these names do not bother you. Be sure to check at least one. Tickets cost symbolic money, but each exposition is chosen with such humor that you are immediately imbued with love for the city, its museums and the people who invented it all.

If you have time, go to Pleshcheyev Lake. There is a beautiful and quiet Nikitsky monastery, and not far from it is a pagan attraction - a blue stone. The places are beautiful and majestic, so we advise you to take a little walk along the lake - it's easy to do, on the maps there are many municipal beaches. By the way, when the lake completely freezes, they begin to ride on a winter kite on its surface - the sight is extremely impressive!

Tip from Nitto and PRTBRT: In winter, special attention is required on the road, because you have to drive on water, and on snow, and on clean asphalt, and sometimes even on ice. Non-studded Winter SN2 tires were installed on our car, and on all sections of a difficult winter road we were confident in the good adhesion of tires to the surface: the manufacturer explains this with a wide central rib for stability of movement, a large number of lamellas for reliable grip and a soft tread composition that does not zaduet from the cold. At the same time, do not forget: this is winter, you must observe the speed limit especially carefully and avoid sharp maneuvers.

Direction No. 2. Nikola-Lenivets

Even if you are a regular visitor to Arkhstoyanie or its more fashionable successor, the Signal festival, do not miss the opportunity to go to Nikola-Lenivets in winter. Snow-covered art objects, slides, walks through the winter forest and evenings by the fireplace - what is not an ideal scenario for a winter holiday? Believe me, in winter there are almost no people and all objects can be seen from a completely different angle. Do not forget that at this time of year Nikola-Lenivets works on a different schedule, so be sure to read all the information on the park's website.
  The main thing is to pre-book your accommodation: in winter there are much fewer options available; most of all we like to stay in the Clover houses - in winter it is especially cozy. If you are afraid to freeze or come in a big company, then feel free to stay at the hostel "Barracks". Moreover, it is in the "Barracks" you can order food with delivery from Koltsov.

Nikola-Lenivets

Nikola-Lenivets

Clover houses in NL

Tip: February 17 in Nikola-Lenivets will celebrate Shrovetide. This year, a giant 30-meter sculpture of Nicholas Polissky will be delivered to fire. In addition, a fair with pancakes and treats will be held on the territory of Nikola-Lenivets.

Shrovetide in NL

What to see along the way:

Zvenigorod

Even if you are not a fan of visiting monasteries and churches, Zvenigorod is still worth seeing with your own eyes. Firstly, the city is located in a beautiful place - the banks of the Moskva River form steep hills and slopes, and the city and its main attraction are located on them. Secondly, this monastery is a real impregnable fortress. You should definitely see the frescoes inside the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin - the monumental painting of the 15th century on the dark arches of the temple looks unusual. And do not forget to look into the monastery shop - it sells delicious bread and a special monastery kvass, which local monks insist on raisins.

Tip from Nitto and PRTBRT: The parking around the monastery is horrifying with dirt and disorganization, so be careful when entering and leaving.

Around Zvenigorod there are many old estates: Vvedenskoye, Ershovo and Dunino (the estate of M. M. Prishvin) - they have beautiful territories and nice museums with good-natured workers who are happy to share stories with you about these places.

If you are hungry or just want to have lunch, drop by the Lukovka cafe in Zvenigorod. Pizza, pasta, desserts - all at reasonable prices and in a nice three-story mansion.

Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery

Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery

Direction number 3. Suzdal

Another place we especially love to come in the winter is Suzdal. Many consider this city too touristy and hyped up for the interests of foreign tourists. On the contrary, it seems to us that this is a great example of how small cities with a huge historical heritage can look like in modern Russia (in fact, Suzdal is a huge open-air museum). The tiny city center in winter creates a truly fabulous feeling: a white-stone Kremlin that rises above the center’s wooden houses, steam from samovars and a shop with mead and pies, ruddy people in sheepskin coats - it seems that you got on the pages of a children's fairy tale about a humpbacked horse. One of the huge advantages of the city is its size, you only need a car to get to Suzdal itself, everything else is only on foot.

It is best to start the inspection by visiting the observation deck at the Spaso-Euthymius Monastery - from here a gorgeous view of the city opens.

There are as many as five monasteries in Suzdal: Pokrovsky, Rizopolozhensky, Spaso-Evfimiev, Vasilyevsky, Aleksandrovsky. All of them are beautiful in their own way, do not waste time and take a walk through each of them until it is light. In addition, there are several museums in the city: the Suzdal Kremlin, the Bishops' Chambers, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the Museum of Merchant Life. One of our favorite places in Suzdal is the Smoke of Ceramics workshop. Here you can not only buy beautiful dishes, but also try yourself in the role of a ceramist. The school’s schedule includes many workshops for both children and adults. Well, we believe that there is no souvenir from the trip better than a cup or plate made by yourself.

Dogs from the Dymov Ceramics store

Of Suzdal hotels, “White Beach” is especially attractive to us. It opened recently, in November 2017, and continues the cool trend of hotel cottages with cozy rooms, spacious common rooms where you can play board games and drink tea. In addition, the “White Coast” has an excellent territory, a children's playroom and its own bathhouse.

Winter caravanning, of course, has significant differences from summer.
  This and the limited daylight hours, and frosty weather, and the road surface makes itself felt.

At the same time, winter in the Urals is not a reason to sit at home in anticipation of the onset of summer.

Of course, we’ll wait for the summer, but I don’t really want to sit at home on the weekend.

In winter, you can travel, for example, to Europe, where the climate is milder than ours. But, firstly, it is not always possible to travel outside the country in winter, and secondly, we also have many interesting places to see in winter.

So where can I go on a weekend in winter, and even for a couple of days?

Choosing a route for winter tourism

  Immediately make a reservation that we will not spend the night in the forest (in a tent or a car), we do not discuss winter extreme tourism (something like traveling to the far north in pursuit of the northern lights) either. We plan trips so that either return home the same day or spend the night in a hotel.

To begin with, we are determined with interests. Winter is an occasion to see natural objects that are inaccessible in summer.

For example, caves, which can be approached only in winter on ice or in summer by boat, caves filled with water, freezing in the cold, and turning into amazingly beautiful fairy tale labyrinths. Or objects that are formed only in the winter season, for example, a freezing waterfall of a bizarre shape. And just a walk through the winter forest outside the city will bring a lot of pleasure - and pleasing to the eye, and good for health.

In winter you can see cities, visit museums, historical places, get acquainted with the history of your native land, which you don’t have enough time in the summer when you just want to relax by the lake or go to the cottage.

The Tobolsk Kremlin looks very beautiful on a white snowy background, no less bewitching views of the golden-domed temples illuminated by the bright frosty sun. And winter Baikal is generally an unforgettable experience for the rest of your life. Of course, if possible, you need to travel as much as possible in winter!

Planning a winter road trip is practically no different from planning a trip in the warm season, but has its own characteristics that must be taken into account when planning a route.

Our site has a selection of routes suitable for winter travel: Winter tourism.

Features winter caravanning

• As mentioned above, this is the limitation of daylight hours: it grows light later, it gets dark earlier.
• External weather conditions: snowfalls and blizzards, not only impairing visibility on the road, but also “sweeping” roads, especially in open windy areas.
• Road surface: from absolutely uncleaned roads, which fit only caterpillar tractors to open ice. No less problems are caused by roads sprinkled with reagents when the asphalt turns into a wet slippery puddle, then into thin ice, sparkling like glass ...

Based on the above: travel time increases - the speed limit in winter is significantly reduced relative to summer, early twilight and often poor visibility make it impossible to travel for long periods, ice and sleet aggravate the situation ... Do not forget about this when planning a winter road trip!

Winter route planning

When calculating the daily mileage and travel time, it is not advisable to plan multi-kilometer day passes. That is, if in the summer you drive 900 - 1000 kilometers per day, in winter you should limit yourself to 500 - 700 kilometers. If you have poor eyesight or high eye fatigue, the distance must be further reduced.

Necessarily need a complete rest and nutrition: the physical load of the driver, even in ideal road conditions and absolute visibility, is quite high. The driver’s physical load increases on busy tracks (for example, when you overtake a column of trucks with heavy oncoming traffic), and significantly increases under adverse road conditions (snowfalls, icy conditions or strong crosswinds in open areas).

You should not risk your life and the life of your loved ones, especially on the way to rest or from rest.

Consider reserve options for an overnight stay on the road, if for some reason you cannot arrive on time to the booked hotel. Situations can be different: a breakdown in the road, and a delay due to repair (cleaning) of the road, as a result of which a large traffic jam has collected on the highway, and the temporary closure of a water crossing (ferry).

It is better to foresee (at home) possible accommodation options along the way (choose the nearest settlements in which there are hotels, write out and do not forget to bring the phone numbers and addresses of hotels with you).

What should be in the car for winter caravanning

There are no features to complete the car for winter caravanning. We are not talking about actively - extreme winter trips, for which the car should have everything from Webasto to hijack and fully equipped for long-distance expeditions.

The first one.  The machine must be at least technically sound. Uncertainty in the car will not allow you to fully relax, especially in winter. It’s not very pleasant to repair (even small ones) in the cold.

The second one.  In the trunk of a car we always keep:

1. standard set: spare tire, or at least a repair kit for tire repair in road conditions, a warning triangle, a jack, wrenches for replacing a wheel, a cable for “lighting”;
2. oils and technical fluids: antifreeze, engine oil (especially if at high loads the engine starts to “eat” oil), antifreeze, etc .;
3. liquid for glasses - non-freezing, - is specially allocated in a separate paragraph. It is especially important when driving around the city or on a highway treated with reagents, when dirt flies from the wheels of the car in front of you to the windows of your car;
4. a rope for towing, and not a tattered rope, but a normal cable, with which the car can be evacuated to the house or to the place of repair, or pulled out of track (snowdrift, curb ...);
5. snow shovel. The usual shovel for cleaning snow - helped out many times. You can also take a small tourist hatchet - and on ice you can make nicks, and chop branches - for a fire or toss under the wheels.

The third.  We take care of the health and safety of the driver and passengers in case of a long unforeseen stop:

1. ideally carry a set of spare warm clothes for every traveler. In practice, this does not always work. Form a hiking backpack in which you put a pair of warm mittens, thick warm socks, hats, as well as a small plaid, and let it always lie in the car;
2. a set of little things - a charger for a cell phone, matches (preferably hunting ones that are not afraid of moisture) or a lighter, a flashlight (it can also be useful for repairs in the dark and run into bushes) and a set of batteries for it, a pair of working gloves;
3. minimum grocery set - tea, sugar, a couple of chocolates, a couple of bags of instant soup, a couple of mugs, a five-liter canister with water, a thermos with boiling water. And the best thing is to buy a portable gas stove, a few cylinders for it and a small saucepan (or teapot) - at any time you can boil water, drink hot tea ...

Well, by the way, for winter caravanning just your desire to travel is enough!

Our compatriots are increasingly striving to spend the New Year holidays fun, unforgettable and with benefit. And so many, having found a couple of weeks of rest, are in a hurry to leave the snow-covered city and go on a short car trip. All this, of course, is good, but first you need to decide where to go by car in winter. We offer you several leisure options.

Choose a vacation option

Firstly, do not rush to rush to the near and far abroad, because in Russia there is something to see. Secondly, if you decide to stay at home, you do not have to spend extra money on obtaining a visa for traveling abroad. In this case, your vacation will be not only rich, but also economical.

Do you want to get to know better the most ancient architecture of our country? Then embark on a journey along the Golden Ring of Russia.

Firstly, traveling by car is much more convenient than traveling by bus, and secondly, you will not be attached to guides and sightseeing programs and will be able to see what you want.

What cities are worth visiting?

Of course, Suzdal and Vladimir, Nizhny Novgorod, Istra, Volokolamsk, Teryaevo, Yaroslavl .... Excursions are mostly free, since your path will go mainly through monasteries and churches, and the cost of overnight in a hostel or mini-hotel may be from 1500 rubles  per day per person or per single room.

By car, you can go to the ski resorts, of which in modern Russia there are more and more. The most diverse destinations await you - from Krasnaya Polyana to Elbrus, from Khibiny to North Ossetia. However, in elite ski resorts (like that Krasnaya Polyana), you will be asked to pay more 2000 rubles.

If visiting Russian cities is not included in your travel plans, you should consider going to the near abroad, for example, to Ukraine or. These leisure options appeal to many, first of all, with their economy: you can taste national dishes (like Belarusian zraz and bulba or real Ukrainian borsch) at the most affordable and attractive prices. In individual cafes and restaurants of our closest neighbors, the average price tag for a full-fledged lunch is 250-300 rubles, and the food will be the tastiest and freshest.

The cost of a rented apartment for a day is, on average, 1000 rublesand you don’t expect any additional expenses (except for gasoline): in order to relax in the countries neighboring us, you do not need to apply for a visa and make a passport.

Long-distance trips to, say, the Czech Republic, Germany or France, are perhaps the most expensive.

You have to apply for a passport and open a visa (in the area 200 euros) But the cost of living in other countries, as well as the price of meals, is not so high: for a day you can pay up to 2000 rubles  for apartments in Germany, and a glass of excellent beer with Bavarian sausages will cost approximately 150-500 rubleth - depending on the status of the institution.

But nevertheless, to relax, where it is warm.

Statistics give roughly the following figures - for five airport passengers have at least one passenger car. And these are just passengers! But there are also airport employees who are escorting and meeting, suppliers and other maintenance personnel who are at the place of arrival of the aircraft in transport. And all this volume of road transport (including specialized and freight options) must be placed ...

Beer in Austria is considered to be more than just a drink. it is no coincidence that every year the number of connoisseurs of a foamy drink only increases. According to statistics, in Austria there are about 170 breweries in which more than a thousand varieties of beer are brewed. Among such a huge variety of beers it is very difficult to choose the most worthy option. Excursion to the brewery in ...

Yes, this is an island! But which island? Firstly, it is considered the second largest among all the other islands of the Mediterranean. Secondly, territorially it belongs to Italy, but has the status of autonomy. Sardinia stretches between Sicily and Corsica, and on the island itself, and in most of it there is an incredible number of archaeological and natural reserves. It is clear that the tourist fraternity would love to ...

Moscow - the capital of Russia - offers metropolitan entertainment for every taste and budget. In winter, Moscow is elegantly decorated, festive illumination creates a New Year's mood for adults and children, and gives faith in a fairy tale. In the capital there is entertainment for any weather. If you travel with children - visit wonderful performances for young spectators at the Puppet Theater, the corner of Grandfather Durov (900 rubles ticket for an adult and a child), the Obraztsov Theater (tickets from 800 to 2500 rubles). For adults - their repertoire in the famous Bolshoi Theater (tickets from 100 rubles to 15 rubles), Moscow Art Theater. A.P. Chekhov (tickets from 2500 TR) and many others. Museums and galleries of the capital are also in a hurry to surprise and delight their viewers with wonderful exhibitions and festivals in winter. You can go with your whole family to an open-air skating rink in Gorky Park (a ticket for ice from 150 rubles to 250 rubles) or Sokolniki (skates of all sizes are issued for hire - 200 rubles, a deposit of 2000 rubles). In restaurants (the average bill is from 1,500 rubles) and Moscow clubs in winter, there are numerous parties and concerts of various genres and trends. From Moscow, you can bring as a gift to relatives and friends - a variety of souvenirs.

How to get there: You can get to Moscow from all major cities of Russia: by train (1-2 days) or by plane (travel time on average 3-4 hours).

Where to settle:the range of prices is large: the cost of a room depends on the category of hotel, time of year and area of \u200b\u200bthe city. For example, a night in a hostel and hostel in the Moscow Ring Road will cost 200 - 300 rubles per person. 700 rubles will need to be paid for a hostel in the Kursk station area. A hotel on the outskirts of the capital will cost 2880 tr, in the very center of the price for a four-star and five-star hotel will be in the region from 6 tr to 18 tr

about 10 000 rubles you need to have with you on the most budget vacation option. Visiting restaurants, shops, excursions will increase the cost of travel.

Duration: 2-3 days

What to bring with you: in the capital’s journey, a set of clothes “for all occasions” is needed: a warm hat, a jacket and pants, comfortable shoes. For a festive New Year's dinner or going to the theater, if you want, grab an elegant dress and shoes, for men - a suit. During the trip you will need documents and certificates confirming your or a member of your family - the right to benefits.

2 days with the capital of Tatarstan - weekend in Kazan

Kazan is beautiful at any time of the year, but in winter it is very special. The city is elegantly decorated for the New Year and Christmas, there are Christmas trees, festive illumination flickering, outdoor skating rinks are open. Architectural ensembles also look different in winter, different than in summer: the Kazan Kremlin, the Raifa Monastery, the Kul-Sharif Mosque and other buildings are highlighted and look like in a fairy tale. And how nice it is to go into a cafe after a long walk through the frost and try national dishes - tokmach noodle soup, pilaf, manti, the famous echpochmak pie, elesh, and it is recommended to drink lunch with invigorating teas and balms infused with herbs. The average bill in a cafe for one is 500 rubles, in a restaurant from 1,000 t. Cash will come in handy to buy Tatar souvenirs as gifts to relatives and colleagues: sweets, honey, balms, ceramics or Tatar shoes with curled socks.

How to get there:  a round-trip ticket from Moscow to Kazan will cost 5-6 thousand rubles, in flight you will spend 1 hour, 40 minutes - you need to overcome the distance - 815 kilometers. It takes almost 13 hours to travel by train from the Russian capital to the capital of Tatarstan. A place in the reserved seat costs from 1200 rubles, a coupe from 3800 tr.

Where to settle:the variation in hotel prices in Kazan is very large. For example, a night in a hostel can cost from 300 rubles per person. A night in a 3 star hotel costs from 1,000 - 2,500 thousand rubles, 4 stars - from 2,500 rubles to 4,000 thousand, the "five" from 3 tr and above.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:  A 2-day tour for one person costs 3750 TR (flight + hotel), a trip for 3 days will cost 3950 rubles.

Duration:  2-3 days.

What to bring with you:winter in Tatarstan is mild and rainy, but frosts also occur, so bring along a spare set of warm clothes: a hat, gloves, a scarf. Shoes should be waterproof, on a stable sole, a windproof jacket. During the trip you will need documents and certificates confirming your or a member of your family - the right to benefits. Take a good camera or camcorder with you - the landscapes of Kazan are worth keeping for a long time.

Snow safari on Onega and Ladoga lakes

The ancient and famous Ladoga Lake (the Road of Life passed along it during the Great Patriotic War) is located on the territory of Karelia and the Leningrad Region, it is considered the largest freshwater lake in Europe. The greatest width is 138 km. Depth in different areas of Ladoga can reach from 70 to 230 meters. Lake Onega is the second largest lake in Europe after Ladoga. Northwest Russia is endless lakes and fast rivers. The main excursion destinations of the region: Kizhi - Valaam - Solovki - Kivach Waterfall - Marcial Waters - Ruskeal marble canyon. It is interesting that winter vacations here can be both active: skiing, hiking, snow safaris on ATVs, and secluded in the snowy forest houses. Cash will come in handy for you to buy Karelian souvenirs from shungite or birch as gifts to relatives and colleagues.

How to get there:  if you are traveling to Lake Onega, it will be convenient to get to Petrozavodsk; airfare from Moscow one way per person costs about 3,600 - 3,900 rubles. The flight time is 1 hour, 40 minutes, the distance between cities is 728 kilometers. By train in the reserved seat - 1600 p., Coupe - 2600 p., SV - 7400 p. Travel time - 14 hours. If you have planned a trip to Ladoga, it is more convenient to get to St. Petersburg, 712 kilometers from Moscow. By plane you fly in an hour and a half, one-way ticket from 2 tr.

Where to settle:  on Lake Ladoga, if you are driving on your own, the easiest way is to focus on housing in the private sector closer to the lake, on houses in villages rented by local residents. In Novaya Ladoga, a night in hotels costs one from 500 to 3000 tr.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:  5700 rubles is a two-day organized tour to Ladoga. A trip to the New Year (around Ladoga) for 3 days will cost 21,900 rubles. A tour to Karelia for 2 days / 1 night costs 11,500 per person, 3 days / 2 nights from 13,600 tr.

Duration:2-3 days.

What to bring with you:  a spare set of warm clothes is required: hat, gloves, scarf. Shoes should be waterproof and on a stable sole, the jacket is windproof. During the trip you will need documents and certificates confirming your or a member of your family - the right to benefits. Take a good camera or camcorder with you - you will want to save landscapes of Karelia for a long time.

Weekend in the mountains of Ingushetia

The Republic of Ingushetia is part of the North Caucasus Federal District, part of the North Caucasus Economic Region. The capital is the city of Magas. The all-season resort "Armhi" (Dzheyrah) in winter offers guests a ski vacation on the slopes of varying difficulty and places for snowboarders. You can relax from the activity in the pool or spa resort in the same place, in “Arkhi”. The main transport in Ingushetia is a taxi, online orders are available through the mobile application. Souvenirs from Ingushetia: dolls and knives with national symbols, paintings and panels depicting landscapes of the republic.

How to get there:the distance from Moscow to Magas is 1460 kilometers. By plane, you can fly in two and a half hours, a one-way ticket costs from 1,500 rubles per person. By train we go to Nazran, the largest city in the republic, in one day and 3100 rubles in a reserved seat car and 3200 rubles in a compartment. Moscow - Vladikavkaz by train will cost 2 tr for a place in the reserved seat, 3 tr - in a compartment. Air ticket Moscow - Vladikavkaz costs from 1500 rubles.

Where to settle:  prices in hotels of Armhi on request. In Vladikavkaz, you can spend the night in budget hotels for 1,500 rubles, in more comfortable ones - from 2 to 4 tr.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:3 days / 2 nights tour “Express Caucasus” costs 15 600 rubles, the same number of days in a trip by a small group “Express Caucasus - comfort” will cost 26 000 rubles per person.

Duration: 2-3 days.

What to bring with you:comfortable clothes and shoes. In winter, it is warm in Igushetia, the average temperature is -1 degrees, so take it from the rain - raincoats and umbrellas. In the mountains it can be frosty and snowy: take from the snow and wind - insulated and not blown jackets with trousers. Ski equipment can be rented at the resort.

Weekend with Yaks - Oryol Province

Oryol is an ancient Russian city, which was founded in 1544. In Orel, the famous writers I. Bunin, L. Andreev, I. Turgenev, N. Leskov were born or lived for a long time, so an excursion to literary museums will be included in an organized visit to the city. History buffs will be interested in merchant and church architecture in the old city center. In Orel and the surrounding area, all conditions for outdoor activities are created. For example, 15 minutes from the city there is one of the best ski resorts in Chernozemye - the year-round Gorki park, which provides slopes for beginners and experienced skiers, a cafe and a hotel - you can come here for a couple of days. Fans of nature and animals may be interested in an excursion to Oryol Polesie, in the program - a visit to the zoo-sanitation complex and inspection of ecological natural zones.

How to get there:distance Moscow - Oryol 363 kilometers. From Moscow to Orel by train you will reach in 4 hours, 40 minutes. Ticket price: reserved seat - 700 rubles, coupe - 1200 rubles. A bus from Moscow to Orel travels at least 3 hours, the price of one ticket is from 600 rubles.

Where to settle:  Hotel prices start at 500 rubles (a night in a hostel). The budget "two" costs 1000-1500 tr, the "three" and "four" will cost 3000 - 4000 tr, the prices for hotels of the "five" - \u200b\u200bfrom 4 thousand rubles.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:  the cost of an independent two-day trip to Oryol per person is 7-8 thousand rubles. Be sure to budget unplanned expenses - souvenirs, impromptu excursions, etc.

Duration:  2-3 days.

What to bring with you:the climate in Orel is temperate continental, the average temperature in winter is 5-6 degrees Celsius, so very warm clothes are unlikely to come in handy, but a comfortable kill will come in handy - you will have to walk a lot. During the trip you will need documents and certificates confirming your or a member of your family - the right to benefits.

Winter weekend in Nizhny Novgorod

Nizhny Novgorod was founded in 1221 and throughout its existence has remained an active participant in the historical events of Russia. The main attraction, the heroic shrine of the city is the Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin. It is unique both in its two-level location and in the fact that nobody ever took the stone walls of the Kremlin! It was from here in 1612 that the “great patriot and citizen of Russia” Kozma Minin led the militia to liberate Moscow from the Polish-Lithuanian invaders.

The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin saw and hosted the Rurikovich and the Romanovs, the great ascetics and saints, famous writers and artists, inventors and world famous scientists.

Come to Nizhny Novgorod for the weekend! Stunning views open from the embankments of the Oka and Volga, from the Woodpeckers, from behind the walls of the ancient Kremlin! The artist Ilya Repin once enthusiastically exclaimed: "This regally posed city in the whole east of Russia ..."

Visit the Nizhny Novgorod Fair and Zapochainye, look at the Nizhny Novgorod Arrow, look at the streets of the "Lower Posad". Take a walk along Bolshaya Pokrovskaya. Go to the beautiful estate of Rukavishnikov, the Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art! Listen to the legends and were from the Nizhny Novgorod guides! And how many interesting things are outside Nizhny Novgorod! ..

You will fall in love with this city and come here more than once!

How to get there:an airport operates in the city, so that you can fly from major Russian cities by plane. Buses from nearby cities also drive to Nizhny Novgorod, and trains run constantly.

Where to settle:  Nizhny Novgorod offers accommodation in hotels, prices for rooms in which start from 1000 rubles, as well as hotels in which rooms cost from 1700 rubles per day per person.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:2000 - 4000 rubles.

Duration:1-3 days.

What to bring with you:any trip to Russia cannot do without documents, so do not forget the passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation, as well as a medical insurance policy. Dress the trip warmly, things should be comfortable, not wet and not blown, strong winds on the embankments.

The guide of Nizhny Novgorod will reveal to you all the secrets of a city with a rich history

Hobbies of poetry, prose and participation in the music group "Inelastic Impact", as well as love for his native city, help the native Nizhny Novgorod in his work. You can travel with Boris on foot, by car, by bus, as you like best, because the tour is an expansion of horizons, relaxation, an entertaining pastime, and, by the way, a great gift for yourself, your friends and relatives! Good mood and wonderful emotions are included! Interesting at the guide:,

For a weekend in winter Vienna

On winter weekends or New Year's holidays, you can visit the capital of Austria - Vienna. On this fascinating journey, you can explore many European sights, while spending a relatively small amount.

What can I see in Vienna over the weekend? Tourists recommend starting the acquaintance with the European city with the beautiful Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral. The temple impresses with its splendor of architecture and interior decoration, although it was built in the XIV century. The cathedral houses the tombs of the great kings of the past, and a breathtaking view of Vienna opens from the observation deck. Next you can visit the Teutonic Order Church, which is located within walking distance. The church has a collection of regalia of the order and weapons. As a gastronomic trip, you can visit the famous Schweizerhaus open-air beer restaurant-park and taste the best Viennese Budweiser beer with fried pork leg and sausages.

Having strengthened, go for the Ferris wheel, about which they say, if it was not on, consider it was not in Vienna. On the way, you can shoot at the shooting range and ride a wagon.

You can buy various products at low prices at the local flea market near the huge NASHMARK market, and then take a walk directly through NASHMARK itself.

It is definitely worth a look at an excursion to the beautiful Votivkirche church, which is a vivid monument of Gothic architecture and, thanks to its light openwork ornament, seems to soar in the air, rising above the city. Another attraction that you can visit over the weekend is the Mozart Museum. In the apartment, the composer lived with his family and wrote in her “The Marriage of Figaro”.

Vienna is a rich city with historic buildings, temples and mysterious buildings. Everything will not work in 2-3 days. But the main attractions near the center can be seen. We recommend that you buy the so-called Vienna City Card at the hotel or train station, which gives discounts on admission to museums and free use of public transport. The cost of the card for 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively, is € 13.90, € 21.90 and € 24.90.

How to get there:you can fly to Vienna and stay at the hotel as part of the tour, which can be purchased from a tour operator, and arrange a further trip and transfer yourself. If you choose a completely independent trip, then a plane ticket will cost at least 9,000 rubles from Moscow per person in one direction, and the travel time will be 2 hours 10 minutes.

Where to settle:  Vienna offers hotel accommodation, the cost of three and four stars starts from 3-4 thousand rubles per day in a room per person. Five-star hotels offer accommodation from 15 thousand rubles.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:a tour with a flight and accommodation will cost from 16,000 rubles (two stars), with an excursion program - from 25,000 rubles.

Duration:2-4 days.

What to bring with you:regardless of the length of your trip, you will need a visa in Vienna. It is necessary to issue a Schengen visa of type “C”. You can apply for a document through a tour operator with a fee of 25-30 euros or with a personal appeal to the visa center. To apply for a visa, you will need a completed application form, copies of a Russian passport, copies of return tickets, a 3x4 photo of 4 pieces and a written description of the route in free form, as well as confirmation of solvency (on the current account must be at least 30 euros for each day of travel per person). You will also need a passport. Dress warmly, clothes should not be blown and not wet, the average temperature in Vienna in winter is 0 -5 degrees. Do not forget to take cash in advance in euros, you can also pay for purchases with a MasterCard (when you pay, the currency is automatically converted).

Prague allows you to take a short weekend tour and get to know Europe better. We recommend starting your journey with the main attraction - Old Town Square, which is located in the very center of the city. It is mentioned in chronicles since the 12th century. Previously, the area was an important trading facility, as it was at the intersection of several important trade routes. Over its long history, the place has seen a lot of fun and tragic events - from festivities to executions. Mercy offers a view of the grand Town Hall with an astronomical clock, which is of great architectural value. Each beat back is a small pageant.

Next, you should look at an excursion to the Tyn Church (Church of the Virgin Mary in front of Tyn), which was built over two hundred years. The building is stunning with the beauty of the lines, combining several styles from classic to gothic and baroque. Then you should go to Petrshin Hill - a hill with picturesque parks and an observation tower, which offers stunning views of the city. Not far from the tower there is an interesting attraction - a mirror labyrinth that combines an optical illusion and the mystery of old wooden elements.

You should definitely visit Prague Castle - the residence of King Charles IV, a stunning architectural complex with rich interior decoration and luxurious furnishings. You can dilute the impressions of the grandeur and grandeur of the royal buildings on Golden Street - a cramped street with houses tightly adjacent to each other, but with a unique atmosphere of Czech cosiness. If you have enough time, be sure to visit the large and equipped zoo - the 7th in the ranking of the best world zoos.

How to get there:flights to Moscow regularly fly to Prague at a ticket price of 4,000 rubles one way and a flight time of 1 hour 45 minutes.

Where to settle:  rooms in two and three-star hotels can be rented from 1200-2500 thousand rubles, four stars cost from 3200 rubles, five offer accommodation from 6500 rubles per room per day per person.

Approximate cost of the tour per person:from 13 000 rubles with accommodation, breakfast and excursions.

Duration:3-4 days.

What to bring with you:just as for a trip to Vienna you will need a Schengen visa and a passport. You can apply for a document through a tour operator with a fee of 25-30 euros or with a personal appeal to the visa center. Dress warmly, clothes should not be blown, not soaked and comfortable. The average temperature in Prague in winter is around 0 - 5 degrees. Do not forget to take cash in advance in euros, you can also pay for purchases with a MasterCard (when you pay, the currency is automatically converted).

Another beautiful attraction is the Secheni chain bridge across the Danube. On the 380-bridge, you can admire the views of the city and take many stunning pictures. Of the fortresses, you should definitely visit Buda Castle (a defensive structure) and the Fisherman's Bastion (a former fishing market). Do not disregard the famous baths with thermal springs - a cure for many diseases, and simply a way to quickly relax after a tense autumn. The cost of going to the bathhouse is no more than $ 16. You should definitely visit the restaurant "Casablanca", where you can try the amazingly tasteful pork Mangalitsa, which is served on stone. The animal is rare because of the amazing taste of meat, so the dishes will cost a considerable amount, but if you are a lover of gastronomic travel, you will remember such a pleasure. Fans of mysterious spaces can visit the famous Labyrinth in Budapest with 1200 meters of intricate corridors, dim lights, aromas of dampness and eerie music. Patient reward - a never-ending fountain of dry red wine - "Manyasha" (the entrance to the labyrinth is about 4 euros). How to get there:Aeroflot can fly to Budapest from Moscow for 11,000 rubles and 1 hour 35 minutes. Where to settle:  Budapest offers a wide variety of hotels, the price of rooms per day per person starts from 1800 rubles (two stars), 3500 rubles (three stars), 4400 rubles (four stars) and 12,000 (five stars). Approximate cost of the tour per person:35 000 rubles is a 3-day tour with excursions and accommodation in three stars without the cost of plane tickets. Duration:3-4 days. What to bring with you:from the documents you need a Schengen visa and a passport. Dress warmly, clothing should not be wet or blown, however, comfortable for walking. The temperature in Budapest in winter is kept at an average of 0 -1 degrees. Do not forget to take cash in advance in euros, you can also pay for purchases with a MasterCard (when you pay, the currency is automatically converted). Great history, original architecture, literary allusions - this attracts tourists to the ancient Russian city of Pskov, the city’s churches are distinguished by specialists in a special architectural style. At the confluence of the Velikaya and Pskovka rivers stands the Pskov Kremlin (Krom) - this is the heart of an old city fortress. Inside it - Trinity Cathedral - an interesting architectural structure with a unique history: three times it burned and collapsed, but the relics of the holy princes Vsevolod and Dovmont remained intact. The city has one of the oldest male monasteries in the world - the Holy Dormition Pskovo-Pechersky Monastery (founded in 1473), the Mirozhsky Monastery is famous for its preserved pre-Mongol frescoes of the 12th century. An hour's drive from the regional center are the famous cultural heritage sites of the Russian Federation and ancient strategic buildings: the Porkhov fortress in the city of Porkhov and the Izborsk fortress in the village of Izborsk (an adult ticket to the fortress is 150 rubles, students are 50 rubles). Pskov is historical places associated with the name of the great A.S. Pushkin. Museum estates "Mikhailovskoye", "Trigorskoe" and "Petrovskoye" are awaiting connoisseurs of the great poet and literature lovers all year round (entrance ticket for adults - 250 rubles, children - 100 rubles). Handmade souvenirs from birch bark, willow twig, clay, amazing ceramics and a variety of blacksmiths are brought home from Pskov. How to get there: the distance from Moscow to Pskov (730 kilometers) by train can be overcome in 11 hours, 42 minutes. Ticket price: 1600 rubles in the reserved seat and from 2200 per seat in the compartment. On the same route, the bus will have to spend 11 hours, a ticket from 1100 rubles. A plane ticket will cost 2-4 thousand rubles, flight time: 1 hour, 25 minutes. Where to settle: in Pskov, a large selection of housing: budget hostels (a day for two from 900 rubles), guest houses (from 1200 rubles), a double room in a hotel from 1300 rubles. Approximate cost of the tour per person:  a two-day trip costs from 4900 rubles, a three-day tour from 9600 to 10 300 rubles, for four days you will have to pay 14 700 rubles. Duration:1-3 days. What to bring with you:  during the trip you will need documents and certificates confirming your or your family member - the right to benefits. The average air temperature in Pskov in winter is -4, so very warm clothes will not be needed, but comfortable shoes for comfortable walks and jackets with protection from wind and rain in case of inclement weather are useful. Pskov guide will introduce you to even more amazing stories and secrets of the ancient city Pskov for Alexander was an amazing discovery in Russian culture. The guide graduated with a degree in History and he is engaged in research on the topic “The Formation of the Space of Old Russian Cities in the 10th-15th Centuries.” Therefore, he is happy to devote Pskov guests to the fascinating history of the ancient Russian state. Interesting guide:

Tips for those who don’t know where to go on holiday in Russia in the winter: from the north to the subtropics. A selection of interesting options.

How to travel cheap?

Compare airfare prices.  Use the most sensible cheap ticket search engines - Skyscanner and Avia Sales (check prices in both).

Search for housing:hotels and hostels are conveniently searched on Skyscanner Hotels, a popular hotel search engine.

Great Ustyug

The most obvious option where to go in Russia in the winter of 2018-2019 is Veliky Ustyug. To visit the estate of Santa Claus, even if you have not believed in it for a long time, is quite curious not only for the New Year, but also in any other winter month. Veliky Ustyug has a rich history, and if the New Year’s hype is uninteresting, then go explore the ancient churches and monasteries of the city. Here you can buy souvenirs and jewelry: earlier the city was famous for the fact that its masters were engaged in silvering and painting on birch bark.

Veliky Novgorod is not in vain called the father of Russian cities. This is one of the oldest Russian cities - and one of the most beautiful. This independent city with a turbulent and rich history has preserved the monuments of ancient Russian architecture of the pre-Mongol period, which are protected by UNESCO.

Velikiy Novgorod. Photo © ANTON / flickr.com

gold ring

Where else to go in the winter of 2018-2018 in Russia? We recommend the Golden Ring, which includes Sergiev Posad, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Rostov the Great, Yaroslavl, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Suzdal and Vladimir. This is a route for at least a week: the number of monuments of architecture and culture in these ancient cities of Russia, once formerly major centers of folk crafts, is off the charts. The Trinity-Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad, the Suzdal Kremlin, the Assumption Cathedral in Vladimir - in general, you can write a separate article about this. You can stay in one city and visit the neighboring ones, and you can move from city to city.

St. Petersburg

Saint Isaac's Cathedral. Photo © nironadsu / flickr.com

Kazan

Moscow

Another obvious answer to the question of where to go in Russia in the winter of 2018-2019 is Moscow. The capital, like Petersburg, boasts a huge number of attractions. In winter, there are also fewer tourists and a wide expanse for those who prefer to admire paintings, sculptures and other works of art and culture alone and without interference.

Useful articles about Moscow:

• Where to eat in Moscow (and also inexpensive)?

GUM. Photo © feel-the-silence / flickr.com

Sochi

Karelia

Karelia is simply charming in winter. Picturesque nature, clean air, peace and quiet ... You can ride a dog sled and snowmobile, visit Kizhi and other churches, as well as see the Kivach waterfall. An excellent option is to rent a small house in Karelia and relax with the family from the city rush.