Russia is the biggest country in the world, practically stretching from Japan in the East to Minsk and Kiev in the West. With the enormous size comes enormous cultural, linguistic and geographical diversity to the country. The beautiful country, while being a traveller’s delight, can be a tad bit difficult to travel across, and if you are looking to travel to Moscow and St.Petersburg and the area in between, there are only two really viable options available – the Moscow to St Petersburg cruise or the famous Moscow to St Petersburg by train line. However, is you do have the financial means or win big after using a mohegan sun bonus code you could extend your trip and book both expriences.
Each has its merits and drawbacks, and if you are planning a visit, you will need to choose between the two before you take the plunge. Here is a roundup of the river cruise versus the train tour debate between the two biggest Russian cities that can help you pick the best mode to explore the place:
1. If you are a first time traveler…
If this is your first visit to Russia, taking the land tour using the famed railway line is the best way to traverse the beautiful country. The Russian countryside is a break from the cities and villages that you will find in Western Europe, and the differences are both stark and instructive. Most terrestrial guided tours cover cities such as Kazan, Suzdal and Yaroslav, besides Moscow and St.Petersburg. Besides getting to see some of the most stunning architectural marvels and museums and galleries in these cities, you can also take time out to visit restaurants that offer authentic Russian fare.
If you are not a first time visitor, however, a cruise is the best way to rediscover the country while not having to exert as much as on a land tour. Most tour operators on this extraordinary river cruise offer a definite flavor of Russia, while making sure you enjoy all kinds of luxury facilities on the 5-star cruise.
2. If you like to immerse yourself in the culture….
The train tour is for people who enjoy unplanned and spontaneous travel. So, for example, if you think of travelling as a passion, you may prefer the train route. This is the only way you are going to get to see the Bolshoi Theatre, the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow.
However, if you are travelling to Russia only to have a relaxing vacation away from work, the river tour is the perfect way to relax with parties and sights of the Russian hinterland. There are land stops on the Volga river along some of the prettiest villages, but the benefit is that you get to see as much of Russia as you can in the 7 to 8 days that a typical tour lasts.
3. How many days do you have?
The cost of a Moscow to St.Petersburg train ticket and typical rail tour packages is almost the same as a river cruise. The only variable is the number of days you have to spare. While typical tours from Moscow to St.Petersburg run from 7 to 11 days, rail tours are way more flexible and should be the preferred option if you have some time at hand.
Both these ways to explore the gorgeous Russian cities of Moscow and St.Petersburg offer their own sets of experiences. Depending on the above listed factors, you can make a choice between the two. So get started with planning a visit to this beautiful country and make memories to cherish for life!