Category: Russia

10 ways you can donate to help the people of Ukraine

10 ways you can donate to help the people of Ukraine

Just as the travel industry was starting to find its feet again as we emerge from the pandemic, the awful invasion of Ukraine is, first and foremost, a terrible humanitarian catastrophe. It is a tragedy that is sure to affect many industries, including travel and perhaps, in particular, luxury travel, but this needs to be
The best places in the world to view incredible wildlife all year round

The best places in the world to view incredible wildlife all year round

Leading long-range optic specialists SWAROVSKI OPTIK, has partnered with wildlife specialist Natural World Safaris, to offer exclusive tips for nature enthusiasts looking to explore the ‘unseen’ and spot incredible wildlife throughout the year in different destinations across the globe. From spotting the elusive Snow Leopard in the Himalayas from January to encountering the striking Puma in Chile from
The new Russia e-visa

The new Russia e-visa

Did you know that a new e-visa system is planned for travel to Russia? As the ninth most visited country in the world, this will make life a little easier for many of the 30+ million foreign travellers who visit each year. Previously, it’s often been a quite long and extensive application process, involving an
Travel inspiration: 8 of Eastern Europe's best UNESCO sites

Travel inspiration: 8 of Eastern Europe's best UNESCO sites

Europe is a culmination of fascinating cities, ancient architecture and beautiful landscapes, so no matter what you’re after there will be something that blows you away. Naturally, such rich history and raw beauty is bound to produce some sites that are culturally valuable and thus have landed on the UNESCO world heritage list. Below are
6 of Europe's most luxurious rail journeys

6 of Europe's most luxurious rail journeys

While there are myriad ways to experience Europe’s heritage-filled cities, spectacular landscapes and world-class gastronomy, we think it’s all perhaps best showcased with a luxury rail journey. Expect centuries-old tradition and five-star service framed by iconic views that range from the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands to the coastal charm of Spain’s north. See
Discover the Baltic cities

Discover the Baltic cities

From Viking raiders setting out across its frigid waters, to medieval traders carrying goods between Hanseatic ports and epic clashes between Russian, German and British fleets, the Baltic has long been at the centre of Europe’s changing fortunes. Sandwiched between their former master, Russia, and the often-icy waters of the Baltic Sea, the countries of
5 must-try Caucasian restaurants in Moscow

5 must-try Caucasian restaurants in Moscow

Caucasian cuisine is one of the finest and tastiest cuisines there is. Unfortunately, most people don’t seem to know about it. I won’t blame you. In Western cities, it isn’t easy to find a good Georgian or Armenian restaurant. In Moscow that is completely different. Good Caucasian restaurants are a dime a dozen here. That
Moscow's 5 most popular street food markets

Moscow's 5 most popular street food markets

The savvy luxury traveler knows: luxury isn’t always exclusively defined by price. Sometimes luxury is in the selection that you get to choose from. That is why in Moscow, you should not focus only on glitzy high-end restaurants. The city offers a wide range of brand-new food courts and street food markets that will delight
Moscow's 5 finest high-end rooftop bars

Moscow's 5 finest high-end rooftop bars

Moscow is not inundated with skyscrapers like New York City, but it does have its fair share of rooftop bars, restaurants and lounges. Do not leave the city without having seen it from a bird’s eye perspective at least once. Nothing’s better suited to that than a classy, high-end rooftop bar. Here’s my list of
The 5 alternative sights in Moscow that you must not miss

The 5 alternative sights in Moscow that you must not miss

Even the most ardent luxury traveler can grow tired after days of high-end restaurants, expensive malls and glitzy hotels. Luckily, Moscow offers a ton of cool sights and activities that will appeal to luxury and regular travelers alike, even if some of these will require a bigger-than-average budget. These five tips are guaranteed to get your adrenaline
All that glitters is gold: some of the world's most spectacular gold landmarks

All that glitters is gold: some of the world's most spectacular gold landmarks

Visit some of the world’s most impressive gold-themed attractions, from temples and museums that preside over the skylines of iconic cities to a lavish hotel made of gold which takes luxury to whole new heights, and a famous stretch of golden coastline which is a magnet for the A-list. After you’ve had your gold fix,
Top 9 rivers for luxury river cruising in Europe

Top 9 rivers for luxury river cruising in Europe

River cruising is gaining in popularity, but is it for you, and which river do you choose? The average age is slightly higher than ocean cruising, and it is generally more expensive, but it offers more inclusions and there is a suitable itinerary for everyone. It particularly suits those with an interest in history and
Russian dining at Moscow's Matryoshka restaurant

Russian dining at Moscow's Matryoshka restaurant

In the shadow of Moscow’s landmark Radisson Royal Hotel, and right in the heart of historic and business district of the city, lies the two-storey Matryoshka restaurant by Maison Dellos. It opened its doors in February 2017 under the supervision of Vlad Piskunov – an author of various cookbooks and presenter of a number of
VDNH: a celebration of Soviet Russia

VDNH: a celebration of Soviet Russia

Located in the Ostankinsky District of Moscow, to the north of the city centre, VDNH lies less than a kilometre from Ostankino Tower, the tallest free-standing structure in Europe. Originally opened in August of 1939, and with a major impetus to revive the area since 2014, this ‘Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy’ is
Moscow's Ukrainian restaurant... complete with resident cow!

Moscow's Ukrainian restaurant... complete with resident cow!

If you’re looking for a dinner with a difference, head to Shinok Restaurant (Ресторан Шинок) on Moscow’s Year 1905 Street. This Ukrainian restaurant first opened its doors in 1997 and, despite its modest red brick appearance, is one of the most iconic places to dine in the Russian capital. On entering, you make your way
TSUM: Moscow's most fashionable department store

TSUM: Moscow's most fashionable department store

During my recent trip to Moscow with ‘Moscow Seasons‘ (see posts here and here), I called at TSUM (ЦУМ), Moscow’s most fashionable department store. Located in the Tverskoy District just next to The Bolshoi Theatre, TSUM is managed by the Mercury Group – Russia’s largest luxury goods distributor, with more than 20-years’ experience in fashion