Russia is a mystery waiting to be uncovered. In this, lies its biggest lure. The country welcomes the undaunted traveller looking for a lesson in heritage and culture. This incredible country has reflections of its past at every corner almost serving as a reminder of what it once was and how far it’s come.

Slovakia in Central Europe is diverse in many ways. Castles and churches. Hot springs and national parks. Arts and architecture. Protected by its better known neighbors including Austria and Hungary, Slovakia is a tourist delight. Relatively unexplored, the country has a rich heritage to tell of. Like they say ‘explore the unexplored’ and you’ll be in for a real treat!

Here’s what a holiday in Russia or Slovakia entails…

Russia

Moscow: There’s a lot to see and do in Moscow starting with the most iconic landmark of the city, the Kremlin. Located in the heart of city, it’s home to four palaces and four cathedrals and is also the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. While here, see the Kremlin Armoury Museum, the oldest museum in Moscow where ornate Faberge eggs and Russian Imperial regalia and treasures of gold and silver are displayed. Irrespective if you have a train to catch or not, a visit to the Moscow Metro will surely wow you. Adorned with crystal chandeliers, Murano glass and fascinating murals, the architecture and ornate interiors are stunning. Saint Basil’s Cathedral located in the Red Square is a magnificent structure in vibrant colours and the fascinating shapes and patterns. History buffs must visit Lenin’s Mausoleum and the State Historical Museum, which documents the history of the country through its vast collection. Connoisseurs of the arts must watch a performance at the historic Bolshoi Theatre and for some fun, head to Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure with amusement rides and activities like boating in the Krymsky River.

St. Petersburg: Built by the Russian tsar, Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is similar to the neo-classical style found in Renaissance Italy. This growing city has many breathtaking monuments like the State Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world with an unparalleled collection of art masterpieces. Within its premises are the Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage, New Hermitage and Hermitage Theatre. St. Petersburg’s skyline is dominated by the golden dome of the largest Russian Orthodox basilica called St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Like its exterior, the interiors boast of magnificent columns, granite statues and ornate mosaic frescos. Another attraction in St. Petersburg is the Peter & Paul Fortress. Built by Peter the Great and rooted in history, this is where many famous revolutionaries were imprisoned during the Russian Revolution. St. Petersburg is also home to several palaces including Pavlovsk Palace, Moika Palace and Stroganov Palace.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Aeroflot, Air India, Jet Airways and Air Astana operate direct and via flights from India to Moscow. Check for available flights from your city here.

Slovakia

Bratislava: Along the Danube River bordering Austria and Hungary lies the capital city of Slovakia, Bratislava. Dotted with monuments and buildings representative of its medieval history, the Bratislava Castle is probably the town’s most famous landmark perched above the Danube River. The Devin Castle atop a rock where the Morava River meets the Danube River is an important Slovak archaeological site and houses a museum. Bratislava is blessed with nature’s bounty in the form of the Little Carpathian mountains, vineyards and forest trails. The city also has its share of museums and churches, namely the Slovak National Museum, the Bratislava City Gallery, the Bratislava City Museum, the Church of St. Elizabeth and the Trinitarian Church. For some fun, enjoy a day on the Danube Promenade, take a stroll through Primate's Square in Old Town and admire Michael’s Gate, a 14th century green copper roof known to be one of the oldest buildings in Bratislava and built as one of the four gates in to the city.

Kosice
A city dating back to the 8th century, Kosice has a rich medieval heritage and culture. Declared the European Capital of Culture in 2013, there is much to see and do here. Visit some prominent points of interest like Slovakia’s biggest church, St. Elisabeth Cathedral with its vaulted ceilings, wall frescoes and stained glass windows. Also visit the historic St. Urban Tower, the Baroque style State Theatre and the Eastern-Slovakia Museum with its collection of gold. The Spis Castle ruins, one of the largest castle sites in Central Europe is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and worth a visit. In Kosice, every street tells a story and Main Street with its aristocratic palaces and Catholic churches is no different. A pedestrian-only zone, Main Street’s modern dwellers come in the form of boutiques, cafés and restaurants.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including Austrian Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Flydubai operate via flights from India to Bratislava. Check for available flights from your city here.

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Both Russia and Slovakia are unconventional holiday destinations. This makes them all the more worth exploring for the unique experiences that can be head unlike anywhere else in the world. If you’re looking for more of a big-city feel, then a holiday in Russia will give you that in addition to a history lesson!