England Vs Russia

England is regarded as a country of timeless beauty. Home to the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, it also revels in its quintessential English countryside comprising quaint villages and historical sights, which add to its character. A holiday in England is for the global traveller looking to experience the buzz of city life that’s balanced by the deep-rooted traditions and culture of the British.

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.

Different in many ways, here’s what holidays in England or Russia have to offer.

England

London: London is a city filled with character. Abuzz with excitement all through the year in spite of the occasional bouts of drab weather, the city is inviting in every way. London is home to some great shopping, eclectic nightlife and spectacular and historical monuments like the iconic clock tower Big Ben, the Buckingham Palace where the Royal family resides, the historical castle Tower of London with the nearby Tower Bridge, the Angelical St. Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, which serves as the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English and British monarchs. Take a ride on the London Eye for a bird’s eye view of the city and also visit outdoor locations including Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus.

Manchester: Manchester city in northwest England has a legacy of being an industrial hub. However, the city has transformed itself over the years to become a hub for the arts and home to educational institutes. The Manchester Cathedral is a good place to start your tour. Dating back to 1215, the interiors boast of stained glass and intricate carvings. In the heart of the city, the Manchester Art Gallery houses a great selection of artworks. The Museum of Science and Industry in Castlefield is a great place to learn about the city’s industrial and scientific past. Also worth a visit are the University of Manchester, Heaton Park and Manchester Town Hall. Football fans must visit the City of Manchester Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City Football Club.

Brighton: Charismatic and captivating, that’s the English seaside town of Brighton for you. Aside from Brighton beach with its seafront bars, restaurants, nightclubs and recreational activities, there’s plenty to see here. Visit the Brighton Museum and Art Gallery with its innovative displays, the Royal Pavilion with royal artefacts and a collection of Regency silver gilt and Theatre Royal Brighton, which hosts musicals and West End productions.

How To Get There
Major international airlines including British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Air India, Jet Airways and Qatar Airways operate direct and via flights from India to London. Check for available flights from your city here.

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.
 

*All prices are approximate and subject to change.

Both England and Russia are a traveller’s dream. With unique experiences that can’t be found elsewhere, your choice of deciding where to go is a challenging one. England is most certainly on the beaten path whereas Russia isn’t and that’s what makes it intriguing.