Best fall months to travel to Russia are September and October. In the very beginning of October, you will have a chance to see Russian “Golden autumn” (золотая осень). This is a period (usually, lasting a couple of weeks) when the leaves turn red and yellow and nature is especially slightly.
By the way, visiting our country in autumn is rather practical – it is not high tourist season, so accommodation in Russia will be less expensive and total travel costs lower.
We noticed that most of our students prefer to visit Russia in summer. Of course, at this time of the year the weather is quite attractive and many fascinating outdoor events are held. However, if you don’t have an opportunity to travel to Russia in summer, we can give you several autumn travel ideas. Perhaps this experience will be even more exciting!
Russian student visa opens up a lot of opportunities and makes it possible to see many wonderful cities and nature wonders within one country. Some of them are especially beautiful in autumn!
Vineyards in the south of Russia
The grape harvest season in southern Russia begins in the second half of September and lasts until mid-October. To see the amazing ritual of picking grapes or to participate in the harvest yourself, go to the vineyards located in the suburbs of Krasnodar, Rostov or Stavropol. Best winemaking and harvest festivals are held in in Balaklava (Crimea), on the Pukhlyakovsky farm in the Rostov region and in the Valley of Lefkadia near Krasnodar. During these merry events, you will have an opportunity to get closer to Russian traditions and practice speaking with natives. Conversational practice is the most essential part of learning Russian language in Russia, so do not miss the chance! Be sure, a glass of local wine will help you to overcome the language barrier.
Altai Mountains
Altai is beautiful at any time of the year, but in autumn it is especially picturesque. In September, the slopes of the Altai Mountains are painted in pinkish-lilac tones, because the Ledebour rhododendron blooms at this time of the year. Though the nights are becoming noticeably cooler, it is still warm and sunny here during the day. We advise you to rent a car and go along the famous Chuysky tract towards the Belukha mountain, Chizhe-Taman pass and numerous mountain lakes, rivers and waterfalls.
Residences of Russian emperors and famous estates
If you are planning to travel to St. Petersburg or Moscow, do not forget to visit the summer palaces and estates in the suburbs. From our point of view, “golden autumn” is the best time to stroll along the alleys in the manor parks. You can go to Tsarskoye Selo (Puskin town, 30 km from St Petersburg) or Petergof – the were the official summer residences of Russian emperors. Tsarsloye Selo and Petergof are superb, marvelous, and luxurious complexes.
If you happen to spend autumn in Moscow, it’ll be nice to visit famous figures’ estates – Arkhangelskoe, Abramtsevo, Bykovo, Shakhmatovo. These places are not so grand and gorgeous, they are more about coziness, quietness and mystery.
In the fall you can observe the most colorful and breathtaking views of Baikal. It will be a great idea to take a ride along the route of the Circum-Baikal Railway. This can be done on the tourist train “Irkutsk – Slyudyanka – Port Baikal”. The speed here is only 20 km/h, so you will have time to enjoy beautiful landscapes. What is more, this travel-idea is a great activity for both – friends travelling together and those who decided to visit Russia alone. The atmosphere of Russian train is something difficult to describe. It is usually associated with peace, coziness and hot tea served in weird mugs. The train is a perfect setting for reflection and pondering deep existential questions. Or, on the contrary, for having fun with friends, chatting, singing songs and playing the guitar.
