fred olsen travel heathfield

Fred Olsen Travel

fred olsen travel heathfield

Company Details

  • Contact Name: Trevor Ridler
  • Business Address: 52 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex. TN21 8HU
  • Business Email: [email protected]
  • Business Number: 01435 510 623
  • Website: https://www.fredolsentravel.co.uk

Fred. Olsen Travel Agents is one of the premier travel agencies along the south coast. Established in 1988, we currently have 18 retail branches in East Anglia and the south coast including our newest Branch here in Heathfield

Fred. Olsen Travel Agents are worldwide holiday specialists and cruise experts with knowledgeable staff that have first-hand experience of many destinations and types of holidays.

Our Branch provides specialist travel services including holidays, cruises, trips to Europe and around the World, Weddings, UK Breaks, City Breaks, River, Rail & Honeymoons, plus much more. When you book your holiday with us you also have financial protection provided by our ABTA & ATOL bonding.

Now open on the High street, pop along to find your next dream Holiday.

Business Location

  • Breakfast Meetings

Travel Gossip

Latest News

  • Product News
  • Partner News
  • Up For Grabs
  • The Secret Agent
  • Press Releases
  • Partner News Promotion
  • Travel Gossip on Whatsapp
  • New York State Hub
  • USA Boot Camp
  • Cruise Directory
  • Switzerland Destination Hub
  • New South Wales Hub
  • Homeworking Directory
  • New to Cruise Bootcamp
  • Competitions, Offers and Incentives
  • Big Agent Rewards
  • Travel Gossip Roadshow 2024
  • View Events Calendar
  • Subscribe to our Events Roundup
  • Event Organisers
  • Bespoke Events
  • For Suppliers
  • The Travel Celebration
  • About Travel Gossip
  • The Travel Gossip Team
  • The Travel Celebration 2023
  • Summer Party 2021
  • Facebook Group

Select Page

New Fred Olsen Travel shop to open seven days a week

Trevor Ridley, Business Development Manager at Fred Olsen Travel

Fred Olsen Travel is set to open its 18 th shop in Eastbourne next month.

The new branch in The Beacon Shopping Centre will be the first branch in the agency’s retail network to stay open seven days a week.

Business Development Manager Trevor Ridler said the branch would soft launch on 18 June before an official opening with guests on 10 July.

He said: “The only time that we’re going to be closed is for Easter and Christmas. We’re going to keep with the hours of the shopping centre.

“We don’t want to close the shop on Sunday. It’s more of a visual thing because if shoppers are in the shopping centre on a Sunday and they see that we’re closed are they going to come back the following week?”

Fred Olsen Travel’s Heathfield shop currently receives some enquiries via its website on Sundays, according to Trevor, who helped open the branch in East Sussex last year.

He added: “I come into the Heathfield shop on a Monday and there are always a few website enquiries that have dropped on a Sunday.

“So, staff in the new Eastbourne shop will probably have those to work on a Sunday.”

Sales staff at the Eastbourne-based shop will complete any booking administration on site, Trevor said.

However, if there are too many bookings to manage then Fred Olsen Travel’s Heathfield shop will take over that responsibility.

Confirming Fred Olsen Travel wanted four sales staff in its new branch, Trevor (pictured) said: “We want experienced staff to start with but I’m a big believer in bringing new blood into the travel industry.

“However, I do not think it would be right to open and train staff at the same time.”

He added: “East Sussex College has got a highly regarded travel and tourism course. I do not think that we’ll have problem finding youngsters to come into the business when the times comes.”

Trevor confirmed one staff member had already been recruited.

Share this article

fred olsen travel heathfield

Private equity firm acquires ‘significant stake’ in AmaWaterways

US-based private equity firm L Catterton has acquired a ‘significant stake’ in river cruise line...

London-based ATOL travel agency ceases trading

London-based ATOL travel agency ceases trading

A travel agency based in north-west London has been struck off the Companies Register and...

Chancellor ‘considering further rise in air tax’ in this week’s Budget

Chancellor ‘considering further rise in air tax’ in this week’s Budget

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is reportedly considering pushing up air passenger duty on business class...

Easter strike threat at Heathrow

Easter strike threat at Heathrow

Border Force staff are being balloted on strike action at London’s Heathrow Airport, which could...

Kieran Savill leaves HF Holidays after five months to join Newmarket

Kieran Savill leaves HF Holidays after five months to join Newmarket

Kieran Savill has joined escorted tours specialist Newmarket Holidays in the new role of...

View all news

fred olsen travel heathfield

Advertising

Fred Olsen Travel expands into East Sussex

  • Share on WhatsApp
  • Share by email

Fred Olsen Travel is to open its seventeenth branch this month, marking its first foray into East Sussex.

The new store is in Heathfield, near Eastbourne, and will be managed by Trevor Ridler, former manager of Baldwins Travel in Tonbridge, Kent.

Fred Olsen Travel already operates in East Anglia, Hampshire and Dorset, and head of commercial Paul Harwick said East Sussex had a similar profile of affluent customers.

The branch, which Hardwick and Ridler have repainted and kitted-out themselves, will open with a soft launch on January 24, ahead of a grand opening on February 21.

There are no other agencies in the town and the agency has started advertising the opening in the local press.

Hardwick plans to trial an affiliate agent scheme from the shop, where experienced agents are encouraged to set up pop-up shops elsewhere in the county.

He explained: “We want to see if there are any newbies or experienced agents looking to find a way back into the industry, who want to see if they can create a successful pop-up business outside the shop in the surrounding area.”

He suggested pop-ups could be in garden centres, sports clubs or “anywhere people are going”, adding: “We see this as a temporary thing for people not wanting to work full hours, or wanting to work more flexibly, but it’s a toe in the water for them, and for us, without adding lots of cost.”

Hardwick stressed Fred Olsen Travel was not looking to “tread on any toes”, but was “looking for good opportunities”.

He explained the business had “partnered” with an agency near Bournemouth, meaning it remains independent but becomes a licensee of Fred Olsen Travel and benefitting from its commercial terms, financial protection and marketing resources. It operates a similar model with Ponders Travel, in Cambridge, and with Cruise and Travel Select, in Bedford, and Hardwick is open to more such arrangements.

“We can help businesses move forward,” he said. “And surely it’s better for us to work with our competitors.”

Fred Olsen Travel’s customer events will return for the first time since Covid this Saturday (January 22).

More than 120 people are registered to join agents and suppliers at Norwich Airport. A second event is planned at Bournemouth airport on February 2.

Share article

View comments, jetblue $3.8bn spirit merger shelved, caa chair re-appointed until 2028, celestyal boss hails performance of ‘phenomenal’ uk market, sally cope to leave tourism australia this summer, jacobs media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 queen's award for enterprise..

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more .

fred olsen travel heathfield

Hey, your browser is out of date!

fred olsen travel heathfield

It's All About the Journey

fred olsen travel heathfield

As we step into 2024, we foresee a year brimming with exciting journeys

and unforgettable experiences.

In this special edition, we’ve curated a collection of our finest offers and ideas for you to explore this January. Prepare to be overwhelmed with options – from deciding where to go to planning what to do throughout 2024 and beyond.

Contact our Holiday and Cruise Specialists today to book your exciting adventure for 2024 and beyond...

Seize the opportunity to transform your travel aspirations into reality by reaching out to our dedicated Holiday and Cruise Specialists. Let their expertise guide you in creating a tailor-made adventure that suits your desires and exceeds your expectations. Don’t miss out on the chance to secure your spot for an exhilarating experience in 2024 and beyond.

Indulge in the excitement of discovery, the thrill of exploration, and the promise of unforgettable memories. Contact us today and embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary – your extraordinary adventure awaits!

Explore even more offers from the fantastic operators below

fred olsen travel heathfield

As one of the UK’s most established travel companies, Fred. Olsen Travel provides outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our six distinct specialisms. Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your booking is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

fred olsen travel heathfield

fred olsen travel heathfield

Hey, your browser is out of date!

Edge logo

Our Visions & Values

Steve Williams

Here at Fred. Olsen Travel, are values are at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission is to be a world class provider of travel products and services with a reputation for outstanding customer service, unrivalled choice, exceptional quality and value for money.

The Fred. Olsen Way

Here at Fred. Olsen Travel, we are a ‘family’. We embrace diversity and strive to create conditions that provide everyone with an equal opportunity to grow. Together, we create a working environment that feels safe for everyone, leaving room for individualities and creativity.  

We invest heavily in the knowledge and expertise of our people by sending them all over the world on educational experiences, coupled with our passion for travel is why we have some of the most well – travelled people in the industry!

fred olsen travel heathfield

fred olsen travel heathfield

Hey, your browser is out of date!

fred olsen travel heathfield

  • Destinations ►
  • Destinations
  • Special Interest
  • European Rivers ►
  • Worldwide Rivers ►
  • Operators ►
  • Cruise & Stay
  • Holiday Types ►
  • Popular Destinations ►
  • Rail Journeys ►
  • European Rail
  • Worldwide Rail
  • Luxury Trains ►
  • Popular Rail Journeys ►
  • Hotel Jardín Tecina
  • Botania Relais & Spa
  • Maritim Hotels
  • Request a Brochure
  • Flight time from London: 3 hour 35 min
  • Domodedovo International Airport: 45km from the city centre; transfer time about 1 hour 4 min
  • Nearest railway station: Leningrad Station
  • Currency: Russian ruble

Russia

As the largest city in Europe and Russia's capital, Moscow boasts gigantic buildings, expensively priced coffee and some of the wealthiest people in the world amongst its citizens.

Theatre plays a big part of the city's culture, with the world famous Bolshoi Theatre being just one of the many places which showcase the latest performances to the masses. These concerts are often at the heart of many of the festivals that come to Moscow on a yearly basis and there are also a variety of different local theatres which are continually offering premieres of the newest shows. Along with this, much of the art often spills out into the streets, creating a feast for the eyes of any lucky passers-by.

Moscow offers something for everyone, with romantic walks lit up by beautiful lights for the couples, art galleries and beautiful architecture for culture enthusiasts and Gorky Park and the Moscow Zoo for those travelling with children. A Moscow city break will not disappoint and you are sure to be welcomed with open arms.

One of the world's most recognisable public spaces, Red Square is as impressive in reality as it is onscreen. The heart of Moscow and the first destination for most visitors to the city, it is surrounded by St. Basil's Cathedral, the State History Museum, Lenin's Mausoleum and one of the Kremlin's long brick walls.

The Kremlin

This gigantic site can not be missed. The Diamond collection in the Armoury is worth a visit on its own and there are also several stunning churches that warrant a look.

The Lenin Mausoleum

Walk past the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin (who actually did not want any monuments to be built for him) and join the debate if it is still him.

The Bolshoi Theater

The world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, meaning Big Theatre, is Russia's largest and most famous arts venue.

The Old Arbat

The historical Old Arbat is one of few pedestrian streets in Moscow. In recent years, it has long been considered one of the main cultural centres of Russia. The street boasts some of the country's most famous artists, composers, musicians and writers as its former residents.

Moscow has some of the best restaurants in Russia with prestigious chefs trained in the top kitchens of Europe. The capital offers a variety of different menus that provide a choice of regional or international cuisine. But most of the restaurants in the capital boast an array of gastronomic Azerbaijani specialities, which are highly recommended if you want to try delicious food in Moscow. Many restaurants are located in the very heart of the city, in old mansions, with which interesting stories and legend are closely connected.

Moscow has a terrific choice of shops, boutiques, markets and extraordinary malls to choose from. All the big name brands are here, plus some seriously pricey local producers too. Tverskaya Ulitsa, north of Red Square, is Moscow's most fashionable shopping street with numerous expensive boutiques, whilst most tourist-oriented gift stores tend to be concentrated on touristy Ulitsa Arbat.

Moscow captivates visitors with its thriving nightlife. It is full of events, premieres, concerts and offers everything from bars, clubs, racing, and bowling to fantastic theatres, circuses, cinemas and concert halls. All of them have interesting histories, so you will experience the unique atmosphere and ambience of these places. The city has a terrific choice of places to have fun, so you are sure to find something to suit your taste.

  • Sort By: Price Price
  • Clear All Filters

{{Name}} logo

Departure Date

fred olsen travel heathfield

Specialisms

Fred. holidays.

Travel Industry Logos

© Fred. Olsen Travel 2024. Registered in England and Wales No. 02287241. 2nd Floor, 36 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH

Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority's Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your money is financially protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Reasons to book with us... Financial protection afforded by our ABTA and ATOL industry bonding, giving you complete peace of mind. Dedicated team of experienced travel advisors waiting to tailor your holiday to your personal requirements. We can arrange all of your car hire, airport lounges and much more to make your holiday as easy as possible.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

fred olsen travel heathfield

Moscow enjoyed the status of capital for most of Russia’s history, except for a relatively brief period (about two hundred years), when the Tsar and the government relocated to St Petersburg . But the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918, and today it’s an extremely diverse city. It can easily take a couple of weeks to see all of its sights, but if you've only got a weekend to explore, here's how to have two perfect days in Moscow.

Exterior of St Basil's Cathedral at Red Square on a sunny autumn morning.

Start your weekend in Moscow by acquainting yourself with top-notch Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago . Located on the first floor of the historical hotel National and overlooking the Kremlin, it’s definitely one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Try millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail or traditional cottage cheese with raisins and candied fruit.

Set aside at least half a day for Russian capital’s major attractions: the Red Square and the Kremlin . To reach the Kremlin, cross the street from Dr Zhivago and walk through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower . Check out all the cathedrals, including Archangel cathedral with all the tsars’ tombs and Uspensky cathedral with medieval icons. Pause to look at the famous Tsar Bell and climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to enjoy some great views.

Zaryadye - a landscape and architectural park. Many people stroll over concrete walkways surrounding a rounded building in parkland.

Exit and walk to the Red Square through the Alexander Garden, where, if lucky, you can see the change of guard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the food court at Okhotny Ryad shopping complex to pick up a snack.

The Red square is dominated by four buildings of equal historical importance: the Kremlin's most famous Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower , with a clock and fourteen bells that chime national anthem four times a day (6am, noon, 6pm, midnight), St Basil's Cathedral , Moscow's best-known symbol with its multi-colored domes, Lenin’s Mausoleum , the resting place of the leader of the 1917 October revolution, and GUM , Moscow's oldest department store, topped with a glass roof, designed by one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. 

A guide to shopping in Moscow

Right behind the St Basil’s it is the relatively new Zaryadye Park , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, famous for its work on the High Line in New York City. Zaryadye showcases flora from all the climate zones of Russia, which is the largest country in the world. The floating bridge at the edge of the park is one of the biggest selfie magnets in Moscow, providing spectacular views of the river and the city skyline as the background. 

Another Zaryadye attraction is a glass pavilion that hosts restaurant Voskhod  (Sunrise) – a perfect spot for your lunch or early dinner. Voskhod focuses on dishes from all fifteen former Soviet Union republics and its inside looks like a Soviet-made spaceship with great views of the Moscow river. Try Azeri home-made pasta or trout from Lake Sevan in Armenia.

After all that walking and exploring you need some quality downtime and what better way to spend it than relaxing for a couple of hours at the famous Sanduny  traditional Russian hot bath. Make sure to get a massage with birch sticks!

You might still have time to go to Winzavod Center – a creative cluster with galleries housed at a former wine factory. Galleries like XL , pop/off/art and Ovcharenko always have something on, most likely a cutting-edge Russian contemporary art exhibition. Finish the evening hanging out at one of the best Moscow bars – try socialites’ paradise Noor Electro , co-joined with one of Moscow’s avant-garde theatres or Powerhouse Moscow , located in a 19th-century mansion, which is famous for live indie and jazz band performances. Both serve great food, too. 

Young people sit on a bench looking at a large painting on the wall. It's by Russian artist Alexander Ivanov, called 'The appearance of Christ to the People' and is displayed in the Tretyakov gallery

Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow’s trendiest coffee/breakfast spots,   Nude . Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

After checking out the Patriarch's Ponds, which features prominently in Mikhail Bulgakov’s perennial novel The Master and Margarita , devote the rest of the morning and early afternoon to exploring Moscow’s best museums. Depending on your tastes, pick one of the following: Tretyakov Gallery for traditional Russian art, from medieval icons to the early 20th century;  New Tretyakov for 20th century and contemporary art as well as great temporary exhibitions;  Pushkin Museum for one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world; and the Garage Museum for some eye-opening modern-art exhibitions. 

A blurred train travelling at speed through a station with a tiled wall and a station guide.

Whichever museum or gallery you choose, be sure to go to LavkaLavka for lunch, certainly one of the best places to try new Russian cuisine, which is a contemporary reading of centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the few places to try polugar , which is, allegedly, what Russians called vodka in the 19th century. 

When you talk about Russian culture, literary giants usually pop into mind: the likes of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. There are plenty of literary museums in Moscow, but if you had to pick one, visit Tolstoy Estate Museum , located just opposite the headquarters of Yandex, the Russian equivalent of Google. Every little detail has been restored just the way it looked when Tolstoy lived here in the 1880s–90s. 

Leave some time for exploring the Moscow Metro : every station is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Our favorites include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of dozens of Moscow’s craft beer places . Try  Jawsspot , named after one of the leading breweries in Russia, Jaws from the Urals region, which also serves decent pizza and salads.  

You might also like:

Why food markets in Moscow are having a moment    Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts    Russia's best drinks and where to try them   

Explore related stories

The Afrosiyob train in Taschkent.

Sustainable Travel

Jul 18, 2023 • 5 min read

How one writer followed the Silk Road from Khiva to Bukhara to Samarkand in Uzbekistan – all by train.

Trans-Siberian-badge.jpg

Jul 3, 2023 • 3 min read

fred olsen travel heathfield

May 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Cenote Suytun at Valladolid, Yucatan - Mexico

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

china train spring.jpg

Oct 24, 2021 • 4 min read

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Red Square in winter at sunset, Moscow, Russia.

Sep 24, 2021 • 6 min read

Young woman lies on the bed and looks through the window of the sleeper train crossing picturesque Tibet. Female tourist observing the landscape while traveling along the Trans-Himalayan railway.

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 25: A woman looks at Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers painting at the EY Exhibition: Van Gogh and Britain press day which opens at Tate Britain on March 25, 2019 in London, United Kingdom.  (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)

Mar 16, 2021 • 9 min read

Red October piano, Ust-Nera.  In the decade following the Russian Revolution, this state-owned brand was distributed all over Russia, with the Red October factory producing nearly 20,000 pianos. After perestroika, the old art of Russian piano-making fell away. The Red October factory closed in 2004.

Mar 1, 2021 • 9 min read

A man sitting on the snow and watching the aurora.

Oct 12, 2020 • 6 min read

Logo

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

7-day Moscow itinerary

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

things to do in Moscow in one week

Read More: Was Socotra a Mistake?

To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

travel itinerary for one week in Moscow

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

exploring Moscow

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

Moscow sights

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

top things to do in Moscow

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

one week Moscow itinerary

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

Moscow itinerary

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

things to do in Moscow in seven days

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

Random Russian guy

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

Russian Cuisine

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

train trips from moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

weather in russia in may in celsius

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

fred olsen travel heathfield

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

fred olsen travel heathfield

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

fred olsen travel heathfield

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

fred olsen travel heathfield

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

fred olsen travel heathfield

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

fred olsen travel heathfield

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

fred olsen travel heathfield

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

fred olsen travel heathfield

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

fred olsen travel heathfield

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

fred olsen travel heathfield

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

fred olsen travel heathfield

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

fred olsen travel heathfield

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

fred olsen travel heathfield

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

fred olsen travel heathfield

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

fred olsen travel heathfield

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

fred olsen travel heathfield

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

fred olsen travel heathfield

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

IMAGES

  1. Heathfield

    fred olsen travel heathfield

  2. Outstanding Service and Help

    fred olsen travel heathfield

  3. Excellent all-round service

    fred olsen travel heathfield

  4. Heathfield Exclusive: Fred. Olsen Sailings from Dover by Fred. Olsen

    fred olsen travel heathfield

  5. About Us

    fred olsen travel heathfield

  6. Fred. Olsen Travel

    fred olsen travel heathfield

VIDEO

  1. 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐧

COMMENTS

  1. Heathfield

    Olsen Travel Agents. 52 High Street. Heathfield. TN21 8JB. [email protected] 01435 510623. Incorporating. Opening Hours. Monday to Saturday: 9am - 5pm. ... Our Fred. Olsen Travel Agents shops regularly host events aimed at helping you find your perfect holiday. Find out which events are coming up in your local store.

  2. Fred. Olsen Travel expands into East Sussex with opening of new shop in

    The new Fred. Olsen Travel store is located at 52 High Street, Heathfield and is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm, closed on Wednesdays and Sundays. Fred. Olsen Travel has been a fixture on the high street for over 30 years with 17 travel agencies along the south coast and across East Anglia. Each branch has its own strong identity and is run ...

  3. Fred. Olsen Travel

    Olsen Travel has a range of products to ensure the highest level of enrichment and enjoyment from your holiday. If you enjoy cruising, Fred. Holidays offer ocean and river sailings from the top operators in the industry to some of the world's most inspiring and breathtaking destinations. Plus, we are the UK General Sales Agents for American ...

  4. Our Highstreet Travel Shops

    With travel agencies distributed across East Anglia and along the south coast, the team at Fred. Olsen Travel is on hand to offer holiday advice whenever you need it. Drop by our high-street travel shops or give us a call to discuss your holiday plans, we're always happy to help. With dedicated travel agents in Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, East ...

  5. Introducing... Fred. Olsen Travel Agents

    Trevor Ridler, Business Development Manager, introduces the latest branch to be added to the Fred. Olsen Travel family. Opening in Heathfield earlier this ye...

  6. Local Independent Travel Agents

    About Fred. Olsen Travel. Fred. Olsen Travel Agents is one of the premier travel agencies in East Anglia and along the south coast. Established in 1988, we currently have retail branches in East Anglia and the south coast including Ipswich, Felixstowe, Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, Beccles, Norwich, Thorpe St. Andrew, Travel Norwich Airport, Lymington, Westbourne, Christchurch, Dorchester ...

  7. Fred Olsen Travel

    Business Address: 52 High Street, Heathfield, East Sussex. TN21 8HU. Business Email: [email protected]. Business Number: 01435 510 623. Website: https://www.fredolsentravel.co.uk. Fred. Olsen Travel Agents is one of the premier travel agencies along the south coast. Established in 1988, we currently have 18 retail branches in ...

  8. New Fred Olsen Travel shop to open seven days a week

    Fred Olsen Travel's Heathfield shop currently receives some enquiries via its website on Sundays, according to Trevor, who helped open the branch in East Sussex last year. He added: "I come into the Heathfield shop on a Monday and there are always a few website enquiries that have dropped on a Sunday.

  9. Heathfield based travel agents experiences record start ...

    Heathfield-based Fred. Olsen Travel Agents has announced a record start to the year with sales up 91% in January 2023 compared with the same time last year and a best ever week and month for sales and income in January. By Kate Selley Contributor. Published 6th Mar 2023, 11:58 GMT.

  10. Fred Olsen Travel expands into East Sussex

    Fred Olsen Travel is to open its seventeenth branch this month, marking its first foray into East Sussex. The new store is in Heathfield, near Eastbourne, and will be managed by Trevor Ridler, former manager of Baldwins Travel in Tonbridge, Kent. Fred Olsen Travel already operates in East Anglia, Hampshire and Dorset, and head of commercial ...

  11. Contact Us

    Olsen Travel As one of the UK's most established travel companies, Fred. Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority's Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your booking is financially protected in the event of ...

  12. Meet The Team

    Meet our team of highly experienced & knowledgeable travel professionals; offering first class service. As a company, we invest heavily in the knowledge and expertise of our staff by sending them all over the world on educational experiences. This, coupled with their own passion for travel, tells us we have some of the most well-travelled staff ...

  13. Trevor Ridler

    Olsen Travel Agents. 52 High Street. Heathfield. TN21 8JB. [email protected] 01435 510623. Eastbourne. Fred. Olsen Travel Agents. Unit 45 THE BEACON. Eastbourne. BN21 3NW. [email protected] 01323 406084. ... Fred. Olsen Travel provides outstanding customer service, choice and value for money through our six ...

  14. Heathfield Exclusive: Fred. Olsen Sailings from Dover

    Allow Fred. Olsen's smaller-sized ships to bring the world closer to you, offering cruises planned from scratch. We have hand-selected an exciting range of cruises departing throughout 2022, and ...

  15. It's All About The Journey

    Olsen Travel As one of the UK's most established travel companies, Fred. Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority's Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your booking is financially protected in the event of ...

  16. Wall of Fame

    Fred. Olsen Travel offers worldwide holidays, cruises, city breaks, weddings & honeymoons, exhilarating adventures and much, much more. With a range of different specialisms providing online inspiration and high street travel agencies across East Anglia and the south coast, all areas are covered when it comes to how and when you would like to book your trip.

  17. Fred. Olsen Travel Heathfield (@fredolsentravelheathfield)

    83 Followers, 10 Following, 720 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Fred. Olsen Travel Heathfield (@fredolsentravelheathfield)

  18. Contact Us

    Your message. Check here if you would like to register for the Fred. Olsen Travel mailing list so that you can stay up to date with the latest news, offers and information. Get in contact with our helpful team through this form or call the number at the top of this page.

  19. Our Visions & Values

    The Fred. Olsen Way. Here at Fred. Olsen Travel, we are a 'family'. We embrace diversity and strive to create conditions that provide everyone with an equal opportunity to grow. Together, we create a working environment that feels safe for everyone, leaving room for individualities and creativity. We invest heavily in the knowledge and ...

  20. Moscow

    Olsen Travel 2024. Registered in England and Wales No. 02287241. 2nd Floor, 36 Broadway, London, SW1H 0BH Bonded by the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and by the Civil Aviation Authority's Air Travel Organisers Licensing (ATOL) scheme, you can look forward to your next adventure with the peace of mind that your money is financially ...

  21. How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

    Morning. Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow's trendiest coffee/breakfast spots, Nude. Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch's Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

  22. Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

    Day 6 - Explore the Golden Ring. Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

  23. Russian Tour Agency

    Welcome to Russia! Grand Russia is a Russian Tour Agency based out of the cosmopolitan Moscow city. We are a prominent Russia Travel Agency engaged in providing travel experiences to the people wishing to explore Russia for more than ten years. We specialise in providing guided tours, custom made packages, exclusive excursions, visa facility services, unexplored destinations and lot more.