The enigmatic Russian capital city of Moscow which for years was hidden behind the ‘Iron Curtain’ is now a glamorous holiday destination which attracts millions tourists every year from around the globe. Busy, bustling Moscow which is home to over 10 million people is the major political, economic, cultural, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia. Moscow provides visitors a window to the soul of new world Russia which is the largest country in the world.
Russia in recent years has shed its communist cloak so much so it is now counted as one of the four BRIC countries which is home one of the fastest growing economies in the world. BRIC which stands for Brazil, Russia, India and China is the acronym which was coined by a Goldman Sachs’ executive and it refers to the initials of the fastest growing economies in the world today.
If you have been curious about exploring the new ‘Russia’ then why not consider a vacation in Moscow? Moscow is today an intriguing destination which has acquired a new vibrancy that is evident in its new glitzy shopping malls, over the top expensive restaurants and shiny new hotels which stand cheek by jowl with the ugly concrete buildings of the Soviet era and the gleaming domes of its many restored ornate Orthodox churches. Moscow, a city which was once plagued by horrendous food shortages now is home to produce filled and for entertainment, this once dreary and dull city, now offers several thumping nightclubs and bars which attract the big spending hordes along with various theatres and pe...Read Morerforming arts centers like the world renowned Bolshoi Theater, home of the world famous Bolshoi ballet and Bolshoi Opera companies. As a tourist destination, Moscow certainly seems to have it all.
Once you have made up your mind to vacation in the Russian capital and discover for yourself its many charms you should try to locate a cheap business class fare to transport you to Moscow and back for this intriguing city which is characterized by great disparities between the rich and the poor is accessible only via a long haul flight from most cities in the US. Moreover if you have allotted only a limited time for your discover Moscow holiday then you it is imperative that you must not to lose any days to jet lag and fatigue and this can only be achieved by flying on a business flight to Moscow for business class travel affords you with a certain degree of comfort which allows you to rest and relax onboard a flight. However contrary to popular opinion business class airfares to Moscow need not deplete your bank account for discount business class airfares to Moscow can definitely be found if you know how and where to look for them.
Often airlines which offer flight connections to Moscow from various US cities, like the Russian national carrier Aeroflot offer special offers on business class fares to Moscow in order to popularize their service to that particular destination. These special offers translate as business class deals to Moscow. However these cheap business class airfares to Moscow often have conditions attached to them like advance purchases or restricted travel dates and if these conditions don’t suit you or if you need more flexibility and can’t plan your travels way in advance then perhaps you would consider purchasing your discount business class fare to Moscow from a reputed travel agent.
Established travel agents who often have well cultivated personal relationships with various airlines usually have access to deep discount business class tickets which are often priced nearly 70% than regular business class fares but have all the amenities of business class airfares like fast track immigration and priority check-in, enhanced baggage allowance, more personal space, a convertible seat that extends into a bed and personalized service on board that keeps you satiated with limitless gourmet food and wine along with complimentary pillows and blankets.
Once you have located your discount business class ticket to Moscow and are on your way to the city of iconic buildings and new worldly pleasures, you are likely to gain access to the city via its Sheremetyevo International Airport which is located 16 miles (26km) northwest of Moscow. Moscow in fact has two other international airports in the form of the Domodedovo International Airport(the largest airport in Russia which is located at a distance of 26 miles(42 km) to the south east of Moscow) and Vnukovo airport which is mainly used by political leaders. Sheremetyevo airport is made up of two terminals and Sheremetyevo I that handle domestic flights and Sheremetyevo II that handles all Moscow’s international traffic.
Both these terminals are connected to the city of Moscow by way of taxis, public and express buses. However the excellent and extensive Moscow metro which is an architectural delight with its deep underground stations that are adorned with much marble, chandeliers, works of art and mosaics also offers speedy connections to the city from its stations which are located close to the airport.
A word of caution though, touts and gypsy cabs abound outside Moscow’s airport and it is wiser to engage a metered taxi to transport you to the city rather than associate with the gypsy cab drivers who are known to overcharge unsuspecting tourists.
For travel within the city, the Moscow metro is highly recommended as the system which is regarded is one of the finest transport systems in the world is efficient, extensive and relatively inexpensive. Other modes of transport in Moscow include buses, trolleys, trams and taxis which cover the areas that are not served by the Moscow metro. Metered taxis are the safest mode of public transport for tourists who wish to traverse the city at night and though gypsy cabs are easily available in the city for transfers, they should be generally avoided.
Hopefully the conditions of your cheap business class airfare to Moscow will allow you to experience the city during its summer months of July and August for during this period the city is blessed with warm, seasonal temperatures which are ideal for walking around and sightseeing. Winters in Moscow are a different matter all together. The winter season in Moscow extends from the months of October to March and it is characterized by frigid temperatures which often dip below freezing point and much heavy snowfall.
Russia is an extremely vast country and it is thus divided into eleven time zones and since you are planning a trip to Moscow it is useful for you to know that Moscow lies in the zone that is three hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Moscow’s electric standard are of 220 volts,50 Hz and sockets in Moscwo generally accept the much used European two pin plugs. The Rouble is legal tender in Russia and the city is equipped with many banks and currency exchange booths which cater to the currency exchange needs of tourists for the Rouble is not readily convertible and cannot be used outside Russia.
Moscow’s attractions are world renowned and include several iconic sites like the Kremlin which is located in the oldest part of Moscow. The Kremlin which is located in the heart of Moscow, atop a hill dates back to 1147 and is a massive fortification which has red walls which are punctuated by twenty towers. Located within the Kremlin are a wide array of churches, palaces, museums, offices, monuments and more. The Kremlin which functioned as the royal residence of the Tsars went on to become the seat of government during the communist regime. The Kremlin has within its boundaries several landmarks like the Annunciation Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Assumption, The Belfry of Ivan the Great and the Armoury Palace which is a magnificent museum that hosts several jaw dropping treasures including a large collection of fabulous jeweled Fabergé Easter eggs which never fail to impress.
Yet another renowned landmark in Moscow is the city’s famed Red Square which an imposing open space located in the center of the city. Red Square was originally the market place of the city which also served as a public space that hosted festival celebrations, government lectures and executions. The communist leaders added Lenin’s Mausoleum to Red Square while destroying several ancient buildings around the square. The Soviet regime actually used Red Square for various military parades and processions. In 1990, the Resurrection Gate and chapel which were destroyed during the soviet years were rebuilt on their original sites near the Red Square.
St Basil's Cathedral with its multicolored domes is perhaps the most famous symbol of Moscow. This cathedral which is located at the edge of Red Square was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his victorious military campaign against the Tartar Mongols at Kazan in 1552. St Basil’s Cathedral is made up of a central chapel that is encircled by eight brick chapels which are all topped with different colored and uniquely adorned domes. The church survived being demolished many times during the Soviet regime. In fact during the Soviet regime the St Basil’s Cathedral ceased to function as a church as it was turned into Hide