Where to go on a mini-trip

What is a mini-trip and why is it a trend

A mini weekend trip is an easy way to break out of the routine, disconnect from work chats and change the office chair to new horizons. Just 2-4 days — and you are already breathing in a different way, catching inspiration on a walk through unfamiliar streets, trying new things and feeling the very taste of freedom. A minimum of preparation is a maximum of impressions. Without long fees, heavy baggage, and complicated logistics.

Short trips across Russia have become especially popular in recent years. More and more people are choosing not one big vacation once a year, but several small trips. And this is not surprising: the world is huge, and, after all, there are more days off than vacation days. We added a couple of days off to Saturday and Sunday, and voila, you already have a mini-—vacation. You can rush to another city, breathe in the fresh air, try something new, and return home as if you've lived another little life.

Domestic tourism in the country is developing — the transport infrastructure is improving, new routes are emerging, cities are being improved, and the level of service in hotels and restaurants is increasing. And the city break format — when on Friday after work you are already in another city, and on Monday you cheerfully drink morning coffee at home — is increasingly popular with residents of megacities.

We have collected for you the best destinations for such trips. Our top weekend travel ideas include a wide variety of cities: from vibrant capitals to resort corners with a special character. Choose an idea you like, book tickets, a hotel — and go ahead for new adventures!

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Peter: cultural recreation and romance of the channels

Saint Petersburg is ideal for a mini-trip around Russia. The city easily makes you fall in love with yourself. Even in a couple of days, he will give inspiration and impressions that will last until the next vacation.

From the very first steps along the paving stones of the Peter and Paul Fortress, you will feel as if you have entered another era. In just a couple of days, you can see a lot: walk along the front Nevsky Prospekt, listen to street musicians under the arch of the General Staff, turn into one of the atmospheric courtyards. And in the evening, when everything around is painted in golden light, climb the St. Isaac's colonnade and catch the sunset over the Neva River.

A mandatory item of the program is an evening boat trip along rivers and canals. There are special views of ancient mansions and drawbridges from the water. Wrap yourself in a cozy blanket and take a ride along Fontanka and Moika for an excursion about urban legends. And during the white nights, when it gets dark for only a couple of hours, look at how hundreds of boats disperse along the Neva River to meet the bridges.

St. Petersburg is also a vibrant cultural life. Throughout the summer, exhibitions, performances and open-air concerts take place in the city - you definitely won't be bored. VK Fest will be held in July at the 300th Anniversary Park, one of the largest summer festivals. In August, there will be an Afisha Picnic on Elagin Island: live music in the open air, cozy lounge areas, greenery of the park and the atmosphere of a big city holiday.

Even rainy weather is not a reason to be sad: go on gastronomic walks. The city is famous for restaurants, among which there are both democratic cafes and exquisite establishments with historical interiors. Be sure to visit Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya Street, a legendary place with crunchy crumpets in powdered sugar and coffee with condensed milk. Simple pleasure, like in childhood, will help you feel the real St. Petersburg spirit.

Where to stay

Do you dream of the view of St. Isaac's Cathedral and the atmosphere of St. Petersburg chic? Pay attention to the stylish five-star SO/St. Petersburg —  a place with atmosphere and character.

For traveling with children, the Novotel Saint Petersburg Center is located in a quiet location near Nevsky Prospekt. There is a playground and a special children's menu.

Moscow: a mini-trip to the heart of Russia

The capital knows how to surprise — even in a couple of days here you can gain impressions for a whole vacation. This is a good choice for an interesting weekend trip: Moscow impresses with the scale and rhythm of a big city that never tires of changing.

Start your mini-tour from Red Square — in the early morning it is quiet and there is almost no fuss. Stroll past the Kremlin, take a look at St. Basil's Cathedral and take a look at the Alexander Garden. Then go to Zaryadye Park: walk along the Floating Bridge, look into the ice cave and enjoy the views of the Moskva River.

If you want art, choose a classic direction — the Tretyakov Gallery. Or go to the Garage in Gorky Park for modern exhibitions. Science lovers will be interested in the Moscow Planetarium and the Museum of Cosmonautics. In summer, Moscow enjoys a rich cultural program: in June, the Wild Mint music Festival near the city, and in July, Chess & Jazz in the Hermitage Garden.

Do you like to just wander? Then choose the Patriarch's Ponds, the Old Arbat or the Boulevard Ring. There's always something to see.

There are plenty of interesting ways to spend a weekend in Moscow: from museums and parks to festivals and gastronomic discoveries. The main thing is to choose the optimal rhythm for yourself.

Where to stay

To avoid wasting time on the road, choose a hotel in the center. It makes it easier to get everything done. Suitable options:

• Novotel Moscow Center — near the metro;
• Mercure Arbat Moscow — in a cozy historical district;
• Ibis Moscow Bakhrushin Center, if you want quiet near the main routes.

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Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana: sea and mountains in a couple of days

Do you want to sunbathe by the sea and breathe the mountain air in one weekend? Then feel free to choose a mini weekend trip to Sochi. In just two days you will visit two climatic zones. This resort region is unique: here, in a couple of hours, you can move from the subtropics of the coast to the coolness of the mountain slopes and enjoy the natural contrasts.

On the first day, start your vacation with a walk along the seaside promenade — from the Seaport to the Riviera Park. Visit the Sochi Arboretum or take a cable car ride to see the city from a height. Sap surfing, yachting or jumping from a suspension bridge at Skypark AJ Hackett Sochi are suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can try ropejumping over the gorge. And then there are gastronomic delights: dinner with a view in San Remo, author's cuisine in Red Fox or seafood delicacies in Baran Rapan. How about khachapuri and seasonal fruits from the local market?!

On the second day, go to the mountains — Krasnaya Polyana. You can get there in an hour by "Swallow" or by car. Take the cable car up to Rosa Khutor: at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, you will discover breathtaking panoramas of the Caucasus. In summer, there are health trails, bike trails, and waterfalls. In winter, skiing and snowboarding, hot mulled wine and the silence of the snow-covered slopes. And after an active day, a spa and relaxation with a view of the mountains.

Where to stay

If you want to be closer to the sea, choose Swissotel Resort Sochi Camellia: the hotel is located right on the coast, with a private beach and a Pürovel spa. And for those who are planning a weekend in the mountains, the Novotel Resort & Spa Krasnaya Polyana is suitable — with panoramic views of the peaks, walking distance to the ski lifts and a full-fledged wellness area for relaxing after an active day.

Irkutsk: gateway to Siberia over the weekend

If your soul is asking for distant horizons, go on an interesting weekend trip to Irkutsk. This is a chance to see Siberia and Lake Baikal in just a couple of days. Of course, a flight from the European part of Russia will take 5-6 hours, so it makes sense to take Friday or Monday off to buy time.

Irkutsk itself is a very colorful Siberian city, one of the oldest in the region. Take a walk through the historical center: along the embankment of the Angara River, past the Church of the Savior, one of the first stone buildings in Siberia, to the elegant Polish Church. Wooden houses of the 19th century with lace carved architraves give Irkutsk a special charm. A whole block of such houses has been restored and turned into the 130th Quarter cultural and entertainment zone: There are museums, souvenir shops and cafes where you can taste Siberian cuisine. In a couple of hours of walking through the center, you will feel the spirit of the old merchant Irkutsk.

However, the main purpose of the trip here is, of course, Lake Baikal. The city is only about 70 km from its coast. On the second day of the trip, go to the village of Listvyanka. It takes only about an hour by bus or taxi, and here it is — an endless shining lake surrounded by mountains and hills.

Even a brief acquaintance with Lake Baikal is enough to fall in love: take a walk along the shore, go to the fish market and try hot smoked omul. Take a look at the Baikal Museum, where you can learn all about the flora and fauna of the lake. For lovers of natural views, there is a climb to the Chersky stone, an observation point above Listvyanka, which offers a magnificent panorama of Lake Baikal and the source of the Angara River. The ascent is not difficult, and part of it can be overcome by cable car.

After returning to Irkutsk, spend the evening in one of the Siberian restaurants: try buuz (Buryat meat mantas) and taiga tea with berries and herbs.

Where to stay

For the best short trip to Irkutsk, the ibis Irkutsk Center is suitable. The hotel is located in the very center of the city near the Angara embankment and the main attractions. A convenient option to feel the Siberian hospitality and not waste time on the road.

Krasnodar: southern flavor and a city for walking

If you want warmth and comfort, go to Krasnodar. This is a sunny city with a mild climate, a southern character and a special atmosphere — for a couple of days of this mini-weekend trip you will feel the relaxed rhythm of life and recharge with the energy of the south.

Start your walk from Krasnaya Street, which is central, elegant and full of sights. There are the Arc de Triomphe, the Drama Theater, Catherine Square with the monument to Catherine II and cozy recreation areas. In the warmer months, it is especially pleasant to sit on a bench with Kuban ice cream in your hands.

A mandatory point of the program is the Krasnodar Park. This world-class modern landscape park was created with the support of philanthropist Sergey Galitsky. On its territory there are futuristic fountain complexes, amphitheaters, themed gardens and artificial hills with excellent views of the city. It is interesting to walk for hours here: children are delighted with playgrounds with ships and slides, adults enjoy the clean air and the beauty of the landscape. In the evening, spectacular lighting turns on in the park — a sight that should not be missed. Krasnodar Park has already become a new business card of the city.

After walking, visit the market for homemade cheese and honey, or go to a restaurant to taste Kuban borscht and dumplings. And if you have time, go to the wineries of the Anapa region or the thermal springs in Mostovsky. Krasnodar welcomes you warmly — in every sense.

Where to stay

Pay attention to ibis Krasnodar Center. The hotel is conveniently located near the main attractions and Krasnaya Street. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay, and there is a restaurant and a lobby bar on the ground floor.

How to choose the right hotel for a mini trip

In order for a short trip to Russia to be perfect, it is important to consider not only the route, but also the choice of a hotel. In the weekend tour format, every minute counts, and a conveniently located hotel can save valuable time. It is better to settle in the center — this way you will find yourself in the right locations faster and will not waste time on the road.

Pay attention to the important details: early breakfasts, luggage storage, the opportunity to check in early or check out a little later. These options will help you make the most of every hour. If you plan to fly by plane, check if the hotel has an airport transfer — this will save you from the fuss upon arrival.

Comfort also plays a role: a comfortable bed, silence, cleanliness, fast Wi-Fi and friendly staff. And if you want to relax after walking, look for hotels with their own spa area and restaurant. Such details make a truly high-quality vacation, even if it lasts only a couple of days.

The Accor network will help simplify the choice: on the website accor.ru We have collected hotels in different cities of Russia — from affordable ibis to premium SO/. A simple booking process, an understandable level of service and convenient locations are all you need for a short but eventful trip.

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Recommendations for a comfortable mini-trip

To make a mini weekend trip as successful as possible:

• Plan your route without overloading. Choose 3-5 main points, think of a logical route and leave room for spontaneous discoveries. Sometimes a random fair or street concert is more memorable than museums.
• Start your trip at a good time. If possible, go on Friday evening or early Saturday morning. And come back as late as possible on Sunday. This will add a full day of impressions to your short rest.
• Travel light. One backpack or a compact bag is an ideal option. Bring comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, and minimal hygiene. The less baggage you have, the more free you will be to travel.
• Add useful little things. A portable charger, napkins, a first-aid kit, water and a light snack will be useful on the road. And your favorite headphones will make the journey more comfortable if there is a train or plane ahead.
• The main thing is impressions. Do not chase after the "ticks" and kilometers, but enjoy the moment: talk to the locals, admire the views, try unusual food. Let the trip be short, but it will be remembered for a long time.

With a little preparation, even a short trip across Russia will give you maximum emotions without fatigue.