Cosmos Travel

31/12/2020

The whole Cosmos Travel team wishes you a Happy New Year !! 🌟🎇 Thanks for all your support during these unprecedented times. As 2020 comes to an end, we are now looking ahead to 2021 with optimism & great motivation ! We wish you health, peace, happiness and we are looking forward to welcome you again in Russia !

25/12/2020

The whole Cosmos Travel team wishes you a Merry Christmas 🎄🎅 !!

04/12/2020

🔵 Official press release, December 2nd 2020 🔵

➡ Launching of Cosmos Travel !

01/12/2020

11/11/2020

Suzdal – The heart of the Golden Ring

Located at 236 kms North West of Moscow, Suzdal is one of the most ancient cities in Russia. Founded in 982 by Prince Vladimir, the city prospered considerably during the 12 th century thanks to its trading & political activities, ensuring its status as the capital of the Rostov-Suzdal principality. However, this glorious time will take end in 1238, when Mongols conquer the city. At last, in 1392, Moscow officially annexes Suzdal under the rule of Vassily I. Experiencing a significant decline after its annexation, the town will rise again in prominence as a religious center with incredible development projects funded by Vasily III and Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century.

Nowadays this ancient city has kept all its charm and authenticity. Therefore, visitors can discover numerous heritage sites dating back from the Middle Age time, with many of them registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Among them, worth mentioning: The Kremlin (with its impressive ramparts which dates back from the 12th century), The Nativity of the Virgin Cathedral (built in 1225 with its deep blue domes spangled with gold stars ), The Monastery of Saint Euthymius (Founded in 1352), The Museum of Wooden and Architecture, The Convent of the Intercession (also known as the Pokrovsky Monastery).

This city will enchant you with all its architectural treasures dating back from medieval times. Welcome to Suzdal - the heart of the Russian Golden Ring!

04/11/2020

Every year on November 4th, we celebrate Russian Unity Day. This important date commemorates the popular uprising which expelled Polish–Lithuanian occupation forces from Moscow in 1612, and more generally the end of the Time of Troubles and turning point of the Polish-Muscovite War (1605–1618).

On this date, November 4th 1612, prince Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin managed to conquer the Kremlin after a siege which lasted one year. This victory allowed Russia to expel Polish occupiers and restore its tsardom, with Michael I (the first of the Romanov dynasty) assuming the throne in February 1613. Today this date is celebrated as an important moment of national unity and patriotism in Russia.

02/11/2020

Yekaterinburg – The window to Asia

Located in Ural region (Western Siberia) on Iset River, Yekaterinburg is the fourth largest city in Russia. Its particular geographic location makes it the effective border between Europe & Asia on Russian soil. The city is also an important stopover of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Initially founded as a small settlement at the end of the 17 th century, in 1723 the city was renamed Yekaterinburg in honour of Catherine I, the wife of Peter I the Great. Over the centuries, the town grew as a significant administrative, industrial & commercial hub within Ural region, acquiring even further importance in 1878 when the Trains-Siberian railroad connected the city to the rest of Siberia.

Yekaterinburg is also well-known for being the place where Tsar Nicholas II and his family & servants were assassinated by Bolsheviks, on July 17th 1918 at the Ipatiev House - This latter was torn down in 1977. Since 2003 stands the magnificent Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land, built on the spot where the last Tsar and his family were executed. A must visit during your stop in Yekaterinburg.

Equally interesting for those who are passionate about Russian history is the monastery of Ganina Yama, just outside of Yekaterinburg. It is the place where the bodies of the royal family & servants were buried and today an important place of pilgrimage.

At last, another interesting spot is the Continent Obelisk located in Pervouralsk (40 kms away from Ekaterinburg) which marks the exact separation between the two continents, Europe and Asia. In the middle rises, the magnificent obelisk built in honour of Tsar Alexander II who was traveling to Siberia in 1837. Another one, more simple but closer to Yekaterinburg (only 17 kms) is also a popular attraction for visitors, where one can take unique pictures with one feet in Europe and the other one in Asia.

22/10/2020

Irkutsk – The Paris of Siberia

Located in the heart of Siberia, near Lake Baikal (296 kms) & Angara River proudly stands Irkutsk the capital of Eastern Siberia. A dynamic city with a rich history that dates back more than 350 years.

Initially conceived as a wintering & trading camp by Russian explorer Ivan Ivanovich Pokhabov in 1652, the camp then transformed into a military fort (ostrog) in 1661, in order to back up the Russian conquest of Siberia.

In 1686, it officially acquired the town status and rapidly became a major hub on the trade route connecting Russia to Mongolia & China. Enjoying its status of main trading hub in the region, Irkutsk continued to grow throughout the different centuries. The year 1898 marked the culmination of the city expansion with the arrival of the Trans-Siberian and the construction of Irkutsk train station.

Irkutsk is also famous for the Decembrists (A group of officers and noblemen who staged a failed rebellion against Tsar Nicholas I in 1825). As punishment, most of them were sent in exile to Irkutsk and other parts of Eastern Siberia.

In 1856, the Decembrists received amnesty from Tsar Alexander II and their rights, privileges & titles were restored. However, few returned to the West as they permanently settled in Siberia, making of Irkutsk their new homeland. In the end, Decembrists highly contributed to the cultural awakening of the city, to such an extent that for a certain time Irkutsk owned the nickname – “ The Paris of Siberia ”.

Today their legacy is still present in Irkutsk, and visitors can discover many beautiful ancient wooden houses dating back from this time. A real heaven for history fans and lovers of character dwellings. A visit of Irkutsk and its historical centre is definitely a must do while you are traveling Russia on the Trans-Siberian!

16/10/2020

Gorodki – A traditional Russian sport by excellence 🇷🇺 😎

Which Russian sport perfectly combines bowling and horseshoes? – One answer “Gorodki”.

Translated in English as “townlets“, Gorodki is a popular traditional sport in Russia, which dates back from the 17 th century. The aim of the game is to knock out groups of skittles arranged in various patterns by throwing a bat at them. The skittles (also called gorodki) are arranged in different configurations, there are about 15 different combinations: Canon (pushka), fork (vilka), star (zvezda), arrow (strela), artillery (artilleriya) and more… The square zone in which they are arranged is called the “gorod” (city).

Players have to throw the stick from a distance of 13 meters and try to knock all of the pins out of their two by two meter square in as few throws as possible. This sport might look easy at first sight, but do not believe so… There are different rules to respect especially regarding the landing of your stick within the square zone, therefore if you end up having penalties your skittles combination will get reset and you will have to start from zero again. However that’s what makes Gorodki quite unique and fun !

Nowadays this sport is still popular in Russia and neighboring countries (Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Belarus…).

08/10/2020

Vladimir – The Golden Ring little gem 🇷🇺 😎❤️

Whether it is for a couple days break or just a romantic weekend, Vladimir is definitely the right destination for anyone willing to explore more around Moscow (2 h 30 by train from Moscow).

Founded in 990 or 1108 (a debate is still going on regarding the exact date of foundation), the city played an important role in Russian history, especially in 1169 when Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky decided to move the capital there from Kyiv, during the first centuries of the Kievan Rus federation. At this date the city entered its Golden Age with many monuments (Kremlin, churches, monasteries, merchant houses…) erected. As such, Vladimir enjoyed a certain period of growth and prosperity until 1237 when the Mongol Golden Horde under the commands of Batu-Khan besieged the city.

Today many monuments illustrating the past glory of the city are still present. Most of them listed as UNESCO heritage sites, as such, we can mention The Cathedral of the Assumption (also called the Dormition Cathedral), St. Demetrius' Cathedral, the Golden Gate, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin and much more… A true paradise for history lovers!

Nowadays the city is also extremely lively with a warm atmosphere all year round. Therefore, there is always something to do or to discover in Vladimir (local museums, cultural or culinary events, small street concerts and more…). One of our recommendations is to attend the blacksmith masterclass, and try your hand at blacksmithing with real local blacksmiths, a unique moment!

Icing on the cake, have a coffee or tea on the terrace overlooking the Dormition Cathedral at sunset... For sure, you will fall in love with this city!

04/10/2020

North Western Caucasus - A pure mountain idyll

Located in the South of Russia at the border with Georgia, North Western Caucasus is a very unique region in all its aspects.The area lies on different Russian provinces: The Republic of Karachaevo-Cherkessiya, Stavropol Krai and Krasnodar Krai.🗺 🇷🇺

Whether you are a hiking aficionado, a nature lover, an history fan, or just looking for a rejuvenating holiday this part of Russia will definitely enchant you.😎📸

First of all, there is of course the incredible mountain landscapes which offers stunning view points & panoramas with lakes, waterfalls, glaciers, cliffs and more... Different mountain resorts like Arxiz, Dombay, and Elbrus (the latter being located in the area of the famous Mt Elbrus the highest mountain in whole Europe which culminates at 5642 meters) will welcome you in summer 🏞 and winter ⛷️.

Then come the rich history and multicultural heritage of this region with many historical sites to be discovered, some of them dating back from the 10 th century such as the ancient & mystic Alanic city of Magas - with the first Byzantine style churches built in Russia. But also other wonders like the palace of Bukhara's emir in Zheleznovodsk or the different places where lived the famous Russian poet & novelist Lermontov.

The region is also well-known for its mineral waters which are commonly used for its curing benefits & medical treatments. During the 19 th century different thermal cities developed in the region such as Kislovodsk, Mineralnye Vody, Pyatigorsk, Essentucky where visitors can follow specific medical treatments in Sanatoriums or Baths while enjoying all the animation in a great environment. (Festivals, concerts and other cultural events all year round).

Last but not least, the local food with many different local tasty specialities (welcome to the land of shashlik, laghman, khychiny...) and the warm welcoming of local people ☺️.

24/09/2020

Veliky Novgorod - The cradle of Russian statehood

Located in the north west of Russia, around 180 kilometers south of St. Petersburg the city of Veliky Novgorod proudly stands since 859.

Considered as the oldest city in the country, Veliky Novgorod is also the place where in 862 Prince Rurik officially proclaimed the creation of the Kievan Rus federation, the predecessor state union of what will become a couple centuries later - Russia.

The legacy of this city has survived until today thanks to its incredible heritage sites. In 1992, UNESCO declared Veliky Novgorod city center World Heritage Site.

In fact, the majority of its monuments are dating back from the earliest Middle Age times. Among them are: The Novgorod Kremlin with its impressive walls & towers, Saint Sophia Cathedral, the Monastery of the Tithes, the Kokui tower, the Church of Saint Andrew Stratilates…

This city is also the birthplace of famous Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. If you are visiting St Petersburg we highly encourage you to do a stop over in Veliky Novgorod !

20/09/2020

This morning was held the 2020 Moscow Marathon !! 🏃🏆😎🇷🇺
Always a great moment to see all these runners taking on the streets of the Russian capital ! Participants were able to see different world-famous attractions (The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow City and more...) with two special routes (10 km & 42 km) specially designed so that this edition offers a spectacular tour of Russia’s capital. This year due to the pandemic situation, special safety measures were also taken so that everyone could participate in optimum security.

15/09/2020

Ivolginsky Datsan – The most sacred Buddhist shrine of Russia 🇷🇺 ☸️

Located in the region of Buryatia, eastern Siberia, at approximately 23 kms from the province’s capital Ulan Ude and 100 kms from Lake Baikal, Ivolginsky Datsan is the most sacred Buddhist shrine of all Russia.

Ivolginsky datsan is a monastery complex consisting of seven temples, a Buddhist University, priests’ houses, a museum of Buddhist art and a hotel. First opened in 1945 as the only Buddhist spiritual center of the former USSR, the monastery is now a major pilgrimage destination for Buddhists from all over the world.

The religious site is also known as the rest place of Pandido Khambo Lama Dashi-Dorzhi Itigelov (1852–1927) a prominent Buryat Buddhist lama of Tibetan Buddhist tradition, whose dead body has not been subject to decomposition since his death in 1927.

The architecture & decoration of the main temple are unique, built with the “mandala” style in authentic Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Twelve stone lions protect the temple; inside there is an impressive collection of a thousand Buddha statues including a massive sculpture of Buddha Shakjamuni in the altar. If you have the opportunity to travel to Lake Baikal, we highly recommend you to do a stopover in Ivolginsky Datsan !

05/09/2020

Happy Birthday Moscow !! 🎂🎇🎉🎊

This weekend we celebrate the 873rd anniversary of the Russian capital. A great moment for all muscovite & visitors. This year due to the pandemic there will be no large-scale events held in the city, however parks & museums will organize different activities that will delight everyone over the weekend. Especially for you we listed some of them that will take place today and tomorrow:

➡️Park Kolomenskoye: Immersion in the 16th and 17 th centuries with an authentic village reconstitution (blacksmiths, tanners, farms, military barracks…).

➡️Lianozovsky Park: Arts in Moscow during the 19th century (Theatre, writing, painting…).

➡️Gorodetskaya Street: The world of geology with different exhibitions about minerals and tectonic structures.

➡️Park Pechatniki: For archeology lovers with a masterclass on how to excavate, collect and classify artefacts.

➡️Orekhovy Boulevard: Welcome to the world of Artificial Intelligence (programming, robots, new technologies…).

➡️Izmailovsky Park: Exhibition on the military history of Russia.

And much more…

Entrance to all sites and participation are free, opening hours are from 10 am to 10 pm. For more information please click on the link below
👉 https://moscowseasons.com/festival/moscow873/

04/09/2020

Pskov – The fortified merchant city

Dear followers, today we are pleased to make you discover the medieval city of Pskov. Founded in 903, Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia.

Located on the Velikaya River almost at the border with Estonia, the city used to be a major trading post of the Hanseatic League and it functioned as a principality with its own sovereign republic.

Later on, it came under the control of the Grand Duchy of Moscow and became one of the main western outposts of the country connecting the Russian Empire to Europe. However the military conquest of the city proved to be quite challenging as the impregnable Pskov Kremlin withstood twenty-six sieges, first against Russian forces and then facing Polish & Swedish armies.

Today the city of Pskov counts many heritage sites, testimony of its glorious past as a fortified merchant town: The Krom (Kremlin) with its impressive walls, the Transfiguration Cathedral with its incredible frescoes dating back from the 12th century, Pogankin's House and outside the city the imposing Izborsk fortress.

01/09/2020

September 1rst - Knowledge Day

Today is an important date in Russia as school officially starts again for all Russian students ! 🎬 💼 📚

In every school, first day usually starts with an official welcoming ceremony in presence of teachers & parents and as the tradition wants students bring flowers to teachers 💐

First day at school is always quite emotional and exciting, however it can be also stressful for the newcomers, so good luck to everyone and especially the younger ones 😉 may this new school year be memorable !

🎓