sputnik excursions

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

SPUTNIK ARMENIA Tour Operator

Welcome to the land of nairi.

5 reasons why to travel with Sputnik Armenia

One of the most experienced tour operators of Armenia ( 60 year history + more than 1 million tourists)

Wide range of services (hotel booking, transfers, air ticketing, guides)

Enjoyable travelling (+Safe and comfortable)

Direct flight operating to Cyprus, Montenegro and Rhodes for 17 years

New discoveries any time for any one

" Armenia is a country of miracles... .. If you ask me where one can meet more miracles than anywhere else on  our planet, I would say, first of all, it is Armenia ”.   -  Rockwell Kent

Come to our country for miracles, if you believe in them, and "SPUTNIK ARMENIA" TOUR OPERATOR   will help you feel these miracles. We will make your trip to Armenia bright, interesting, unforgettable and full of great impressions.

Armenia is an ideal place for the most demanding tourists. Here everyone can find any entertainment and joy. Armenia is open to everyone: lovers of classic architecture will admire the ancient temple of Garni, monasteries of Geghard and Tatev, Haghpat and Haghartsin. A country with ancient history has not wasted its talents and skills in creating khachkars, cross stones with unique carvings. After listening to duduk, it seems you have touched the Armenian soul.

Armenia will be interesting to history lovers. The mountains of this country keep many secrets about the lives of people in those days when there were almost no cities and states. It is Armenia, that the first state where  Christianity was adopted as a state religion, and it is the great Armenian scholar Mesrop Mashtots who  created the Armenian and preserved the Armenian alphabet for centuries. It was the Armenians who managed to collect and preserve the largest collection of ancient manuscripts.

Start Your Trip With Memory

Tours and excursions

Memorable one day trips and excursions!

SYMPHONY OF ARMENIAN MOUNTAINS

SPIRIT AND TASTE OF ARMENIA

TWO PEARLS FROM THE UNESCO CHAIN

SARYAN'S ALL COLORS IN ONE TOUR

FROM THE FORTRESS IN THE HEAVENS TO THE EARTH FOR WINE

THE MISTERY IN THE RED CLIFFS

KHOR VIRAP – NORAVANK – ARENI

CITY TOUR – ECHMIADZIN – ZVARTNOTS

Classic And Adventure Tours

Classic tours are an excellent way to widen outlook and to know about the country.

EXPLORING ARMENIA

WELCOME TO THE LAND OF NAIRI

EXPLORE WONDERS OF ARMENIA

TREASURES OF ANCIENT CULTURE

WINGS OF TATEV

NATURE TOUR

MAGNIFICENT ARMENIA

SILENT WITNESSES OF HISTORY

Gastronomic Tours

Armenian cuisine is considered to be one of the oldest in the world.

TASTING TOUR

DEGUSTATION TOUR

WINE AND COGNAC TOUR

Regional Tours

Travel should be memorable, regional tours once again approve this!

ARMENIA AND GEORGIA

Armenia is now regarded as a country with developed ecological tourism.

HEALTHY ARMENIA

FOR BRIGHT IMPRESSIONS TO ARMENIA

ECO TOUR - HEALTHY REST

Festival Tours

Enjoy your holidays in Armenia!

NEW YEAR PROGRAM

THE NEW YEAR’S FAIRY TALE IN ARMENIA!

Guided tours for groups of pupils or students

Discovery tours

Mice tourism is a perfect way of combining business with pleasure. This kind of tourism presents unique opportunities for business development, information exchange or introduction to new technologies, MICE is an informal conversation with old partners and meetings with prospective investors, customers and suppliers.

The MICE industry is a service industry combining trade, transportation, finance, and travel. The MICE industry is extensively and rapidly growing in Armenia and is largely associated with travel for business purpose. Armenia with its stable politics, rapid growing economics, richness in culture and history together with its beautiful landscape and friendly Armenian people always promises all international MICE clients unforgettable experiences and events.

“Sputnik” Armenia tour operator besides many kinds of tourism is also specialized in MICE and helps to plan, book and facilitate conferences, seminars and other events. We will offer a well-planned agenda with Conference & Banquet Halls, Exhibition Centres, Auditoriums & Stadiums for hosting opening/closing ceremonies & other events; Accommodation in 5* and 4* hotels, Restaurants & Bars.

Our package of MICE includes:

•  Taking care of all the arrangements for the group’s travel and stay
•  Getting the best deals on hotels for the events
•  Services, insurance and foreign exchange assistance for Armenia tours
•  Event planning and coordinating the group’s activities at the destinations
•  Personalized travel services for all members of the group
•  Dedicated customer care service & corporate relationship management

Just simply give us your inquiries with number of people in the group, we will take care of the rest! Your event can be a great event. Plan and carry out each detail with the support of our experts

Hotels And Apartments

We offer hotels around Armenia with flexible conditions!

Yerevan Hotels

Hotels in Regions

Our company has a wide choice of transportation: buses, comfortable micro buses and cars. We will provide you with any transport means during the excursions, give complete information on driving rules and terms, and organize transfers. Besides it “Sputnik” Armenia works with a number of car rental companies, providing automobiles corresponding to all standards of technical requirement and safety.

Interesting articles about Armenia!

Medical Tourism In Armenia

What eco-tours are offered in Armenia? Ecotourism is acquiring new dimensions and finding new rou... [More]

Top 10 Armenian Foods

Top 10 Armenian foods which can attract your attention when you decide to visit Armenia. The trad... [More]

Dear Armine and Sputnik tours! I want to thank you and Sputnik from my heart and for all of my tourists. Because of you and because of your lovely country we loved more Armenia than Georgia!...

Marina Obraztsova

Thank to your company and director Suren Hakobyan. We enjoy our 4-day trip in Armenia. Everything is enjoyable: weather, people, food and your service with excursions in surroundings of Yerevan: Garni, Geghard… With best wishes...

OUR PARTNERS

Leave a review

About this app

Data safety.

Ratings and reviews

• Flag inappropriate
• Show review history

What's new

App support, similar apps.

Excursions Sputnik

• See all photos

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Excursions Sputnik - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Excursions Sputnik

You Might Also Like

State Historical Museum

Great Moscow State Circus

The State Tretyakov Gallery

Moscow Circus on Ice

Nearby attractions, popular types of attractions in moscow, popular restaurants in moscow, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, popular ranked lists, trending travelogues, popular trip moments, popular travel types, more things to do in moscow.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List Your Property
• Become a Supplier

App Privacy

The developer, Sputnik8 , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

What were foreign tourists allowed to see on trips to the Soviet Union?

Japanese tourists with the Avrora cruiser in the background. Leningrad, 1968

Although the Soviet Union was rather closed off to outsiders, it was still possible to go there. For many foreigners, such a trip was an expensive luxury, but one that gave them the experience of a lifetime.

It is not just a trip, it is a trip into a new world

Intourist poster

Soon after the Soviet Union was established, its leadership began thinking about how to attract foreign tourists since the country's economy was in desperate of foreign currency. In 1929, the state joint-stock company Intourist was created and given a monopoly on the sale of tours to the USSR. One of its slogans was: "It is not just a trip, it is a trip into a new world." Foreign tourists were intrigued.

Intourist poster, 1930

Some of the first foreigners to visit the Soviet Union were famous writers, artists and other public figures. Theodore Dreiser came in 1927, Bernard Shaw in 1932 and French writer and Nobel Prize winner Romain Rolland in 1935.

Bernard Shaw in Moscow, 1931

In the 1930s, Intourist opened offices in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States. Before the start of World War II, some 129,000 foreign tourists visited the USSR. They were offered different itineraries throughout the country, from Moscow to the Russian Far East. Tourists were lured by posters like these, which were created by the best Soviet illustrators.

In addition to Moscow and Leningrad, other major attractions included Crimea, Volga cruises and road trips across the country.

The flow of tourists to the USSR resumed after the war, and in the 1950s the country entered a period of political “thaw.” The Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev began travelling around the world, and the Soviet Union began hosting international events like the world festival of youth and students. In total, more than 70 million tourists from 162 countries visited the USSR between 1956 and 1985.

American tourists in Moscow, 1972

But at the same time no one was going to let foreigners wander around on their own. The country could only be explored under the watchful eye of an Intourist guide/translator. Any private plans had to be abandoned, and foreign tourists were only shown ideologically impeccable achievements of the Soviet economy and lifestyle.

Tourists from Austria in Manezhnaya Square, 1963

The science fiction writer Robert Heinlein and his wife Virginia visited the USSR with an Intourist group in 1959-1960. Afterwards he wrote about the all-encompassing control the guides exercised on their group, an extortionate exchange rate (4 rubles to a dollar) and glaring gaps between customer service in the USA and the USSR.

["I cannot honestly urge anything short of ‘Luxe’ class because even the best in Russia is often shockingly bad by our standards—bathrooms without baths, even hotels with no baths, tubs with no hot water, plumbing that is 'quaint' or worse, poor cooking, dirty utensils, maddening waits," Heinlein wrote in an article titled Inside Intourist .

A souvenir shop 'Berezka' at the Intourist hotel. 1983

Heinlein’s wife even studied Russian to prepare for the trip, but this turned out to be useless because they were “prisoners of Intourist, seeing only what they want you to see, hearing only what they want you to hear.” Heinlein calculated that for an ordinary American, a trip to see socialism in action in the USSR was extremely expensive—around $4,500 per month.

Tourists from France tasting Moscow ice-cream 1976

A guide must be politically well versed

Choosing the right people to work for Intourist was not an easy task. Guides had to have a university degree in linguistics and speak several languages, but in addition to this they had also to know what they could and could not talk about. A big part of this role was being able to competently point out the achievements of the Soviet system.

Japanese tourists during a trip to Lake Baikal, 1980

A former Intourist guide who worked for the company in the 1970-80s anonymously told Russian media that there were cases when young foreigners would sell Western items to Soviet citizens and then not know what to do with the rubles.

“Once, during a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, a group of students from the USA met a group of conscripts on the train and swapped clothes with them. The poor officer in charge of the conscripts was running up and down the train in search of an interpreter to make a reverse swap, and then locked his soldiers in a compartment so that they would not communicate with the tourists again.”

Foreign tourists visiting the museum of wooden architecture in Kizhi, 1972

What were tourists shown?

As a rule, foreign tourists' trips to the Soviet Union started in Moscow or Leningrad, which had the country's biggest airports. The rest depended on the type of the trip they had chosen.

British tourists in Moscow (the Intourist hotel in the background), 1976

In the summer, Black Sea resorts were popular destinations. According to the TASS news agency, Crimea received some 4 million holidaymakers, including 30,600 foreign tourists from 40 countries, in 1968. The largest number of foreign visitors (8,200 people) came from West Germany, followed by the GDR (4,400), Czechoslovakia (3,500), Italy (3,100), and the United States (2,800). Two-thirds of foreign tourists arrived on cruise ships.

A group of tourists from the GDR in Alupka, Crimea. 1977

If foreign tourists visited the USSR in May or November, they were invariably taken to the demonstrations on May 1 or November 7.

Foreign tourists during a demonstration in Red Square. May 1, 1970.

Young fighters on the ideological front

Students and working youth, especially from socialist countries (East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Cuba), made for one notable special category of tourists. In 1959, an international camp called Sputnik opened in Gurzuf (Crimea) where foreigners and Soviet citizens aged 18-35 could spend their vacations. By the end of the 1970s, 180,000 tourists, including 70,000 foreigners, had visited the camp.

Young people from Leipzig, Germany, photographed at the Sputnik youth camp.

Camps like these held a huge number of interesting events, ranging from meetings with Soviet athletes to discussions on global topics like disarmament. They also organized national days and, without fail, so-called “peace campfires.” Generally speaking, the focus was always on friendship between different countries and peoples. And, of course, there were excursions, hikes, and various sports competitions.

A Cuban youth delegation at the Sputnik international camp.

Not surprisingly, spots at Sputnik were allocated only to “ideologically fit” Soviet students and the best-performing workers. However, the camp administration noted in their reports that in the end vacationers all the same "showed political apathy, an inclination to informal communication with foreigners, spending all their time on the beach and a dissipated lifestyle.”

Water skiing, a popular leisure activity at the Sputnik international camp in Gurzuf, Crimea

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Most popular tours

We have collected a unique information based on veterans' and eye witnesses' of the battle of Stalingrad personal accounts, original photographs and documents of WWII. We will be happy to share our knowledge with you.

This web site is created for those who are interested in the history of WW2 and the Battle of Stalingrad 1942-1943 and going to visit the city of Volgograd. We dedicate it to the memory of all fallen Russian/Soviet soldiers during the Second World War. 

Here you can find most significant sights of Volgograd commemorated the heroism of defenders of Stalingrad and many more other information, pictures, maps etc.

Thousands of tourists already have walked the battlefields of Stalingrad with us. Among our partners are famous companies and tourists from all over the world.

Welcome to Stalingrad!

40 Facts About Elektrostal

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 01 Jun 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy , materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes , offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development .

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy , with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

Elektrostal's fascinating history, vibrant culture, and promising future make it a city worth exploring. For more captivating facts about cities around the world, discover the unique characteristics that define each city . Uncover the hidden gems of Moscow Oblast through our in-depth look at Kolomna. Lastly, dive into the rich industrial heritage of Teesside, a thriving industrial center with its own story to tell.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.

Share this Fact: