Words: Jonathan Wells
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From Sochi to Saint Petersburg, the World Cup has hopped all across Russia. And that’s no mean feat. It’s the largest country in the world, after all. But, with goals being scored and fouls being blatantly played the length of the land, it can be hard to get around.
In fact, the two stadiums furthest apart, Kaliningrad and Ekaterinburg, are over 3,000 kilometres apart. So, if you fancy England’s chances and are looking to not only get to Russia, but also follow the Lions as they (inevitably) make it to the final, we’ve got the perfect way to do it.
Private jet charters are soaring in popularity, and Victor are the best in the business. The digital jet charter marketplace has seen a huge uptick in requests for flights from England in the last fortnight, which means that fans are keen to jump on the glory bandwagon, and travel without stress or hassle.
Fans are booking everything from 8-seater Citation XLS charters to no-luxury-spared Boeing 737 VIPs – the latter including 60 fully-reclining executive seats, lounge spaces, a fully stocked kitchen (with wine cooler), private bed and shower rooms (to ensure the best rest and relaxation for the drama ahead). Here are the best destinations to fly to, and how much it will cost you.
Samara
If England are to make it further than the quarter-finals, they must take Samara by storm and beat Sweden. This is the hot ticket of the moment, but even if you’re not interested in the football, there’s something for everyone in this south-east Russian city.
The Volga runs through its centre and summer is surprisingly warm here. This is a city stuffed with museums, art galleries — housing some of the nation’s finest masterpieces — and relics from WWII. There’s much to see, if you can tear your eyes away from the action on the pitch…
Moscow
The Russian powerhouse, Moscow will see one semi-final and the eventual final. And if that’s not exciting enough, it’s the semi-final that England may make it to. Luzhniki Stadium is, indeed, impressive — with capacity for almost 80,000 fans and a whole lot of drama.
In a wider sense, Moscow needs no introduction. Be it the Red Square, Russia’s symbolic centre, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the twisted spires of St Basil’s Cathedral or the tsarist treasures stashed in the Kremlin’s Armoury, even if we lose there’s enough to keep your mind off mourning.
Saint Petersburg
The second semi-final will take place in Russia’s second city. The home stadium of FC Zenit Saint Petersburg, Krestovsky Stadium is one of the most costly stadiums ever built — with conservative estimates even judging the expenditure at over $1 billion.
But, if you’re not interested in seeing Brazil face off against France, or Uruguay take on Belgium, then why not venture outside the walls of the stadium and explore the city. With the iconic ‘Bronze Horseman’ statue, views of the Baltic Sea and the Mariinsky Theatre at your disposal, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Sochi
Sochi, as home to the 2014 Winter Olympics, is no stranger to sport. It’s a city, sitting on the Black Sea, that has entered a new phase in its existence, and one that can deal handsomely with a huge influx of sporting tourists. Good thing too, as on Saturday it will play host to Croatia’s national team, as they take on the hosts, Russia.
Aside from the football, the city is best know for being a summer beach resort. Its parks include a palm-filled Arboretum and the vast Sochi National Park in the Caucasus Mountains, and its 20th-century buildings include the columned Winter Theatre. It’s one of Russia’s most diverse cities — and well worth a trip even when there isn’t a tournament on.
CEO of Victor-owner Alyssum Group Clive Jackson talks us through his working day. Read more here…
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