History of the Matryoshka Doll

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One of the most popular souvenirs purchased in Russia is a Matryoshka doll.  A Matryoshka doll consists of a wooden doll which can be pulled apart to reveal another figure of the same sort inside.  Some also refer to the dolls as babushka dolls or stacking dolls.

You will find Matryoshka dolls all over Russia, however the doll did not originate there. The first doll dates from 1890 and is said to come from Japan.  Russian had used the “nesting” concept in their Faberge eggs, as well as carved wooden apples and easter eggs.  Today they come in several shapes, sizes and themes.

If you plan to purchase dolls while in Russia, make sure and open them and check each one carefully that no damage has been done to the paint inside, and that each doll opens easily.

We invite you to visit our Russia travel guide to learn more interesting facts about this fascinating country.

Planning Your Next Trip with Atlas Travel Center

At Atlas Travel Center, we’ve spent over 35 years helping travelers turn ideas like the one in this post into fully realized journeys. Whether you’re reading this as inspiration for a trip you’re already planning or as the first seed of a travel dream, our advisors are here to take it from concept to confirmation — handling every detail along the way.

What sets Atlas apart isn’t just our longevity in the business — it’s the depth of expertise we bring to every booking. Our agents are specialists, not generalists. Many have personal experience at the destinations they recommend, onboard the ships they book, and with the tour operators they partner with. When you work with an Atlas advisor, you’re getting counsel grounded in real experience, not just what’s on a website.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.