Russia
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Russia is not only the largest nation on Earth, but also home to the treasures of the Tsars (Peter the Great, Ivan the Terrible), Stoli vodka, Moscow's famous Red Square, and the marvels of St. Petersburg in the far north.
Russia (for over 70 years the Soviet Union) is a fascinating mix of cultures, history, and landscapes. Crossing several time zones - from the European-flavoured west to the frozen tundra of Siberia, to the far eastern steppes of Asia - Russia is a land with many unexplored corners and hidden secrets.
Moscow has for centuries been at the heart of Russian politics and intrigue. Desired by Napoleon and Hitler alike, Moscow's allure undid both of these warlords. It's a different kind of allure that brings tourists to Moscow today - a magic created by destinations such as Red Square, The Kremlin, the Bolshoi Ballet, and Lenin's Tomb.
The jewel in the Imperial Crown, however, was St. Petersburg. Bordering Finland to the extreme north, St. Petersburg is a city of palaces and architecture, and of course the amazing Hermitage museum.
The mighty power of the Tsars was wielded from these two great cities, but the forces of change swept centuries of tradition aside in 1917. Lenin, Stalin, and Trotsky created the world's mightiest Communist state from the ruins of the old Russia, and decades of isolation and Cold War with the West were to begin.
Gorbachev's world-shaking policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) heralded the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, and the transition has been painful. The legacy of Communist mismanagement can still be seen, although many yearn for the old certainties as the reforms of Yeltsin and Putin bite hard.
But Russia is no basket case. This is a land of immense resources and wealth, and a nation well used to shifting sands of history. The vibrancy and cutting-edge feel of present-day Moscow and St Petersburg sits comfortably alongside the historical past.
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Russia is a unique and rewarding destination. After all, it boasts the finest vodka, the biggest lakes, some of the world's most treasured art and antiquities, handsome countryside, quirky shopping, some hedonistic nightlife, the incomprehensible Cyrillic alphabet, caviar, and sights and sounds you just won't see in Sydney or San Francisco.
Getting There
The immense distances and bureaucracy make a tour a great way to get around Russia. Our Recommended Partner On The Go Tours has 6 and 9 day tours to Russia, focusing on the great cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg.
On The Go are an experienced, British-registered tour operator, so you are assured of the highest standards of professionalism, service and support.
If you want to go under your own steam, most major airlines fly to Moscow daily.
More Information
Visit the Russia Travel website for more.
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