Moscow – Since Moscow is the capital of Russia, it is also the main gateway to the country and its provinces and tourist will usually start their sight-seeing tours here exploring Russia from this ancient city. Moscow itself is also home to several tourist attractions such as the Kremlin and the Red Square amongst many others.

Moscow buildings are rather unique because its architectural style combines the features of Eastern as well as Western cultures and features. The Vysantium styles are mixed with architectural styles of Britain, Italy and other West-European countries.

A visit to some of Moscow’s 80 museums are indeed eye openers as these museums preserve invaluable treasures ranging from rich collections of Russian and foreign art and culture. The Kremlin, the symbol of Russian might and power stands proudly towering over the left bank of the Moskva river. It is the oldest part of the city and is its political, historic and cultural center and the seat of Russia’s legislative power. It is also the site of several museums.

Another tourist attraction in Moscow is the famous The Red Square which is the main square in Moscow and Russia not unlike what Tian An Men square is to China.

St. Petersburg – St Petersburg is another well known city in Russia popular with tourists because it is one of the most beautiful cities of Europe and affectionately called Venice of the North. St Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia after Moscow. St.Petersburg is an impressive display of remarkable architectures which can be seen from the cathedral of the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Summer Palace, the Winter Palace, the Smolny Convent, the Vorontsov and Strogonov palaces, the Kazan and St.Isaacs Cathedrals. It is also the soul of Russian fine arts in its rich world class music, ballet, and theatre performances.

Velikiy Novgorod – Velikiy Novgorod is located on the banks of the river Volkhov River which is about 120 miles (about 190 km) south of St.Petersburg. This amazing ancient city was founded more than 11 centuries ago and is a popular tourist attraction today. Velikiy Novgorod suffered severe damage from German bombing runs in the Second World. The good news is that many of the historical monuments are now restored to its former splendor and glory.

Murmansk – The town of Murmansk is located in northwestern Russia and has a population of almost half a million people. This town is now an important fishing port and is home to one of the largest its fish-processing plant in Europe. The best time to visit Murmansk is during the Festival of the North, which is celebrated in the last week of March with a ski marathon and reindeer races.

Sochi – After touring some of Russia’s city and towns, let’s take a look at Sochi, Russia’s favorite resort by the Black Sea with towering Caucasus Mountains serving as the beautiful resort’s backdrop.

What makes Sochi such a popular resort in Russia is because of its cool subtropical climate, warm blue sea and the modern resort complexes. This resort also attracts dignitaries like local and foreign head of states and movie stars as its guests.

To cater to the demands of tourists, you can find dozens of hotels and campsites with more than 50 sanatoriums. There are also natural beauties to enjoy such as picturesque waterfalls, wonderful hilltop views, mineral springs spas and alpine vistas to stroll in.

Vladivostok – This is also another important Russian town that is worth visiting. Vladivostok is an important seaport and administrative center of Primorsky Kray region, in southeastern Russia and is extremely rich in Russian military history.
The town was founded in 1860 and is now the chief educational and cultural centre of the Russian Far East. The city is famous for its performing art theatres and its philharmonic symphony orchestra.Vladivostok is surrounded by the Ussuri Nature Reserve and the Far East Maritime Reserve. Nature lovers can find bumbling black and brown bears, Siberian boars, majestic Ussuri tigers, the rare Amur leopard and colorful migratory birds in these reserves.

The Trans-Siberian Railway – The best way for tourists to discover and tour the vast expanse of Russia is by The Trans-Siberian Railway. The rail trip on the train from Moscow to Nakhodka takes about eight fascinating days, passing through forests of birch and pine, quaint Russian villages and beautiful steppes.

The train will also rumble past Siberia’s Lake Baikal which is as big as Belgium and is home to the world’s only freshwater seal. Other tourist attractions along the journey are the multicultural town of Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude city which is Russia’s center of Buddhism.

Moscow, St Petersburg, Nizhniy Novgorod, Kazan, Sochi and other Russian cities are a popular destination for the tourists during winter, as there are plenty of ski complexes and sport parks there. Winter spend in one of these cities will become one of the best ones in the life of any traveler.

Nizhniy Novgorod offers perfect entertainment in the ski complex Novinki or the ski recreation center Khabarskoye, where there is plenty of snow. Experienced instructors will train tourists and their children, interested in skiing.

Ski complex Kazan, which is located closely to the city of Kazan , offers wonderful traces of all kinds. The traces were built according to European standards and have modern equipment. The climate of the region is really good, so tourists will enjoy Russian winter.

Russia is a wonderful country for spending winter holidays, as winter is the best time for Russia travel. Russian winters are known all over the world. Russia offers all kinds of winter entertainment for the tourists, interested in winter activities. Russia is a country of beautiful mountains and rivers, which are the best places for winter activities. The mountains of Russia are the best place for snowboarding, skiing and just enjoying winter air.

There are various kinds of winter resorts in Russia, each of which has everything need for an unforgettable winter trip. Most of the tourists coming to the country will surely be interested not only in winter activities, but also in visiting the most popular sights of the country. Most of the Russian resorts have sights of their own. Tourists traveling across the country in winter will enjoy their trip, as they will have a real chance to admire Russian nature and sights. In some parts of the country, it is extremely cold in winter, but still this fact attracts tourists from different countries.

The Red Square has been used for the coronation of Russian Tsars, as well as for official ceremonies by all Russian Governments. Walking around the square, it is wonderful to imagine the grandeur of these proceedings. During the mid to latter 20th Century, it was most famous as the site of official military parades demonstrating to the world the might of the Soviet armed forces. Within the Red Square, The Kremlin itself is a place connected with years of history and to see it brings Russian politics to life. If your anything like myself you like to imagine walking the route of a Tsar, a Soviet leader or the President.

The name Kremlin is often used as a metonym to refer to the government of the Soviet Union (1922-1991) and its highest members (such as general secretaries, premiers, presidents, ministers, and commissars). To some extent, it is still used in reference to the government of the Russian Federation. “Kremlinology” referred to the study of Soviet policies. The official residence of the President of Russia is an historic, fortified complex, including four palaces, four cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin wall with Kremlin towers. Tsars and Soviet leaders have both resided here, showing that through the changes of government the Kremlin remained a significant place in Russian history.

The Red Square is also home to Lenin’s Mausoleum. It seems appropriate to keep Lenin’s body in such a politically charged area of the capital. Lenin’s embalmed body has been on public display there since the year he died in 1924. Tourists are able to pay to visit this famous Soviet leader. However, if you do feel like visiting you must be aware that the Russian’s take he preservation of Lenin very seriously and want you to show extreme levels of respect. The guards will react if you laugh too much, talk too much, make rude comments or even keep your hands in your pockets. An interesting place to visit, so long as you know the rules.

When you enter the Red square, not only will you notice the bright red wall of the Kremlin and be in search of Lenin’s Mausoleum, but you will be struck by the stunning Cathedral situated in the square. This eye catching display of architectural magnificence may actually be the sight that immediately catches your attention first and is often mistaken as being part of The Kremlin itself. The building is a multi-tented, multi-coloured church with distinctive onion shaped domes. It was commissioned by Ivan the Fourth, otherwise known as Ivan the Terrible, to commemorate he capture of the Khanate of Kazan- a medieval Tartar state, which occupied the territory of former Volga Bulgaria between 1438 and 1552.

The ancient cities of Russia namely Moscow, Petersburg and Murmansk are widely popular around the world and attracting more and more tourists every year. The history and the ancient culture of Russia have encouraged many travel enthusiasts to spend their holiday in Russia. You will find Russia as an amusement for the entire family. There are many sights in Russia that demand the tourists to visit. Russia is a beautiful place that provides everything for everybody.

The hermitage stands as evidence for the western European art taking about the tsars who ruled Russia for more than one and a half centuries. The magnificent construction has five buildings linked together to form the hermitage collections. This is 20 times bigger than any normal museum and you can see all the ancient things in the vault. You must plan ahead properly to visit these buildings on the river side that contain 1057 rooms and 117 staircases.

Lizhi is a pilgrimage site that contains two churches with a bell tower in-between. It is one of the world heritage sites dating back to the 17th and the 18th centuries. The churches depict the exact Russian architecture. The marvellous decorations on the walls stand as a masterpiece of the wooden architecture. The little Church of the Resurrection of Lazarusis the oldest building made of wood in Russia built during the 14th century. Kremlin in Moscow stands as evidence of the various political powers in Russia. Various important political meetings and speeches are made by many ancient Russian rulers.

To fascinate the kids, Russia has Lapland Biosphere Reserve, it is a great natural reserve in Russia. You can find different species of birds and animals in this reserve and you can explore their life style naturally in this reserve. Mamaev Kurgan is the site where a fierce battle took place which lasted for four months. It now stands as a memorial of the battle where the land is blooded with people who died in the battle. You can find memorials, statues and ruins of forts in this place. Lake Baikal is famous for its pure water and the surrounding shores provide a peaceful ambiance.

Best time for a Russian holiday!

Much of what you have heard about vodka consumption in Russia is probably not far off the mark. It is definitely the preferred drink throughout the country. Heck, they even put in the beer. Yep, there are certain brands of beer that come with a number on them. The numbers range from one to seven or 10. The larger the number, the more vodka there is in the beer. If you don’t know this before buying one of these brands, you can be in for a shock after your second beer!

When it comes to vodka, the Russians have a saying – “warm on the inside, cold on the outside”. Winters are cold. Certain parts of the country will stay well below zero for the entire winter. In these areas, vodka acts somewhat like antifreeze in a car. It actually seems to keep you warm, but it might be a perception. I only know it seemed to help me.

Vodka drinking is done in a particular way in Russia. The preferred method is to drink it as a shot. In the big cities, you can get it mixed with other things, but this is pretty rare. Everything is a shot and each is usually accompanied by a toast of some sort. Toasts to family, love and women are common, even at the most informal of dinners. If you have the fortune to attend a wedding, make sure to take pictures. You will remember little of it!

Before your trip to Russia, I strongly suggest you take a particular step. This step is to build a tolerance to vodka. You can expect to drink four or five shots at a go in Russia and refusal to do so is often considered rude and a break from custom. Sooner or later you are going to have to do it. To avoid being rendered a babbling idiot, it is best to start preparing yourself now. You need to get to the point where a couple of shots bring a smile, but not a stagger.

Moscow is much bigger than St. Petersburg, but it is equally cool place to visit. The Kremlin and Red Square with the glorious quintessentially Russian onion-domed St Basils cathedral. Russian capital does not have a concentrated historic centre like St Petersburg, but there are historic treasures spread out across this vast city like the Tetriakov gallery. It is also an incredibly vibrant modern city that is now really buzzing with the new wealth and culture that has sprung up in the last decade. Moscow also has some of the best restaurants and clubs in the world.

Many travel restrictions have been lifted since the 1990s and it is now possible to arrange overnight stays in many of the fascinating towns and breathtaking landscapes along the way. Make sure to spend a moment in the Siberian town of Ulan Ude, Russia’s main Buddhist center, and visit the Tibetan Buddhist monastery that has been restored since the oppressive rule of Stalin. The Baikal Lake region is also a very popular stop and a perfect place to be immersed in the natural beauty of Russia’s heartland. Baikal Lake is the oldest in the world, estimated at 25-30 million years old. The lake region is home to over 2,500 animal species including a unique Siberian species of freshwater seal and thousands of migratory birds. Accessibility is the new attitude toward foreign tourism in Russia. A society that has long been closed-off, particularly to westerners, is now ready to embrace curious visitors with open arms. There has never been a better time to travel Russia!”