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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