| Russia is the biggest country in the world,stretching | | | | Getting there and getting around |
| across ten time zones and twocontinents. It has a long | | | | There are literally hundreds of initialdestinations to |
| and interestinghistory, including times of royalty, | | | | choose in Russia, most of whichare served by a |
| communism,and emerging capitalism. Russia has | | | | variety of air carriers. Theinternational airport just |
| enduredtremendous changes over the centuries, as | | | | outside of Moscow - |
| well astremendous damage and loss during World | | | | Sheremetyevo Airport - is probably the busiestairport |
| War II. | | | | in the country and the one most oftenchosen by |
| Its people are resilient and strong, though, andinvariably | | | | visitors as a starting point for theirlocation. Russia is |
| offer visitors their unrestrictedhospitality. | | | | also accessible by a varietyof rail lines and ferry |
| Famous cities and heritage | | | | services from majorcities in Europe. |
| Russia is truly a large melting pot of ethnicbackgrounds | | | | Once you get to Russia, an excellent way to seethe |
| and cultures. There really is nosingle Russian culture, | | | | country is on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Atover 6,000 |
| but rather a collectionof diverse cultures that all | | | | miles, it is the world's longestrailway, stretching from |
| contribute to theunique characteristics of the country. | | | | Moscow to Vladivostockin the East. The train route |
| Allacross the country there are famous cities | | | | takes you throughthe vast frozen wilderness of |
| thatpersonify the many different influences on | | | | Siberia and past |
| Russiaover the centuries. | | | | Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake. This lakeholds an |
| One of the most famous cities in Russia is | | | | amazing 20% of all of the fresh water inthe world, and |
| Moscow,the capital city. There you will find | | | | the surrounding mountains aregreat for hiking and |
| manyhistoric and notable sights, including historicpalaces | | | | exploration. |
| and golden-domed churches. Another veryfamous | | | | If you prefer a warmer vacation destination in |
| place to visit in Russia is the Kremlinand of course the | | | | Russia, take a short flight or a rail trip to thebeaches of |
| nearby Red Square. St Basil's | | | | Russia's many Black Sea resorts. |
| Cathedral and the Moscow Circus are also | | | | There you will find hot weather, relaxation, andother |
| worthtaking the time to visit. | | | | wonderful activities all against thespectacular backdrop |
| St Petersburg is the second largest city and hometo a | | | | of the Caucasus Mountains. |
| breathtaking attraction for those whoappreciate the | | | | What to pack for Russia |
| arts. The State Hermitage is anenormous place where | | | | The clothing you should pack for a vacation in |
| literally thousands andthousands of works of art are | | | | Russia depends entirely on where you plan to goand |
| housed. It isthought by many to be one of the largest | | | | the time of year you plan to be there. Thenorthern |
| artcollections in the world. Another interestingsite is | | | | areas are notorious frigid and snowy inthe wintertime, |
| Petrodvorets, also known as Peter the | | | | while the areas in and around the |
| Great's summer palace. This beautiful structureis | | | | Black Sea are much more moderate and comfortable. |
| elegant and charming, famous for itsspectacular | | | | A good approach is to do some research in |
| fountains and gardens. If you wantto catch a glimpse | | | | advanceto find out the general kind of weather to |
| of Russian ballet theater, besure to catch a | | | | expectand pack accordingly. It is always helpful |
| performance of the ballet at the | | | | tobrings several layers of clothing that can beadjusted |
| Mussorgsky Theater. | | | | quickly according to local conditions. |