Getting acquainted with another country, its people and customs is always interesting, especially when it is the country your beloved lady lives in. If your sweetheart comes from Russia, you get the perfect chance to visit this very special country famous by legendary history, rich culture, numerous historical and architectural landmarks, beautiful nature, and the prettiest women. Each year Russia is visited by more and more foreigners who then find their visits to be among the most interesting experiences in their life. Don't miss the opportunity! Whatever may come of your relationship, you will definitely not regret the trip!

Moscow

Moscow, the capital of Russia, is full of contrasts: modern skyscrapers and medieval landmarks, glittering boutiques and grey residential areas, people dressed in the latest fashion in state-of-the-art restaurants and rugged beggars on the streets… Whatever it may look like, Moscow is always impressive and certainly worth visiting. In 1990s, Moscow became a modern European capital and still has been developing rapidly. Old buildings are being reconstructed and repaired; new trade and business centers are being built. The list of places to visit in Moscow is virtually endless: beautiful orthodox cathedrals dating Middle Ages to the present day, over 100 thematic museums and art galleries, dozens of theatres, over 100 parks, beautiful fountains, celebrated streets, etc.

History of the Russian capital started over 860 years ago when Prince Yuri Dolgoruky, a monument to whom stands in the central square opposite to the Mayor's Office, built the first wood fortifications subsequently rebuilt into Kremlin. Today Moscow Kremlin is the residence of Russian Government. Numerous historical landmarks within the Kremlin walls are open for visitors. They include ancient cathedrals (Uspensky Cathedral were coronations took place, Arkhangelsky Cathedral that was a family burial place for Moscow princes and tsars, Blagoveshchensky Cathedral, former private church of Moscow governors), magnificent palaces (Grand Kremlin Palace built for Czar Nicholas I, Palace of Facets where Ivan the Terrible ruled), word-famous museums (Armory Chamber and Diamond Fond with its unique collection of precious stones and jewelry, including Russian crown jewels). The world's biggest Tsar-Bell (6.14 meters high weighting 202 tons) stands on the Ivan's Square. Near the bell stands the world's biggest Tsar-Cannon (40 tons). The bell has never rung and the cannon has never been fired either.

The Red Square near the Kremlin is another Moscow sight and symbol often associated with official military parades demonstrating the might of the Soviet armed forces to the world. Actually, its name has nothing to do with communism and the color of its buildings and comes from the word 'krasnyi', which meant 'beautiful' in old Russian language. With the number of historical landmarks preserved, the square is really worth this name. Cathedral of Basil the Blessed built to commemorate the capture of Kazan from Mongol forces is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the world. The Cathedral is now a museum. Near the Cathedral is the Execution Place (Lobnoe Mesto) - circular stone platform used for proclamations to the crowds gathered on the Red Square. Despite its Constructivism style, Lenin mausoleum blended well with the Kremlin buildings behind it. After years of controversy as to the fate of Lenin's body, the mausoleum is still opened for visitors.

The Golden Ring

North-east of Moscow starts one of the oldest and most famous tourist routes called the Golden Ring. The route unites the ancient cities and towns of Central Russia: Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov the Great, Pereslavl-Zalessky, Sergiev Posad and some more. They are all located relatively close to each other and form a ring, so you can easily reach from one to another and make a circle until you get back to the place you started with.

The cities and towns of the Golden Ring are full of history and represent all the stages of Russian architecture: onion-domed white-stoned temples of 12-13 centuries, hip-roofed structures of 16th century, carvings of the 17th century, masterpieces of Rostov, Yaroslavl and Suzdal architectural schools. The region was the heart of old orthodox Russia; its numerous sanctuaries, cathedrals, and churches still attract pilgrims. Among the most famous are Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius at Sergiev Posad, Pokrovskiy and Spaso-Yefimiev monasteries at Suzdal, Uspensky and Dmitrievsky Cathedrals at Vladimir. They are included into UNESCO List of the World Legacy.

The region of Golden Ring has also always been famous by its folk art masters. Numerous museums exhibit wood and bone carving, crystal ware, jewellery, laces, enamel art, and varnished miniatures. There can hardly be a tourist who can resist the temptation to take along traditional Russian souvenir to remember the far-away country.

The nature of the region is attractive at any season of the year. This is the land of pine and birch wood, blue lakes, vast fields, famous Volga River and peaceful forest rivers. This unspoiled natural beauty is essential to feel the spirit of old Russia in full. On the route, you will get the idea of Russian province: more traditional, not influenced so much by the West, living a slower and more peaceful life.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, the so-called Northern capital of Russia, is absolutely different from chaotic, crowded, and always busy Moscow. This is a beautiful city of channels and imposing architecture, great historical legacy, the home of many famous artists and poets that still leaves a vibrant cultural life. Being the most close to Europe from the Russian cities, St. Petersburg presents a mixture of European and Old Russian traditions. The city was founded in 1703 by Emperor Peter the First, one of the key figures in Russian history. It all started from the Peter and Paul Fortress located on Hare's Island. Since 1736, the Peter and Paul Fortress cannon fires a volley every day at 12:00 p. m., which is used by St. Petersburg residents to set their watches by.

According to the plans of its founder, St. Petersburg was to be modeled on Amsterdam. Peter brought the best architects, engineers, sculptors and painters from Italy, France, Netherlands, and Germany. However, St. Petersburg acquired its own style and unique appearance. The city is divided among numerous Islands connected by channels, which number has been gradually reduced to provide better transportation. There are 342 bridges in the city, 21 of which are separated during the night for ships to pass. Bridges in St. Petersburg are really the state of the art. The Trinity Bridge, for instance, was engineered by Gustave Eiffel, famous for its Eiffel Tower in Paris.

There are about 220 museums in St. Petersburg. Among them are palaces, fortresses, parks and more. One can hardly find a more exciting architectural ensemble than that of the Palace Square with adjoining Winter Palace and Admiralty. In the center of the square there is Alexander Column built to commemorate Russia's victory over Napoleon's army. Famous Hermitage Museum located in the former emperor residence contains about 3 million artworks of all times and nations. The most exotic museum is probably the Kunstkammer that exhibits specimens of malformed and diseased fetuses preserved in alcohol since the time of Peter the First.

St Petersburg's central street - Nevsky Prospekt - is one of the longest and most beautiful main streets in the world. It runs for 4.5 km over different islands and crosses multiple channels and rivers. Everything can be found here: glorious architecture, world-famous museums, grand opera houses, hotels, restaurants and cafes. The street is especially charming in the golden glow of White Nights, few weeks in June when the sun the sun practically never sets and people can enjoy marvelous city panorama walking along numerous stone quays.