Top Destinations
Moscow
The Capital of Russia
As it is stated in ancient chronicles, in 1147 Prince Yury Dolgoruky invited his relative, Prince Svyatoslav Olgovich, to see him in Moscow which at that time was a small castle lost in the boundless Russian forest. Thus the history of the biggest political, economic, cultural and scientific center of Russia began. In the 12th century Moscow turned into a fortress, by the 13th century it was already a town and in the 15th century Moscow became the capital of the Russian State. Today Moscow with its history, architectural masterpieces and innumerable art treasures has found itself in a whirlpool of global currents determining the world development. People from all over the world come to witness Moscow splendors and to fall for the charm the capital of the largest empire on earth certainly possesses.
St Petersburg
The City You Will Fall In Love With
Saint Petersburg is a very young city compared to old European capitals and, probably, the only city in the world that has acquired so much historic significance in such a short time. It was founded in 1703 as an outlet to the sea, which was very important for Russia's future development from both strategic and economical points of view. Saint Petersburg was considered to be «a key for paradise» for the Russian Empire, so the city's name is very symbolic: it was called in honor of Saint Peter, who, as we know from the Holy Bible, was a keeper of the keys from the paradise. Saint Petersburg today is one of the most important cultural, scientific and industrial cities in Russia, housing several hundred of museums and exhibition halls. Great Russian and foreign artists, poets, writers and composers admired the beauty of Saint Petersburg and commemorated it in their works.
Kazan
A Maslin Hub In The Heart of an Orthodox Country
The exact date of Kazan foundation is unknown. According to the opinions of some historians it was founded in the second half of the 13th century, but other specialists believe that the city was founded in 1177. It is located on the banks of the Volga River. Since 1438 the city was the capital of Kazan Khanate, and in 1552 it was conquered by Russian tsar Ivan the Terrible. Nowadays Kazan is the capital of the Tatarstan republic. Kazan is a large industrial center of the region. It witnessed many important historical events. For example, here the leader of the Bolsheviks party Vladimir Lenin started his activities. Kazan is a very interesting city from the architectural point of view. Here one can see old buildings, which have been carefully preserved till nowadays: the Kremlin with various constructions of the 16th-18th centuries, the Peter and Paul cathedral, the Marjani mosque.
Golden Ring
Collection of Historic Russian Cities
The Golden Ring is the name for a popular tourist route with the network of ancient towns north-east of Moscow. These Russian towns are famous for unique architectural constructions dating back to the 12-17th centuries.
During this fascinating tour you will have an opportunity to visit such towns as Vladimir, Suzdal, Kosroma, Yaroslavl and Rostov. You will see fascinating temples made of white stone, visit ancient monasteries, and listen to the ringing of church bells. The Golden Ring tour is a very good way to learn more about Russian history, culture and traditions.