With its blend of tundra, forests, sub-tropical beaches, ornate onion domes, elegant and grand sprawling palaces, imposing Kremlin, concrete Stalinist monuments, world-famous ballet and vast geographical and cultural differences across the length and breadth of the land, Churchill's famous quote that Russia is a 'riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma' seems to ring true. Russia is a land of intriguing history, rich cultures, epic train journeys, and vodka - all to be explored and discovered, and the riddle unraveled.
Bolshoi Theatre
Culture vultures must head to Moscow's Bolshoi Theatre which regularly holds opera performances, and is the home of the world-famous Bolshoi Ballet Company, one of the world's oldest and most prestigious ballet companies
Lake Baikal
Close to the Mongolian border, Lake Baikal is the world's deepest lake, and one of the clearest. Its 1,242 miles of coastline make for fantastic wilderness encounter. The summer months are best to visit, unless you fancy snowmobiling.
Red Square
Separating the Kremlin from the Kitai-gorod, a historic merchant quarter, Moscow's Red Square was once the Soviet parade ground for May Day parades, and is today a popular tourist attraction, ideally located close to numerous well-known landmarks such as St Basil's Cathedral, the GUM Department Store and, of course, the Kremlin
Peterhof Palace
St Petersburg is home to numerous ornate, grand palaces, including the nearby Peterhof Palace, laid out by Peter the Great and often called the 'Russian Versailles'
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