Vast stretches of the planet’s largest land mass remained unexplored by international travellers. Popular sites such as the rich and colourful capital city of Moscow still command our attention, perhaps more so now in a Russia of increased freedom and expression where a storied past is being celebrated through an outburst of creativity and restoration of historical buildings. The Moskva River winds through the city of Moscow, giving residents and visitors alike the unique opportunity to see this iconic city by boat. Saint Petersburg, however, is Russia’s true “cultural capital”. Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the city of Peter the Great exhibits grand architecture and a series of gentle canals. For the intrepid traveller seeking adventure, Russia’s vast Arctic expanses are attracting an increasing number of thrill-seekers. Here, small villages are the primary settlements, giving way to a severe landscape where bears and Moose roam. The literary guru will enjoy Russia’s classic works and those of the “new realists” who sprang to life with their unwavering honesty after the Iron Curtain was lifted.
