Russia

Russia is the largest country in the world - it's nearly twice as big as the USA - and covers ten time zones, such is its size. Some of Russia lies in Asia and some in Europe - it is the western areas in Europe that we shall concentrate on.

The capital Moscow and the historic city of St Petersburg are both rich in history, culture and fine Russian architecture. St Petersburg is close to the Finnish border and adventurous tourists can take the train directly from Helsinki to St Petersburg - before hiring a car to explore further. Once in St Petersburg, a visit to the magnificent Winter Palace is essential - as is a look at Peter the Great's humble wooden cottage, where he lived whilst supervising the construction of the city.

Once you have seen your fill of St Petersburg's historical buildings, the city's restaurants, theatres and hotels will provide a refined and enjoyable way of spending your evenings and The Hermitage - one of the world's largest and most famous museums - will occupy you for many more hours.

Moscow is no less fascinating than St Petersburg. The word Kremlin means fortified town, and the tall walls of the Kremlin contain some of Russia's finest historical buildings, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, the Kremlin Palace and the Cathedral of the Annunciation, which was the private chapel of the Tsars. The imposing surroundings of Red Square provide a powerful reminder of more recent historical events, as does Lenin's Mausoleum; now ironically opposite an upmarket row of shops.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg boast international airports - in Moscow's case two. Domodedovo and Sheremeyevo international airports provide comprehensive air connections to most areas of the world.