The Russian Federation covers almost twice the area of the United States of America, and reaches from Moscow in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The capital, Moscow, was founded in 1147. The focal point of the city is Red Square, on one side of which is the Kremlin surrounded by a thick red fortress wall containing 20 towers. The tsars were crowned here; Ivan the Terrible's throne is situated near the entrance. Those interested in Russia's achievements in the field of space travel should visit Star City, just outside Moscow, which is a cosmonaut training complex open to visitors. St Petersburg, northwest of Moscow, is known both as a cultural centre and for its elegant buildings. The city is spread over 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Wide boulevards, tranquil canals and bridges led to the city being known as the 'Venice of the North'. The Palace Square and the Winter Palace are among the most interesting sites for followers of Russian history. The Hermitage houses all the vast treasures of the former tsars. For those wishing to get a better idea of the huge variety of scenery in the Russian Federation, cruises can be taken along the mighty Volga River between Kazan, the cultural centre of the Tartars, to Rostov-on-Don, once an Armenian town and the gateway to the Caucasus. Russian cuisine is based on the staples of buckwheat (to make porridge or blini), borshch (beetroot soup) or shashlik (shish kebab). Whole roast suckling pig, roast goose stuffed with buckwheat, and roast duck stuffed with apples are served at parties and for special occasions.
Among events Easter and Christmas are celebrated with midnight services, candlelight processions and flourishings of folk art. In April St Petersburg celebrates Music Spring, an international classical music festival, and the last 10 days of June feature the White Nights, a time for general merrymaking and staying up late. A film festival is held in Moscow in autumn in odd-numbered years. The Russian Winter Festival is celebrated in St Petersburg, Moscow and Novgorod from late December to early January, and includes folklore shows and vodka. The other main winter celebration is New Year, celebrated with presents, champagne and yet more vodka.
VISAS: Required by all except nationals of CIS countries (except nationals of Turkmenistan and Georgia who do require visas), provided arriving from their country of origin.
Validity: Dependent on purpose of trip. Transit visas are valid for up to 3 days. Tourist visas are valid for 1 month. Private visas are valid for 90 days.
Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).
Application requirements: (a) Completed application form. (b) 1 recent passport-size photo with applicant's name written clearly on the reverse. (c) Valid 5-year passport with at least one blank page. (d) A tourist voucher (exchange order) issued by an authorised travel company stating their reference number, passenger names, dates of entry and exit, confirmation of payment, itinerary, places to be visited, and means of transportation. The voucher should be stamped and signed by an authorised person. (e) Return air ticket (copy acceptable). (f) Fee (payable in cash only). (g) Postal applications must be accompanied by a large, stamped, self-addressed envelope. (h) Medical insurance. Business visas: (a)-(h) and, (i) An introductory letter from the applicant's company or firm indicating the purpose of the visit, itinerary, organisation to be visited, period of stay and exact departure dates of flights. (i) An official invitation from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Ministry of Interior or any other authorised Russian Agency. Private visas: (a)-(h) and, (i) An original letter of invitation to be obtained on the applicant's behalf by friends or relatives in Russia from the local authorities. Valid for 1 year. Transit visas: (a)-(c), (e) and (h). Multiple Entry visas: (a)-(h) and, (i) Written confirmation or telex from the Consular Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Note: (a) Those who are travelling in groups (standard package tours, coach tours, international competitions and cruises) should submit all documentation to the tour operator making the travel arrangements. For visits to relatives/friends in the CIS, enquire at the Consulate for details of application procedures. (b) All travellers staying in the Russian Federation for longer than 3 days must register their visas through their hotel or sponsor. Private visitors must register with local police on arrival.
TIME: There are 11 time zones; Moscow is GMT/UTC plus three hours
ELECTRICITY: 220V, 50 Hz
WEIGHTS & MEASURES: Metric
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
Moscow
It may be the capital of the earth's biggest country, but it's not its biggest city. At times it looks like an administrative megalopolis from Alphaville, with monumental slabs of buildings and wide, grey roads. However, it's off these grey thoroughfares that the pre-Stalinised Moscow survives, with golden onion domes peeping through the narrow, winding inner-city streets and the glowing windows that hint at the secret interiors of a million apartment blocks. The most famous attractions include the Kremlin and Red Square.
St Petersburg
Russia's most European city has been dubbed the Venice of the North for its palace-lined waterways. Peter the Great's beautiful creation managed to escape the architectural incursions of Stalinism and its grandiose relics of tsarist days are virtually intact. Lying on the Gulf of Finland, and sculpted by islands and the sinuous Neva River, the city is a geometric vista of orderly elegance, with nary an onion dome in sight. Attractions include the State Hermitage Museum, Peter & Paul Fortress, Nevsky prospekt and many more.
Novgorod
Settled in the 9th century and for 600 years Russia's pioneering artistic and political centre, Novgorod lies at the heart of Russia's history. Lying just 190km south of St Petersburg, the city was annexed by Ivan III, razed by Ivan the Terrible and methodically trashed by the Nazis, but there's still a lot left to see. Its Kremlin includes the Byzantine Cathedral of St Sophia, the Millennium of Russia Monument, the icon-filled Chamber of Facets and the research-based Museum of History & Art. Across from the Kremlin, Yaroslav's Court includes medieval markets, churches, arcades and palace remains. The Church of Our Saviour-at-Ilino is arguably one of Russia's most charming, with playful ornamentation and gables, and an interior boasting Byzantine frescoes.
The Volga
The main artery of the Russian heartland has always been the 3700km-long River Volga (Europe's longest), which slowly meanders from Yaroslavl, north of Moscow, all the way down to Volgograd, from where a tributary runs off to the Caspian Sea. The Volga-Don Ship Canal links it with the River Don, bound for the Azov Sea. Cruisers and steamships ply the Volga's waters, the most interesting section is between Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don. Towns en-route include Kazan, one of the oldest Tatar cities in Russia, which features a limestone kremlin and several mosques; and Lenin's birthplace, Ulyanovsk, replete with attendant memorabilia. Volgograd, previously known as Stalingrad, is best known for the decisive and protracted battle fought here during WWII. The city has since been built from scratch, and appropriately grim museums and monuments proliferate.
Sochi
With the Caucasus mountains as its backdrop, the Black Sea resort of Sochi is Russia's Odessa and Yalta. With its subtropical climate, warm seas and adjoining trendy resort complex of Dagomys, the resort has long attracted heads of state, foreign tourists and Russians alike. Gardens are a feature of the town, as are therapeutic establishments and the dachas (country houses) of the powerful and famous. Heading inland, there are waterfalls, hilltop views, spa towns and alpine vistas to enjoy.
Trans-Siberian Railway
A jaunt on the Trans-Siberian Railway is the way to see this massive country. The six-day, 9446km journey takes you from Moscow to Vladivostok on the Pacific coast, passing through endless forests of birch and pine, log-cabin settlements and vast steppes. Life on the rails can be boring or fascinating, depending on the nature of your travelling companions, your choice of paperback novels and the friendliness of your carriage attendant (a vital factor). The route takes you past Siberia's Lake Baikal, a waterway as big as Belgium and home to the world's only freshwater seal, and multicultural Irkutsk, the most appealing city you'll pass along the line. Ulan Ude is home to the country's seat of Buddhism, the Ivolginsk Datsan. Those who get into the rhythm of the stops and starts, and the passing parade of trees and far-flung towns, will find it an experience never to be forgotten.
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