The Pan Russian Exhibition Centre
As time goes by, there are less and less of the symbols of the old regime in Moscow. You have to look on older public buildings to see the dramatic Red Star and ‘Serp y Mallot’ (the Hammer and Sickle) designs which ...

The Master and Margarita in Moscow
Until 1966, Mikhail Bulgakov’s classic tale remained unpublished but when it did finally arrive in bookshops, “The Master and Margarita” caused a sensation both in Russia and around the world.

Outstanding Ethnic Food in Moscow
As soon as we went in and walked up a short flight of steps, it was as if we had entered another world. In the restaurant, everything was laid out like an oriental village square...

Gorkiy House
The Gorkiy house museum is definitely worth seeing especially for those who appreciate Art Nouveau style of architecture. It is mansion with fantasy twists and decorations created by architect Fyodor Shekhtel ..

On the Trail of Dostoevsky
During the 19th century, Russia produced many world-class authors, writers who created dramas and characters which seem as lively today as when they were penned. None more so than Fyodor Dostoevsky, the author of ‘Crime and Punishment’ one of the most gripping accounts of the inner turmoil of the human mind.

Yelabuga a Town Worth Visiting
In Russia there is very often a sense that tourism is not something which is held in very high esteem but in Yelabuga, one of the principal towns of Tatarstan, close to the River Volga, you have a real sense of what is possible here.

Escape from the city
The first week in July was the first week it was really hot here in Kazan and I couldn’t help but notice that the streets seemed quieter than usual and in the morning the traffic out of town was similar to that of a typical late afternoon.

A Brush With Bureaucracy
When you arrive at the airport, it’s always a slightly stressful moment when you stand front of the passport control official who sternly inspects your papers.

Traveling by Rail in Russia
Russia is a vast country and major cities are well spread out with large tracts of countryside or forest in between them. Flights are expensive and roads can be slow and sometimes uncomfortable. For most Russians faced with a long journey there is only one choice: the train.

A Unique Way of Seeing the Treasures of Western Russia
One of the best ways to explore Russia is like Russians did for past 1000 years - via rivers. Advantages of Russian river voyages are numerous. You get to see much more than just Moscow or St. Petersburg. You pay two times less and you explore Russian in a great company.

A Piece of Italy in Kazan
“How intoxicating, how wonderful is a summer’s day in Russia. How languishingly hot are the hours.” Are the opening lines of Sorochinsky Fair by Gogol written in the 1830’s and little has changed since then.

Arriving in Russia
My first visit to Russia was special. I didn't visit St Petersburg or Moscow; not even the beautiful lake Baikal. No, my first taste of Russia was the lesser-known city of Kazan sitting at the east of Europe in Tatarstan where the river Kazanka joins the mighty Volga.

June 12 - The Day of Russia
Russian National Holiday

Siberia
Everyone has heard about Siberia. Siberia is more than what you have seen in Doctor Zhivago. Much more...

Sochi
Sochi - Russia's Miami and Aspen...combined.

The Russians...
When and why do they smile...

Russian Souvenirs
Russia is a country rich in crafts and craftsmen whose wonderful creations have been an integral part of Russian culture for centuries. Learn about what souvenirs you should look for when visiting Russia.

Five Reasons Why You Should Visit Russia
Russia is one of the most extraordinary countries in the world, with an almost matchless depth of cultural and historical riches, and landscapes that have inspired artists and poets for generations. Five reasons why Russia should be on the top of your list of dream vacations.

Russian Food
What images cross your mind when you think about Russian food? You have probably heard about borsht in some book or a movie. Guess what? There is much more to Russian food than that.

Best ways to see Russia: tours or cruises
What’s a better way to visit Russia, on a tour or on a cruise? Both, land tours to Russia and Russian river cruises, have their advantages and this piece aims to help you decide which is better for you.

Moscow airports: what to expect
If you are planning to fly to of from Moscow there are some things you should know about its airports. This piece explains what to do and what and to do in Moscow airports to save your money, time and nerves.

Visas to Russia and to America
So you become interested in one of tours to Russia and decide to go. Guess what? You will need a tourist visa. How difficult is it to get one? It is not too difficult, especially considering that Travel All Russia helps you in the process so your plans for travel to Russia are realized. This story is about getting Russian visas compared to getting a visa to come to America.

To tip or not to tip
When you travel to Russia, one of the questions you will have is whether you are suppose to tip. Do they tip in Russia? Increasingly, they do. This story attempts to understand why Russians are reluctant to tip their waiters and it gives a few guidelines on when to tip and when not.

On the Soviet and not-so Soviet traditions
To make the most of your trip, there are some Russian customs that you should be aware of. Knowing them just makes tours to Russia more insightful and entertaining. This piece tries to explain why strangers stare at you and why Russian bureaucrats act as if they are the most important people on our planet.

Best time to go to Russia
Want to travel to Russia but not sure where to start? Travel to Russia is a little more complicated than going to Dominican Republic or France: 1) Russia is far away; 2) Russia is cold; 3) you will need a visa to travel to Russia. You should be very strategic when planning a trip to Russia. Learn more which factors you should keep in mind when planning your travel to Russia...

In Russia, you will find what you have brought with you
One of the beauties of travel to Russia is that you discover not "what is there," but what you have brought with you in your heart and in your mind. This is a real story about two travelers.

How do they survive in the bitter cold
We all know that Russia’s cold, but how cold does it really get and how do people survive in such weather? These questions confused many minds, including Napoleon's and Hitler's. It is a good thing they did not have the Internet to read this story.

Going to the Golden Ring of Russia
No, I've never been to Russia, and I do not speak Russian. I grow up in an English-only household (with the exception of an occasional foreign expletive). I first became a Russoplile about the same time I decided to be "R.J" on my by-line: when I read Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment" at the age of 19. Since then I've read most of the great Russian novels (in English Translation) as well as numerous historical works. I've worked as a journalist and a technical writer, and spent many years as a software engineer, retiring a few years ago. I've traveled a lot over the years -- all of the lower 48, Mexico, Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, British Isles, Canada...