Russian Adventure

Moscow has far out underground railway stations, the Metro has marble and crytal chandeliers. The epicenter of Moscow is Red Square and tourists besiege the Kremlin where Lenin and Stalin once ruled supreme. Buildings are being restored to their former majesty. Priceless art treasures sent to Siberia for safe-keeping are coming back to the art galleries. Churches are being brought back to life. St Basil's Cathedral is the onion-shaped dome church of Moscow. Make sure to visit the Armoury Museum in the Kremlin. It has a wonderful collection of royal jewels and the famous Faberge eggs that are lavishly decorated. And finally do not miss the Moscow State Circus or the State Tretyakove Art Gallery with its portfolio of native russian art.

But the piece de resistance of a Russian adventure holiday is a fifteen hundred kilometer cruise down the Volga river from Moscow to St Petersburg. Cruise ships can carry about two hundred passengers during the northern summer. A two week cruise will pass small medieval towns and rural communities with lush fields and agriculture. There are islands, huge lakes, and forests along the shores. You will pass Yarolslavl, a beautiful sleepy little city, Goritsy, where you can go on a hiking tour through the farming community. Kizhi Island is like an open air museum with wooden church and homes that are made out in the style of the eighteenth century. Mandrogi is a reconstructed village.

St Petersburg is sometimes called the Venice of the North because it is built on lots of islands. The monstrous Hermitage Museum which is in the famous Winter Palace is one of the great art galleries of the world. They have Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, and the usual suspects. St Isaac's Cathedral has a very high domed roof. Peterhof Palace was restored to its former glory in glitter and gold as was the Catherine Palace at Pushkin. To get into Russia, make sure that you get the visa, and check before you go.

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