St. Petersburg is a beautiful city, and The Hermitage Museum, Russian Art Museum, and Impressionist Museums are world renowned. The white stone and wooden architecture of traditional Russian historical cities can be included in the Golden Ring of Russia.

The five Stan countries, on the old Silk Road Route, are an exotic departure with prominent architectural and cultural treasures to explore.

The Caucuses region and Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. Armenia and Georgia are the oldest Christian countries in the world. Georgia’s language and writing is unique and unlike Russian, as is its wonderful cuisine.

Russia’s Riviera is the Crimea. Outdoor adventures include hiking, mountain climbing and paragliding, as well as wine tasting at local vineyards, visiting ancient Greek excavation sites, and the historic cities of Yalta and Sevastopol.

Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake as well as the deepest (2,442’) and oldest (25 million years) lake in the world, has grown in popularity as a vacation destination, (especially in March, when you can walk or dogsled across the ice and see right through it due to its clarity). There are many species of plant and wildlife endemic to the region, such as the only freshwater seal. Cultural encounters include local tribal culture where shamanism is still common. One way to experience it is to take the fabulous Lake Baikal Railway train around the lake.

The Altai region, sometimes referred to as the Russian Tibet, offers the highest mountains in Siberia, as well as healing properties of mineral springs, a popular Russian getaway for hiking rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and wildlife. Here Lake Teletskoye is a UNESCO site, and authentic experiences meeting local tribes can be arranged. Unique natural stone formations can also be viewed here.

Northeastern Sibera (Yakutia) is a land of extreme temperatures, where you can visit the Mammoth Museum and the Lena Pillars, a UNESCO site, which are 300’ high rock pillars along the river’s banks. The area is known for diamond mining and excavation sites of primeval man. Visitors can enjoy ice fishing, Yakutian horses, a unique Siberian breed.

The Far East of Russia is the land of Ussuri Siberian tigers and snow leopards (only 40 are known to be alive, most in this area), and the special nature reserve park, Sikhote Alyn, where the country tries to preserve and maintain these species. A fantastic photo safari option, and good hiking.

Kamchatka Peninsula is sometimes referred to as The Last Wilderness on Earth. This is land of volcanoes (160), savor a helicopter excursion to Geyser Valley (a UNESCO site) to enjoy 18 geysers and mud cauldrons. Brown bears are popular to view here in abundance (about 10,000 live on the peninsula).