Russia : Best places to access of this huge & diverse country

 

The history of Russia is incredibly complex and spans over a thousand years. Here's a very brief overview:

1. **Early History**: Russia's history begins with the East Slavs, who settled in the region around the 9th century. Kiev Rus', centered around Kyiv (modern-day Ukraine), was one of the earliest East Slavic states.

2. **Mongol Rule**: In the 13th century, the Mongols invaded and ruled over a significant portion of Russia for several centuries. This period, known as the Mongol Yoke, had a lasting impact on Russian governance and culture.

3. **Emergence of Moscow**: The Grand Duchy of Moscow gradually expanded its territory and power, eventually becoming the center of Russian rule. Ivan III, also known as Ivan the Great, played a pivotal role in this consolidation.

4. **Romanov Dynasty**: The Romanov dynasty began ruling Russia in the late 16th century with Tsar Michael I. The Romanovs continued to rule until the Russian Revolution in 1917.

5. **Peter the Great**: Peter I, or Peter the Great, is famous for modernizing Russia in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He expanded the Russian Empire and moved the capital to St. Petersburg.

6. **Imperial Russia**: Russia became one of the great European powers under the Romanovs. It expanded into Siberia and Alaska, becoming the Russian Empire.

7. **Russian Revolution**: In 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, overthrew the Provisional Government in the October Revolution. This marked the beginning of communist rule and the formation of the Soviet Union in 1922.

8. **Soviet Era**: The Soviet Union, under leaders like Joseph Stalin, became a superpower during the 20th century. It played a major role in World War II and engaged in the Cold War with the United States.

9. **Dissolution of the Soviet Union**: The Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, leading to the emergence of the Russian Federation as an independent country with Boris Yeltsin as its first president.

10. **Contemporary Russia**: Since the 1990s, Russia has experienced significant political, economic, and social changes. Vladimir Putin has been a dominant figure in Russian politics, serving as both president and prime minister.

This is just a very brief overview, and Russian history is much more detailed and nuanced. It includes numerous wars, cultural developments, and social changes that have shaped the country into what it is today. 

Best places to visit 

Russia is a vast and diverse country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Here are some of the best places to visit in Russia:

1. Moscow: Explore the Red Square, Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the impressive Moscow Metro.

2. St. Petersburg: Visit the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and the beautiful canals of this "Venice of the North."

3. Kazan: Discover the blend of Tatar and Russian cultures in this historic city, home to the Kazan Kremlin.

4. Sochi: Enjoy the Black Sea coast, ski resorts, and the scenic Caucasus Mountains.

5. Trans-Siberian Railway: Embark on an epic train journey across Russia, with stops in cities like Yekaterinburg and Irkutsk.

6. Lake Baikal: Explore the world's deepest freshwater lake, known for its unique wildlife and pristine beauty.

7. Kamchatka Peninsula: Hike among volcanoes, relax in hot springs, and witness incredible natural beauty.

8. Golden Ring: Explore a group of historic cities northeast of Moscow, including Suzdal, Vladimir, and Yaroslavl.

9. Siberian Wilderness: Experience the remote beauty of Siberia in places like Altai Mountains and Tuva.

10. Murmansk: Discover the Northern Lights and Arctic landscapes in this far northern city.

Remember that Russia's climate can vary greatly, so the best time to visit may depend on your interests and the regions you plan to explore.

Best seasons : 

The best season to visit Russia depends on your preferences and the specific regions you plan to explore due to the country's vast size and diverse climate. Here's a general guideline for each season:

1. **Summer (June to August):**

   - This is the most popular time to visit Russia, especially for European Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Golden Ring).

   - The weather is generally mild to warm, and many cultural events and festivals take place during this time.

   - It's an excellent time for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and exploring national parks.

2. **Spring (April to May):**

   - Spring can be a pleasant time to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg as temperatures start to rise, and the parks and gardens come to life.

   - You can avoid the peak summer crowds and enjoy milder weather.

3. **Autumn (September to October):**

   - Early autumn can be a lovely time to visit as the weather is still pleasant, and you can witness the changing colors of the leaves.

   - It's also a great time to explore the Trans-Siberian Railway or visit Siberian regions.

4. **Winter (November to February):**

   - If you want to experience Russia's famous winter wonderland, visit during this season.

   - Moscow and St. Petersburg are enchanting with snow-covered landscapes and festive decorations during the holidays.

   - For winter sports enthusiasts, the Russian Caucasus region, especially Sochi, offers skiing and snowboarding.

5. **Late Winter (February to March):**

   - Late winter can be a good time for cultural visits in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg when the worst of the cold has passed.

   - It's a good time to enjoy indoor attractions and cultural events.

Keep in mind that Siberia and the Russian Far East have harsher winters and shorter summers, so plan accordingly if you intend to visit those regions. Additionally, check specific weather forecasts for your chosen destinations, as weather conditions can vary from year to year.

Cuisines:

Russian cuisine is diverse and reflects the country's rich cultural history and vast geography. Here are some key components and dishes you can find in Russian cuisine:

1. **Borscht:** A famous beet soup often served with sour cream, it can be served hot or cold.

2. **Pelmeni:** Dumplings typically filled with minced meat and spices, often served with butter or sour cream.

3. **Blini:** Thin pancakes, similar to crepes, served with various toppings like caviar, sour cream, or jam.

4. **Solyanka:** A hearty soup with a sour-salty flavor, often made with meat, vegetables, and pickles.

5. **Shashlik:** Marinated and skewered meat, similar to shish kebabs.

6. **Pirozhki:** Small pastries filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, potatoes, or fruit.

7. **Plov:** A Central Asian rice dish often prepared with meat, vegetables, and spices.

8. **Olivier Salad:** A Russian potato salad made with boiled potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and mayonnaise.

9. **Caviar:** Russia is known for its high-quality caviar, often served as a delicacy.

10. **Syrniki:** Fried quark or cottage cheese pancakes, typically served as a dessert or breakfast dish.

11. **Pickled Vegetables:** Pickled cucumbers and tomatoes are common appetizers and sides.

12. **Kvass:** A fermented beverage made from bread, often sweetened and flavored with fruits or herbs.

13. **Medovik:** A honey cake, a popular dessert in Russia.

14. **Kholodets:** A meat jelly made from broth that is typically served cold.

15. **Cabbage Rolls (Golubtsy):** Cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of ground meat and rice, cooked in a tomato sauce.

Russian cuisine varies from region to region due to its vast size, so you may find regional specialties when traveling within the country. Additionally, Russian cuisine has been influenced by neighboring countries and cultures, making it a unique blend of flavors and ingredients.

Airlines to access 

When planning a trip to Russia, you have several international airlines to choose from for your flights. The specific options may vary depending on your departure location, but here are some major international airlines that often have routes to Russia:

1. **Aeroflot:** Russia's national carrier, Aeroflot, operates flights to various Russian cities and has a broad international network connecting major cities around the world to Moscow and St. Petersburg.

2. **Lufthansa:** This German airline provides multiple daily flights to Moscow and other Russian cities, often with convenient connections through Frankfurt or Munich.

3. **Emirates:** Emirates offers flights to Moscow and other Russian destinations via its hub in Dubai.

4. **Air France:** Air France serves Moscow and St. Petersburg, with connections through its hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris.

5. **KLM:** KLM Royal Dutch Airlines operates flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg, often with connections through Amsterdam.

6. **British Airways:** British Airways provides service to Moscow from London Heathrow Airport.

7. **Turkish Airlines:** Turkish Airlines has a well-connected network to various Russian cities via Istanbul.

8. **Finnair:** Finnair offers flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg with stopovers in Helsinki.

9. **Qatar Airways:** Qatar Airways connects travelers to Russia via Doha, with flights to Moscow and other destinations.

10. **Delta Air Lines:** Delta has flights to Moscow from its U.S. hubs with connections through European cities.

Be sure to check the specific routes and availability with these airlines based on your departure location and the Russian city you plan to visit. Prices and flight options can vary depending on the time of year and demand.