Situated at the end of a deep bay off the Barents Sea, Murmansk is a lively Russian port city known for its rich history and extraordinary nature. One of the city’s most popular attractions is the Nuclear Icebreaker Lenin, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker boat, on which visitors can take tours to see the nuclear reactor (powered by uranium 235), as well as the captain's bridge, map room, and reception hall. Other historic highlights include the monumental Alyosha statue, which commemorates Arctic fighters who lost their lives in World War Two, and an array of fascinating museums. Incomparable scenery surrounds the city - plains of snow provide an outdoor sports playground that is especially magical during the months of the midnight sun. During winter, the eerie, wonderful spectacle of the northern lights hover over the landscape.
Constructed under the creative watchful eye of the visionary Tsar Peter the Great as 'a window to the west,' St. Petersburg is a planned city spanning across more than a hundred islands in the Neva Delta. With its pastel palaces, gilded domes, immaculate gardens, grand statues, candlelit cathedrals and arched bridges over graceful canals, St Petersburg is urban Russia at its most extravagant. Despite its rich heritage, the city has eased into modernity without sacrificing any of its old-world charm. Its shopping malls, alternative cafés and techno clubs exist harmoniously alongside ancient architectural delights and breathtaking historical monuments. Whether visiting some of the world’s greatest art museums, strolling through the Summer Garden, peeping into a gorgeous little neighbourhood church or taking a boat cruise through the canals, you are bound to find plenty to keep you blissfully engaged in this dazzling metropolis whose sheer grandeur never fails to amaze.
Russia’s vibrant capital is characterised by an intriguing blend of contrasts and contradictions. Visitors are typically surprised to find simple Bohemian beauty alongside glamourous extravagance and exquisite 16th-century churches resting in the shadows of glistening modern skyscrapers. This fusion of the old and the new creates a fascinating tapestry of ancient and modern cultural treasures. While Moscow’s all-night-party scene provides unlimited opportunities for revelry, less nocturnal travellers can spend their days marvelling at the city’s array of impressive sites including St. Basil’s Cathedral, the formidable Red Square, and the 14th-century Kremlin. Culture enthusiasts are equally well sated with endless high culture. The Moscow Philharmonic, the Bolshoi Theatre, mind-blowing art exhibitions and a thriving live music scene continue to put Moscow on the cutting-edge culture map. Whether you are looking for medieval history, communist nostalgia or high-rolling glamour, Moscow has got you covered.
