15 days in Russia Itinerary

Feared and revered not long ago as the land "behind the Iron Curtain" and before that as "the land of the Tsars," Russia is a land of many contrasts. Spreading over two continents, it is also the largest country in the world and one of the most powerful. Founded by a group of East Slavs in the 10th century, it is home to over 160 different ethnic groups and indigenous peoples. They have all left their mark on the land, but the Slavic and Byzantine traditions hold a special place in Russia's rich historical and cultural legacy. The diverse natural beauty includes vast swathes of plains intersected with thousands of rivers, lakes, and dramatic mountain ranges along the southern borders. Arctic tundra, taiga, mixed forests, steppe, and desert-like areas successively carpet the land from the north to the south. Perfectly preserved ancient towns surrounded by mighty kremlins with colorful onion-domed churches attract tourists just as much as the nation's biggest metropolises, Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

Situated in Southern Russia and known as the "Granary of Russia," Krasnodar Krai offers travelers Mediterranean-style beach resorts as well as popular ski centers. Abundant in natural resources, the territory of this region has been inhabited by various tribes and peoples since ancient times. The Kuban River runs straight through the center of Krasnodar Krai, dividing its territory into the plains of the northern part and the more exotic landscapes of the Black Sea coast and the stunning Caucasus Mountains. A biosphere reserve on the alpine slopes of the Western Caucasus is a World Heritage Site and home to the European bison, a nearly-extinct species that was recently reintroduced from captivity. Nature enthusiasts will also love lakes, waterfalls, mineral waters, and caves along the Laba River. On the other hand, nearly 1,500 monuments and memorials dedicated to important battles and heroes of World War II provide numerous sightseeing opportunities for history lovers.