Russia is a country that spans eleven time zones. Within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, the Baikal, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanoes, and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country on earth, with enormous tracts of land, great natural and cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.
For most westerners, Russia is associated with its most "European" cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. This is the heartland of Russia, and these great and ancient cities often become the focus for most international guests.
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Moscow, the capital of Russia, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Many famous and tragic events took place here. Such world-renowned sights as the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil Cathedral, Poklonnaja Mountain are located in Moscow.
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Moscow Region is rich in small ancient towns where visitors will find a lot of historic beautiful manors, monasteries and churches. Among the major sights of Moscow Region are Borodino Field, Manor Abramtsevo, Kremlin in Kolomna, and Sergiev Posad Lavra.
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Saint Petersburg is the second largest city in Russia, after Moscow. Among its nick-names are "Northern Venice" and "Northern Palmyra". The city boasts magnificent bridges over the Neva, numerous rivers and canals, majestic palaces and cathedrals.
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The so-called Golden Ring is a famous tourist route with a network of ancient Russian cities, including Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Sergiev Posad, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavl, Uglich, Alexandrov, Pereeslavl-Zalessky and others.
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