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Russia

6

Reasons To
Visit Russia

  • Architecture

    The colourful dome topped cathedrals of Orthodox Russia are stunning and present a stark contrast to the Soviet era monoliths that are so often a part of Russian cities.

    Architecture

  • Arts & culture

    Some of the world’s greatest writers, composers and choreographers and cultural institutes are Russian; from Dostoevsky and Tchaikovsky to the Bolshoi theatre and Kirov ballet.

    Arts & culture

  • Ballet & Opera

    Russia is the birthplace of ballet and a visit to either Moscow's Bolshoi or St Petersburg's Mariinsky Theatre is a must. Even for those who aren't well versed in either art form, you should take in a performance simply for the wonderful music, beautiful theatres and sumptuous costumes on show.

    Ballet & Opera

  • Cities

    St Petersburg is on the world’s most romantic and beautiful cities, home to stunning architecture, a cultural arts scene and world class restaurants and hotels. A true winter wonderland.

    Cities

  • Modern history

    The domination of the USSR is inescapable, as is the legacy of Lenin and Stalin. Russia has shaped and changed 20th Century history and will continue to do so for years to come.

    Modern history

  • Trains

    The Trans-Siberian railway is one of life’s great journeys, travelling hundreds of kilometres across Russia’s vast expanses, across European Russia, the Ural Mountains and into Siberia.

    Trains

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Visit Irkutsk, Russia

Traditional wooden houses, Irkutsk
Traditional wooden houses, IrkutskOn Lake Baikal, IrkutskPrince Volkonsky's house, IrkutskWooden house, IrkutskCathedrals, IrkutskIrkutsk, RussiaAbove Lake Baikal, IrkutskBy the River Angara, IrkutskCathedrals, IrkutskOn Lake Baikal, IrkutskOn Lake Baikal, IrkutskSunset over the River Baikal, IrkutskIrkutsk, RussiaHorse and cart, SiberiaSentset over Lake Baikal, Irkutsk

Irkutsk

Russia

Established in 1651 Irkutsk grew to become the administrative and cultural centre of Siberia.

Following an attempted coup d’etat in 1825, Tsar Nicolas I exiled a group of his childhood friends here (the Decemberists) who gave the city something of a noble air, and led to it being dubbed ‘the Paris of Siberia’ by Russians.

Exploring Irkutsk

After a devastating fire in 1879 the city was rebuilt by its rich merchants, and many of these brick mansions and grand public buildings still stand today in the compact but pretty centre.

Well served by train or plane from Moscow, Irkutsk is both an essential stopover on the Trans-Siberian railway and a destination in its own right, with the beautiful Lake Baikal on its doorstep.

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{09BA995C-65A0-47CA-B8F7-874B73A90981}Trans-Siberian Railway Journey

Travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, through Russia, Mongolia and China is one of the greatest and oldest train journeys on earth.

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Further reading:
RussiaWhen to GoHighlightsItinerary IdeasPlaces to GoThings to DoAccommodationAbout RussiaCountry Guides

Other countries in North Asia & Russia:
ChinaJapanKyrgyzstanMongoliaTaiwanTibetUkraineUzbekistan

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