GENERAL

The largest country in the world, immersed in mystery and unimaginably diverse: a holiday to Russia lives long in the memory. It's a vast landscape incorporating many cultures and staggeringly different terrain - from the grasslands of the Steppe to the icy tundra of Siberia, via the beaches of the Black Sea Coast. The highpoints remain the majestic twin 'western' cities of Moscow and St Petersburg.

Moscow holidays...

Moscow, the capital, is an essential stop on a holiday to Russia. A huge mesmerising metropolis steeped in history and splendour, Moscow is an exciting and quite unforgettable experience. The city fuses the magnificent architectural sights of the Unesco-listed Red Square - that includes the Kremlin and the 19th century GUM department store - with the austere stark beauty of the Communist-era metro stations and Lenin's Mausoleum.

The most memorable sight remains the iconic candy-coloured psychedelic masterpiece of St Basil's Cathedral, built in the 16th century, while the city also offers an abundance of world-class galleries and museums, infinite fashionable shopping opportunities and a dynamic, sophisticated restaurant scene.

St Petersburg holidays...

St Petersburg is the cultural nucleus of Russia, a global epicentre of arts and among the most beautiful cities in the east (or west if you're from Siberia). While Moscow became a tribute to Communist-era Russia, the history of St Petersburg endured. From the Unesco-listed historic centre to the leafy suburbs, this is a city of grand imperial palaces, waterways that dissect the city streets before meeting the Baltic, soaring cathedrals, dramatic fortresses and museums and galleries packed full of masterpieces.

While the city's arts scene is internationally renowned, you'll also find a vibrant, youthful nightlife, excellent and modern dining, and varied shopping offering both cutting edge fashion and traditional Russian goods. For many people St Petersburg is the highlight for a holiday in Russia.

Find more amazing holidays in the east from MyTravel.com

For inspiration, check out at holidays to China, holidays to Poland and holidays to the Czech Republic.