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Founded in 885, Baku is the capital and the largest city of Republic of Azerbaijan. The city is situated on the Western Coast of the Caspian Sea in the southern part of the Apsheron Peninsula in the latitude of 40º23' and in the longitude of 49º51'. The city boundaries of Great Baku include a vast territory with an area of nearly 2.2 thousand sq.km, which is not only the city itself, but also a vast municipal agglomeration.
Baku is overlooking the Caspian Sea, it's fast becoming a boomtown. Once a major stopover on the Great Silk Route, there are many captivating sights to see in this ancient country - Bronze Age petroglyphs, medieval minarets and mosques and Azerbaijan's famous carpets.
About a fifth of Azerbaijan's population lives in the capital, the biggest metropolis in Transcaucasia. This handsome city is built around a perfect harbour, Baku Bay, a notch in the underside of the Apsheron Peninsula. Baku and the 70km (45mi) long peninsula enjoy sunny and surprisingly arid weather, spoiled now and then by the gale-force coastal winds called khazri.
Population of the city is 1.8 million inhabitants.
Flight time from Moscow: 3 hours.
Flight time from St-Petersburg: 4 hours.
Airports: Heydar Aliev international airport located in 25 min drive from Baku.
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Minsk - is really an ancient Russian city, city hero.The first mention of the city concerns to 1067. During World War II Minsk was totally destroyed and rebuilt according to a symmetrical pattern.
Minsk is the capital and largest city in Belarus, situated on the Svislach and Niamiha rivers. Minsk is also a headquarters of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). As the national capital, Minsk has a special administrative status in Belarus and is also the administrative centre of Minsk oblast (province) and Minsk raion (district). It has a population of 1,830,000 inhabitants (2008).
Distance from Minsk to European capitals:
Warsaw (Poland) - 500 km
Vilnus (Lithuania) - 185 km
Kiev (Ukrain) - 565 km
Moscow (Russia) - 720 km
Riga (Latvia) - 470 km
Berlin (Germany) - 1050 km
London (England) - 2100 km
Paris (France) - 2150 km
Minsk is the city-residence of President and Goverment of the country.
Time: European + 2 hours Grinvich.
Airports:
Minsk International Airport is located 42 km to the east of the city. It opened in 1982 (passenger terminal - in 1987.) It is an international airport undergoing modernisation with flights to Austria, Cyprus, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Iran, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Turkey, United Kingdom, and other countries, operated by the national carrier Belavia and the German airline Lufthansa, AirBaltic of Latvia, LOT Polish Airlines, as well as Austrian airline Austrian Airlines Group.
Airport Minsk-1Minsk-1 opened in 1933 a few kilometres to the south of the historical centre. In 1955 it became an international airport and by 1970 served over 1 million passengers a year. From 1982 it mainly served domestic routes in Belarus and short-haul routes to Moscow, Kiev and Kaliningrad. Minsk-1 is expected to be closed in 2008 because of the noise pollution in the surrounding residential areas. The land of the airport will be re-developed for residential and commercial real estate, currently branded as Minsk-City.
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Bishkek is Kyrgyzstan’s capital and home to nearly a million residents. Bishkek (Russian and Kyrgyz: Бишкек) is the capital and the largest city of Kyrgyzstan. Bishkek is also the administrative center of Chuy Province which surrounds the city, even though the city itself is not part of the province but rather a province-level unit of Kyrgyzstan.
Founded in 1878 as the Russian fortress of Pishpek (Пишпек), between 1926 and 1991 it was known as Frunze (Фрунзе), after the Bolshevik military leader Mikhail Frunze. The name is thought to derive from a Kyrgyz word for a churn used to make fermented mare's milk (kumis), the Kyrgyz national drink.
Situated along the Chui River, Bishkek sits on a strategic historic and modern day trading route. Bishkek contrasts to the rural expanse surrounding it as a hotbed of new businesses and organizations, and is possibly the most progressive and forward-looking place in Central Asia. One can easily tour the city’s monuments by foot in a day. By car, climbing in Ala-Archa gorge is an hour, vacationing on Lake Yssyk-Kol is five, the Torugart Pass on to China is eight and southern Osh is twelve hours away.
The population is 1,250 000 thousands people.
The city is served by Manas International Airport located approximately 25 km (16 mi) northwest of the city centre. It takes 2,5 hrs by plane from Moscow to Bishkek.
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Kaluga is a city in western Russia, located on the Oka River 188 km southwest of Moscow. It is the administrative center of Kaluga Oblast. Population: 334,751 (2002 Census).
Kaluga was founded in the mid-14th century as a border fortress on the southwestern borders of the Muscovy. It was first mentioned by its present name in 1371. In the Middle Ages, Kaluga was a minor settlement owned by the Princes Vorotynsky. The ancestral home of these princes is located south-west from the modern city.
Kaluga is connected to Moscow by a railway line and the ancient roadway (E105 International highway) which is known as the Kaluga road. This road was the favoured escape route from the Moscow trap for Napoleon in the fall of 1812. But General Kutuzov repelled Napoleon's advances in this direction and forced the retreating French army onto the old Smolensk road, previously devastated by the French during their invasion of Russia.
Kaluga was occupied by the Nazi armies in 1941. In 1944 the Soviet Government used its local military buildings to intern hundreds of Polish POW - soldiers of the Polish Underground Home Army, who were arrested by advancing Soviet front in the Vilno district.
Kaluga is known for its most famous resident, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a rocket science pioneer who worked here as a school teacher. There is a museum in Kaluga dedicated to his theoretical achievements and their practical implementations for modern space research, hence the motto on the city's coat of arms: "The Cradle of Space Exploration".
In recent years Kaluga has become one of the centers of the Russian automotive industry, with a number of foreign companies opening assembly plants in the area.
On 28 November 2007, Volkswagen Group opened a new assembly plant in Kaluga, with further expansion plans planned to be completed by, or during, 2009. The investment has reached more than 500 million Euro. The plant currently assembles the Volkswagen Passat and Škoda Octavia. Planned annual capacity from 2009: up to 150,000 vehicles.
On 15 October 2007, the Volvo Group broke ground on a new truck assembly plant, scheduled to be finished in early 2009. Once completed the plant is expected to have yearly capacity of 10,000 Volvo and 5,000 Renault trucks.
On 12 December 2007, PSA Peugeot Citroën announced its decision to build a new assembly plant in Kaluga, scheduled to be finished in 2010. The plant is slated to produce midsize passenger vehicles.
On 28 December 2007, Mitsubishi Motors announced its intent to build an assembly plant in Kaluga with the initial annual production capacity of 50,000 cars.
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Kursk is a city and the administrative center of Kursk Oblast, Russia, located at the confluence of the Kur, Tuskar, and Seym Rivers. Kursk was a key turning point of the Russian-German war during World War II and the site of the largest tank battle in World War II. Population: 406,799 (2008 est.)
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A city in Change! Moscow is the biggest city in Europe and the Capital of Russian Federation founded in 1147. The official birthday is celebrated the first weekend of September (September 4th) with fireworks and manifestation in the centre and Tverskaya Street. The population has grown from a million people in the beginning of 1900 to 11,5 million people. The city covers an area of 1,100 km2 (683 miles2) with a city border of 109 km (67 miles). There are 3.500 streets covering a total of 4.535 km (2817 miles) and with a walking speed of 5km (3.1 miles) / hour it will take 6 weeks of non-stop walking. The longest street is Warshavskoe Prospect and the shortest Lazy Street. There are 1.290 traffic lights and 424 underground passages. In 2005 there were more then 3 million vehicles registered and Russia is generally considered to be the fastest growing car market in the world.. The Moscow Metro is the 5th largest regarding amount of stations and covers 292 km (181 miles) of lines and more then 150 stations and transports more the 9.5 million passengers yearly. 5 airports (Shermemetievo 1 & 2, Vnukovo and Domodedovo 1 & 2 handing more then 13 million passengers with direct flights connecting Moscow to 112 countries. There are 9 railroad stations handling 45 million passengers yearly. The city has 32.000 dwelling houses and 39.000 other buildings. The tallest building is Ostankino TV tower – 539 meters (1768 ft) (51.400 tons). The plans to build Russia Tower 648 m (2126 ft) in central Moscow becoming Highest building in the world has been replaced by Moscow City Tower 600 meter (1968 ft) – to be the highest building in Europe by far (2011) replacing the present 264 meters (866 ft) high Triumph Palace in Sokol district of Moscow (2003) and the present construction of the 274 m (899 ft) Capital Tower (ready 2008). But also many buildings from the Soviet Area is demolished such as the Swimming Pool where it was rebuilt the Cathedral of Christ of Savior t in 2 years on the original place. The Intoruist Hotel (replace by Ritz Carlton Hotel, The Moskva Hotel (replaced by Four Season Hotel, Sport Hotel and now Rossija Hotel and other not attractive buldings are going to be demolished according to plans. The city is centered on the Kremlin, the Red square and the famous Cathedrals at the Moskva River connecting the city with the Baltic Sea with an actual sea or river port at the city boarder. There are 5 Ring roads around the Kremlin (The inner Ring -one way street -, the second ring, the garden ring and MKAD as well as the project with a outer ring road catering for the more then 3 million vehicles registered in Moscow. Crossing the city is the Leningradskoe Prospect arriving to the city centre under the name Tveskaya Ulitza leading the way to the Kremlin from the North East. In the city surroundings; Tolstoy's country home, the cities on the Golden Ring (Sergiev Possad, Rostov Veliki, Jaroslav, Kostroma).There are 159 bridges over 200 Theatres and more then 150 museums holding more then 13 million exhibits and visited by more then 14 million people yearly. Moscow has one of the fastest growing economical centers in the world with an active business life with an enormous changing profile / skyline. Investments in making the city looking more and more beautiful with green areas building, facade lightning, demolishing of Soviet Style buildings, water fountains in the River and building on a new skyline in Moscow and many new restaurants, deluxe hotels and night spot.
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Orel
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Orenburg
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Suzdal is a town in Vladimir district (26 km away), located in 220 km to the north-east from Moscow on the bank of Kamenka river. It is the only town-museum in Russia with more than 300 memorials, situated on its territory. Built on an order of Vladimir Monomakh, it was first mentioned in Nestor’s chronicle in 1024. Today, Suzdal along with several other towns, forms the famous "Golden Ring" and is known as its "pearl". It is familiar both in Russia and in other countries because of its unique preservation of a true “ancient Russia”.
For centuries it functioned as the capital of several Russian principalities. After a decline in political importance, the town rose in prominence as a religious center with numerous monasteries and a remarkable ratio of churches to citizens: at one point, forty churches for four hundred families. Today, the town operates as an important tourist center, featuring many fine examples of old Russian architecture — most of them churches and monasteries. Walking through the town one might get the feeling that every third building is a church. Although having over ten thousand residents (11,357 according a census in 2002), Suzdal still retains the look and feel of a small village with streams and meadows everywhere nearby, and chicken and livestock a common sight on the city streets, some of which are unpaved. This juxtaposition of stunning medieval architecture with its pastoral setting lends Suzdal a picturesque charm, and in the summer artists and easels are a common sight.
The town’s area of just 5,5 sq. km places more than 30 churches, 5 monasteries and other memorials. Traditionally in March, Suzdal becomes a home of annual Open Russian Festival of Animated Film.
The nearest airport is Moscow that is approximately in 3 hours drive.
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Tambov is a city in Russia, the administrative center of Tambov Oblast. It is located at the confluence of the Tsna and Studenets Rivers 480 km south-east of Moscow.
The name "Tambov" originates from a Moksha language word meaning wetland.
It was founded by the decree of tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich on April 17, 1636 (old style). Originally built as a border fortress against Crimean Tatars Tambov soon declined in importance as military outpost of Muscovy and became an administrative and trade center of largely rural Russian Empire region.
Roman Boborykin, the tsar's court menial (stolnik) and voivode became the first builder of the town. Thanks to his experience, the fortress construction was finished rapidly.
In 1779, the Tambov viceroyalty was formed and on August 16, 1781, Catherine the Great approved the town's coat of arms depicting a beehive symbolizing the town's hardworking residents. In March 1786 the disgraced Russian poet and statesman Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin was appointed the governor of Tambov Governorate—a post he held until December 1788. But even during that short period he managed to do much. The town's development was being carried on: a theater, a college, a dancing school, a printing house, a newspaper, an orchestra, and a brick-yard were built. A monument to Derzhavin was later erected in Tambov.
In November 1830 during the Cholera Riots in Russia the citizens of Tambov attacked their governor, but they were soon suppressed by the regular army.
In the 19th century Tambov grew into a significant cultural center with a number of schools, libraries and institutions established there, and by 1897 more than 50,000 people lived in Tambov.
Between 1920 and 1921, the region around Tambov was the place of the Tambov rebellion—a bitter struggle between local residents and Bolshevik Red Army.
During and after World War II most of the Malgré-nous from Alsace-Moselle were jailed in the "camp N° 188" at Tambov. Between 4,000 and 10,000 French people died in this camp.
In 1991 a 360 metres tall guyed TV mast was built at Tambov.
Today Tambov is a large Russian industrial and cultural centre.
The Tambov Art Gallery houses a vast collection of canvases by Russian and West-European artists. Russia's oldest drama theater is located in Tambov, as well as two universities, two military colleges, a musical school, a museum of local lore and other cultural institutions.
Tambov is seerved by Tambov Donskoye Airport. The railway station has trains to Moscow, Saratov and Volgograd. Local public transport includes trans, buses and trolleybuses.
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Tver is the administrative center of Tver Oblast, located between Moscow and St. Petersburg ( in 167 km from Moscow) at the confluence of the Volga and Tvertsa Rivers (Tver is linked with Moscow by water, railways and a high way) From 1931 to 1990 it was known as Kalinin, after a notable Soviet leader Mikhail Kalinin who had been born nearby. Its population is approximately 407 000 people. The first written record of Tver is dated by 1164. Formerly a land of woods and bogs, the Tver principality was quickly transformed into one of the richest and most populous Russian states. Since the foundation of St. Petersburg, Tver gained importance as a principal station on the highway (and later railway) from Moscow to St. Petersburg. It was much visited by Russian royalty and nobility traveling from the old capital to the new one and back. Tver is home to Tver State University, the most highly rated university of the region. It is also home to a technical university, medical, military, and agricultural academies and more than 20 colleges and lyceums, branch campuses of some Moscow higher educational institutions and more than 50 high schools. The symbol of the city is Old Bridge over Volga river. An international airport of Tver is planned to be constructed, but it will be mostly used for freight traffic.
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Uglich is a historic town in Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia, on the Volga River. Population: 38,260.
A local tradition dates the town's origin back to 937. It was first documented in 1148 as Ugliche Pole (Corner Field). The town's name is thought to allude to the turn the Volga makes nearby.
Uglich had been the seat of a small princedom from 1218 until 1328 when the local princes sold their rights to the great prince of Moscow. As a border town of Muscovy, it was burnt several times by Lithuanians, Tatars and the grand prince of Tver. The distance from Moscow dures 4 hours by bus.
The modern town did have a famous watch manufacturing plant now closed, a railway station, and a hydroelectric power station. In November 2008 was opened a new Nexans cable mill. Actually, Stalin's decision to create the Uglich Reservoir led to severe flooding of the town's outskirts. Apart from the Kremlin, the city centre features other nice samples of old Russian architecture. Particularly notable are the Alexeievsky and Resurrection monasteries.
Throughout almost all of its history Uglich lived by trade. In ancient times this was a site of the leather trade. In the 16th century the town provided the royal kitchens with starlet, and traded in pelts. In the 19th century it made a name for itself with cured hams and sausage. And in the 20th century — the Uglich cheeses, the famous watches with bracelets of the exquisite finift enamel and delicate, lace-like metal tracery.
In this town everything – the unique watches, the lovingly preserved wooden and stone houses of the 18th-19th centuries, where one can still encounter the old stoves with ornate tiles, the lacework of wooden-carved window casings and valances, in everything one witnesses the remarkable talent of the people who are both capable of creating works of art and able to lovingly preserve them for the generations to come.
It’s not by chance the small Uglich is not only entered into the historical “Golden Ring of Russia”, but is by right one of its main historical landmarks.
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Khabarovsk is the administrative center and the largest city of Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. It is located some 30 km from the Chinese border. It is the second largest city in the Russian Far East after Vladivostok. The city became the administrative center of the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia in 2002. Population is 579,000.
Khabarovsk, the industrial, transport, administrative and cultural center of Khabarovsk Territory, was founded in the spring of 1858 on a spot there the mighty waters of the Amur River break against a high cliff. The city's foundation was laid by workers of Nerchinsk and Cassacks from the Upper Amur and Trans-Baikal regions, all of them descendants of the pioneers who explored ans settled Siberia.
There are hundreds of industrial and building enterprises, research and designing institutes, higher educational institutes, secondary and vocational schools and cultural establishments in the city.
The city is famous for its Regional Lore Museum and Art Museum rare exhibits, i.e. a Steller cow (sea cow) skeleton in the Regional Lore Museum and the collection of old Russian icons in the Art Museum.
There are many theaters, cinemas, sport clubs, stadiums, playgrounds and other recreation centers in Khabarovsk. The pride of the city is the Central Stadium, the largest in the Far East, which was opened in 1957. It was built on a reclaimed land plot.
Of great interest is a new modern building of the Musical Comedy Theater.
Khabarovsk links 3 major transport routs: the Trans-Siberian railway, the longest in the world, the Moscow - Khabarovsk airline, one of the most important and busiest airlines of the country, besides, Khabarovsk is a large port on the Amur, famous for its "river-sea" operations.
The city lies at the confluence of the Amur and Ussuri Rivers, about 800 kilometers (497 mi) north of Vladivostok and is accessible from there by an overnight train running along the Trans-Siberian railway. Rail distance from Moscow is 8,523 kilometers (5,296 mi).
Direct flight form Moscow to Khabarovsk is 6 hours. Khabarovsk is a major air traffic terminal, serving both domestic and international flights. Khabarovsk Airport is servicing regular flights to Niigata, Seoul, Pyongyang, Harbin, Anchorage, and San Francisco and other countries. The number of international links is constantly increasing.
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Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
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Vladivostok is Russia's largest port city on the Pacific Ocean and the administrative center of Primorsky Krai. It is situated at the head of the Golden Horn Bay not far from Russia's border with China and North Korea. It is the home port of the Russian Pacific Fleet.
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Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is a city on Skhalin Island, administrative center of Skhalin Oblast (which includes the whole island and the Kurils). The city was formerly called Vladimirovka between 1882-1905, then Toyohara between 1905-1946. Population is 175,085. The city is located on the Susuaya River (also called the Black River). It is the largest city on the island of Sakhalin, and the only city with more than 100,000 inhabitants. The straight-line distance to Moscow is 10,417 km. Due to restrictions, foreigners wishing to leave Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in order to travel to any other part of the Sakhalin Oblast and its internal and territorial waters are required to seek permission from the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Border Guard. Scuba diving and recreating on the seacoast is permitted only in places defined by the Border Guard. Today things are looking up for Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, ExxonMobil and Shell have been investing heavily in the area, although most of this has been on the northern half of Sakhalin. The demand for natural resources by the Japanese, Chinese, and South Koreans are giving the entire island an opportunity for continued prosperity.
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport (IATA: UUS, ICAO: UHSS) fields flights from major Russian cities as well as several asian cities. Sakhalins own carrier; SAT Airlines [1], has its main hub here and operates several domestic routes, as well as flights to Korea, Japan and China.
• Russia: Aeroflot and Transaero operate flights to and from Moscow, while SAT Airlines and S7 Airlines have useful connections to the major far eastern cities of Khabarovsk and Vladivostok.
• Korea: Asiana operates flights to Seoul-Incheon several times a week.
• Japan: SAT has frequent flights to Sapporo as well as less frequent ones to Hakodate and Vladivostok Air has charter flights from Tokyo, though they are not shown on the timetable on its website.
• China: SAT services Beijing and Harbin airports.
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Kaliningrad region is the most western enclave territory of the Russian Federation. It borders with the Lithuanian Republic in the north- east, with Poland in the south and in the west 140 km coast is washed by the Baltic Sea.
The date of formation - on April 7th, 1946.
The population of Kaliningrad is 418, 2 thousands of people. Big towns:
Sovietsk (43,7 thousand people); Chernyakhovsk (43,3 thousand people);Baltijsk (31,8 thousand people);
Gusev (27,7 thousand people)
The density of population - 62,5 persons per sq. km. For the 1st January 2003 population constituted 938 thousand people (0,7 % of population of Russian Federation), including 76, 7% of urban and 23,3 % of rural population.Population of region is multinational, people of more than 97 nationalities live here.
Most numerous are Russians – 78,1 % , Belorussians – 7, 7 %,Ukrainians – 7,4 %, Lithuanians – 1,9 % Armenians – 0, 8 %,Germans – 0,6 %,Poles – 0,5%.
Kaliningrad region is one of the most beautiful regions of Russia. Even at the beginning of the century the resorts situated on the territory of the region were very popular among European aristocracy.
Nature generously endowed this place with picturesque landscapes, medicinal and health-improving resorts. The sea, the sand beaches, the pine-tree forests, the mineral waters, the healing mud are the gifts of the nature used for the welfare of tourists and inhabitants of the region.
Kaliningrad region has a unique tourist potential. The most famous places to visit are: Kaliningrad, Svetlogorsk, Zelenogradsk and the Curonian spit. There is a great verity of sightseeing tours and health-improving tours.
The visitors of Kaliningrad have the opportunity to admire the architectural and historical monuments and museums. The Cathedral is one of the most famous places to visit, an outstanding thinker and philosopher Immanuel Kant was buried near its walls.
The history is connected with life of Prussians, campaigns of Teutonic Order, trade routes of Hansa and with names of the great persons who lived or visited Koenigsberg: Immanuel Kant, Teodor Gofman, Leonard Aler, Fridrih Bessel, great Russian tzar Peter I and other prominent figures.
The National park “Curonian spit” definitely shouldn’t be missed by any visitor to Kaliningrad region. It is the unique region situated on the narrow strip of land between the Baltic sea and the bay. The tourists and holiday-makers enjoy wonderful and virgin nature, beauty and harmony of the sea, of the dunes and of the forestlands. Thousands of Russian and foreign travelers rush to the ecological paths of the Curonian Spit and praise it as a wonder of nature.
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Murmansk is a relatively young city, founded in 1916.
Murmansk is the biggest port in the Polar area of Russia, the world biggest city within the Arctic circle. It is «Hero City» (the title awarded to a few FSU cities particularly distinguished during WWII). It is situated 300 km north of the Arctic circle, among hills, on the coast of ice-free Kola Bay, 50 km from the Barents Sea.
There are two large airports in the Murmansk region - the Murmashi airport near Murmansk (23 km from Murmansk) and the Khibiny airport near the cities of Apatity and Kirovsk.
There are two-three daily flights to Murmansk from Moscow (Sheremetievo -by "AEROFLOT" airline, Domodedovo- by "SIBIR" airline and Vnukovo airports) and 1-2 daily flights from St.Petersburg (Pulkovo). There is also a direct flight from Arkhangelsk 3 times a week. Duration of flight - about 2 hrs.
Murmansk is also an international airport - there are flights to Tromso, Norway (three times a week, operated by Aeroflot-Nord). As of writing this (May 2006) there are plans to resume flights to Kirkenes, Norway and Rovaniemi, Finland and Lulea, Sweden.
The distance from Moscow to Murmansk- 1967 km, from St.Petersburg - 1448 km.
By Train from Leningradskj Station in Moscow (duration 35-40 hrs). From St.Petersburg Ladojskij Station to Murmansk - 28 hrs.
Railways
The main transportation route of the Kola Peninsula is the railway St. Petersburg–Murmansk. Murmansk has a through railway service with Moscow (travel time about 40 hours, in winter there are two regular trains, in summer – 4–5), St. Petersburg (travel time about 32 hours, usually two trains), Vologda, Minsk. Additional trains are scheduled to Adler, Volgograd, etc. in summer. All trains go through Petrozavodsk.
Big railway stations are Olenegorsk, Apatity, Kandalaksha. There are branch lines from the Pinozero station to Kovdor, from the Kola station to Nikel' and Pechenga. A short line goes from Apatity to Kirovsk. The total length of the railways within the Murmanskaya oblast' is 891 km.
Automobile transportation
The main route of the oblast' is M18, St. Petersburg—Petrozavodsk– Murmansk. The total length of automobile roads within the oblast' is 4,400 km. All towns of the oblast' are connected with Murmansk by paved roads.
One can get by bus or by car to the popular tourist places: from Olenegorsk to Lovozero, Revda, and Monchegorsk; from Kandalaksha to Umba and Varzuga.
There is regular bus service with neighboring Norway (Kirkenes) and Finland (Rovaniemi). There are three check points on the state border.
«Borisoglebsk» – on the Norwegian border; А from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. according to Moscow time (time difference from Norway is 2 hours).
«Lotta» and «Salla» – on the Finnish border; А from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. according to Moscow time (time difference from Finland is 1 hour).
There are about 380,000 inhabitants. Standing on the shore of the never freezing Kola Bay, Murmansk is a major center of fishing industry, a big cargo port and home of Russian nuclear powered fleet. It is the capital of the Murmansk Region, which fully occupies the Kola Peninsula. One can see legendary icebreakers there, and in summer go on a 3-hour trip around Kola Bay. The length of the trip route is 28 nautical miles (nearly 48 km). Zelyoinyy Mys sub-district took its name from the cape (mys) of the same name on the eastern coast of Kola Bay, 3 km to the north of the pre-war Murmansk. There is a monument to an unknown soldier – the memorial «To the Defenders of the Soviet Polar area during the Great Patriotic War» – by Brodskiy on the «Zelyonyy Mys» hill. The hill where «Alyosha» (nickname for the main figure of the memorial) stands commands a panorama of the city.
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The cradle of the Russian Empire, Great Novgorod is situated on the Volkhov river, in 190 km to the south from St. Petersburg on the way to Moscow. The distance to Russian capital is 600 km. The city was founded in 859. Today, its population is around 215 000 people. In several kilometers to the south from Novgorod there is Ilmen lake located, which, depending on the time of the year, ranges in a size between 610 and 2100 sq km. The oldest Russian Kremlin of Novgorod is located in the center of the city, on the shore of the Volkhov river across from the trade area. High walls dating back to the 14th century surround architectural jewels such as Faceted Palace, the "Millennium of Russia" memorial, and the Cathedral of St. Sofia. The church was built around 1050 and is the oldest stone church in Russia. The city has an airport but it is used mostly for military needs and freight transportation. To get here, it is recommended to take either a private car/coach transfer from St. Petersburg or a train from Moscow. No one other Russian city has such an amount of architectural and art memorials dated by the IX-XVII centuries. Since 1992 all the memorials in Novgorod are protected by UNESCO, as a part of the world cultural treasure. The city has a military aerodrome located in nearby Krechevitsy village, but it is also planned to use it for civil needs after reconstruction (scheduled for 2009).
Train Moscow - Novgorod (#042) leaves Moscow daily at 21:50 and arrives in Novgorod at 06:10 (duration of trip 08:20 H). It takes around 7-9 hours to get from Moscow to Novgorod by car.
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The city was founded on 11 September 1703 as Petrovskaya Sloboda by Prince Menshikov at the behest of Peter the Great who needed a new iron foundry for manufacturing cannons and anchors for the Baltic Fleet at the time of the Great Northern War.
Petrozavodsk is the capital of the Republic of Karelia, Russia, with a population of 268 784 inhabitants(2008). Petrozavodsk is situated on the shores of Onega lake, one of the biggest inner lakes in Europe and has an access to the Baltic, Barents, White, Caspian and Black seas via the canals system. Petrozavodsk is a large industrial and cultural center of the Russian North-West.
In terms of its climatic conditions Karelia has been officially reckoned among Utmost Northern territories, with Petrozavodsk being located to the north of the major part of the European capitals.
- distance to Moscow 1091 km;
- distance to St. Petersburg 412 km;
- distance to the Russian-Finnish border 350 km
Getting to Karelia
Train
Getting to Karelia by train is possible from Moscow (~15 hours ride to Petrozavodsk), St.Petersburg (~7-8 hours), Murmansk (~21 hours) and several other Russian cities.
Airplane
Regular flights from Helsinki (Finland) to Petrozavodsk (Russia).
Helsinki [14:30] - Petrozavodsk [16:50/17.30] - Cherepovets [18.30/19:00] - Moscow [20.05]
Moscow [09:05] - Cherepovets [10.55/11.20] - Petrozavodsk [12:20/13.10] - Helsinki [13.30]
Flights take place three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Airline: Severstal. Aircraft: Yak-40.
In the summer time, there are daily direct flights between Moscow (Vnukovo) and Petrozavodsk.
Petrozavodsk Airport (Karelian: Petroskoin lendoazema; (IATA: PES, ICAO: ULPB); ex: Besovets, Petrozavodsk-2) is a joint civil-military in Russia located 12 km northwest of Petrozavodsk. It services small airliners. It is a minor airfield with 12 parking stands and a small amount of tarmac space.
Car/Bus
From Finland, through international auto transport cross-border stations - Vartsila-Niirala, Lutta, Vyborg. Driving time from nearest (to Petrozavodsk) Vartsila cross-border station to Petrozavodsk is 4-6 hours (300 km).
From/to Helsinki, transfer by private car (up to 3 passengers). Cross-border station: Vyborg or Vjartsila. Travel time - about 12-14 hours.
Helsinki - Petrozavodsk, Petrozavodsk - Helsinki. Deprature times: on-request.
From/to St.Petersburg
St.Petersburg is located relatively not so far from Petrozavodsk (~400 km), and it takes 5-7 hours (depending on season) to get from there to Petrozavodsk.
From/to Moscow
Petrozavodsk is located in about 1000 km away from Moscow.
Cruise Boat
In summer, cruise boats travel to Karelia from St.Petersburg and Moscow. Such cruises can take from 3 to 11 days.
Karelia is extremely rich in natural resources including iron ores, chrome and titanium-magnetite ores, vanadium, molybdenum, gold, quartzites, shungites, gabbro-diabases, granites and marble. Karelia attractions are Kizhi Island in Lake Onego, famous for its unique masterpieces of wooden architecture including the 22-dome Church of Transfiguration (1714) and the oldest wooden church in Russia- the Church of Resurrection of Lazarus that dates back to the 14th century; The Valaam archipelago in Lake Ladoga with an outstanding cultural historical complex of the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Our Saviour; The Martial Waters Spa, the first Russian health resort established by Peter the Great in the early 18th century; the architectural ensemble of the Solovetskiy monastery, registered in the World Cultural Heritage List; galleries of Stone Age petroglyphs on the banks of Lake Onego (Besov Nos, Peri Nos) and the White Sea (Besovy Sledki, Zalavruga).
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Pskov, the centre of Pskovskaya oblast, is situated on the bank of the river Velikaya at its flowing into the river Pskova 689 kms to northwest from Moscow. Precipitations are 600 mm a year. It is the railway unit (to Saint Petersburg, Vilnius, Bologoye, Riga) and the junction of highways. Here is also the airport in Pskov.
Pskov first was mentioned in annals of the year 903 in connection with names of the princess Olga and the prince Igor. Pskov history is first of all the military history. The Pskov fortress is one of the largest ancient Russian fortresses that withstood 120 attacks and 26 large sieges. Since XVI Pskov became the capital of an independent state - the Pskov feudal republic. It was time of Pskov`s fullest flower when it even minted its own coin.
In modern Pskov the leading industries is the machine-building. Plants of the city produce the electric equipment, radio components, communication equipment, the machinery for manufacture of artificial and synthetic fibres, etc. The light, sewing, tanning, food-processing industries and manufacture of building materials are also highly developed.
Educational institutions are the Pedagogical Institute and the branch of the St.-Petersburg Technical University. Theatres: the Drama and Puppet theatre\\; Philharmonic society\\; the planetarium. Museums: the Historical and Art and the Architectural Museums with branches "Izborsk fortress" in Izborsk, the Museum named after K.I.Nazarova in Ostrov town, the Museum named after M.P.Musorgsky in Kuninsky district, Manor of N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov in Plyussky district, the House of V.I.Lenin, the Museum of the artist and restorer Y.P.Spegalsky.
In the centre of the most ancient part of the city at the confluence of the rivers Velikaya and Pskova stands the Pskov Kremlin - Krom. District around Krom are divided into 4 parts: Dovmontov town, Middle town, Okolny town and Zapskoviye.
In Pskov and its suburbs were preserved and restored many noteworthy historical and architectural monuments. There are some works of Pskov iconographic school in the Pskov historical-architectural and art reserve. Frescos of XII century are carefully kept in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral of the Mirozhsky monastery. These frescos are registered by UNESCO as the monuments of culture of world value.
Near Pskov lies the Izborsk fortress (XIV) connected with the legendary Varangian Truvor. The fortress affords a fine view on the Zheraviye lake and Izborsk valley, which is natural reserve.
At the border with Estonia stands the Svyato-Uspensky Monastery, which picturesque architectural ensemble has been formed for several centuries.
In the south of the Pskov land the Pushkin Reserve is situated. It is the territory that keeps ashes of the great Russian poet.
Distance Pskov-Moscow - 700 km
Distance Pskov-Saint-Petersburg - 280 km
Pskov-Novgorod - 200 km
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The Fourth biggest city in Europe with 5,5 million inhabitants but also the historical and cultural city of Russia. The city was founded 1703 by Peter the Great celebrated its 300 years anniversary during 2003. The foundation and European influence made it famous as the cultural center of Russia and the Capital during nearly 200 years during the Romanov dynasty prior to the revolution. The city has been called the Venice of the North due to all canals and bridges along the Neva River and canals as well as the Window to the West, the gateway to the East and many more. The city is created by five major Islands and the centre is rather small around all main attractions, the Mariinsky Theatre, the Palace Square, Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral which all surrounds the Neva River and the main street Nevsky Prospect as well as the major Hotels which all are on walking distance. The development since the name change from Leningrad to St. Petersburg is amazing and still continues rapidly to change with an active reconstructions and refreshing of buildings and facades which adds the feeling of "Energy & Development" into the fastest growing economy in Europe. Around the city cottages and summer resorts are developing quickly especially around the beaches and the costs. The closeness to Europe but with its distinctive difference makes the city exotic also compared with other European cities and within a short reach from all European travel hubs. A city for shopping & entertainment! The majority of shops and stores are opened during weekends and late evenings (7-9pm) with a lot of 24 hours food convenient stores. In addition to souvenir shops there are plenty of fashion and design stores and Russian Fur fashion). The cities’ many restaurants, bars, lounges and night spots offers a wide variety of entertainment with wine and dined opportunities, theme bars jazz lounges and maybe even some of the best European restaurants? The night life starts after midnight and keeps going until early morning. The interest in St. Petersburg has not only attracted investments such as Car companies, breweries and deluxe products lines but also the economical life with G8 meetings 2003 & 2006 again focused on the importance to the Baltic Sea Gate as well as new built hotels not only catering for the deluxe segment with many new project planned to expand for visitors. The most exciting project confirmed are the creation of a second stage for Marinsky theatre and the development of the nearby New Holland to become a cultural, congress and entertainment centre.
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Velikiye Luki is a city on the meandering Lovat River in the southern part of Pskov Oblast, Russia. Its name is translated as "Great Meanders". It is the second largest city in Pskov Oblast, with a population of 104,979 (2002 Census). The city is served by the Velikiye Luki Airport. The city of Velikiye Luki was first mentioned in a chronicle under the year of 1166. After the construction of a fortress in 1211, Velikiye Luki turned into a city of strategic importance, defending the approaches to Pskov and Novgorod. It was incorporated into Muscovy by Ivan the Great in 1478. At the beginning of the 20th century, it evolved into an important railway hub following the construction of the railway connecting Moscow with Riga.
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The history of the blazon of Vologda begins with a military unit of the Russian Army - the Vologda regiment which was formed on June 25, 1700 in the city of Novgorod. In 1708 the regiment was named in honour of a large Russian city - Vologda. A legend says that the Russian Tsar Ivan the Terrible was going to make Vologda the capital of Russia in the XVIth century.
Vologda is an administrative centre of the district. The first reference to Vologda dates back to 1147. That is why Vologda is called Moscow's contemporary.
Territory: 11,6 thousand hectares
Population: 300,000 people
Location: 450 km (~280 miles) from Moscow (8-9 hours by train, 6 hours by car, 1 hour by plane), 670 km (~420 miles) from St.-Petersburg (12 hours by train, 8 hours by car)
Geographic coordinates: latitude 590 13", longitude 390 53"
Transport: a railway station, an airport, a network of highways
River communication: an access to the White Sea via the Vologda river, the Sukhona and the Northern Dvina; an access to the Caspian, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean via the Northern Dvina Channel and the Volga-Baltic water system.
The main interest: Vologda Kremlin, St-Sofia Cathedral.
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Barnaul
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Chita is a city and the administrative center of Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia It stands at the confluence of the Chitinka and Ingoda Rivers and on the Trans-Siberian Railway, c. 900 kilometers (559 mi) east of Irkutsk. Population: 308,500 (2005 est.) The city is the headquarters of the Siberian Military District. It is served by Chita Kadala Airport and the Chita Northwest air base.
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Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the administrative center of Irkutsk Oblast, situated 5,185 kilometers (3,222 mi) by rail from Moscow. Population: 593,604 (2002 Census) The city proper lies at the Angara River, a tributary of the Yenisei, 72 kilometers (45 mi) below its outflow from Lake Baikal, and on the bank opposite the suburb of Glaskovsk. The river, which has a breadth of 580 meters (1,903 ft) is crossed by a flying bridge and two other bridges downstream.
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Krasnoyarsk is the largest industrial and cultural centre of Eastern Siberia, and capital of Krasnoyarsk Territory, the second largest region in Russia by area. It is situated in the centre of Russia at the confluence of the small river Kacha and mighty Yenisei. The town was founded in 1628 by Cossacks under troop leader Andrey Dubenskiy’s command and was originally named ”Krasniy Yar”. Krasnoyarsk received the status of city in 1690, when Siberia finally joined Russia. In 1822, it became the centre of the Yenisei province.
The city is distinguished by its unique landscapes, mountain views, majestic Siberian forest and well-known Stolby Nature Reserve. This work of nature is a series of exotic rocky eminences situated in the taiga on the spurs of the Eastern Sayan Mountains. The territory of the reserve totals 47 000 hectares.
Today’s Krasnoyarsk is a modern industrial city with unique architecture, a capital of artistic and talented people of Siberia and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. According to the All-Russian census of population carried out in 2002, more than 912 000 people live in Krasnoyarsk.
Several years in succession, Krasnoyarsk has been recognized as one of the most ‘comfortable’ cities in Russia. The event “My courtyard” has been repeated seven times. For the last four years, about 700 courtyards in different areas of city have been reconstructed under this programme. The Kacha river of Krasnoyarsk is gradually being improved. The ”Clean Entrance – Clean City” programme was started in 2004. In May 2004, drinking water in Krasnoyarsk was awarded a gold medal at the International ”Great Rivers - 2004” forum.
Over 17 000 enterprises, organizations and institutions, including 124 industrial enterprises are situated in Krasnoyarsk. Krasnoyarsk takes the leading position in Siberia by volume of per capita industrial production. Alongside the traditional industrial sectors for the region, such as metallurgy, power engineering and mechanical engineering, new areas are developing more and more actively. Proposals and creation of technologies and projects will allow the city to maintain its leading position and develop its attractiveness for investment. In the 1960’s, Krasnoyarsk became a major transport junction. Three of the most important transport routes, the Trans-Siberian railway, a highway of federal significance and the river Yenisei pass through the city.
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The 1.5-million Novosibirsk is the third largest city of Russia (after Moscow and St.Petersburg) and the chief city of Western Siberia (see the map). Born in 1893 as a future site of a railroad bridge crossing the great Siberian river Ob where the latter is crossed by the famous Trans-Siberian Railroad (built in 1890s - 1900s), it oficcialy became a town in 1903.
After its foundation in 1893 and until 1926, Novosibirsk (pronounced nO-vo-see-bEErsk) was called Novonikolayevsk. Even if you do not know Russian, it is not difficult to guess the meanings of the two names. The original name refers to Nicolas II (Nikolay II Alexandrovich Romanov), the last Emperor and Sovereign of Russia the Great, the Little and the White, the Grand Duke of Finland, the Tsar of Poland etc etc etc. In 1926, "by the demand of the people", it was renamed. All the names of the revolutioners have alread been taken ;-), so that the name Novosibirsk ("New Siberia") naturally came up.
In 1993 Novosibirsk celebrated it's 100th anniversary and it's growing rate is so high,that we can call the city the Russian Chicago.
It occupies the area of 477.2 square kilometers.
Novosibirsk local time is Greenwich Mean Time plus 6,
Population: about 1.5 million people,
Novosibirsk's Tolmachevo airport works for domestic and international flights.
Administratively Novosibirsk is segmented into 10 administration districts. Leninsky and Kirovsky districts are situated on the left bank of the Ob river while Zaeltsovsky, Zheleznodorozhny, Dzerzhinsky, Tsentralny, Oktyabrsky, Kalininsky, Pervomaysky and Sovietsky are on the right one.
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Omsk is a city in southwest Siberia in Russia, the administrative center of Omsk Oblast. It is the second-largest city in Russia beyond the Urals. The climate is dry and continental, characterized by dramatic swings of weather. The distance from Omsk to Moscow is 2,700 kilometres (1,700 mi). The wooden fort of Omsk was erected in 1716 to protect the expanding Russian frontier and got the status of town in 1782. In the Russian Empire, it was the seat of the Governor General of Western Siberia, and later of the Governor General of the Steppes. For a brief period during the Russian Civil War in 1918–1919, it was proclaimed the Capital of Russia, and held the imperial gold reserves. Omsk is the administrative center of Siberian Cossacks, the see of the bishop of Omsk and Tara, and the imam of Siberia. According to the 2002 Census the population of Omsk is 1,134,016 people. The centrepiece of the city is an ensemble of buildings along Lyubinsky prospekt/Lenin Street. This is the former Gostiny Dvor, flanked by two chapels. Close at hand are a bourse and a drama theater, all dating from late 1800s – early 1900s. The major museums in Omsk are the Omsk Vrubel Art Gallery and the State Historical Museum, located in the former bourse building and the governor-general's mansion, respectively.
In the 50-s-60-s in the North West of Omsk due to the construction of the first Siberian oil refinery grew the town of oil industry workers. A new city was created designed, by the indivisible architect-artistic project. The idea of the city-garden presented for the first time in 1919 by the engineer D.Werner was incarnated in the end of the 50-s, when the city was all in green and the lawns of parks and public gardens were filled with exotic flora.
Many interesting buildings appeared in Omsk during last decades. Among the buildings which enriched the city`s panorama we can enumerate the Trade Center, the Pushkin Scientific Library. Omsk architects are trying to form the complete ensembles, they attach great importance to the moulding of building`s silhouette, use widely the natural factors in their creative plans. And at the same time they don`t forget the antiquity and understand the necessity of its preservation. The architects and antiquity lovers restored the Serafimo-Alexeevskaya Chapel which even now is surrounded by numerous legends. One of them tells that the Chapel was built in 1908 to memorize the birth of the Cesarevitch Alexei. Another tells that it was built to memorize the soldiers killed in Russian war with Japan. The chapel was torn down in the 1920-s and was rebuilt brick by brick by the project and super-vision of artist V.Desyatov.
You can meet the history of Omsk not only on the streets of the city. It lives in the museums, in the inspirational works of Omsk artists, actors and history scientists.
Omsk museum of local lore, history and economy is the oldest in Siberia. It was found- ed in 1878 by the famous Siberian scientists, explorers and public figures: M.Pevtsov, G.Potanin, N.Yadrintsev, I.Slovtsov.
Omsk is theatrical city. It has 5 state and 3 municipal theatres for 1200 thousand city dwellers.
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Tomsk is a city on the Tom River in the southwest of Siberian Federal District, Russia, the administrative centre of Tomsk Oblast. One of the oldest towns in Siberia, Tomsk celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2004. Population: 521,635 (2009 est.) It is served by Bogashevo Airport.
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Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia, is located at the foot of the mountains and is divided into two parts by the Uda River, a tributary of th Selenga River. Ulan-Ude, formerly Verkhneudinsk, was founded in 1666 by Russian Cossacks. Due to its geographical position the city grew rapidly and became a large trade centre, which connected Russia with China and Mongolia. Today Ulan-Ude is a large city of 346,5 square meters and a population of 390,000 people. There are 4 professional theatres in the city: Theatre of Opera and Ballet, Buryatia Drama Theatre, Russian Drama Theatre and Puppet Theatre. Guests of the city can learn about its history and traditions in the Historical Museum, Ethnographic Museum, Geological Museum and Art Museum named after Sampilov. There are 4 higher schools in the city: East-Siberian State Technological University, Buryatia State University, Agrarian Academy and Art Academy.
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Krasnaya Polyana has a unique mountain-sea climate. Warm sea air lingers in the mountains, bringing soft snow in the winter and warm sunshine in the summer. Even in the winter the weather is so clear that you get a tan on the mountain slopes. The average temperature in summer is +24-28 degrees Celsius. By height and duration of snow cover Krasnaya Polyana surpasses the resorts of France, Switzerland and Italy. The uniqueness of this fantastic place lies in the wonderful combination of amazing landscape with the wide variety of wildlife. In the valley of the beautiful mountain river the flora and fauna of all climatic zones, from subtopic to Alpine, live harmoniously. Besides fantastic nature, Krasnaya Polyana has unique mountain-skiing infrastructure in Russia. It is the top resort in Russia and is in the top ten mountain ski resorts of the world with an overall height of 1698m (540m-2238m). And the unique snow cover guarantees stable skiing from December until May. In connection with carrying out the Winter Olympic Games 2014 in Krasnaya Polyana large-scale construction of new hotels, ski lifts, mountain-ski runs, tourist and entertainment infrastructure etc are being developed. The planned increase in the total length of mountain-ski runs to approximately 200 kilometers is comparable with the largest mountain ski resorts in the world.
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The capital of the only resort-region of Russia, Krasnodar is a city-hard worker and city-holiday, situated in Southwestern Russia, a port and a railroad hub on the Kuban River. The administrative center of Krasnodar region (Krasnodarsky Krai), Krasnodar was founded in 1793 and was known as Ekaterinodar until 1920. It is the centre of the ancestral region of the Kuban Cossacks.
Krasnodar region is situated in the north-western part of the Caucasus. It borders on Abkhazia in the South. The southern and western boundaries of the region are washed by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Krasnodar region is often called Kuban, like the main river of the region.
Krasnodar is historical, cultural and business centre of Kuban region, city which unites remarkable buildings of 19the century and modern buildings of glass&concerete, where Kuban national traditions match with nowadays rhythms.
The region represents a true natural park where different plants grow. Fauna of the region is quite diverse. There are 800 resorts in this area. The climate varies from temperate continental to subtropical Krasnodar has the population of 648,000. It stands in the center of the highly fertile agricultural region. Krasnodar went through brutal violence during Russian Civil War (1918-20). In 1942-43 it was occupied by German forces. There has been considerable development of business activity since the collapse of communism in 1991. The oil processing and the oil-production machinery building are the main industries of the city. There is a chemical plant and fur manufacturing in Krasnodar.
Airports: International airport "Krasnodar Pashkovsky", located only in 15 km from city centre. One of the biggest airports in the south of Russia.
Flight time from Moscow: 2 hours.
Flight time from St-Petersburg: 2 hours 30 minutes.
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Nalchik is a city in the Caucasus region of southern Russia and capital of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic. The city is situated at an altitude of 550 meters (1,804 ft) in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. It covers an area of 131 square kilometers (50.6 sq mi). Population: 274,974 (2002 Census) Nalchik is a balneological and mountain climatotherapy resort, with several sanatoriums.
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The city was founded in 1749, when according to the Decree of the Empress Elisabeth a customs house was set up in the mouth of the Temernik River. Later the customs house was protected by a military fortress founded in 1761 and named after Saint Dmitriy Rostovskiy. The settlements that appeared around the fortress were called “Rostov-on-Don” for the first time on August 17, 1807, by the decree of the Emperor Alexander I.
Rostov-on-Don takes up an area of 354 square kilometers and has a population of more than 1.058 million people. The city is situated 1226 kilometers to the south-west from Moscow, at the junction of important transportation routes, which give the city access to three seas – the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and the Caspian Sea – and immediate contact with all the countries of the European part of the CIS, the Middle East and the Mediterranean.
The favorable geographical position promoted the economic development of Rostov. Due to this fact the trading port was formed, accepting watercrafts of Russian, Greek, Italian, Turkish, Armenian and Persian merchants. That’s why Rostov-on-Don was called "The Gate of the Caucasus".
Rostov-on-Don is the political, economic and cultural center of the south of Russia, with considerable industrial, banking, trade and scientific potential.
The city of Rostov-on-Don is the cultural center of the south of Russia, with its four theaters (musical, drama, youth and puppet theaters), 220 cultural and arts facilities, many active creative unions and societies of national cultures. The city is decorated by 650 monuments of history, culture and monumental art.
Nowadays Rostov-on-Don is a modern and very important trading and transport gateway with its strategic port and international airport.
An international airport with a capacity of 4.5 billion passenger/kilometers operates in the city.
Getting to Rostov-on-Don from Moscow is easy. The proximity of major highways, railroads and Moscow International airports makes for easy access to Rostov-on-Don by air, train or bus. It will take you about 90 minutes to get to Rostov by air, 18 hours by train and 15-17 hours by bus.
One of the wonderful places for rest is the Quay. Here you can see many sculptural compositions, showing the heroes out of books of the great Russian writer, Nobel-prize winner M. Sholokhov.
Many tourists may notice that the Rostov women are beautiful. Their beauty inspired sculptors to create the monument “Rostovchanka”, devoted to all the Rostov women.
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Sochi is a multicultural city of 400,000 inhabitants representing more than 100 nationalities. Often referred to as the «Russian Riviera», Sochi has a rich heritage as the nation’s major Black Sea port city, resort destination and a prominent cultural centre.Set between the golden shores of the Black Sea and the soaring snow-capped Caucasus mountains, Sochi offers visitors a unique taste of coastal and mountain living, all with a distinct Russian flavor. Sochi is a treasure among winter sport enthusiasts, who return every year to explore its pristine alpine valleys and skiing trails. Beautiful weather and an abundance of powdery snow are not the only reason to visit Sochi. The area’s endless beaches, national parks, imposing architecture, mineral baths, arts festivals and lively café culture have made the city an elegant haven for artists, executives, families and athletes alike. Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is in close proximity to both the European and Asian continents and is a convenient gateway to Eurasia. As such, Sochi has hosted a number of regional and European meetings, including the Russia-EU Summit last year. Today, with passion and commitment, Sochi is seeking the opportunity to host the biggest event in its history, the 2014 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, which will transform the city into a world-class destination and Russia’s first-ever winter sport capital.
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Chelyabinsk (Russian: Челя́бинск) is a city in Russia, located just to the east of the Ural Mountains, on Miass River. It is the administrative center of Chelyabinsk Oblast. Population: 1,077,174 (2002 Census);[1] 1,141,777 (1989 Census).
The city is located in the nort-western side of its Oblast, 210 km south of Yekaterinburg.
Chelyabinsk is one of the major industrial centers of Russia. Heavy industry predominates, especially metallurgy and military machinery, notably the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Combinate (CMK, ChMK), Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant (CTZ, ChTZ), Chelyabinsk Electrode plant (CHEZ) and the Chelyabinsk Tube Rolling Plant (CHTPZ).
Chelyabinsk also has several electronics plants, including Metran, Polet and Zavod Electromashina, that serve both military and civil needs.
There are over a dozen universities in Chelyabinsk. The main ones are South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk State University and Chelyabinsk Medical Academy. The oldest one is Chelyabinsk State Pedagogical University, which was founded in 1934. There are 13 faculties at the University including the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Mathematics, Physics, and others.
History
Fortress Chelyaba, from which the city takes its name, was constructed on the site in 1736; the city was incorporated in 1781. Around 1900, it served as a center for the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway. According to official statistics the population on 1st January 1913 was 45,000 inhabitants.
During the Soviet industrialization of the 1930s, Chelyabinsk experienced rapid growth. Several industrial establishments, including the Chelyabinsk Tractor Plant and the Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant, were built at this time. During World War II, Joseph Stalin decided to move a large part of Soviet factory production to places out of the way of the advancing German armies in late 1941. This brought new industries and thousands of workers to Chelyabinsk—still essentially a small city. Several enormous facilities for the production of T-34 tanks and Katyusha rocket launchers existed in Chelyabinsk, which became known as "Tankograd" (Tank City). Chelyabinsk was essentially built from scratch during this time. A small town existed before this, signs of which can be found in the centre of the city. The S.M. Kirov Factory no. 185 moved here from Leningrad to produce heavy tanks — it was transferred to Omsk after 1962.
A serious nuclear accident occurred in 1957 at the Mayak nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, 150 km north-west of the city, caused deaths in Chelyabinsk Oblast but not in the city. The province was closed to all foreigners until 1992.
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It was nearly three hundred years ago when this town was founded on the eastern slopes of the Urals mountains on the banks of the beautiful Iset river 1667 km to the East from Moscow. It was given the name of Ekaterinburg, to honour the memory of the martyr Saint Catherine, after whose name the Emperor Peter the Great's wife was baptized.
The official date of its foundation is considered to be 7th (18th) November, 1723. It is on this day that one of the European best iron-making works of that time was put into operation. The plant-castle of Ekaterinburg, the seat of the management of all metallurgical and mining enterprises of the region, became an important outpost in the development of the vast areas of the Urals and Siberia. In 1721 Ekaterinburg was granted the status of a town. In the 19th century it turned into a large centre of industry, commerce and, subsequently, banking. Lying on the border between Europe and Asia the city played an important trade-intermediary role. In 1923 Ekaterinburg became the administrative centre of the vast Urals region (it was called Sverdlovsk from 1924 to 1991). In the 1930s, giant plants were constructed here, which brought about a considerable increase in the population. During the years of World War II the city turned into a huge arsenal of military technology and armaments. After the war Sverdlovsk continued to develop as a major industrial and cultural centre in the Urals. In 1967 its millionth resident was born.
Today Ekaterinburg is a city with the population of a million and a half and a powerful industrial and research centre. Its heavy transport and chemical engineering plants, non-ferrous metallurgical works and military industrial enterprises occupy a leading place in the national economy. The city has about 15 institutions of higher education; it is the seat of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Ekaterinburg is a major business centre in Russia. Its financial and banking institutions take an active part in Russian economy, making a substantial contribution to the development of cooperation with foreign countries. More and more foreign companies are successfully operating representative offices and joint ventures here. Ekaterinburg's unique geographical position on the border of Europe and Asia offers broad opportunities for assuming the role of an important centre of cooperation between East and West.
Ekaterinburg is a large junction of seven railway routes. The daily life of the city is provided for by its social infrastructure. Its numerous shops, public catering facilities, trams, trolley-buses, buses, and "Metro" render services to its residents and visitors. The city has dozens of public libraries, cinemas, concert halls, children's music and art schools. Its Opera House, Drama Theatre, Musical Comedy Theatre, Theatre of Youth, Puppet Shows Theatre, Philharmonic Society, and Circus are well known in the country. The museums of Ekaterinburg are famous for their unique collections.
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The area of Khanty-Mansiysk first appears in Russian records in the XI-th century. Nevertheless, Ugric people – Khanty and Mansi – are considered to inhabit this territory long before, as they moved from Yugra to the west, finally settling in the region of present-day Hungary and Finland, in the IX-th century. Khanty-Mansiysk is to break all the stereotypes of northern cities. Known to many as hidden deep in Siberia, “far far away”, the city still can be reached by air, and it will take you just 2,5 hours to get there from Moscow. The administrative centre of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug (KhMAO) is on the same latitude as St. Petersburg is, and it is definitely not the Arctic Circle. The Okrug was established in 1930 as the National District of the Ostyaks and Voguls with the centre in a work settlement Ostyako-Vogulsk later renamed Khanty-Mansiysk. And “Yugra” became not only a convenient and easy-to remember name of the Okrug, but rather an original symbol, attractive to both inhabitants and their guests. Yugra is located on the West Siberian Plain extending from west to east for 1,400 km, from the Ural Mountains along the Ob River. This territory has a shape that has been likened frequently to a bear looking towards boundless fields of Siberia and Far East. The city’s population is 67,8 thousand people. This ecologically clear region with fresh and pure air is on the other hand one of the most economically developed areas of Russia. Contemporary airport of international class (located just in a few km from the city, serves about 350 passengers per hour), road network, convenient hotels of Khanty-Mansiysk are the reflection of Yugra’s “economic miracle”. Except international airport, the city has ferry service and railway station (3 hours drive from the city). Today, when lots of companies look for an unusual location for corporate events and conferences Khanty-Mansiysk can provide creative and imaginative ideas and locate a venue to suit. Yugra offers an excellent environment for conferences, meetings and incentive events. Traditional culture of Ugric peoples – Khanty and Mansi - can bring a bit of extra spice to any event. Finally, today Khanty-Mansiysk became a world-renowned sports capital of Western Siberia. The world-class biathlon trail system annually attracts hundreds of biathlon lovers. Whether the one is looking for spa resort, congress center, a unique ethnographic, cultural and sports area within Russia, they will find it all in Khanty-Mansiysk.
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Perm is the most Eastern city of Europe, and therefore its province is often referred to as Eurasia. Having a population of 1.2 million, Perm' is the 6th largest city in Russia and the second largest in the Urals. The city was formerly called Molotov, after the minister of foreign affairs during Joseph Stalin's ruling. Perm stretches 65kms along the impressive Kama River - Europe's 4th largest river by length. The Perm province, "Permskaya Oblast", or "Prikamye", is around two-third the size of the United Kingdom and covers a great area in the very heart of the Ural Mountains.
Perm is internationally known as the name for the geological period (290 - 245 million years ago) in which the Ural Mountain Range was formed. In contrary to the Urals, Perm itself is rather young. Although the first settlement of Perm dates back to 16th century, officially it got its city status in 1723. Citizens still loudly celebrate Perm's birthday on 12th of June, with street parades, concerts and fireworks throughout the whole city!
In spite of being a relatively young city, Perm played an important role in the history of Russia. Not the least part of this role was played by Ermak, who was from the Perm Province. Ermak, by order of the Stroganov family, gathered an army here and led it through the Urals, later to succesfully conquer Siberia for Russia. Afterwards, when a road was needed to connect Siberia with the west, construction was started in Perm, which was at that time the capital of the Ural region. The new road, together with the construction of the Trans Siberian Railroad, allowed development of the places east of the Urals - current big cities such as Ekaterinburg, Omsk and Novosibirsk, were merely peasant or miners' towns by that time.
Nowadays, Perm basically owes its existence to two factors. Firstly the large amounts of natural resources (minerals, oil and timber) that are present in the region, and secondly (but not less important): its location. The mighty Kama River, the Great Trans Siberian Railroad and main motorways from Moscow/Kazan to Siberia all cross in Perm, making Perm a main Russian transportation hub. The city is the doorway from Europe to Asia and to Siberia in particular.
During Soviet times, Perm was a proper fortress because of the huge military industry in its region. All artillery and rocket vehicles, as well as (intercontinental) ballistic rocket launching systems, engines for MiG jetfighters and canons of all ranges were (and in less proportions still are) produced in Perm. The Soviets did an excellent job in hiding Perm and keeping it secret. Most people from outside the Urals simply did not know of the existence of the - at that time - 1 million citizens of Perm. Until the end of the cold war, Perm did not appear on certain Soviet-made maps, nor did the roads towards it.
Nowadays, Perm is obviously accessible to all. Actually, it currently is one of Russia's fastest growing cities because of its economical prosperity.
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Tyumen is an administrative centre of Tyumenskaya oblast. It is situated in Western Siberia on the river Tura, a tributary of the river Tobol. Distance to Moscow is 2144 km. The population is 554 thousand inhabitants. The area of the city is 235 sq. km. It is a railway junction of the Trans-Siberian railway. Here are situated the river port, the international airport "Roshino" and the local airport "Plekhanovo". Tyumen was responsible for protection of Russian and Tatar settlements against attacks of steppe nomads. In the course of time Tyumen became an important point of trade with Central Asia, Persia, China and a centre of the tanning industry, craft and agriculture.
Modern Tyumen is the large industrial centre, the city of science, culture and sports. During last years the city has considerably changed. There appeared new micro-districts; motorways and bridges were built here. Petroleum and gas are the basis for development of scientific organizations in the city. In the beginning of 90s the total number of employees of scientific and research institutes and higher educational institutions ran to 1,5 thousand people, i.e. 10 % of the able-bodied population of city.
In the city there are more than 50 scientific and research and project institutes, including branches of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 10 higher educational institutions, 11 specialized secondary schools, 15 technical training colleges, 101 daytime state secondary educational establishments, 146 kindergartens.
More than 40 thousand Tyumen students are trained in 120 specialities at 54 faculties.
19 medical establishments of Tyumen provide 4,4 thousand places. Favorable climate for development of business and contacts to foreign businessmen is formed in the city. Tyumen`s successful geographical position, its transport availability, rapidly developing system of communications, comfortable hotels and reliable security service, advanced bank sphere contribute to development of the city. The inhabitants of Tyumen are proud of the Drama and Comedy Theatre, their Puppet theatre and other.
The Tyumen Philharmonic society in 1999 was recognized as one of the best in Russia. The big contribution to development of culture and art bring palaces and houses of culture, clubs, musical and art schools, schools of the fine arts, museums, exhibition halls and libraries. Visitors of the city are delighted with the church architecture.
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Kazan city is a capital of Tatarstan and is situated in the centre of the Russian Federation on the East-European Plain at the confluence of the two greatest rivers - the Volga and the Kama.
Population: About 1’110 thousand inhabitants.
Transportation: River port, railway junction and 1 international/domestic airport "Kazan". 1,5 hours flight from Moscow.
Historical facts: Kazan was founded in 1177 by Bulgarian tribes. In 13th century it became an important Bulgarian borderline fortress. In 13th-14th centuries the city was the capital of the Kazan princedom. In 1399 it was demolished by Russian troops and restored in early 15th century. Since the 15th century it has been the economical and commercial center of the Volga region. In 1552 it was conquered and annexed to Russia. In 1718 the Admiralty was founded here. In 1774 troops of Pugachev took the city by assault and set on fire. In 19th century here was established a number of large workshops processing agricultural products, iron, wood and line. In 1804 the Kazan University was founded. In 1920 – 1990 Kazan was the capital of the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.
Points of interest: Kazan State University, The Big Concert Hall of the Tatar Republic, three Drama Theaters, Opera, puppets Theater, Philharmonic Hall, Circus. State Tatar museum, Fine arts museum, Lenin museum, Gorky museum. Kazan Kremlin (16th century). Peter and Paul’s cathedral (1723-26), Mardjani mosque (1766), Apanaevskaja mosaue (1787, rebuilt).
Industry: Machine building (aircrafts engineering, production of motors, vacuum plants, compressors, medical equipment etc.), metal works, chemical industry and petroleum chemistry, light industry (furs, footwear, clothing), food processing, production of constructional materials.
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Nizhny Novgorod was founded in 1221 by Grand Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich.
The City has advantageous geographical location for economic and social development. Nizhny Novgorod is situated in the latitude of 560N. and in the longitude of 440E. in the central - European part of Russia at the confluence of the Volga and the Oka rivers.
The City covers an area of 41,1 thousands ha., population - 1370,2 thousands pers., average age of inhabitants - 36 years, Russian population - 95%. The City has 8 administrative districts.
Airport is one of the eldest in the country. Now the airport is certificated according to all kinds of the airport activities, serves international and local flights. The weather conditions allow to accept the aircrafts during 350 days of the year. Located 18 km away from the city center (40 min by coach depending on traffic).
Internatinal flights: OS, LH.
Nizhny Novgorod is located 5 hours drive from Moscow by car, 5 hours by train, 40 min by aircraft.
Nizhny Novgorod occupies the 5th position among most populated and industrially developed cities of Russia, is a center of Nizhny Novgorod region and a recognized capital of the Volga economic region. The Nizhny Novgorod city is the most economically progressive and reformist in Russia. Foreign investment was growing and Industrial output was revers-ing the long decline that had marked Russia`s transition to a market economy The future of Russia is being written in Nizhny Novgorod.
Nizhny Novgorod recently regained its original name, having been renamed as Gorky in 1932 in honor of the celebrated author Maxim Gorky, who was born in Nizhny Novgorod.
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Penza
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The place were later appeared Samara-city was first mentioned in historical chronicles in the year 1361.
Founded in 1586 as a defense outpost, Samara developed into a grain-trade center for the Volga River region. Major industrial growth began in the early 20th century. From 1935 to 1991 the city was known as Kuybyshev in honor of the Soviet leader V. V. Kuybyshev. When Moscow was threatened by the Germans during World War II, the city served (1941-1943) as an administrative center of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).
Samara, formerly Kuybyshev, city, capital of Samara Oblast, south central European Russia. Located at the confluence of the Volga and Samara rivers, the city is an important port and a railroad and industrial center. Manufactures include motor vehicles, railroad equipment, chemicals, and machinery. Samara is the primary refining center for the Volga-Urals oil fields. Distance from Moscow is 1098 kilometers. It takes 2,5 hours of flight from Moscow to Samara.
Population ( estimate) 1,170,800.
There is Kurumoch International Airport in Samara which is the largest and busiest airport of the Volga region and ranks among Russia’s top ten airports. It has an extensive route network to practically all the regions of the Russian Federation as well as neighboring and distant countries.
There are also railway station and river station in Samara.
Samara is the city where you can see features of the old merchant city together with features of modern megapolis.
The main interests - Theater of Opera and Ballet, Drama theater in the name of M. Gorkiy, Stalin's batcher, Iver Convent.
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Tolyatti or Togliatti is a city in Samara Oblast, Russia. It is the administrative center of Stavropolsky District. Population: 718,030 (2007 est.);[1] 702,879 (2002 Census);[2] 630,543 (1989 Census).[3] It is the largest city in Russia which does not serve as an administrative center of a federal subject.
It was founded in 1737 as a fortress called Stavropol-na-Volge (Ста́врополь-на-Во́лге) by the Russian politician Vasily Tatishchev. During the construction of Volga Hydroelectrical Plant in the 1950s, the old settlement fell into the flooding zone of the Kuybyshev dam on the Volga River and was completely rebuilt on a new site. In 1964, the city was renamed Tolyatti (after Palmiro Togliatti, the longest-serving secretary of the Italian Communist Party).
There are several districts in the city:
Avtozavodsky (Автозаво́дский), also called Novy Gorod (lit. New City), the most modern; was designed to host workers the city's AvtoVAZ factory, home of the Lada car;
Tsentralny (Центра́льный), also called Stary Gorod (lit. Old City), home of the city government and industrial center;
Komsomolsky (Комсомо́льский), the oldest district, built to house Hydroelectrical Plant builders.
The city's main claim to fame has been automobile building by AvtoVAZ's Lada car plants — in cooperation with Italy's Fiat since 1971 and, since 2001, with the US's GM.
Other industries have moved into Tolyatti because it is close to abundant supplies of electricity and water. Petrochemicals are well represented in the city — among the significant enterprises based there are "TolyattiAzot" (Russian: "ТольяттиАзот") (Russian biggest ammonia manufacturer), "KuybyshevAzot" (Russian: "КуйбышевАзот") (a nitrogen fertilizer specialist). Other industries are represented include: building materials production, ship repair and electricals and electronics.
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Ulyanovsk
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Volgograd
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Kharkiv (Ukrainian: Харків),[1] also called Kharkov (from Russian: Харьков) is the second largest city in Ukraine. It was the first capital of Soviet Ukraine, now the administrative center of the Kharkiv Oblast (province), as well as the administrative center of the surrounding Kharkivskyi Raion (district) within the oblast. The city is located in the northeast of the country. As of 2006, its population is 1,461,300.[2]
Kharkiv is one of the main industrial, cultural and educational centres of Ukraine. Its industry specializes mostly in arms production and machinery. There are hundreds of industrial companies in the city. Among them are world famous giants like the Morozov Design Bureau and the Malyshev Tank Factory, leaders in tank production since the 1930s; Hartron (aerospace and nuclear electronics); and the Turboatom turbines producer.
There is also an underground rapid-transit system (metro) with about 35 km of track and 28 stations. A well-known landmark of Kharkiv is the Freedom Square (Ploshchad Svobody), which is currently the third largest city square in Europe, and the 7th largest square in the world.
Kharkiv is located in the northeastern region of Ukraine at around 49°55′0″N 36°19′0″E / 49.91667, 36.31667. Historically, Kharkiv lies in the Sloboda Ukraine region (Slobozhanshchyna also known as Slobidshchyna), in which it is considered the main city. The city rests at the confluence of the Kharkiv, Lopan, and Udy Rivers, where they flow into the Northern Donets watershed.
Kharkiv's climate is moderate continental: cold and snowy winters, and hot summers. The seasonal average temperatures are not too cold in winter, not too hot in summer (-6.9 °C in January, and 20.3 °C in July). The average rainfall totals 513 millimetres per year, with the most in June and July.
Archeological evidence discovered in the area of present-day Kharkiv indicates that a local population has existed in that area since the 2nd millennium BC. Cultural artifacts date back to the Bronze Age, as well as those of later Scythian and Sarmatian settlers. There is also evidence that the Chernyakhov culture flourished in the area from the 2nd to the 6th century.
Founded in the middle of 17th century, the city has had a university since 1805. During the early years of the Soviet Union, Kharkiv was the capital of the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic (from 1917–1934).
Kharkiv is served by an international airport which used to have about 200 flights a day, almost all of them being passenger flights. The Kharkiv Osnova International Airport was only recently granted international status. The airport itself is not big and is situated within the city boundaries, south from the city centre. Flights to Kiev and Moscow are available on a daily basis. There are regular flights to Vienna and Istanbul, and several other destinations. Charter flights are also available. The former largest carrier of the Kharkiv Airport — Aeromost-Kharkiv — is not serving any regular destinations as of 2007. The Kharkiv North Airport is a factory airfield and was a major production facility for Antonov aircraft company.
Of the many attractions of the Kharkiv city are the: Gosprom (Derzhprom) building, Memorial Complex, Freedom Square, Taras Shevchenko Monument, Mirror Stream, Dormition Cathedral, Militia Museum, Intercession Cathedral, T. Shevchenko Gardens, funicular, Annunciation Cathedral, Children's narrow-gauge railroad and many more.
Kharkov is located in 800 km from Moscow. Daily train Moscow - Kharkov # 019 leaves at 21:25 and arrives in Kharkov at 09:03 (duration of the trip 11h 58 min). It takes 1,5H to get to Kharkov from Moscow by plane.
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Kyiv (also known as Kiev), a scenic city of close to 3 million people situated on the Dnipro River, is the bustling capital of Ukraine. Ancient Kievan Rus, which reached its greatest period of ascendancy during the 11th and 12th centuries, was a center of trade routes between the Baltic and the Mediterranean. The city of Kyiv and the power of Kievan Rus were destroyed in 1240 by Mongol invaders and the lands of Kievan Rus were divided into principalities located to the west and north: Galicia, Volynia, Muscovy and later, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia. Once a powerful force on the European scene, Ukraine's fate in modern times has been decided in far-off capitals. As a result, modern Ukrainian history, for the most part, has been defined by foreign occupation.
Kiev is one of the oldest and most important cities of Eastern Europe and has played a pivotal role in the development of the medieval East Slavic civilization as well as in the modern Ukrainian nation.
Human settlement at the site of the present day city may have occurred as early as the fifth or the sixth century AD.[3] With the exact time of city foundation being hard to determine, May 1982 was chosen to celebrate the city's 1,500th anniversary
Kiev is an important industrial, scientific, educational and cultural centre of Eastern Europe. It is home to many high-tech industries, higher education institutions and world-famous historical landmarks. The city has an extensive infrastructure and highly developed system of public transport, including the Kiev Metro.
The latest (April, 2007) municipal estimate of the city population is of 2.7 million residents. Other much higher estimates are often published.
Air passengers arrive in Kiev through one of two airports: the Boryspil Airport which is served by many international airlines, and the smaller Zhulyany Airport, serving mostly domestic flights and limited flights to nearby countries. The international passenger terminal at Boryspil is small, yet modern, being expanded in 2006. There is a separate terminal for domestic flights within walking distance. Passengers flying to other countries from Ukraine usually travel through Boryspil, as other airports in Ukraine such as Donetsk, Simferopol, Odessa, provide very limited international connections. There is also Gostomel cargo airport in Kiev's north-western suburb of Hostomel.
The distance between Moscow and Kiev is 860 km. it takes 1 hour and half by plane to fly from Moscow to Kiev or vice versa.
It is said that one can walk from one end of Kiev to the other in the summertime without leaving the shade of its many trees. The World War II Museum is located here, which offers both indoor and outdoor displays of military history and equipment surrounded by verdant hills overlooking the Dnieper river.Andriyivskyy Descent is one of the best known historic streets and a major tourist attraction in Kiev. The descent is the site of the Castle of Richard Lionheart; the baroque-style St Andrew's Church ; the home of a a famous Kiev-born writer, Mikhail Bulgakov, the monument to Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince of Kyiv and of Novgorod and numerous other monuments.At the city's southern outskirts, near the historic Pyrohiv village, there is an outdoor museum, officially called the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine It has an area of 1.5 square kilometres (1 sq mi). This territory houses several "mini-villages" that represent by region the traditional rural architecture of Ukraine.
Kiev also has numerous recreational attractions like bowling alleys, go-cart tracks, paintball venues, billiard halls and even shooting ranges. 100-year-old Kiev Zoo is located on 40 hectares and carries over 2,000 specimens
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Yalta (Ukrainian and Russian: Ялта, Crimean Tatar: Yalta) is a city in Crimea, southern Ukraine, on the north coast of the Black Sea. The city is located on the site of an ancient Greek colony, said to have been founded by Greek sailors who were looking for a safe shore (γιαλος - yalos in Greek) on which to land. It is situated on a deep bay facing south towards the Black Sea, surrounded by wooded mountains. It enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with many vineyards and orchards in the vicinity.
The term "The Greater Yalta" is used to designate a part of the Crimean southern coast spanning from Foros in the west to Gurzuf in the east and including the city of Yalta and multiple adjacent urban settlements. The existence of Yalta was first recorded in the 12th century by an Arab geographer, who described it as a Byzantine port and fishing settlement. It became part of a network of Genoese trading colonies on the Crimean coast in the 14th century, when it was known as Etalita or Galita.
During the 20th century Yalta was the principal holiday resort of the Soviet Union. In 1920, Lenin issued a decree "On the Use of Crimea for the Medical Treatment of the Working People" which endorsed the region's transformation from a fairly exclusive resort area into a recreation facility for tired proletarians. Numerous workers' sanatoria were constructed in and around Yalta.
As Yalta lies to the south of the Crimean Mountains and within an amphitheatre of hills, the climate is very mild. In February, the average temperature reaches 4°C. Snow is rarely seen and the city's thin layers of snow thaw quickly. In July, the average temperature reaches 24°C. The sun shines approximately 2,250 hours per year. Since the city is located on the shore of the Black Sea, the weather rarely becomes extremely hot due to the cool sea breezes. The average year temperature for Yalta is + 13 C.
Nearest airport lockated in Simperopol. Time transfer between this two cities approximatly 2 hours.The airport is ready to accept everyone who would like to perform flights to Crimea. It has passenger terminals for ARRIVALS (International Airlines), DEPARTURES (International Airlines) and an Internal Airlines terminal. There are higher comfort VIP and business class halls, favorable conditions for airlines of Ukraine, CIS, and other countries and their representatives offices, which perform flights to/from the "Simferopol" airport.
Here you will find beautiful summer palaces of Russian imperial family surrounded by numerous parks, here grows sun kissed grapes of which world-famous wines are produced. The vast Nikitin botanical garden boasting more than 28000 varieties of plants is situated quite close to Yalta. The town is famous for its Museums of russian writes: A.P.Chekhov, N.Z.Biryukov. Yalta was known as Dzhalita since 1145.
Yalta's Sea Promenade (Naberezhnaya), housing many attractions and being recently renovated (2003-2004);
Armenian Church, built by V. Surenyants;
A Roman Catholic Church built by N. Krasnov, a famous Russian architect.
Yalta's Cablecar, taking visitors to the Darsan hill, from which one can see Yalta's shoreline.
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One of the oldest cities of Uzbekistan and in the world is Samarkand, established during the middle of the first century BC under the name Marakanda and later known as Afrosiab. It was the capital of the powerful state Sogd, the center of Emir Timur's great empire. The numerous monuments of Samarkand and its suburbs impress tourist with their beauty and splendor. The refined architectural shapes, intricate ornamentation, mosaics, blue-tile domes and facades are interesting for all who visit theses beautiful buildings. Samarkand has always been famous as a cultural center and today is considered to be a city of craftsmen and scientists.
The main curiosities of Samarkand:
The ancient settlement Afrosiab (the 8thc. BC the 13thc. AD)
Observatory of Ulugbek (1428-1429), the foot of the hill Chupan-Ata
Madrasse (Muslim school) of Ulugbek (1417-1420)
Shir-Dor Madrasseh - (1619-1636)
Tillya-Kari Madrasseh (1647-1660)
Chorsu, bazaar dome (the end of the 18thc.)
Rukhabad Mausoleum (1380s)
Ak-Saray Mausoleum (1470s)
Gur-Emir Mausoleum (1404)
Namazgoh Mosque (17thc.)
Ishrat-Khona Mausoleum (1464)
Ensemble of Hadji Ahrar - (the 15th-20thcc.)
Chupan-Ata Mausoleum (1430-1440s)
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Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan's largest city (population 2,400,000) is also Central Asia's largest city and its main transportation hub. At present, Tashkent is one of the most important business centers in Central Asia. Present-day Tashkent is one of the most beautiful cities in Asia, and its architecture is unique; the hospitality and friendliness of Tashkent people is amazing. The city is more than 2000 years old, and has evolved from a small ancient settlement to the one of the largest metropolitan areas in the region. Many remarkable events, both in peace and war, have taken place during the history of Tashkent, including many periods of rise and decline. The city is host to Embassies and consulates of many countries of the world, and is known among travelers as a great place to stay and arrange visa and trips throughout the region; Tashkent lies right on the border with Kazakhstan and also is known as the main "gates of the Orient" on international air routes from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and China to Europe. The Tashkent Metro, currently the only subway in Central Asia, is fantastically designed in a unique, monumental Uzbek-Soviet style. It is never crowded, and the easiest and cheapest way to quickly transit the city. Tashkent is simply bursting with interesting museums, ancient historical sites, lush parks, and a diverse selection of high-quality restaurants, nightclubs and shops.
The city of Tashkent is located within Tashkent Region, which lies in the far northeastern corner of Uzbekistan, near the border with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Its area covers 15,300 sq km; 10% percent of the total population of Uzbekistan lives in the Tashkent Region. The majority are Uzbeks, but more than 90 other nationalities also live here, primarily Russians, Kazakhs, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, and ethnic Koreans. The average population density is more than 146 persons per sq km. The Tashkent Region consists of 15 districts, 16 towns, 17 settlement, and 147 kishlak (villages) councils. It is situated between the western slopes of the Tien Shan Mountains and the Syrdarya river. The Tashkent Region ranks second in Uzbekistan in industrial development. Over 260 enterprises representing 160 industrial branches produce twenty percent of the country's gross output. Principal industries are power generation, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, chemicals, textiles, footwear, and cotton processing and agricultural production.
Tashkent is a city which is famous for its exceptionally valuable architectural heritage. There are many interesting monuments which have been preserved from the Middle Ages; buildings of 19th c. erected by the architects such as A. Benoua, V. Gueintselman and A. Makarov according to European traditions; imposing Soviet era administative and apartment structures; and modern buildings which combine the latest architectural achievements with national style, local picturesque decore and Asian architectural traditions.
The most important monuments date back to the 16th c., the "golden age" of the city's history. Among these are: the Koukeldash Madrassah, the Barak-Khan Madrassah complex, the Suyunige-Khan and Khaffal Shashi Mausoleums, and the Yunus-Khan and Kaldyrgach-Biya Mausoleums.
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