Russia is the largest country in the world, the most interesting and the most important politically in Europe today. Its past tragic history and politics still awe the rest of the world. However, since 1991 Russia has enjoyed a period of democracy during which private enterprise and a market economy have prospered.

Western owned hotels, new restaurants and shops have changed street life and quality food and services are now on a par with western standards.

Western and Central European capital cities are now saturated with ever increasing tourists worldwide. The joy of visiting either Moscow or St. Petersburg without hoards of people is a privilege in an age of travel.

Moscow, dating from 12thc has stimulating architectural panoramas with the mighty Kremlin, mansions and churches punctuating the city's historic skyline, whereas St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world with a unique harmony of architecture dating from the early 1700s.

This is particularly impressive in St. Petersburg: 'City of the Tsars' where the wealth of the Romanov dynasty remained unmatched anywhere in the world.

The Tsars, their families and munificent aristocrats continued to build lavishly on a scale unknown in Europe with limitless human and material resources with the Russian Empire until the end of the 19thc. To see their palaces and mansions filled with superb works of art, furniture, furnishings and objects d'art is an overwhelming experience. Both cities offer world-class music, opera and ballet performances throughout the year.