All roads lead to St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow

Russia is the biggest country in the world, stretching across 10 time zones and two continents. It has a long and interesting history; for years it was a monarchy, then it was a Communist nation and now it is tentatively embracing capitalism.

Russia has undergone tremendous changes over the centuries and endured huge damage and loss during World War II. Its people are resilient however, and are generally warm and hospitable towards visitors.

Russia is a melting pot of ethnic backgrounds and cultures and there really is no single Russian culture.

Moscow is Russia's capital, full of historic palaces and golden-domed churches. The Kremlin, the nearby Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral and the Moscow Circus are all worth taking the time to visit.

St Petersburg is the second largest city and home to the breathtaking State Hermitage, one of the largest art collections in the world. Another interesting site is Petrodvorets, also known as Peter the Great's summer palace. This elegant building is famous for its fountains and gardens. Also be sure to catch a performance of the Russian ballet at the Mussorgsky Theatre.

If you prefer a warmer vacation destination in Russia, head to one of the beach resorts along the Black Sea. They are spectacularly situated against the backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains.

Survival guide

Sheremetyevo Airport, Russia's main international hub, is located just outside of Moscow. Russia is also accessible by a variety of rail lines and ferry services from major cities in Europe.

Once you get to Russia, an excellent way to see the country is via the Trans-Siberian Railway. At over 6,000 miles, it is the world's longest railway, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok in the east. The route takes you through the vast frozen wilderness of Siberia and past Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake. This lake holds an amazing 20% of the world's fresh water and the surrounding mountains are great for hiking.

The clothing you should pack for a holiday in Russia depends on where you plan to go and the time of year you plan to visit. The northern areas are notoriously frigid and snowy in the winter, while the areas in and around the Black Sea are much more moderate.