Moscow – the ancient capital of entire Russia and the East Europe’s bustling commercial capital has plenty of hotel options for both business and leisure travelers. Run-down soviet-era hotels are a novelty; the hotel landscape is dominated with brand-new 4 and 5 star hotel properties and global chains.... more

Built 300 years ago from scratch by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was to represent the wealth and power of Russian empire. It has adopted the features of Europe’s best cities, like canals from Venice, palaces of Paris, churches of Rome. ... more

Samara is a large, beautiful city at the meeting point of the Volga and Samara Rivers. It was founded in 1586, but was originally a pirate nest. In 1586, a fortress was constructed to protect the eastern boundary from nomads. Although Samara was once closed off to foreigners during the Soviet period because of its industrial importance, it now attracts foreigners for its beautiful, lengthy beach on the majestic Volga -- perfect for taking strolls past some of the most visited sights or for swimming in the hot summers. ... more

The southern city of Sochi, with it's long, languid sandy beaches set on the black sea is the unofficial summer capital of Russia...... more