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Yerevan is one of the oldest cities in the world. In 782 B.C. the Urartian king Argishti the First founded Erebuni, the military and administrative centre of the state of Urartu, on the place of the present-day Yerevan. The ruins of the fortress Erebuni are in the south-eastern part of today's Yerevan, on the Arin-Berd hill. For the first time Yerevan as the capital of the Ararat country was mentioned by some chronicles in the 14th century when it became a vice-regency centre. After the unification of Eastern Armenia with Russia in 1828 Yerevan became the centre of the Yerevan province. The city kept on growing and on the turn of the century it occupied a territory of some 102 square kilometres with a population of 30000. Yerevan is situated in the north-eastern part of the Ararat Valley and has a population of more than a million and a quarter. The major places to see are the National Art Gallery and the Museum of Armenian History located on the Republic Square. Matenadaran is the treasury of Medieval Armenian culture. It has a collection of over 16000 manuscripts. There are 16 churches in Yerevan. The Armenian capital has celebrated its 2780th anniversary in 1999.

Baku is a capital of Azerbaijan and one of the largest cities in the republic. It is located on the western coast of the Caspian sea. The centre of Baku is an old town that is also a fortress. This section is picturesque due to its maze of narrow alleys and ancient buildings, some of them are dated from the 11th century. Modern Baku spreads out from the walls, its streets and buildings rising up hills that rim the Baku bay. The present Baku is the large cultural and educational centre in Azerbaijan, its basis of economics is the oil production.

Brest (known as Brest-Litovsk before 1921) is situated on the bank of the Mukhavets river with a population of about 250 thousand. Machinery construction, electrical and souvenir industry are well developed. The town is famous for its Museum of Local Lore, Brest Fortress known for the heroic defence. In 1965 it got the fortress-hero status.

Gomel - the centre of Gomel province. Mechanical engineering, woodworking, metal, food and chemical industries are well developed. One can find glass-factory, 4 institutions of higher education, 2 theatres. Gomel is famous for its Museum of Local Lore, Rumyantsev-Paskevich Palace (18th century), Ilyin Church (wood, 18th century), Paul and Pavel Assembly.

Grodno, the administrative centre of Grodno region with a population of 308 thousand, was first mentioned in 1128 as a fortress on the Neman river near the north-western borders of the state. At present Grodno is one of the leading industrial and cultural cities in Belarus. There are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the exhibition hall and the History Archaeology Museum in Grodno. Among the places of interest are the Borisoglebskaya Church (12-th century), the Old Castle (14-th century) and the New Castle (18-th century).

Minsk is the capital of Belarus with a population of 163 thousand. The city was founded in 1067 and was totally destroyed during World War II and rebuilt according to a symmetrical pattern, with wide embankments flanking the river Svisloch in 1945. The places of interest include Troitskoye - a mansion with grounds. The main industries are machine building (mainly for agriculture) and chemical products production. The university, various institutes and the Academy of Sciences of Belarus are located in Minsk. There is a metro system in Minsk as well. The Opera and Ballet Theatre is well-known in the world. If you are going to visit Minsk you are welcome to use the booking system of Academservice, where you can choose a hotel in Minsk and book a room on-line. Booking a hotel in Minsk you should consider the following The airport. Minsk-2 national airport is located 46 km east of the city centre. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to Minsk from the airport along M2 highway by car or taxi. Route buses run to the airport from Vostochny and Moskovsky bus terminals. The bus will take you to the airport within 1-1,5 hours. Uruchye metro station is located on the way from the airport, not reaching Minsk Outer ring road. The direct metro line leads to central hotels of Minsk. One of them, the Europe Hotel, is the only atrium-type hotel in Minsk. The railway terminal. Minsk-Passazhirsky railway station is located in the centre of Belorussian capital. You will get to the metro station directly from the terminal using an underground passage. The Oktyabrskaya Hotel stands close to the railway terminal, Oktyabrskaya and Kupalovskaya metro stations. Although the hotel is located downtown, it offers quiet ambience and is famous for its national cuisine. Downtown. The Upper Town, the historical centre of Minsk, retains buildings dating back to the 17th-18th centuries: Minsk Town Hall, Svyato-Dukhov Cathedral, and the old Troitskoye Estate. Oktyabrskaya square, Nezavisimosti avenue, Yanka Kupala street also form the city centre, which is presently developing as a business centre as well. The Palace of the Republic, the Main Department Store, the Conservatory, Yanka Kupala Theatre, CIS Headquarters, the National Arts Museum, and the Dinamo Stadium are all located here. In case you prefer to stay within a short walking distance from the main cultural, administrative and shopping centres of the city, you should book a hotel downtown. The 4-star Minsk Hotel welcomes guests at Nezavisimosti avenue (former Fransisc Scorina avenue). This hotel offers all possible amenities for work and leisure of business travelers. The hotel faces Sts. Simon and Elena Church and the Red Church, which formerly housed a film studio. Metro. Minsk metro includes two lines with 23 stations. Metro is the most popular means of public transport here. If you are going to travel around the city, you should book a hotel next to a metro station. Anyway, it will take you not more than 15 minutes to reach the city centre from the most remote metro station. The Orbita Hotel, offering up-to-date conference facilities, stands close to Pushkinskaya metro station. Bus terminals. Moskovsky bus terminal is located in the north-east part of the Belorussian capital. The National Library, which is considered an architectural symbol of contemporary Minsk, is located next to the terminal. The form of its building is diamond-like. The city spreads in full view from the library's observation deck. The terminal is located close to Vostok metro station, which offers convenient access of the city centre with its numerous hotels and business centres. International routes to Munich, Paris, Antwerp, Prague, and other European cities start from Moskovsky terminal. You can also take a bus to reach national parks and mountain ski centres of Logoysk - Belorussian Switzerland. Vostochny terminal is the second popular bus terminal in Minsk. Parks. Gorky Park in Minsk looks very much like Petergof - water from upper levels streams down to ponds. The building of the first diesel power plant in Minsk has remained on the opposite bank of the Svisloch river. The Svisloch river embankment at Pobediteley avenue is a favorite place of Minsk residents as well. The Victoria Hotel, which is combined with a business centre, is located nearby. Booking a room at this hotel, you will be able to combine work and leisure. BelExpo. Minsk has its own VDNKh, though the Exhibition of Achievements is now renamed into the BelExpo National Exhibition Centre of the Affairs Management Department of the President of Belarus. It is the largest exhibition centre in Belarus. The BelExpo joins two pavilions located at Pobediteley avenue and Yanka Kupala street. The Belarus Hotel stands on the old Storozhevaya hill (present Storozhevskaya street). It is the nearest hotel to the first exhibition pavilion, which is located at Pobediteley avenue. You can get on foot to the artificial Komsomolskoye lake and the famous Troitskoye Estate from the hotel.

Mogilev (the centre of the Mogilev region in Republic of Belarus) is situated on the Dnepr river. It was found in 1267 and has population of 350,000. The main industries here are machine-building, food industry. Mogilev is an architectural monument of 17th century. The main sights of the city are the cloister with its Bogoyavlensky church, the Nikolay Church, the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore.

The foundation of the town Vitebsk is one of the most ancient towns of Belarus. It lies on the beautiful banks of the Western Dvina river where the Vitba and Luchesa rivers flow into it. It is one of the largest economic and cultural centres of Belarus. Vitebsk city was founded by Princess Olga in 947. The Vitebsk region, a land of blue lakes and beautiful pine forests, lies in the north and north-west of Belarus and has a total area of over 40000 square kilometres. During the centures Vitebsk played an important economic, political and military role and constantly developed.

Parnu is the summer capital of Estonia. This city with diversified history is a luxurious resort at present. Here you will see art-deco and orthodox churches, medieval gates, modern villas and dowdy buildings of Soviet period. Tourists from Estonia and from all parts of the world are walking along city alleys in summer. The guests occupy beaches in the daytime and they are always welcome at the city music festivals at night.

The capital of Estonia with its ancient city is considered UNESCO a world-value monument. Tallinn features medieval castles surrounded by chaste buildings of Soviet epoch and Baltic sea quietly carring its waves through time. The territory of modern Tallinn was settled about 2000 years ago by Finno-Ugorsky race. Later this area was changing over hands of foreign conquerors from Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Russia. Tallinn is one of a few cities with real ancient fortress and original gates. Going through Viru gates visitors will get to the Old Town and further to the City Hall square.

Tbilisi (known as Tiflis before 1936), the capital of Georgia (since 12th century) is located in a hollow on the banks of the Kura river. In the south-west part of Tbilisi there is its ancient main body - the Old Town with its narrow streets and buildings: ruins of Narikala Citadel, Metekhi Temple (1278-93). High over Tbilisi stands enormous statue - the Mother of Georgia with a sword for her enemies in one hand and a cup of wine for her friends and guests in the other, she symbolises the love of freedom and the hospitality of Georgian people. Tbilisi today is a major economic and cultural centre of Georgia. Its territory reaches now more than 350 sq.kilometres, and its population - almost 1500000 (more than 80 nationalities). In Tbilisi one can find Griboyedov Russian Drama Theatre (founded in 1845), the Theatre named after Rustabeli (founded in 1921) and the Opera House named after Paloashvili (founded in 1851).

Aktau, an administrative centre of the Mangistau region in Kazakhstan with a population of 185 thousand, is located on the coast of the Caspian sea. It was founded because of the developing of the natural resources (oil and gas) in 1963. In 1964 it was called Shevchenko after the last name of the Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko. In 1992 the city was renamed in Aktau again. There are the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore in the city.

Aktobe, the regional centre, is located on the bank of the Ilek river. It was founded in 1869 as a fortress. In 1891 Aktobe was raised into the status of a city. The present city with a population of 266 thousand is a large industrial centre. The main places of interest are the Nurdalet Central Mosque, the Museum of Local Lore, the Akhtanov Drama Theatre.

Almaty is a scientifical, cultural and educational centre of Kazakhstan. During more than 70 years (from 1927 till 1997) it was the official capital of Kazakhstan. The largest educational institutions, the most popular theatres and historical monuments are situated here at the same time as entertaining establishments. Almaty is not only the ancient history but also one of the unique natural places at the earth. City guests admire by local poplars, beautiful view of mountains, babbling streams, apple, cherry and apricot natural gardens. In the vicinity of the city unique places famous all over the world are situated - "Medeu" skating-rink and alpine skiing "Chimbulak" centre. Excellent international airport routing with more than 40 foreign countries is located in 20 minutes by car from Almaty. Lufthansa, KLM, Turkish Airways, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, SwissAir, Transaero and other world famous air companies are landing-on Almaty airport. If you are going to visit Almaty you are welcome to use the booking system of Academservice, where you can choose a hotel in Almaty and book a room on-line. Booking a hotel in Almaty you should consider the following Almaty Airport. Almaty International Airport is located in north-eastern outskirts of the southern capital of Kazakhstan. A motor road connects the airport and the city centre. It will take you about half an hour to reach the centre of Almaty from the airport by car. The 4-star Otrar Hotel is the nearest hotel to the airport. Just 20 minutes drive from the airport - and you will find yourself in the lobby of a cozy hotel, offering wonderful view over the Zailiysky Alatau. The hotel is surrounded with parks - 28 Gvardeytsev-panfilovtsev Park is located overby, and the Akbota amusement park and the Zoo stand a short walking distance away. Almaty railway terminal. There are two railway stations in Almaty - Almaty 1, which is a transit one on the way from Siberia to Central Asia, and Almaty 2, the central city terminal. Almaty 1 station is located north of the city centre, within 5 minutes drive from the airport. Almaty 2 station is located downtown, at Abylay Khan street. The 3-star Kazzhol Hotel stands several blocks from Almaty 2 station. Svyato-Voznesensky Cathedral and the Opera and Ballet Theatre are located a short walking distance away. Almaty bus terminals. There are two bus terminals in Almaty - Sayran and Sayakhat. Sayran international bus terminal is located close to the city centre with its numerous hotels. Buses run to other cities and towns of Kazakhstan, to Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and China. The Hyatt Regency Almaty is the nearest hotel to Sayran bus terminal and the first 5-star hotel in Central Asia. The Atakent-Expo International exhibition company is located within 10 minutes drive from the hotel. Sayakhat bus terminal stands next to Almaty 2 railway station. It connects Almaty with district centres of Almaty region, and with popular recreation places in summertime. Almaty downtown. The main thoroughfares in Almaty downtown are Abay avenue, Dostyk avenue, and Raymbek street. The 4-star Almaty hotels - the Ambassador, the Kazakhstan, the Astana, and the Dostyk Hotel are all located downtown. All those streets in the central district of Almaty that run from the north to the south are separated with a distance of 120 m, and between the streets perpendicular to them the distance is 150 m exactly. The largest square of Almaty - Respubliki Square with the Independence Monument - is located several blocks from the Kazakhstan Hotel. The Southern Residence of the President of Kazakhstan, offices of local administration, and Kazakh television complex are all nearby. The Dostyk, the Ken Dala and the Isker (next to the Kazakhstan Hotel) business centres are located downtown, at Dostyk avenue. Headquarters of the largest banks of Kazakhstan are also available downtown, including such banks as Narodny bank, Kazkommertsbank, TuranAlem bank, and the stock exchange of Kazakhstan. Recreational facilities of Almaty. Recreational facilities of Almaty include such parks as the Family Park, the Central Amusement Park, and the Yuzhny Park. The most well-known vacation places not far from Almaty include a mountain ski resort, which lies in Chimbulak canyon, and the Medeu speed skating rink with pure glacial water. An aerial tramway line connects downtown Almaty with a popular recreation area on the top of Kok Tobe mountain, which offers panoramic view over the city. The Premier Alatau International Hotel is the nearest hotel to the Medeu Sports Complex. The Nurly-Tau business centre stands several blocks away.

Karaotkel, Akmola (1830-1832), Akmolinsk (1832-1961), Tselinograd (1961-1992), then again Akmola and since 6 May 1998 the town was named Astana. Now it is the capital of Kazakhstan. The population is 270000. The town is situated in the central part of the country on the banks of Esil (Ishim) river. The distance to Almaty town is 1318 kilometres. Astana is famous for its museums, 2 theatres, the Republic Palace. Many beautiful lakes surround Astana city. Machanical engineering, food industry are well developed.

Atyrau, an administrative centre of the Atyrau region, is located on the northern coast of the Caspian sea, on the banks of the Ural river. It was founded as a fortress by two brothers in 1640 and was called after their last names Guriev. In 1865 it was raised into the status of a city and was renamed in Atyrau in 1992. The present city is the largest centre of the oil and gas industries in Kazakhstan. There are the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum in Atyrau. The Orthodox Church, the memorial of architectury of the 19th century, survived to our time.

Karaganda, a centre of the Karaganda region, was founded in 1932. The population of the city is 541 thousand. The main places of interest are the Arts Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, the Drama Theatre named after K.Stanislavsky, the Drama Theatre named after S.Seyfullin, the Musical Comedy Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall, the Technopark, the Aquapark.

Pavlodar, a centre of Pavlodar region, is located on the right bank of the Irtysh river. The population of the city is 228 thousand. Pavlodar was founded in 1720 as a Koryakovsky advanced post. In 1861 it was raised into the status of a city. The modern Pavlodar is a large industrial centre. The main places of interest are the Blagoveschensky Cathedral, the Arts Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, the Drama Theatre named after A.Chekhov, the Musical Drama Theatre named after Z.Aymautov.

Shymkent (known since 12 century) is located in South Kazakhstan. It is one of Kazakh industrial centres that occupies leading positions in national economy. This area is well-known for its mineral springs as well as for a unique national park announced by UNESCO as biosphere reserve, architectural monuments after the Great Silk Road and the holly sites for Muslims from all parts of the world. There are 3 institutions of higher education, 2 theatres, Museum of Local Lore in Shymkent.

Uralsk is located on the right bank of the Ural river where it flows into the Chagan river. In 1613 it was founded as a Cossacks strengthening - Yaitsky small town. In 1775 it was renamed into Uralsk and included in structure of the Astrakhan region. The modern city with a population of 157 thousand is a large economic and cultural centre of Kazakhstan. The main places of interest are the Historical Local Lore Museum and the Drama Theatre.

Bishkek (known as Frunze before 1991), the capital of the Kyrgyz Republic, is located where the Kazakh steppe meets the Tien-Shan mountains. Bishkek was founded at the beginning of 19th century after the Kokand conquerors erected a fortress which guarded the caravan routes extending from Tashkent to the Issyk-Kul. The fortress was destroyed in 1864-1878. After the Revolution in 1927 Pishkek became the administrative centre of the Kyrgyz Autonomous region. Marvellous parks, gardens surround Bishkek. One can find many museums in Bishkek, such as the State Historical Museum, The State Museum of Fine Arts, Zoological Museum.

Daugavpils - the second town in Latvia with a population of 117000. Town was founded in 1275 and has celebrated its 725th birthday in 2000. Daugavpils is located on the south-east part of Latvia on the banks of Daugava river. The town is famous for its architectural and historical monuments. The most interesting place to visit is Daugavpil's fortress built in 18th century. Many beautiful lakes surround this town.

Jurmala - town between the south bank of Riga Bay and Lielupe river. Was formed from Kemery, Slok towns and Jurmala region in 1959. The extent of its territory is 33 kilometres and includes such regions as: Lielupe, Bouldoury, Dzintary, Majori, Douboulty. Jurmala is a seaside resort, Kemery is balneomud resort. There are factories of knitted and fancy goods. Jurmala is famous for its Historical Museum, Museum os Fine Arts, Museum-dacha of Y.Rajnis poet.

Riga is the capital of Latvia with a population of 910000. The city has been known since 1198. It is situated on the Daugava river and used to be the second largest port in the former USSR. There are more than 160 historical buildings and monuments in the Old Town. Among them are Dome Cathedral (1211), Peter's Church and Yan's Church. Universities and the Academy of Sciences of Latvia are located in Riga. There is the famous Baltic Sea resort Yurmala to the west of the city. Industries such as metal industry, transport and power machine building, instrument making, and perfumery are well developed along with electrotechnical, radio-electronic, pharmaceutical, and food industries and other light industries.

Druskininkai (known as Druskeniki before 1917), an administrative centre of the Alitussky region with a population of 21,5 thousand, is located on the right bank of the Nyamunas river. For the first time it was mentioned in the chronicles in 1635. The main places of interest are the St.Mariya's Church, the Churlenis Memorial Museum, the Wood Echo Museum.

Kaunas is a port situated on the Neman river with a population of 423000. The city has existed since 1280. Among the places to see are the ruins of a 14th century castle, the Lithuanian-Gothic Vytautas Church (15th century), the 17th century monastery, and the Old Town with its 15-18th centuries memorials and monuments. Poet A.Mitskevich, composer M.K.Churlenis, and other culturally important figures lived and worked here. The city is the second largest in Lithuania. The printing industry and television-set production are well developed. The city is well known for decorative ceramics.

Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania (after Vilnius and Kaunas), an ice-free seaport with a population of over 200000 located in the Western part of the country, in 300 kilometres from Vilnius. Klaipeda was founded in 1252. Since 1923 till 1939 and 1945 till nowdays the city belongs to Lithuania. The weather in Klaipeda is unique because of the Baltic Sea. It's always slightly cooler in summer than anywhere else in the country and warmer in winter. Klaipeda can be interesting for its Art Gallery, Museum of Clocks and Maritime Museum.

Palanga, 25 kilometres from Klaipeda, is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea in the northwest part of Lithuania. The sandy coast extends over 10 kilometres and is backed by a pine forest and dunes. Palanga is a beach resort known for its thermal and mineral baths. It is mentioned in 1611 for the first time. Palanga funcioned as Lithuania's main port in 15-17th centuries. The Palanga Botanical Gardens designed for Count Tiskevicius by the French architect Eduard Andre and the Belgian gardener Buyssen de Coulon boast over 300 plant species and are considered to be most beautiful and richest botanical gardens in Lithuania. Another attraction of the park is the Tiskevicius Manor House which now houses the Amber Museum. It has an unique collection that illustrates amber's 40 million years old story.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is the largest and the most beautiful Lithuanian city with a population of 600000. The town, founded in 1323, stands at the confluence of the Neris and the Vilnia rivers and is surrounded by picturesque wooded hills. The city's history has been as turbulent as the nation's. Over the centuries it has been repeatedly plundered during wars and devastated by fires. Still, it has managed to retain its unique character as a cultural meeting point of West and East. The Old Town which covers 255 ha., has been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rich history of Vilnius is witnessed by the diversity of its architectural features - churches and towers, fortification, secluded medieval courtyards and narrow streets. It is no wonder that the old city is on the Wotld Heritage list. Here all the greatest architectural styles of Europe - Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical - meet and illuminate each other.

Chisinau is the capital of Moldova with a population of 720000. This five centuries the Old City is situated on the river Dnestr. It is in 400 kilometres from Kyiv, 350 kilometres from Bucharest (the capital of Romania) and 150 kilometres from Odesa. Among the places to see are the Historical Museum, the Museum of Local Lore and the Museum of Fine Arts, which is housed in a 19th century Cathedral. Agriculture and wine making are well developed in Chisinau.

Abakan with a population of 158,2 thousand, a capital of Hakassiya, is located on the left bank of the Yenisey river where it flows into the Abakan river. There was Ust-Abakanskoye village during the development of a Minusinskaya hollow in 1780th years. In 1931 it was raised into the status of Abakan city. The modern Abakan is an industrial, cultural and scientific centre of Hakassiya. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Exhibition Hall, the Arboretum, the Zoo.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Population: 60 thousand (2010) Founded in: 1837 Climate: subtropical average temperature: +3°C to +12°C in winter, +17°C to +29°C in summer Area code: +7 (8622) Airports: Sochi-Adler Train stations: Adler Ports: sea terminal (Sochi, Black sea) Bus stations: Adler Religious buildings: Orthodox: Advent Church, Holy Trinity Church, Armenian Apostolic: St.Sarkis Cathedral Architectural landmarks: Adler Lighthouse Statues and memorials: A.Bestuzhev-Marlinsky Museums: Adler District History Museum, Sochi Discovery World Aquarium Natural sites and parks: Culture and Leisure Park, Southern Cultures Dendrology Park, Akhshtyr Cave Sports venues and clubs: Olympic Park (under construction), Formula 1 Circuit (under construction), Olympic Village (under construction) Intertainment sites: Amphibius Water Park, Terrarium, Dolphinarium, Apery, Entertainment Park (under construction) Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Teremok Zhili-Byli, Rus

Alexandrov with a population of 68,6 thousand, a town in the Vladimir region, the centre of the Alexandrov district, is located on the Sherna river. It was mentioned in the 14th century in Ivan Kalita's writing as an Alexandrovskaya village. Alexandrov has been raised into the status of a town in 1778. The main places of interest are the Historical and Architectural Complex of Svyato-Uspensky Female Monastery, the Troitsky Cathedral.

Almetyevsk is the fourth largest city in Tatarstan and is the administrative center of the Almetyevsk region. It was granted city status on November 3, 1953. The city is located in the Bugulmink-Belebeevsk hills, on the left side of the River Zaya, 265 km south-east from Kazan. The current population is 142, 153 people. The city area is 41 km. Almetyevsk is considered one of the most important centers for the oil industry of the Tatar republic.

Anapa with a population of 57 thousand is located at the Black Sea coast of Caucasus. Anapa was a turkish fortress before 1829. It was raised into the status of city in 1846 and became a resort city in 1866. Modern Anapa is seaside climatic and SPA resort. The main places of interest are the kept Gate of Turkish Fortress, the Archeological Museum - a reserve with rich assembly of antique subjects.

Angarsk is a city of Irkutsk region, administrative centre of Angarsk district. It's total area 294 sq. m (21 000 h.). Population is 240 000 people. Angarsk was founded in 1948 as an industrial community and was granted city status on May 30, 1951. Enterprises of chemistry, engineering, oil-refining, industries located in the city. The city is named after the Angara River. May 30, 1951 Angarsk became a city. The proximity to east states, natural resources concentration, developed infrastructure, industrial potential is main characteristics defining investment attraction of region.

Arkhangelsk is a sea and river port with a population of 420000. The city was founded in 1584 and is situated on the Severnaya (Northern) Dvina river near its mouth on the White Sea. Among the places of interest are the Solovetskye Islands which are included in the list of objects of world importance compiled by UNESCO (World's Cultural Heritage) as both an architectural (the Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery) and nature preserve. The timber industry, the pulp and paper industry, the shipbuilding are well developed. Among the major industrial enterprises of the city is the "Severoalmaz" diamond-working manufacture. If you are going to visit Arkhangelsk you are welcome to use the booking system of Academservice, where you can choose a hotel in Arkhangelsk and book a room on-line. Booking a hotel in Arkhangelsk you should consider the following Arkhangelsk Airport. Talagi International Airport of Arkhangelsk is located 11 km north-east of the city centre. Buses and route taxis run every 15-30 minutes from the sea and river terminal to the airport. It takes about 45 minutes. Arkhangelsk hotels located downtown offer convenient transport communication with Talagi Airport - Talazhskoye highway connects central streets of Arkhangelsk with the international airport. Vaskovo Airport is located 12 km away from Arkhangelsk. It offers local flights, including Solovki. Arkhangelsk railway terminal. Arkhangelsk-Gorod railway station stands of the right bank of the Dvina river, close to the city centre. Gagarin, Voskresenskaya and Uritsky streets form rays that branch of the railway station and link the railroad gateway of Arkhangelsk with the historical centre of the city, its embankments and the river terminal. The 3-star Business Centre Hotel is located 2,5 km away from Arkhangelsk railway terminal, at Voskresenskaya street. If you need to get to the left-bank area of Arkhangelsk your terminal station is Isakogorka railway station on the left bank of the Dvina river. Joint river and sea terminal of Arkhangelsk. Arkhangelsk sea terminal is combined with the river terminal and named the Joint river and sea terminal of Arkhangelsk. The terminal of Arkhangelsk is located at the intersection of the Northern Dvina embankment and Pomorskaya street, next to the Regional extra education centre (the former Pioneers Palace). The 3-star Dvina Hotel is the closest hotel to Arkhangelsk river terminal. Lomonosov Drama Theatre, Gostiny Dvor (the architectural monument of the 17th century), the Dvina shopping centre, and the central department store are all located close to the hotel. The Circus and the Sports Palace, where exhibitions of Pomorskaya Yarmarka exhibition company take place, are three blocks away. Some distant districts of the city, located on the islands of the Northern Dvina river delta, are accessible only by river. The Admiral Kuznetsov motor ship runs from the sea and river terminal of Arkhangelsk to Veliky Ustyug and Kotlas. The Gogol paddle steamer makes pleasure voyages along the river. Arkhangelsk bus terminal. Arkhangelsk bus terminal is located next to the railway terminal. Interurban buses, mainly bound for regional centres, depart from here. Rest-rooms are available at the terminal. Arkhangelsk hotels located downtown are easily accessible from Arkhangelsk bus terminal. Arkhangelsk downtown. The historical centre of the city, so-called Old Arkhangelsk, lies between Timme street and the Northern Dvina embankment. Most administrative, business, trade, and cultural objects are located here. Chumbarov-Luchinsky street is a pedestrian area of Arkhangelsk. From one side it adjoins the Vysotka office centre at Lenin square. The 3-star Pur-Navolok Hotel is located downtown. The hotel offers Suites, Apartments, non-smoking rooms and rooms for newlywed, available for booking. The hotel faces the Northern Dvina river. Lenin square, with the Fine Arts Museum, Arkhangelsk Region Administration Office, Arkhangelsk Mayor's Office, and the regional deputy assembly, is located a block from the hotel. The VTB-24 bank and the Akvilon shopping centre are a short distance away. Uspenskaya Church, Svyato-Troitskaya Church, and the Organ Hall of Arkhangelsk Philharmonic Hall adorn Old Arkhangelsk. Solombala island. Intown Solombala island for a long time was a naval centre of Arkhangelsk. Today it is an industrial district. The old building of the Admiralty is located here, as well as wooden and stone houses of the 18th and 19th centuries. The shipbuilding factory and the pulp and paper enterprise of Arkhangelsk are located in Solombala municipal district. Kuznechevsky bridge links Solombala island with Arkhangelsk hotels located in the historical city centre.

Armavir - is a city located in south-east part of Krasnodar Kray on the left and partly on the right banks of the Kuban River near the Uryup River's left mouth. March 23, 1914 village Armavir became the city according to Nikolay the II instructions. 13 archeological monuments, 262 history and culture monuments, including the building of Armenian and apostil's church "Surb-Astvatsatsin" (Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God Church). The pride of citizens is art gallery "with thought about mothers", placed in the walls of central child library. Gallery represents the unique set of pictures and graphic works and sculpture forms devoted to maternity.

Arzamas - is Old Russian city, one of the most interesting cities of Nizhegorodsk region, located in 110 km from Nizhny Novgorod and in 410 km from Moscow on the crossing of railway main lines and highways. Main features that mark out Arzamas among other cities are industrial development and population (163,000 peoples) is considerate to be the city as "capital" of Nizhny Novgorod right-bank. The past is saved in the architectural shape of stone merchant houses, in majestic image of Sobornaya square, in noble frescos of Voskresensky Cathedral and in canvas of the first Stupino school paintings. Modern Arzamas - is one of the most interesting cultural centres of the region with majority of churches, cathedrals, museums, theatres, and others cultural buildings.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 500 sq km Population:0,66 million (2010)) Founded in: 1558 Climate: extremely continental Average temperature: -1°C to -5°C in winter, +19°C to +30°C in summer Area code: +7 (8512) Airports: Narimanovo Train stations: Astrakhan-1 Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Tsentralny Religious buildings: Orthodox: Assumption Cathedral, Trinity Cathedral, Intercession Cathedral, St.Grand Prince Vladimir Equal to the Apostles Cathedral, Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church, Nativity of Christ Church, Theotokos Cathedral Bell Tower, John the Baptist Monastery; Catholic: Roman Catholic Most Holy Mother of God Assumption Church; Muslim: White Mosque, Black Mosque, Red Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: the Kremlin, Archiereus Tower, Barley Tower, Crimea Tower, Torment Tower, Red Gate, Water Gate, Merchant Tetyushinov House, Shelekhov House, Astrakhan Cossack Army House, Demidov Trading Courtyard Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, S.Kirov, A.Pushkin, Peter the Great, Sailors Killed in 1918-1921 City Defence, Eternal Flame Museums: State United History and Architecture Museum-Reserve, Astrakhan Culture Museum, Dogadin State Art Gallery, Battlefield Glory Museum, Russian Watermelon Museum (Kamyzyak, 35 km from Astrakhan) House-Museums of: V.Khlebnikov, B.Kustodiev Theatres: Drama Theatre, State Opera and Ballet Theatre, State Puppet Theatre, State Youth Theatre Natural sites and parks: Arcadia Central Culture and Leisure City Park, Swan Lake, Bratsky Garden, City Embankment, Astrakhan Nature Biosphere Reserve (80 km from Astrakhan), Lotus Fields (60 km from Astrakhan), Bogdo and Baskunchak Reserve (Akhtubinsk, 290 km from Astrakhan) Sports venues and clubs: Central Stadium (FC Volgar-Gazprom), Zvyozdny Sports Complex (Handball Club Zarya Kaspiya, Women’s Handball Club Astrakhanochka), AGTU Swimming Pool (WPC Spartak) Performance sites: State Philharmonic Hall, Culture and Art Centre Entertainment sites: Zoo and Botanical Gardens Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Sudar, Zolotoy Vek, Kupechesky

Azov with a population of 80,7 thousand, a town in the Rostov region, the centre of the Azov district, is located on the left bank of the Don river. In 10-12th centuries at the place of modern Azov there was a Slavic settlement. In the 13th century Azak town was founded there. In 1471 it was captured by Turkey and was used as fortress. Azov was raised into the status of a town and became a center of the Azov province of Russia in 1708. The main places of interest are the Museum of Local Lore, the R.L. Samoylovich Arctic Explorer Museum and Remains of Turkish Fortress.

Balakovo is a city in Saratov region of Russian Federation. Founded in 1762, it was granted town status in 1913. Population is about 199,600. Balakovo is the location of the Saratov Hydroelectric Station on the Volga River and the Balakovo Nuclear Power Plant. There are a lot of industries of mechanical engineering, construction food industry. The sightseeings of the Balakovo that is called "Volga Venice" for the shipping canal with sluices, passed through the city, are the buildings of XIX and XX centuries: estimates of Paisiy and Anisim Malcevy, Life-Giving Trinity Church, The Stroykova-Yakimov estimate, The Chapayev Museum.

Balashikha - is the largest city of Moscow region, its population is about 215, 4 thousand people (2010). Founded in 1830. Balashikha has an essential scientific potential, there are a lot of scientific research institutes. Balashikha is not only beautiful streets, well-groomed public gardens, accurate factory buildings, interesting museums and sport complex. There are a lot of estates of princes Golitsinykh - Pekhra-Yakovlevskoye and dukes Razumovskykh - Gorenki and cathedrals Preobrazhensky cathedral, Nikolo-Arkhangelsky cathedral, and the Wonderworker Church and Neopalimaya Kupina church and others historical buildings that are city's landmarks. There is also modern large sport complex - Balashikha-Arena Ice Sports Palace and in the southern part the Lisiya Gora mountain ski complex is located.

Baltiysk - is a city in Kaliningrad region of Russian Federation. Population is 34, 05 citizens (2011). The city located on the bank of Baltiysk Strait connecting Kaliningrad Strait with Baltic Sea. Baltiysk is the western city of Russia, a huge port, sea terminal and railway station. The Baltiysk Spit is one of the priority directions of tourist development of the region. A new project to creation of Baltiysk Spit as a picturesque place of Southern Baltic place - tourist recreation and eco-tourism zone. Parade of Baltiysk navy connecting gathers lots of spectators every year on Navy Day.

Barnaul with a population of 606,2 thousand, the large industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Altay region, is located along the left bank of the Ob river. It was based in 1730th years on the place of Ust-Barnaul village as a settlement during the building of a plant by industrialist Demidov for the fusion of silver. For the first time the thermal engine was invented by I.I.Polzunov on this plant later. Barnaul was raised into the status of a city in 1771. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Theatre of Musical Comedy, the Puppet Theatre, the Theatre of Young Spectator, the Philharmonic Hall, the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of Fine and Applied Arts.

Belgorod is located on the right bank of the Seversky Donets river. It is known from 1237 as a settlement but the year of its foundation is considered 1593. Belgorod has become an industrial and cultural centre in the beginning of the 18th century. There were 16 churches, 2 cathedrals and 2 monasteries (17th century) in the end of the 19th century in the city. Belgorod is the regional, industrial and cultural centre of the Belgorod region with a population of 300000 today. There are the Puppet Theatre, the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore and the Arts Museum in the city. Belgorod is rich in architectural monuments: Pokrovskaya Church (1711), Smolensky (18th century) and Spaso-Preobrazhensky (19th century) Cathedrals.

Beloretsk is the administrative centre of Beloretsk region in the Republic of Bashkortostan with a population of 68,8 thousand. It was founded in 1762. The town is situated on the banks of the Belaya river, tributary of the Kama river, 245 km away from Ufa. Beloretsk is an important industrial centre of Bashkortostan with the iron industry prevailing. In winter it is one of the most popular ski resorts of the South Ural. The main places of interest are the Local Lore Museum and the Beloretsk Metallurgical Complex.

Blagoveschensk, one of the oldest cities of the Far East, is the business and administrative centre, a large city on the Amur river, the centre of gold-mining and agriculture of the Amur region, the port and the centre of Amursk navigation. The national traditions and the culture were carefully kept and transmited in Blagoveschensk. There are the Museum of Local Lore (1891), the Drama Theatre (1883) in Blagoveschensk. The city has always been and is one of the largest industrial and cultural centres of the Far East with a population of 220000.

Boltino - village located in Mytischi district of Moscow region. Located on the Klyazma storage lake in 10 km from MKAD down the Ostashkovskoye highway. The old Boltino named after the last name of owners - Boltiny nobility. The representatives of this clan often hold stately position. The village history begins from XVI century, in 1572 Bolino was known as palace village. The feature of the village is a stone church of St. Zhivonachalnaya Trinity.

Borovichi with a population of 61,5 thousand, a town in the Novgorod region, the centre of the Borovichi district, is located on the Msta river. Modern Borovichi is large industrial and cultural centre of the region. It was founded as a village in the 18th century and was raised into the status of a town in 1770. The main places of interest are the Museum of Local Lore, the Arch Bridge across the Msta river.

Bratsk with a population of 282700, a port, a district centre in the Irkutsk region, is located on the bank of the Bratskoye storage pond. It was founded in 1955 because of the construction of the Bratskaya hydroelectric power station. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Ethnographic Museum, the Historical Museum of Local Lore.

Brekhovo - village in Solnechnogorsk district of Moscow region. Village located on 17th km of Pyatnitskoye highway that divides it in two parts. It was first mentioned in 15 century. The chronicle calls the village - Ponomarev in honor of Brekh descendant. Later in 18th century the village became a country that was called both Brekhovo and Ponomaryovo. The view that is opened from the windows of built houses, a favourable ecological atmosphere is an excellent transport availability from Moscow and Zelenograd, makes Brekhovo an attractive place for rest.

Bryansk, an administrative centre of the Bryansk region with a population of 436 thousand, is located on the banks of the Desna river. Debryansk (the first name of the city) was founded in 985 as an reinforced settlement on the right bank of the Desna river. For the first time Bryansk was mentioned in chronicles in 1146. From the end of the 15th century Bryansk was the important fortress on the south-western borders of the state. The present Bryansk is one of the large industrial centres in Russia. There are the Drama Theatre, the Theatre of Young Spectator, the Puppet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall, the Fine Arts Museum, the Museum of Local Lore in the city.

Buzuluk - city in Orenburg region of Russian Federation. It was a part of Samara province and Srednevolzhsk region. The population is 82 816 people (2011). The city located on Samara, Buzuluk and Domashka Rivers in 246 km from Orenburg and in 176 km from Samara. The Buzuluk fortress was named after Samara's river tributary. The word "Buzuluk" comes from tatar word "bozau" - a calf, "bozaulyk" - calf fence. Times past and the name transformed in Buzuluk.

Chaykovsky - is a town in Perm Krai, Russia, situated at pictorial peninsula, which is formed by Kama River, water reservoir and gulf. Population is 82, 1 thousand people. The total area is about 55.94 square kilometers. Founded in 1955, Chaykovsky achieved town status in 1962. The town is named after the Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, who was born in the nearby town of Votkinsk. The town is famous center of tourism on Western Ural, especially for tourist, who travels on touristic ships, offering various kinds of tourism such as sport and medicinal.

Cheboksary, a port, a capital of Chuvashiya, is located on the right bank of the Volga river. For the first time it was mentioned in chronicles in 1469. Since 1555 it became a fortress and was raised into the status of a chief town of a district in 1781. The modern Cheboksary with a population of 451600 is an industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Chuvashiya. The main places of interest are the Chuvashsky Academic Drama Theatre, the Chuvashsky Musical Theatre, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Theatre of Young Spectator, the Puppet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall, the Arts Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, the Troitsky Cathedral (17th century), the Vvedensky Cathedral (1651), the Voskresenskaya Church (1702), the Uspenskaya Church (1763), the Mikhaylo-Arkhangelskaya Church (1702).

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT+6 Area: 437 sq km Population: 1,130 million (2011) Founded in: 1736 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -8°C to -22°C in winter, +11°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (351) Airports: Chelyabinsk Train stations: Chelyabinsk Bus stations: North, South Religious buildings: Orthodox: St.Simeon Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church, Assuage My Sorrows Icon of Mother of God Church, Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God Church, Holy Hierarch Basil the Great Church, Consolation of All Sorrows Icon oh Mother of God Church, Megalomartyr St.George the Victorious Church; Muslim: Mosque #129; Mosque #90, Mosque #901; Catholic: Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Virgin Mary Church; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Kirov street (Arbat of Chelyabinsk), Revolyutsii Square Statues and memorials: P.Kurchatov, V.Lenin, M.Gorky, Zero Verst, Orlyonok, Volunteer Armourers Museums: Chelyabinsk Region Local Lore Museum, Urals Decorative and Applied Arts Museum, Chelyabinsk Region Art Gallery House-Museums of: L.Obolensky Theatres: Orlov State Academic Drama Theatre, Glinka State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, State Drama Chamber Theatre, Chelyabinsk Region State Puppet Theatre, State Youth Theatre, Maneken Theatre, New Artistic Theatre, Theatre of Contemporary Dance Natural sites and parks: Gagarin Culture and Leisure Park, Pushkin City Garden, Aloye Pole Leisure Park, Victory Leisure Park, Metallurg Leisure Park, Victory Park, Arakul Lake (Vishnevogorsk village, 140 km from Chelyabinsk), Taganay National Park (Zlatoust, 130 km from Chelyabinsk), Zyuratkul Lake (Satka, 200 km from Chelyabinsk) Expo centres: Yuzhuralexpo, Megapolis, Vostochnye Vorota Exhibition Centre Sports venues and clubs: Central Stadium (FC Chelyabinsk), Traktor Ice Arena (HC Traktor, JHC Belye Medvedi), Mechel Ice Sports Palace (HC Mechel), Metar-Sport Sports Complex (WBC Slavyanka, WVC Avtodor-Metar, MFC Yuzhny Ural), Uralskaya Molniya Ice Sports Palace Performance sites: Prokofyev Concert Hall, Chamber and Organ Music Hall, Business Cooperation Centre Entertainment sites: State Circus, Zoo, Juvenile Railway Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Yermak, Glavpivtrest, Uralskiye Pelmeni, Tsarsky Dvor, Prichal Chelyabinsk (town since 1781) is an industrial centre in the Southern Ural with a population of 1148000. The city was founded in 1736 as a fortress. It is 1500 kilometres from Moscow and 200 kilometres from Ekaterinburg, and known as a centre of ferrous metallurgy and the heavy engineering industry. There are 4 theatres, 6 institutions of higher education. Chelyabinsk is famous for its Museum of Local Lore, Museum of Fine Arts. If you are going to visit Chelyabinsk you are welcome to use the booking system of Academservice, where you can choose a hotel in Chelyabinsk and book a room on-line. Booking a hotel in Chelyabinsk you should consider the following Airport. Balandino International Airport is an air gate of Chelyabinsk. You can get to the city from the airport by a route taxi, which runs every 8 minutes, or by public transport. Buses and route taxis run from the airport to the railway terminal and back. The SV Hotel is the nearest hotel to the airport. It is located next to Victory Park. The railway terminal. Chelyabinsk-Glavny station is a junction on Trans-Siberian Railway. Trains bound for St.Petersburg and the North-west, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok and the East, Astana and the South, Moscow and the West depart from here. An automobile bridge, linking two city districts, is constructed over the track lines. The 4-star ParkCity Hotel is located within 10 minutes drive from the railway terminal, next to the pine forest and Lenin avenue, the central cultural and business area of the city. Vostochnye Vorota (the Eastern Gate) exhibition centre is located at Entuziastov street, in 5 minutes walking distance from the hotel. Metro. Chelyabinsk underground is still under construction. The first line will be put into service in 2012. It's already expected that the most overcrowded span will be between Ploschad Revolutsii and Torgovy Tsentr stations. Chelyabinsk metro will become the second one in the Ural region. Downtown. Chelyabinsk features its own Arbat - Kirov street, which is a favorite walking place among tourists. Svyato-Troitskaya Church, the Arts Gallery, the famous Organ Hall, numerous boutiques and cafes are located here. Sverdlovsky avenue, Lenin avenue, Bratyev Kashirinyh street are the busiest thoroughfares of the city. To avoid troubles with transport you should book a hotel downtown with its business and cultural activity, and proximity to business centres, such as the Chelyabinsk-CITY. The Hotel Viktoria is not far from the centre of the city and the business centre. It takes only 20 minutes to get to the railway station and 30 minutes to the airport. The Malahit Hotel stands at one of the central city streets - Truda street, which passes along the left bank of the Miass river. Bratyev Kashirinyh street stretches along the right bank. The Holiday Inn Chelyabinsk Riverside Hotel, a member of InterContinental Hotels Group, is located next to this street. The hotel offers a conference hall and a SPA centre. Chelyabinsk features a lot of theatres. Most of them, for instance, the New Arts Theatre and the Academic Drama Theatre, are located downtown. Exhibition centres. There are several exhibition centres in Chelyabinsk. YuzhUralExpo and Vostochnye Vorota are the largest among them. YuzhUralExpo exhibition centre takes pride in its Orthodox Fairs. History of the exhibition company features unique guest projects. The Slavyanka and Meridian hotels are located not far from this exhibition centre, at the very beginning of Lenin avenue. Green zone. Green zone of Chelyabinsk includes several lakes - Smolino, Pervoye and Sineglazovo. The SmolinoPark (former HELIOPARK Smolino) stands on the bank of Smolino lake in fresh air among birches. Guests are welcome at the hotel's golden beach and floating bungalow in summertime and the sauna centre all year round.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 121 sq km Population: 0,312 million (2011) Founded in: 1777 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -5°C to -10°C in winter, +13°C to +23°C in summer Area code: +7 (8202) Airports: Cherepovets Train stations: Cherepovets Ports: river terminal (Sheksna river) Bus stations: Cherepovets Religious buildings: Orthodox: Resurrection Cathedral, Nativity of Christ Church, Athanasius and Theodosius of Cherepovets Church, Life-giving Spring Icon of the Mother of God Chapel, St.Philipp of Irapa Chapel, St.Nicholas the Wonderworker Chapel Architectural landmarks: Oktyabrsky Bridge Statues and memorials: V.Vereschagin, I.Milyutin, Athanasius and Theodosius, V.Lenin, Builders of Cherepovets Museums: Art Museum, Galsky Manor History and Ethnography Museum, History Museum, Nature Museum, Childhood Museum, Archaeology Museum House-Museums of: Vereschagins, I.Milyutin, I.Severyanin (Vladimirovka village, 40 km from Cherepovets) Theatres: Chamber Theatre, Russian National Theatre, Youth Music Theatre, Fashion Theatre Natural sites and parks: City Culture and Leisure Park, 200th Anniversary of Cherepovets Park Expo centres: Severstal Sports venues and clubs: Metallurg Stadium (FC Sheksna), Ice Sports Palace (HC Severstal, JHC Almaz), Yubileyny Sports Complex (BC Severstal, WVC Severstal) Performance sites: City Philharmonic Assembly, Stroitel Palace of Culture, Metallurgist Palace of Culture, Ammophos Palace of Culture, Severny Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Pirouette Circus, Super-Skok Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Penkovo Tavern

Cherkessk, the capital of Karachaevo-Cherkessiya with a population of 200 thousand, is located on the right bank of the Kuban river. It was founded in 1804 because of the building of the fortress. In 1931 it was raised into the status of a city. The modern Cherkessk is an industrial, cultural and scientific centre of Karachaevo-Cherkessiya. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Dombay Mountain Ski Resort, the Arkhyz Mineral Springs.

Chita, the centre of the Chita region, is located on the mouth of the Chita and Ingoda rivers. It has a population of 377000. Chita is known from 1653. It was the centre of the Zabaikalsky region from 1851. There were 9 churches, Bogorodsky Monastery, Catholic Castle and Synagogue in 1900 in the city. Chita was the capital of Dalnevostochny (Far Eastern) Republic in 1920-1922 and is the centre of the Chita region from 1937. It is an industrial and cultural centre of the Eastern Siberia today. There are Drama Theatre, Puppet Theatre, Philharmonic Hall, Museum of Local Lore and Arts Museum in Chita.

Diveevo, founded in the middle of the 16th century, an administrative centre of the Nizhny Novgorod region, with population of 6 thousand, is located on the banks of the Vichkinza river. The main places of interest are the Svyato-Troitsky Serafimo-Diveevsky Female Monastery, the Kazanskaya Church, the Temple of Jesus Birthday, the Preobrazhensky Cathedral.

Domodedovo - is a city in Russia in Moscow region in 37 km to south from the Moscow city centre. Population is 89, 8 thousand people (2010). On March 12, 1947 a working village became the city Domodedovo. International Domodedovo Airport located near Domodedovo city. The city is not rich in attractions but there is Local Lore museum, various monuments and obelisks.

Dzhemete - founded in 1828 for protection of cherkesses' raids from Taman to Anapa. Dzhemete is a suburb of Anapa. A resort village is famous for its sandy beaches and treatment quartz sand and picturesque dunes. The history of resort village is known from times of coming of Russian army to this territory. Dzhemete village is famous for its mineral waters. Health resorts use their mineral waters in preventive and health-improving aims. Not far from the village there are power sulfurated muds of limans. Various parks, cafes and restaurants are available for visiting.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +6 Area: 468 sq km Population: 1,353 million (2011) Founded in: 1723 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -7°C to -20°C in winter, +12°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (343) Airports: Koltsovo Train stations: Ekaterinburg Bus stations: Severny, Yuzhny Subway: 1 line; 8 stations Religious buildings: Orthodox: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Church-on-the-Blood (death site of Nicholas II and the royal family), Nativity of Christ Church, Ascension Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St.John the Baptist Cathedral, Transfiguration Church on Uktus, All Saints Church, St.Seraphim of Sarov Church, Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Church, St.Panteleimon the Healer Church, Novo-Tikhvinsky Convent, Assumption of the Mother of God Church (Verkhnyaya Pyshma, 5 km from Ekaterinburg), Sts.Royal Passion-Bearers Monastery (burial site of Nicholas II and the royal family) (Ganina Hole, 17 km from Ekaterinburg), St.Nicholas Monastery (Verkhoturye, 360 km from Ekaterinburg), Holy Intercession Convent (Verkhoturye, 360 km from Ekaterinburg), Novo-Tikhvinsky Convent Metochion (Merkushino village, 400 km from Ekaterinburg); Catholic: St.Anna Church; Lutheran: Sts.Peter and Paul Church; Muslim: Copper Mosque (Verkhnyaya Pyshma, 5 km from Ekaterinburg), Rakhman; Sinagogue Architectural landmarks: Tsarsky Bridge, Kamenny Bridge, Borchaninov-Pervushin Mill, City Pond Dam on Iset River, First City Theater, Merchant Korobkov Houses, Rastorguev-Kharitonov Mansion, Sevastyanov House, Zotov-Tarasov Mansion Statues and memorials: V.Tatischev and V.de Gennin, A.Pushkin, P.Bazhov, D.Mamin-Sibiryak, Marshal Zhukov, B.Yeltsin, V.Vysotsky and M.Vladi, Warriors of Ural Volunteer Armoured Regiment, Black Tulip – Memorial to Warriors Killed in Afghanistan, Needle on the border of Europe and Asia (17 km from Ekaterinburg) Museums: Middle Urals History and Archaeology Museum, Ekaterinburg History Museum, Fine Arts Museum, City Architecture and Urals Industrial Technology Museum, Stone Cutting and Jewelry History Museum, Nature Museum, Popov Radio Museum, Urals Writers United Museum, Urals Mineralogy Museum, Metenkov House Photography Museum, Gamayun Arts and Crafts Museum Centre, Military Technology Museum (Verkhnyaya Pyshma, 5 km from Ekaterinburg) House-Museums of: P.Bazhov, D.Mamin-Sibiryak, F.Reshetnikov Theatres: State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Sverdlovsk Academic Drama Theatre, Sverdlovsk State Academic Musical Comedy Theatre, Urals State Variety Theatre, Municipal Youth Theatre, Municipal Puppet Theatre, Teatron Drama Theatre, Provintsialnye Tantsy Theatre, Kolyada-Theatre Natural sites and parks: Mayakovsky Central Culture and Leisure Park, Tagansky Park, Istorichesky Park, Green Grove, 2 arboretums, Kharitonov Garden, Stone Tents in Shartash Wood Meadow Expo centres: Uralexpocenter, KOSK Russia Sports venues and clubs: Central Stadium (FC Ural), Uralmash Stadium (FC Ural), KRK Uralets (HC Avtomobilist, JHC Avto), DIVS Uralochka (WBC UGMK, BC Ural, VC Lokomotiv-Izumrud, WVC Uralochka, MFC VIZ-Sinara), UGMK Arena (WBC UGMK), Uralsky Trubnik Stadium (Bandy Club SKA-Sverdlovsk) Performance sites: Sverdlovsk State Academic Philharmonic Hall, Musorgsky Ural State Conservatory, Sverdlovsk State Youth Philharmonic Hall, Lavrov Concert Hall, Makletsky Concert Hall, Cosmos Cinema and Concert Hall, Youth Palace, Central Military Disctrict Officers’ Club, Uralmashzavod Palace of Culture, Verkh-Isetsky Culture and Art Centre Entertainment sites: Filatov Ekaterinburg State Circus, Ekaterinburg Zoo, Aqua Gallery, Limpopo Water Park Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Troyekurov, Shustoff.ka, Russkaya Okhota, Medvezhya Pad’, Khitrovka, Uralskie Pelmeni

Elets is located in Russia and is the administrative center of the Elets region of the Lipetsk County. It is located near the Bystraya Sosna and Elchik rivers. The city contains many natural springs that served as inspiration for names for the various regions of the city. On October 8 2007 Yelets attained the status of "War Famed City". Every second Sunday of September is the official Yelets City Celebration Day. The city of Elets was founded in approximately 968 A.D. under the Kiev Tsar Vladimir Svyatoslavych, and was first mentioned in the Nikonovsky chronicles as an existing city in the year 1146 A.D. and is the only city in the Lipetsk county that is present in the 115 city list of the Russia Federation. Important historic and artistic examples of architecture are present throughout the city amidst breathtaking nature and cultural element.

Elista (Stepnoy - 1944-57), known since 1865 as a village in the Astrakhan region, is a capital of Republic of Kalmykiya. In 1930 Elista raised into the status of a city. At present Elista is an industrial and cultural centre of Kalmykiya with a population of 100 thousand. There are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Gallery of Fine Arts in the city. The main places of interest are the Buddhist Temple Cyakyusn-Syume and the Kazansky Cathedral.

Yessentuki - is a city in Stavropol Krai, Russia, located at the base of the Caucasus Mountains. The city serves as a railway station in the Mineralnye Vody - Kislovodsk branch, and is situated 43 kilometers (27 mi) southwest of Mineralnye Vody and 17 kilometers (11 mi) west of Pyatigorsk. From 2006 the city is considerate to be resort of federal status. The hot springs â„–4 and â„–17 made the city worldwide famous. Yessentuki hot springs is the international model of healthy salino-alcaline mineral waters. Resort clinic, wonderful sanatoria, baths, which are provided with up-to date equipment and the largest in Europe water gallery "Pyatitysyachnik" for 5 thousand visits. All these features compose the base of resort part of Yessentuki. At present time 27 sanatoria work in the city.

Gelendzhik with a population of 52 thousand, one of the oldest cities on the Russian coast of the Black sea, was founded in 1831 as a fortress. Gelendzhik was raised into the status of a city in 1915. The present city is the resort centre of the Krasnodar region. The Pitsunda pine forest (the memorial of nature), the gardens and the vineyards surround the city. The resort is recommended for the treatment and prophylaxis of the respiratory, circulation`s of the blood organs and the nervous system. There are the theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of V.G.Korolenko in Gelendzhik.

Georgievsk - is a city in Stavropolsky Kray. Located in Predkavkazye on predmont upland (on (the territory of Kavkazky Mineralny Vody) on the Podkumok River (Kuma Flowing). Georgievsk - is a railway tie of crossing routes to Mineralnye Vody, Prokhladny, Budennovsk, Nezlobnaya. There are a lot of factories, fabriques and enterprises of food industry in modern Georgievsk city. While a resort spa has been built: resources - thermal and iodine and bromine, that offer more than 50 species of balneological and physiotherapeutic procedures from baths to various douches.

Glazov - is a city (from 1780) in Russia, administrative centre of Glazov region o Udmurtia Republic. Catherine the Great gave name to the city. Drafting plan of future district city presented to the empress associated with the all-seeing eye. According to this version the city named as Glazov. Glazov nowadays - is one of well-groomed cities of Udmurtia Republic with green multi-storey blocks, sport complex and majority of kinder gardens and schools and cultural buildings. Population is more than 95 thousand people. There is a developed infrastructure, dozens of enterprises a various profiles are functioning.

Grozny is a city in the North Caucaus on the south of Russia and is the current capital of the Chechen Republic. The city is located near the river of Synzhi. The population is 231, 200 people. Grozny is the center of the oil and chemical industry of the North Caucaus, and is also considered the cultural center of the Chechen Republic.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +9 Area: 432 sq km Population: 0,587 million (2011) Founded in: 1661 Climate: extremely continental Average temperature: -8°C to -25°C in winter, +10°C to +24°C in summer Area code: +7 (3952) Airports: Irkutsk Train stations: Irkutsk Ports: river terminals (Angara river; Baikal direction) Bus stations: Irkutsk Religious buildings: Orthodox: Epiphany Cathedral, Kazan Church, Saviour Church, Holy Cross Exaltation Church, Holy Trinity Church, Saviour and Transfiguration Church, Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Chapel, Znamensky Convent; Catholic: Immaculate Heart of the Mother of God Cathedral; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Merchant Faynberg House, Shubin House, Shastin House, Old Pharmacy Statues and memorials: Alexander III, A.Kolchak, G.Zhukov, A.Vampilov, V.Lenin, Y. Gagarin, Irkutsk Natives in the Time of Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 Memorial Complex Museums: Irkutsk Region Decembrist History Memorial Museum, Sukachev State Fine Arts Museum, Irkutsk Region Local Lore Museum, Angara Icebreaker, Irkutsk History Museum, Taltsy Architecture and Ethnography Museum (Baikal Trakt, 47 km from Irkutsk), Baikal Limnology Museum (Listvyanka village, 66 km from Irkutsk) House-Museums of: G.Shelekhov (Shelekhov, 20 km from Irkutsk) Theatres: Okhlopkov Academic Drama Theatre, Zagursky Irkutsk Region Music Theatre, City People’s Drama Theatre, Teatr Piligrimov Little Theatre, Bravo! Club Theatre, Vampilov Irkutsk Region Youth Theatre, Aistenok Irkutsk Region Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Central Culture and Leisure Park, Irkutsk State University Botanical Gardens, Kaysk Relict Grove, Olkhon Island (280 km from Irkutsk) Expo centres: Sibexpocentre Sports venues and clubs: Lokomotiv Stadium (FC Radian-Baikal), Trud Sports Palace (BC Irkut), Vesna Sports Complex (WVC Loko-Angara), Trud Stadium (Bandy Club Baikal Energiya) Performance sites: Irkutsk Region Philharmonic Hall, Dikaya Loshad Entertainment Centre, Megapolis Club, Beerloga Club Entertainment sites: Zoo Gallery, Ringed Seal Aquarium, East Siberian Juvenile Railway Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Usadba Yegorova, Bereg; Chinese: Hieroglyph

Ivanovo was founded in 1871 as a town Ivanovo-Voznesensk on the place of the Ivanovo village. In 1918 it was raised into the status of a centre of the Ivanovo-Voznesensk district and a centre of the Ivanovo region since 1929. The town is known as Ivanovo since 1932 and is situated on the bank of the Uvod river between two rivers: Volga and Klyazma. The modern town is an industrial centre with a population of 471,9 thousand. The main industry is a textile manufacture in Ivanovo. The main places of interest are "Shudrovskaya Palatka" (the 17th century), Uspenskaya Church (the 17th century), Drama Theatre, Musical Theatre, Puppet Theatre, Arts Museum, Museum of Ivanovo Chintz, Prorokov Museum, Memorial Complex of Revolution 1905-1917.

Izhevsk (Ustinov - 1985-87), the capital of Udmurtia Republic, was founded in 1760 on the Izh river as a workmen`s settlement of the iron-works. But the whole glory to Izhevsk was brought by the arms-producing factory built in 1807. In 1918 the settlement was raised into the status of a city. The modern Izhevsk is the large industrial, cultural and scientific city of Russian Federation with a population of 650 thousand. There are the Drama Theatre, the Music Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of Fine Arts in Izhevsk.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +3 Area: 215,7 sq km Population: 0,431 million (2010) Founded in: 1255 Climate: transitional between marine and continental Average temperature: -1°C to +1°C in winter, +13°C to +24°C in summer Area code: +7 (4012) Airports: Khrabrovo Train stations: Kaliningrad Ports: sea terminal (Pregolya river) Bus stations: Avtovokzal, Mezhdunarodny Religious buildings: Orthodox: Cathedral, Christ the Saviour Church, Holy Cross Exaltation Cathedral, St.Nicholas Cathedral, St.Andrew Church, Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God Church; Catholic: St.Adalbert Cathedral Architectural landmarks: Royal Gate, Brandenburg Gate, Rossgarten Gate, Ausfals Gate, Wrangel Tower, Holy Family Church, Queen Luise Memorial Church, I.Kant Tomb Statues and memorials: I.Kant, F.Schiller, 1200 Guardsmen, Fishermen, Nicholas the Wonderworker, Baltic Fishermen Memorial Museums: Regional History and Art Museum, Amber Museum, Kaliningrad State Art Gallery, World Ocean Museum, Friedrichsburger Gate Museum, Fortification and Military Equipment Private Museum (Fifth Fort), Immanuel Kant Museum House-Museums of: G.Brachert (Otradnoye village, 40 km from Kaliningrad) Theatres: Regional Drama Theatre, Basseynaya Regional Music Theatre, Regional Puppet Theatre, Eliksir Regional Youth Theatre Natural sites and parks: Central Park, South Park, Youth Park, Yalta Park, Sculpture Park, Botanical Gardens, Kurshskaya Kosa National Park (Rybachy village, 40 km from Kaliningrad) Expo centres: Baltic Expo Sports venues and clubs: Baltika Stadium (FC Baltika), Yantarny Sports Palace (VC Dynamo- Yantar), Yunost Sports Complex Performance sites: Regional Philharmonic Hall, House of Arts, Railway Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Zoo, Yantar Tent Show Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Usadba (Orlovka village, 7 km from Kaliningrad), German: Zotler

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 170 sq km Population: 0,325 million (2010) Founded in: 1371 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -3°C to -11°C in winter, +10°C to +23°C in summer Area code: +7 (4842) Train stations: Kaluga Ports: river terminal (Oka river) Bus stations: Kaluga-1 Religious buildings: Orthodox: Trinity Cathedral, St.George Cathedral, Cosmas and Damian Church, Epiphany Cathedral; Catholic: St. George the Megalomartyr Church; Muslim: Mosque Architectural landmarks: Korobov Chambers, Zolotarev Manor, Stone Bridge, Gostiny Dvor, Victory Square, Sukhotin House Statues and memorials: K.Tsiolkovsky, Y.Gagarin, K.Timiryazev, K.Marx, Prisoners of Nazi Death Camps, Vostok Rocket, Kaluga 600th Anniversary, Zero Kilometre Museums: Regional Local Lore Museum, Tsiolkovsky State Cosmonautics History Museum, Crafts, Architecture and Lifestyle Museum, Kaluga Region Fine Arts Museum, Obraz Regional Art Gallery, Planetarium, Kozelsk Local Lore Museum (Kozelsk, 70 km from Kaluga), Battle of Maloyaroslavets Diorama (Maloyaroslavets, 60 km from Kaluga), Tsvetaev Family Museum (Tarusa, 70 km from Kaluga), Polenov State Memorial History, Art and Nature Museum-Reserve (Strakhovo village, 70 km from Kaluga) House-Museums of: K.Tsiolkovsky, A.Chizhevsky, G.Batenkov Theatres: Lunacharsky Kaluga Region Drama Theatre, TUZ Municipal Experimental Youth Little Theatre Natural sites and parks: Tsiolkovsky Park Expo centres: KalugaExpo Sports venues and clubs: Annenki Arena (FC Kaluga) Performance sites: Kaluga Region Philharmonic Hall, Music House, KTZ Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Elki Water Park, Alexpark Entertainment Complex Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Aliye Parusa, Usadba, Slavyansky Bazar

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 425,3 sq km Population: 1,14 million (2011) Founded in: 1005 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -4°C to -12°C in winter, +18°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (843) Airports: Kazan Train stations: Kazan Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Tsentralny, Yuzhny Subway: 1 line, 7 stations Religious buildings: All Religions Church (Staroye Arakchino village, 10 km from Kazan); Orthodox: Kazan Kremlin Saviour and Transfiguration Monastery, Kazan Kremlin Annunciation Cathedral, Kazan Virgin Mary Monastery, Sts.Peter and Paul Cathedral, Epiphany Cathedral, St.Nicholas Cathedral, Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross with Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Yaroslavl Wonderworkers Church, Raifa Virgin Monastery (Raifa village, 27 km from Kazan), Holy Ascension Makary Monastery (Vvedenskaya Sloboda village, 28 km from Kazan); Muslim: Qolsharif Mosque, Al Mardcani Mosque, Nurulla Mosque, Zakaban Mosque, Galeev Mosque, Kazan Nury Mosque, Acim Mosque, Anapay Mosque, Burnayev Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: the Kremlin, Syuyumbike Tower, Millennium Square, Old Tatar Quarters (Iske Tatar Bistase), Kazan University, Island-City of Sviyazhsk (30 km from Kazan), Ancient City of Veliky Bulgar (140 km from Kazan) Statues and memorials: M.Jalil, F.Shalyapin, A.Butlerov, G.Derzhavin, Russian Warriors Killed in Seizure of Kazan in 1552 Memorial Church Museums: Tatarstan Republic State Fine Arts Museum, Tatarstan Republic National Museum, Hermitage-Kazan Centre (branch of the State Hermitage Museum of St.Petersburg), National Culture Museum, Kazan Millennium Museum, Gorky Memorial Literature Museum House-Museums of: V.Ulyanov-Lenin, V.Aksyonov, L.Tolstoy, E.Baratynsky, G.Tukay Theatres: Kachalov Kazan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, Jalil Tatar State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre, Kazan State Youth Theatre Natural sites and parks: Victory Memorial Park, Uritsky Park, Millennium Park, Kyrlay Culture and Leisure Park, Goluboye Lake (35 km from Kazan), Volga and Kama State Biosphere Reserve (27 km from Kazan), Iske-Kazan State Heritage and Nature Reserve-Museum (45 km from Kazan), Bilyar State History, Archaeology and Nature Reserve-Museum (122 km from Kazan) Expo centres: Kazan Fair Sports venues and clubs: Universiade Village, Central Stadium (FC Rubin), Tatneft Ice Sports Palace (HC Ak Bars, JHC Bars), Raketa Stadium (Bandy Club Dynamo Kazan), Basket Hall (BC UNICS), St.Petersburg Volleyball Centre (VC Zenit, WVC Dynamo Kazan), Vodnik Stadium (WPC Sintez), Field Hockey Centre (FHC Dynamo Kazan), Ak Bars Palace of Martial Arts, Tennis Academy, Kaban Lake Rowing Stadium, Kazan International Equestrian Complex Performance sites: Saydashev State Concert Hall, Tukay Tatar State Philharmonic Hall, Kazan City Philharmonic Hall, Shalyapin Chamber Hall, Piramida Family Entertainment Complex, Ak Bars Youth Culture and Sports Centre, Uniks Culture and Sports Complex Entertainment sites: State Circus, Zoo and Botanical Gardens, Riviera Indoor Water Park, Kazan Ski Sports and Fitness Complex (30 km from Kazan) Restaurants of national cuisine: Tatar: House of Tatar Cookery, Bilyar Chain of Restaurants, Tugan Avylym

Kemerovo (known as Scheglovsk during 1918-1932) with a population of 520 thousand, a centre of the Kemerovo region since 1943, is located on the Tom river. There were seven settlements on the place of the modern city in 1859. In 1721 coal was found out in the Kuzbass region for the first time. In 1918 Scheglovsk town was founded on a place of a village. The modern city is important industrial centre of the Kuzbas region. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +11 Area: 386,4 sq km Population: 0,587 million (2010) Founded in: 1858 Climate: moderate, monsoon Average temperature: -12°C to -25°C in winter, +12°C to +27°C in summer Area code: +7 (4212) Airports: Novy Train stations: Khabarovsk-1 Ports: river terminal (Amur river) Bus stations: Khabarovsk Religious buildings: Orthodox: Assumption Cathedral, Protection of the Holy Mary Church, Holy Hierarch Innocent of Irkutsk Church, Nativity of Christ Cathedral; Catholic: Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Catholic Parish, Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, St.Benedict Catholic Parish; Synagogue; Buddhist Centre Architectural landmarks: Military Assembly, Public Assembly, Plyusnins Merchant House, Treasury, Kunst and Albers Trading Company, Takeuchi Commercial Apartment Building, Philippovskaya Church, Pakhorukov House, House of the Commune Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, Y.Dyachenko, N.Muravyov-Amursky, E.Khabarov, the Great Patriotic War Memorial Museums: Grodekov Khabarovsk Territory Museum, Far East Art Museum, Khabarovsk Geology Museum, Far East Military District Military History Museum, Amur Bridge History Museum, Khabarovsk-1 Train Station History Museum, Okladnikov Archaeology Museum Theatres: Khabarovsk Territory Drama Theatre, Khabarovsk Territory Music Theatre, Khabarovsk Territory Youth Theatre, Khabarovsk Territory Puppet Theatre, Triada Pantomime Theatre, Bely Theatre Natural sites and parks: Central park, Gagarin Park, Dynamo Park, Gaydar Park, Arboretum, Bolshoi Khekhtsir Nature Reserve (20 km from Khabarovsk), Petroglyphs of Sikachi Alyan (Sikachi Alyan village, 75 km from Khabarovsk) Expo centres: Khabarovsk International Fair, Far East Exhibition Centre Sports venues and clubs: Lenin Stadium (FC SKA- Energiya), Platinum Arena Sports and Entertainment Complex (HC Amur, JHC Amurskie Tigry, WVC Samorodok), Neftyanik Stadium (Bandy Club SKA-Neftyanik) Performance sites: Khabarovsk Territory Philharmonic Hall, Palazzo Art Holding, Railway Palace of Culture, Trade Unions Territory Palace of Culture, Rus’ Regional Palace of Culture and Sports, Concert Hall of the District Officers’ Club Entertainment sites: Khabarovsk Circus, Priamursky Zoo (Voronezh-2 village, 12 km from Khabarovsk) Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Stolypin, Russky, Razgulyay; Japanese: Sapporo, Teppan-Yaki, Unikhab, Sushi Oki

Khabez, founded in 1830, a district centre of the Karachaevo-Cherkesskaya republic, with a population of 6 thousand, is located on the Maly Zelecnhuk river. The main places of interest are the Dombay Mountain Ski Resort, the Arkhyz Mineral Springs.

Khanty-Mansiysk, a centre of the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous region, is located on the bank of the Irtysh river. It was founded in 1931 as Ostyako-Vogulsk settlement. It was named into Khanty-Mansiysk in 1940. In 1950 it was raised into the status of a city. A population of Khanty-Mansiysk is 35 thousand. The main places of interest are V.Igoshev Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, near the city there are the Valley Brooks (the memorial of nature) and the Centre of Skiing.

Kineshma is the second largest town in Ivanovo Oblast, Russia. The town had 95,233 inhabitants as of the 2002 Census. It sprawls for some fifteen kilometres along the Volga River. Kineshma is Russian city that is the administrative center of the Kineshemskaya region of the Ivanovo county and is the largest port on the Volga. The city is located on the right of the Volga coast, 100 km from the county center Ivanovo, and contains around 5,000 hectares of riverside land on an area bigger than 15 km. Kineshma is located in the area known as "Switzerland Volga" and has a wonderful landscape and climate that will be attractive to tourists. Kineshma is the second largest city in terms of population and industry in the Ivanovo county.

Kirov with a population of 464800 (known as Khlynov during 1374-1780 and as Vyatka during 1780-1934), a centre of the Kirov region, is located on the banks of the Vyatka river. For the first time it was mentioned in the chronicles in 1374. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Theatre of Young Spectator, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum named after Vasnetsovy, the Museum of Aviation and Cosmonautics named after K.E. Tsiolkovsky.

Kirovsk known as Khibinogorsk until 1934, is a town in Murmansk Region, Russia, located at the spurs of the Khibiny Massif on the shores of the Lake Bolshoy Vudyavr, 175 kilometers (109 mi) south of Murmansk. On December 15, 1934, the town was renamed Kirovsk after recently assassinated Sergey Kirov, who had been in charge of planning the development of the deposits. Kirovsk is a popular center of the Russian winter sports. In the area of the city are three of ski slope - the slope of city "("Kolasportland, Aikuaivenchorr Mountain, two ski jump, 3 lifts, cableway), "Big Wood" (Mt. Aikuaivenchorr, southern slopes, phase 2 lifts) and "25-km (mountain Kukisvumchorr, 3 lifts). Also in the area of the city - a promising place for freeriding and backcountry.

Kislovodsk, a city in the Stavropol region, is located in the valley of the Olkhovka and Beryozovka rivers. It was named because of the springs "acidic water". It was founded in 1803 as a fortification and was raised into the status of a town in 1830. Kislovodsk is the largest resort of the group of the Caucasus Mineral Water. The main places of interest are the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of History of the Resort, the N.A.Yaroshenko Arts Museum, the Museum of the Culture of Music and Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall, the Resort Park, the Narzan Gallery (1848-1858), the Poplar Alley with the buildings of the Main Narzan Baths (1901-1904) and the Oktyabrskiye Baths (1928).

Komsomolsk-on-Amur with a population of 304,7 thousand is located in the Khabarovsk region on the left bank of the Amur river. It was founded in 1932. The modern city is a large industrial and cultural centre of Far East and the zone of the Baikal-Amur railway road, the railway crossroad and the river terminal. The main places of interest of Komsomolsk-on-Amur are the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore and the Arts Museum. The Komsomolsk natural reserve is located near the city in the basin of the Belgo and Pivan rivers.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 151 sq km Population: 0,269 million (2010) Founded in: 1152 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -3°C to -14°C in winter, +11°C to +24°C in summer Area code: +7 (4942) Airports: Kostroma Train stations: Kostroma Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Kostroma Religious buildings: Orthodox: Epiphany Cathedral, Christ Resurrection Church on Debra, Nativity of Christ Church at Gorodische, Saviour Church at Ryady, St.John Chrysostom Church, St.Alexey, Man of God Church; St.Ipaty Holy Trinity Monastery, St.Anastasya Epiphany Convent, Znamensky Convent; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Susanin Square, Fire Tower, A.Ostrovsky Pavillion, S.Borschov House, Guardhouse, Burse Statues and memorials: I.Susanin, Y.Dolgoruky, V.Lenin, A.Ostrovsky, A.Pisemsky, Y.Sverdlov, Workers of the Home Front, Glory Monument on Peace Square Museums: State History, Architecture and Art Museum-Reserve, Kostromskaya Sloboda Architecture, Ethnography and Landscape Museum-Reserve, Kostroma Region Nature Museum, Literature Museum, Theatre Dress Museum, Linen and Birchbark Memorial Estate, Perpetuum Art Gallery House-Museums of: I.Levitan (Ples, 70 km from Kostroma), A.Ostrovsky (Schelykovo village, 120 from Kostroma) Theatres: Ostrovsky State Drama Theatre, Chamber Drama Theatre, Kostroma Region Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Central, Berendeyevka, Park at Nikitskaya, Victory Park, Kostroma Moose Farm (Sumarokovo village, 20 km from Kostroma) Expo centres: Culture and Exhibition Centre Sports venues and clubs: Urozhay Stadium (FC Spartak), Dynamo Sports Complex, Yunost Stadium Performance sites: Kostroma Region Philharmonic Hall, Gubernsky Concert and Exhibition Centre Entertainment sites: Zoo, State Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Kostromskaya Sloboda

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 0,826 sq km Population: 4 thousand (2010) Founded in: 1869 Climate: subtropical Average temperature: 2°C to +7°C in winter, +15°C to +26°C in summer Area code: +7 (8622) Airports: Sochi-Adler Train stations: Adler Ports: sea terminal (Sochi, Black Sea) Bus stations: Sochi Religious buildings: Orthodox: St.Charalambos Church, Holy Trinity St.George Convent (Lesnoye village, 20 km from Krasnaya Polyana) Architectural landmarks: Emperor Nicholas II’s Hunting Lodge Statues and memorials: Bronze Soldier Museums: Krasnaya Polyana History Museum, Krasnaya Polyana Nature Museum House-Museums of: A.Tammsaare (Esto-Sadok village, 4 km from Krasnaya Polyana) Natural sites and parks: Maiden Tears Waterfall, Medvezhy Ugol Narzan Spring (Chvizhepse village, 10 km from Krasnaya Polyana), Psakho River Canyon (Lesnoye village, 20 km from Krasnaya Polyana) Sports venues and clubs: Alpika Service Mountain Skiing Complex, Mountain Roundabout Skiing Complex, JSC Gazprom Mountain Tourism Centre (under construction), Rosa Khutor Mountain Skiing Complex (under construction), Mountain Olympic Village (under construction) Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Dich, Vershina; Caucasian: Achishkho Patskha

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 192 sq km Population: 0,746 million (2011) Founded in: 1793 Climate: moderate Average temperature: -4°C to +6°C in winter, +15°C to +30°C in summer Area code: +7 (861) Airports: Pashkovsky Train stations: Krasnodar Ports: river terminal (Kuban river) Bus stations: Krasnodar-1, Krasnodar-2, Yuzhny Religious buildings: Orthodox: St.Catherine Cathedral, Joy of All Who Sorrow Church, St.George Church, Nativity of Christ Church, Holy Intercession Church, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Prince Alexander Nevsky Troop Cathedral; Catholic: St.Liborius Church Architectural landmarks: Alexander Triumphal Arch, Shukhov Water Tower, Chieftain F.Bursak House, V.Rubezhansky Manor Statues and memorials: Catherine the Great, A.Suvorov, A.Pushkin, Kuban Cossacks, Kuban Cossack Army 200th Anniversary, Zaporozhye Cossacks Write A Letter to Sultan of Turkey Museums: Kovalenko Krasnodar Territory Art Museum, Felitsyn State History and Archaeology Museum-Reserve, Krasnodar Territory Fine Art Exhibition Hall, Russian Cultural Fund Krasnodar Territory Branch, Weapons of Victory Military Technology Museum, 7 Pictures Gallery, Art Union Gallery, Kuban Postal Communications Museum House-Museums of: G.Ponomarenko Theatres: Gorky Academic Drama Theatre, Grigorovich Ballet Theatre, Premiera Youth Theatre, Premiera Music Theatre, Premiera Puppet Theatre, Krasnodar Territory Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Solnechny Island Park, Rozhdestvensky Park, Victory 30th Anniversary Park, Chistyakov Grove, City Park, Ekaterininsky Park, Kosenko Botanical Gardens, KGU Botanical Gardens (Pashkovsky village, 7 km from Krasnodar) Expo centres: KrasnodarEXPO Sports venues and clubs: Kuban Stadium (FC Kuban, FC Krasnodar), Olympus Sports Palace (VC Dynamo, WVC Dynamo, Handball Club Skif, Women’s Handball Club Kuban), Basket-Hall (BC Lokomotiv- Kuban) Performance sites: Krasnodar Territory Philharmonic Hall, Municipal Concert Hall of Organ and Chamber Music, Central Concert Hall, Premiere Palace of Arts, Galich Hall, Railway House of Culture Entertainment sites: State Circus, Equator Water Park, Aqualand Water Park, Safari Park, Oceanarium Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: House of Russian Cuisine, Samogon, Selpo

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT+8 Area: 353,9 sq km Population: 0,980 million (2011) Founded in: 1628 Climate: extremely continental Average temperature: -8°C to -19°C in winter, +12°C to +24°C in summer Area code: +7 (391) Airports: Emelyanovo Train stations: Krasnoyarsk Ports: river terminal (Enisey river) Bus stations: Krasnoyarsk Religious buildings: Orthodox: Annunciation Church, Intercession Church, Trinity Church, Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel; Catholic: Holy Transfiguration of Our Lord Church; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Nobility Assembly, Enlightenment House, V.Gadalova Manor, M.Zelmanovich House Statues and memorials: V.Surikov, V.Lenin, N.Rezanov, A.Chekhov, Archbishop Luke, Triumphal Arch, Red Square, Military Units Formed in Krasnoyarsk Needle, Great Patriotic War Memorial Complex Museums: Culture and History Museum Complex, Krasnoyarsk Territory Local Lore Museum, Surikov Art Museum, Astafyev Literature Museum, Nicholas the Holy Hierarch Steamboat-Museum, Victory Memorial History Museum, Krasnoyarye Modern Art Gallery, Central Siberia Geology Museum House-Museums of: V.Surikov, P.Krasikov Theatres: State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Pushkin Drama Theatre, Music Theatre, State Youth Theatre, Krasnoyarsk Territory Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Stolby State Nature Reserve, Royev Creek Wildlife Park, Central Park Expo centres: City Exhibition Hall, Mix Max Exhibition and Business centre, Siberia International Exhibition and Business Centre Sports venues and clubs: Central Stadium (FC Enisey), Enisey Stadium (Bandy Club Yenisey), Fakel Sports Complex (HC Sokol, JHC Krasnoyarskie Rysi) (Podgorny village, 30 km from Krasnoyarsk), Krasny Yar Stadium (RC Enisey-STM, RC Krasny Yar), Yarygin Yenisey Sports Palace (BC Enisey), Dvorkin House of Sports (VC Enisey Dorozhnik), Stroitel Sports Complex (WBC Krasnoyarochka), SportEx Extreme Sports Palace, Vetluzhanka Ski Stadium, Dynamo Biathlon Stadium, Krasnoye Koltso Race Track Performance sites: Grand and Small Concert Hall, Harvestermakers Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Bobrovy Log Fun Park, Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Siberian: Khozyain Taygi, Cabinet, Chemodan, Gadalov

Kurgan with a population of 362,7 thousand, a centre of the Kurgan region, is located on the left bank of the Tobol river. In 1662 on the place of modern Kurgan there was a fortified settlement. In 1782 Kurgan was raised into the status of a town. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Decembrists Museum, the Vasilyev Poet Museum.

Kursk was firstly mentioned in 1032 as a fortress of Kievskaya Rus. Situated at the river Seim this city has lots of sights established in different periods. Guests will see a masterpiece of 18th century - the Sergievo-Kazansky Cathedral built in Rastrelli's times, an architectural monument of 19th century - the Znamensky Cathedral, being an example of Russian classicism and building of ex-nobiliary assembly. The Triumphal Arch and the Russian Marshal George Zhukov's monument dedicated to 55th anniversary of Kurskaya Battle as well as Memorial "In commemoration of the fallen during the Great Patriotic War 1941-1945" are also of great interest for visitors.

Kyzyl city is part of the Tyva Republic that is under the subordination of the Russian Federation. The population is around 110,000. The city is located in the Tyva basin where the rivers of Bolshaya Enisei and Malaya Enisei merge. The city was established in 1914 by Russian colonists right after the Yryanhov region became a part of Russia. Kyzyl is the geographic center of Asia. A "Center of Asia" Obelisk is located on the coast of the Bolshaya and Malaya Enisei rivers and is one of the main city attractions and is frequently visited by graduates of Kyzyl schools and Kyzyl newlyweds alike.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 321 sq km Population: 0,5 million (2010) Founded in: 1703 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -3°C to -13°C in winter, +12°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (4742) Airports: Lipetsk Train stations: Lipetsk Bus stations: Lipetsk Religious buildings: Orthodox: Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Sts.Peter and Paul Chapel, Eudocia Church, Saviour and Transfiguration Church, Nativity of Christ Church, Nicholas the Wonderworker Church, Lipetsk Diocese Holy Assumption Monastery Architectural landmarks: Gubin House, Vyazhlinsky House, Rusinov House, Merchant Shamonov Mill Statues and memorials: Peter the Great, M.Klyuev, V.Lenin, G.Plekhanov, 300th Anniversary of Lipetsk, Cannons, Aviators, Square of Heroes Memorial Complex Museums: Lipetsk Region Local Lore Museum, Lipetsk Region Art Gallery, Decorative and Applied Arts Museum, Sorokin Master’s House Art Museum House-Museums of: G.Plekhanov, I.Bunin, T.Khrennikov Theatres: Tolstoy State Academic Drama Theatre, Municipal Theatre, State Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Upper Park, Lower Park, Victory Park, Bykhanov Garden, Youth Park, Metallurg Park, Frantsenyuk Park, Pine Forest Expo centres: Lipetsk-Expo Sports venues and clubs: Metallurg Stadium (FC Metallurg), Zvyozdny Sports Palace (HC Lipetsk), LGTU Sports Complex (WVC Indezit, MFC Lipetsk) Performance sites: Lipetsk Region Philharmonic Hall, Sokol Palace of Culture, Housebuilder House of Culture Entertainment sites: Zoo, Zadonsk Culture and Entertainment Complex (Utkinsky Otrez area, 50 km from Lipetsk) Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Peterhof

Magadan, an administrative centre of the Magadan region with a population of 128 thousand, is located on the coast of the Okhotskoye sea. Magadan was founded in 1929 because of the developing of the natural resources (gold) in the north-east of Russia. In 1939 it was raised into the status of a city. The present Magadan is the economical, scientific and cultural centre of the region. There are the Music and Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre and the Museum of Local Lore.

Magnitogorsk, a city in the Chelyabinsk region with a population of 425 thousand, is located on the banks of the Ural river. It was founded in 1929 because of the building of the Magnitogorsk metallurgical complex and was raised into the status of a city in 1931. The present Magnitogorsk is one of the largest centres of metallurgical industry in Russia. There are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore in the city.

Makhachkala is a city in Russia, the capital of the Republic of Dagestan. It is located on the western shore of the Caspian Sea. Mahachkala is the city in the south of Russia, the current capital of Dagestan, and one of the largest Russian cities in the Northern Caucasus and the Northern Caucasus federal district. The settlement was established in 1844 as the Russian military area Petrovskaya. In 1857 the settlement achieved the status of a city and was renamed Petrovsk, as a result of the legend about Peter the Great's army being stationed there in 1772. The current name was given to the city in 1921 in honor of Mahach Dahadaev. According to the Russian 2010 census, the city has a population of more than 700,000 and are comprised of more than 60 different nationalities of Dagestan and Russian origin.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 1091 sq km Population: 11,552 million (2011) Founded in: 1147 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -3°C to -12°C in winter, +15°C to +28°C in summer Area code: +7 (495), (499) Airports: Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo Train stations: Belorussky, Kazansky, Kievsky, Kurskysky, Leningradsky, Paveletsky, Rizhsky, Savyolovsky, Yaroslavsky Ports: Severny, Yuzhny Bus stations: Tsentralny Subway: 12 lines; 185 stations Religious buildings: Orthodox: Christ the Saviour  Cathedral, Annunciation Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Kazan Cathedral, Epiphany Cathedral in Elokhovo, Ascennsion Church in Kolomenskoe, Resurrection of Christ Church in Kadashy, Resurrection of Christ Church in Sokolniki, All Saints Chirch in Kulishky, St. Clement the Pope Church, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church in Zvonari, Novodevichy Convent, Donskoy Monastery, Novospassky Monastery, Sts.Martha and Mary Convent, Krutitsky Metochion; Catholic: St.Louis of France Church, Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Virgin Mary Church; Lutheran: Holy trinity Church, St.Peter and Paul Cathedral; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque, Memorial Mosque at Poklonnaya Hil; Moscow Choral Synagogue, Memorial Synagogue at Poklonnaya Hill Architectural landmarks: the Kremlin, Red Square, Spasskaya Tower, Tsar Bell, Tsar Cannon, Voskresenskie Gates, St.Basil Cathedral, Place of Skulls, Pashkov House, Old Gostiny Dvor, House of Unions, Manege, Emperor's Foster House, Hospitage, Petrovsky Road Palace, Shukhovskaya Tower, Ostankino Tower Statues and memorials: Minin and Pozharsky, A.Pushkin, V. Mayakovsky, Peter the Great, Y.Gagarin, Y.Dolgoruky, G. Zhukov, M.Kutuzov, Heroes of Plevna, Worker and Kolkhoz Woman, Triumphal Gate, Unkown Soldier Tomb, Victory Park Museums: Moscow Kremlin State History and Culture Museum-Reserve, Diamond Fund, Armoury, State History Museum, Modern History of Russia, Lenin Mausoleum and Kremlin Wall Necropolis, Pushkin State Fine Arts Museum, Private Collection Museum, State Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin's State Museum, Modern Art Museum, Garage Modern Culture Centre, Vinzavod Modern Art Centre, State Oriental Art Museum, Rublev Central Museum of Old Russian Culture and Art, Polytechnic Museum, Central Great Patriotic war Museum, Central Military Museum, State Darwin Museum, Orlov Paleonthology Musem, Timiryazev State biology Museim, Vernadsky State Geology Museum, Schusev State Architecture Museum, Bakhrushin Theatre Museum, Borodino Battle Panorama-Museum, Cosmonautics Memorial Museum, Moscow House of Photography, Central Artist House, Roerich's International Centre, Planetarium, Tsaritsyno State History, Achitecture, Art and Landscape Museum-Reserve, Kolomenskoye State Art, History, Architecture, Nature nad Landscape Museum-Reserve, Kuskovo Estate-Museum, Ostankino Estate-Museum, Kuzminki-Lyublino Nature and History Park House-Museums of: V.Mayakovsky, A.Pushkin, M.Bulgakov, A.Gertsen, A.Skryabin, L.Tolstoy, M.Tsvetayeva, A.Chekhov, K.Stanislavsky, F.Shalyapin, S.Korolyov, V.Vasnetsov, V.Bryusov Theatres: State Academic Bolshoi Theatre of Russia, State Academic Maly Theatre, Vakhtangov State Academic Theatre, Mossovet State Academic Theatre, Lenkom State Academic Theatre, Pushkin Drama Theatre, Stanislavsky Drama Theatre, Gorky Academic Art Theatre, Chekhov Art Theatre, Ermolova Drama Theatre, Mayakovsky Academic Theatre, Malaya Bronnaya Drama Theatre, Estrada State Theatre, Raykin Satirikon State Theatre, Bolshaya Srpukhovskaya Maly Drama Theatre, Satire Academic Theatre, Central Academic Russian Army Theatre, Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Academic Music Theatre, Moskovskaya Operetta State Academic Theatre, Pokrovsky State Academic Chamber Music Theatre, Romen Music and Drama Gypsy Theatre, Novaya Opera Theatre, Sovremennik Theatre, State Theatre of Nations, Oleg Tabakov’s Studio Theatre, Kalyagin's Et Cetera Theatre, Fomenko’s Workshop Theatre, Taganka Theatre, Roman Viktyuk’s Theatre, Rozovsky’s U Nikitskikh Vorot Theatre, Community of Taganka Actors, Film Actor State Theatre, Kremlin Ballet Theatre, School of Modern Play Theatre, Kazantsev and Roschin’s Dramaturgy and Direction Centre, Zhenovach’s Theatrical Art Studio, Young Spectator's Theatre, Russian Academic Young Theatre, Nayalya Sats State Academic Children's Musical Theatre, Obraztsov Central State Academic Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Aleksandrovky Garden, Neskuchny Garden, Gorky Culture and Leisure Park, Patriarshiye Prudy Park, Chistiye Prudy Park, Hermitage Garden, Losiny Ostrov Park, Izmailovo Park, Sokolniki Park, Vorontsovo Park, Vorobyovo Hills, Moscow State University Botanical Garden, Tsitsin RAN Main Botanical Garden Expo centres: All-Russia Exhibition Centre (former VDNKh), Crocus-Expo, Expo-Centre, Manege, Sokolniki Sports venues and clubs: Lokomotiv Stadium (FC Lokomotiv), Luzhniki Stadium (FC Spartak, FC CSKA), Luzhniki Minor Arena (HC Dynamo), Sokolniki Sports Palace (HC Spartak, JHC Spartak), CSKA Ice Sports Complex (HC CSKA, JHC Krasnaya Armiya), Dynamo Sports Palace in Krylatskoye (BC Dynamo, WBC Dynamo, MFC Dynamo), Dynamo Sports Palace (VC Dynamo), Megasport Sports Palace, Druzhba Universal Sports Hall (WVP Dynamo), Universal Sports Complex CSKA (BC CSKA, MFC CSKA), Streltsov Sports Complex (FC Torpedo), Yarygin Wrestling Palace, Olympiysky Sports Complex, Krylatskoye Sports Complex, Krylatsloye Ice Sports Palace, Krylatskoye Cycle Race Track, Krylatskoye Rowing Venue, Bitsa Equestrian Sports Complex Performance sites: Grand Kremlin Palace, International House of Music, Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, Tchaikovsky State Conservatory, Crocus City Hall, Pillar Hall of the House of Unions, Youth Palace, Barvikha Luxury Village, Gorbunov Palace of Culture, Arena Moscow Entertainment sites: Grand State Circus, Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard, Zoo, Kva-Kva-Park Water Park, Fantasy Water Park, Snezh.com Mountain Skiing Complex Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Pushkin Staraya Bashnya, Oblomov, Oprichnik, Khlebosol, Ilya Muromets, Denis Davyar, Yar, Godunov, Sudar

Murmansk (known as Romanov-on-Murman before 1917), found in 1916, is the centre of Murmansk region and the largest Russian sea port in the Arctic Ocean. The Arctic nature of the peninsula is unique - thousands of lakes, the polar day in summer and polar night in winter, the bright orange-yellow carpet of plants covering the whole peninsula in autumn, and snow-covered mountains in winter. The Northern lights here are an unique natural phenomenon. The Museum of Local Lore and the Navy Museum are in Murmansk.

Murom is the in Russia that is the administrative center of the Murom district of the Vladimir region. The population is currently 117,300, making it the third most populated city in the Vladimir region after Vladimir and Kovrov. The city is located on the left bank of the Oka river, 137 km from Vladimir, near the border of the Nizhnyi Novgorod region. The name of the city comes from the Finnish tribe "Murom", and many of the names for hills, rivers, including the Oka, also do not have Russian origins.

Naberezhnye Chelny or Yar Chally (known as Brezhnev in 1982-88) is one of the most oldest settlements in Tatarstan, founded in 1650 on the left bank of the Kama river. But it is known as a city only from 1930 and has a population of 526000. The main industries are machine-building ("KamAZ"), food and building industries.

Nakhodka, a sea port in the Primorsky region, is located on the seashore of the Sea of Japan. The foundation of the port began before 1941, but a town is since 1950. Nakhodka is the port of the universal importance and a centre of coastal trade. There is a Special (Free) Economic Zone in Nakhodka.

Nalchik, a capital of Kabardino-Balkarii, is located on the Nalchik river in a watershed of the Terek river. In 1743 there was a village, a Nalchik fortress was built in 1822, in 1838 there was founded a military settlement attached to the fortress, in 1921 Nalchik was raised into the status of a town. The modern Nalchik with a population of 237100 is a diversified industrial, of tourism and mountaineering centre. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Musical Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Nalchiksky Burial Ground (the 2nd part of the 2nd century B.C.), the Agubekovskaya Site (the beginning of the 3rd century B.C.), the Dolinskoye Settlement (2nd century B.C.), in the outskirts of Nalchik in the Dolinsk district there is a Balneal and Mountain Climatic Resort.

Naryan-Mar is a town and the administrative center of Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia. It is a sea port and a river port on the right bank of the Pechora River, 110 km away from the Barents Sea. The population is about 26, 1 thousand people. The town's tourist attractions include the local museum, a World War II memorial, an Orthodox church and an old town, partly reconstructed just up the river. The town is a capital of Taman-Pechorskaya province, that is reached in oil resources.

Nefteyugansk, a centre of the Nefteyugansk district in the Khanty-Mansiysk autonomous region, is located on the bank of the Ob river and its inflow - the Yuganskaya Ob river. It was founded in 1967 after opening and development of the Ust-Balyksky oilfield in 1961. A population of the city is 97 thousand. The main places of interest are the St.Panteleymon`s Church, the Arts Gallery, the Museum of Local Lore, the Puppet Theatre.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 466,5 sq km Population: 1,255 million (2011) Founded in: 1221 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -4°C to -20°C in winter, +12°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (831) Airports: Strigino Train stations: Nizhny Novgorod Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Nizhny Novgorod Subway: 2 line; 14 stations Religious buildings: Orthodox: Archangel Michael Cathedral, Saviour Old Market Cathedral, Nativity of St.John the Baptist Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Most Holy Mother of God Cathedral, Elijah the Prophet Church, Assumption of the Mother of God Church, Pechorsky Ascension Monastery, Holy Cross Exaltation Convent, Makaryevo Monastery (Makaryevo village, 80 km from Nizhny Novgorod), Diveevo St.Seraphim Monastery (Diveevo village, 180 km from Nizhny Novgorod); Catholic: Assumption of the Most Holy Mother of God Church; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: the Kremlin, Chkalov steps, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya street, M.Rukavishnikov House, Pushnikov Chambers, Olisov Chambers Statues and memorials: M.Gorky, Y.Sverdlov, N.Dobrolyubov, K.Minin and D.Pozharsky, V.Chkalov, K.Minin and D.Pozharsky Needle, Heroes and Victims of 1905 Revolution, Prince Georgy Vsevolodovich and the Holy Hierarch Simon of Suzdal, Heroes of Volga Naval Fleet, From Natives Gorky to the Battlefield Memorial Museums: State Fine Arts Museum, Russian Photography Museum, State History and Architecture Museum-Reserve, JSC GAZ History Museum, River Fleet History Museum, Architecture and Lifestyle of Nations of Nizhny Novgorod Part of Volga region Museum, Railroad Museum House-Museums of: Gorky State Museum, Kashirin’s Lodge Gorky Childhood Museum, Gorky Flat-Museum, Dobrolyubov Literature and Memorial Museum, A.Pushkin, V.Korolenko, Y.Sverdlov, F.Shalyapin, A.Sakharov, Chkalov Memorial Museum (Chkalovsk, 97 km from Nizhny Novgorod), Pushkin Boldino State Literature and Memorial and Nature Museum-Reserve (Bolshoye Boldino village, 250 km from Nizhny Novgorod) Theatres: Gorky State Academic Drama Theatre, Pushkin State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Stepanov Chamber Music Theatre, Komediya Theatre, State Young Spectator’s Theatre, State Academic Puppet Theatre, Vera State Children’s Theatre Natural sites and parks: Sormovo Culture and Leisure Park, Avtozavod Central Culture and Leisure Park, 1st of May Culture and Leisure Park, Pushkin Landscape Culture and Leisure Park, Kulibin Landscape Culture and Leisure Park Expo centres: Nizhny Novgorod Fair Sports venues and clubs: Lokomotiv Stadium (FC Volga), Severny Stadium (FC Nizhny Novgorod), Nagorny Trade Unions Sports Palace (HC Torpedo, JHC Chaika, BC Nizhny Novgorod), Zarechye Sports Palace (VC Gubernia), Start Stadium (Bandy Club Start), Krasnaya Gorka Sports and Fitness Complex (MFC Futbol Hokkey NN) (Bor, 35 km from Nizhny Novgorod), Sarov Ice Sports Palace (HC Sarov) (Sarov, 180 km from Nizhny Novgorod) Performance sites: Rostropovich State Academic Philharmonic Hall [29], Glinka State Conservatory, Jupiter Concert Hall Entertainment sites: Planetarium, Circus, Switzerland Park, Limpopo Zoo, Exotarrium, Butterfly House, Juvenile Railway Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Vitalich, Pyatkin, Kupechesky

Nizhnekamsk with a population of 212,7 thousand is located in Tatarstan Republic on the left bank of the Kama river. It was raised into the status of the city in 1966. The modern Nizhnekamsk is a developed industrial city. The main place of interest is a branch of the Kazan Technological Universary.

Nizhnevartovsk, a centre of the district in the Khanty-Mansiysk region, is located on the right bank of the Ob river. It was raised into the status of a city in 1972. The modern Nizhnevartovsk is a centre of the large oil-producing region. The main places of interest are the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Local Lore, the Puppet Theatre.

Nizhny Tagil, a city in the Sverdlovsk region with a population of 407,3 thousand, is located on the banks of the Tagil river. It was founded in 1722 because of the building of the metallurgical complex. In 1919 it was raised into the status of a city. The modern Nizhny Tagil is one of the largest centres of metallurgical industry. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Circus, the Museum of Local Lore, the Mamin-Sibiryak Literature Memorial Museum.

Norilsk, a city in the Krasnoyarsk region, is located on Taimyr Peninsula. It was founded during the building of Mining and smelting industrial complex in 1935. Norilsk was raised into the status of a city in 1953. The modern Norilsk is an industrial and scientific centre of the region, one of five most northern cities of the world. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Museum of History of Opening up and Development of Norilsk industrial region, the Arts Gallery.

Novokuybyshevsk is a city in Samara region of Russian Federation, located on the western bank of the Volga River, 6 kilometers (4 mi) away from it. Population is 112, 3 thousand people. The city covered an area of 264, 4 hectares, 1120 hectares of which was residential area. In September 1951, first working refineries started operating, on February 22, 1952, following the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR, Novo-Kuybyshev was granted town status and renamed Novokuybyshevsk. Novokujbyshevsk is a city of refining and petrochemical industry. It plays an important role in the economy and represents a formed territorial-production complex - an industrial region of Samara.

Novokuznetsk (known as Kuznetsk (1816-1931), Stalinsk (1932-1962)) with a population of 583 thousand, a city in the Kemerovo region, the centre of the Novokuznetsk district is located on the banks of the Tom river. Kuznetsk was founded in 1816 as a fortified stockaded town. In 1622 Kuznetsk has been raised into the status of a town. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Circus, the Planetarium, the Museum of Local Lore, the Dostoyevsky Literature and Memorial Museum, Kuznetsk Fortress Historical and Architectural Ensemble.

Novorossiysk is the largest non-freezing commercial port on the south of Russia with population of 190000. It was founded as a fortress in 1838. Novorossiysk is situated along the one of the most convenient bays in the Black Sea - Tsemes Bay. The harbour separates the southern and northern parts of the city. The northern part is an industrial area. The Drama Theatre and the Historical Museum are located in the southern part of the city. There are a lot of picturesque places not far from Novorossiysk. Abrau-Dyurso - the home of famous Russian champagne - is among them.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT+7 Area: 506,67 sq km Population: 1,485 million (2011) Founded in: 1893 Climate: extremely continental Average temperature: -9°C to -25 in winter, +12°C to +30°C in summer Area code: +7 (383) Airports: Tolmachevo Train stations: Novosibirsk Ports: river terminal (Ob river) Bus stations: Novosibirsk Subway: 2 line; 13 stations Religious buildings: Orthodox: Ascension Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Protection of the Holy Mary Church, St.Nicholas Chapel, Holy Trinity Cathedral, Our Lady of the Sign Church, Holy New Martyrs of Russia Monastery, St.Eugene the Martyr Monastery; Catholic: Transfiguration of Our Lord Cathedral; Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: One Hundred Apartment House, Novosibirsk Railway Station, First Railway Bridge over Ob River Statues and memorials: S.Kirov, V.Lenin, A.Kryachkov, M.Glinka, V.Vysotsky, A.Pokryshin, A.Krylov, N.Gogol, Victims of Political Repressions Museums: State Fine Arts Museum, State Local Lore Museum, Akulinin Railway Technology Museum, Siberian Birchbark Museum, N.Rerikh Museum, Sun Museum, Cossack Glory Museum, Central Siberian Geology Museum (Akademgorodok, 20 km from Novosibirsk) House-Museums of: S.Kirov Theatres: State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Musical Comedy Theatre, Stary Dom State Drama Theatre, Red Torch State Academic Drama Theatre, Globus Academic Youth Theatre, On the Left Bank City Drama Theatre, Afanasyev City Drama Theatre, Novosibirsk Region Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: History and Architecture Open Air Museum, Central Siberian Botanical Gardens, Heroes of the Revolution Park, Glory Park, Culture and Leisure Parks: Central, Pine Forest, Bugrinskaya Grove, Birchwood, Zayeltsovsky, Koltsovo, Naberezhnaya, Pervomaysky, At the Ob Sea, Kirov Expo centres: Siberia Fair, Expocentre Sports venues and clubs: Spartak Stadium (FC Sibir), Sibir Ice Sports Palace (HC Sibir, JHC Sibirskie Snaypery), NGASU Sports Hall (MFC Sibiryak), Sever Sports and Concert Complex (BC Sibirtelecom-Lokomotiv, WBC Dynamo-GUVD, VC Lokomotiv), Sibselmash Stadium (HC Sibselmash), Auto and Moto Centre, Biathlon Complex Performance sites: State Philharmonic Hall, Glinka State Conservatory, House of Scientist Concert Hall, House of Actor, Metallurg Palace of Culture, Stroitel Palace of Culture, Railway Palace of Culture, Gorky Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Zoo, State Circus, Small West Siberian Railroad, Gorsky Snowboard Park Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Sibirskaya troika

Obninsk is a city in Kaluga Region, located 100 kilometers (62 mi) southwest of Moscow. Population is 104,800 people. Obninsk is one of the major Russian science cities. The city is located on the bank of the picturesque Protva River in the northern part of Kaluga Oblast, 100 km southwest of Moscow and 80 km away from Kaluga (the capital of a region) , on the main rail line between Moscow and Kiev and at the intersection of Kiev and Warsaw highways. Obninsk is famous for its meteorological tower which was built to study spreading of radiation from the nuclear station.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +7 Area: 572,9 sq km Population: 1,15 million (2010) Founded in: 1716 Climate: continental Average temperature: -10°C to -22°C in winter, +12°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (3812) Airports: Omsk Train stations: Omsk Ports: river terminal (Irtysh river) Bus stations: Omsk Religious buildings: Orthodox: Cossack St.Nicholas Cathedral, Holy Assumption Cathedral, Holy Cross Exaltation Cathedral, Seraphim of Sarov the Wonderworker and Holy Hierarch Alexey Chapel, Consolation of All Sorrows Icon of the Virgin Church, Achair Holy Cross Convent (Achair village, 40 km from Omsk) Architectural landmarks: Omsk Fortress Tobolsk Gate, Omsk Krepost Tarsk Gate, Omsk Cadet Corps, Merchant Batyushkin House, Fire Tower, Omsk Raiway Management, Lenin Street Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, F.Dostoyevsky, M.Vrubel, G.Zhukov, Victims of Kolchak Terror, Fighters of the Revolution Memorial Park, Glory to the Heroes Memorial Museums: State History and Local Lore Museum, Vrubel Omsk Region Fine Arts Museum, Dostoyevsky State Literature Museum [9], Liberov Centre State Regional Fine Art Museum , Omsk Natives Military Glory Museum Complex, Omsk Art City Museum, City Theatre Arts Museum House-Museums of: K.Belov Theatres: State Academic Drama Theatre, Pyaty Teatr State Drama Theatre, State Music Theatre, Galerka State Drama Theatre, Yermolayeva Studio City Drama Theatre, Goncharuk Little Theatre, Arlekin State Puppet, Actor and Mask Theatre, Young Spectator’s Theatre, Lyceum Drama Theatre Natural sites and parks: VLKSM 30th Anniversary Culture and Leisure Park, Sovetsky Culture and Leisure Park, Zelyony Ostrov Culture and Leisure Park, Victory 30th Anniversary Culture and Leisure Park Expo centres: Omsk Expo, Intersib Sports venues and clubs: Krasnaya Zvezda Stadium, Krasnaya Zvezda Indoor Manege (FC Irtysh), Arena Omsk Sports Complex (HC Avangard, JHC Omskiye Yastreby), Blinov Sports and Concert Complex (WVC Omichka), Ermak Sports Complex (WVC Omichka-2), Sibirsky Neftyanik Sports Complex (BC Neftyanik), Avangard Sports Complex (Handball Club Skif) Performance sites: State Philharmonic Hall, Zvyozdny Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: State Circus, Youth Centre of Ecology and Biology, Bolsherechensk State Zoo (Bolsherechye village, 198 km from Omsk) Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Razgulyaev, Petrov Vodkin, Gzhel

Orel, the administrative, industrial, scientific and cultural centre of the Orel region, is located on the Middle-Russian height of the European part of Russia, on the both banks of the Oka river and its tributary Orlic, in 382 kilometres from Moscow. Orel was founded in 1506, destroyed in 1615, restored in 1636 and existed till 1702. It became the centre of the Orel province in 1778. The fertile lands round Orel attracted famous noblemen. That is why the town became a cultural centre. There are 4 theatres, 11 museums and 9 Orthodox churches in Orel today.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +6 Area: 300 sq km Population: 0,547 million (2011) Founded in: 1743 Climate: extremely continental Average temperature: -5°C to -17°C in winter, +13°C to +29°C in summer Area code: +7 (3532) Airports: Orenburg Train stations: Orenburg Bus stations: Orenburg Religious buildings: Orthodox: St.Nicholas Cathedral, St.Demetrius Church, St.Sergiy of Radonezh Church, St.Sergiy of Radonezh Church (Rostoshi village, 10 km from Orenburg), Apostle and Evangelist St.John the Theologian Church, Intercession Church, Tabynskoye Icon of the Mother of God Chapel, St.Megalomartyr George the Victorious Chapel; Catholic: Mother of God of Loreto Church; Muslim: Caravansarai Mosque, Khusainia Mosque, Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Water Tower, Caravansarai, Gostiny Dvor Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, V.Chkalov, A.Pushkin, A.Zass, Y.Gagarin, Orenburg Cossacks, Needle in the Memory of People Killed During the Great Patriotic War, Y.Gagarin Plane Museums: Orenburg Region History and Local Lore Museum, Orenburg Region Fine Art Museum, Orenburg History Museum, Shevchenko Guard- room Memorial Museum, Salyut-Pobeda Memorial Complex-Museum, House of Memory Museum, Space Museum, National Village Park-Museum House-Museums of: Yury and Valentina Gagarin Apartment-Museum, Leopold and Mstislav Rostropovich Apartment-Museum Theatres: Gorky Orenburg Region Drama Theatre, Orenburg Region State Musical Comedy Theatre, Fayzi State Tatar Drama Theatre, Piero Municipal Puppet Theatre, Orenburg Region State Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Gagarin Park, Topolya Park, Victory Park, Chkalov Park, USSR 50th Anniversary Park, Lenin Park Expo centres: UralExpo Sports venues and clubs: Gazovik Stadium (FC Gazovik) (Rostoshi village, 10 km from Orenburg), Orenburzhye SCC (WBC Nadezhda), Olimpiysky Sports Complex (VC TNK-BP), Zvyozdny Ice Sports Palace (JHC Belye Tigry), Orenburg Stadium (Bandy Club Lokomotiv), Gazovik Culture and Sports Palace, Yubileyny Sports Palace Performance sites: State Philharmonic Hall, L. and M.Rostropovich State Art Institute, Express Palace of Culture, Officers’ Club, Rossia Palace of Culture, Goritsvet Club, Pierre Diamond Club Entertainment sites: Juvenile Railway, State Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Kupets

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the administrative centre of the Kamchatka region, one of the oldest cities of the Far East with a population of about 200 thousand, is located on the Kamchatka pininsula on the seashore of the Pacific ocean. The city was founded in 1740 as Petropavlovsky Ostrog, since 1822 was known as Petropavlovsky Port and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky - since 1924. There are the Drama Theatre and the Museum of Local Lore in the city.

Penza is an administrative, industrial and cultural centre of Penzinsky region. One of the oldest dramatic theatres in Russia named after A.Lunacharsky is situated in the city. In 1996 citizens and guests celebrated 175th anniversary of the national amusement park named after V.Belinsky. City circus established in 1875 is considered one of the first in Russia as well as the one of the cinemas is said to be most "aged" in the country. What can be said about a city with greenery on two thirds of its area? What can be said about a city located on "hills and plains"? The city looks differently from each point of view. If you go up the Boitsovaya mount, the city will welcome you with its buildings. Walk to the top of Moskovskaya street and look back - you will see the straight line going as a ray of projector - the street cuts rock kingdom. If you are at the city out-look platform situated at the researches monument you will see kind and touching Russian province as well as modern cottages growing through like mushrooms after rain.

Pereslavl-Zalessky, founded in 1152 by the Prince Yury Dolgoruky, is located on the South-Eastern coast of Plescheevo lake where it flows into the Trubezh river. In 1719 it was raised into the status of the provincial town, since 1778 - the chief town of the Vladimir district. The modern town with a population of 43,4 thousand is the centre of the Pereyaslavl district of the Yaroslavl region. The main places of interest are the keeped out earth walls of the ancient earthwork between the banks of the lake and the Trubezh river, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (1152), the Peter Mitropolit Church on the Czar Yard (1585), the Vladimirskaya Church (1745), the Alexander Nevsky Church (1746), the Sorokosvyatskaya Church (1775), the Private Residence of Timerny (18th century), the Courtyard, the Botik Memorial Estate (1803), the Chernigovskaya Chapel (1702), the Simeonovskaya Church (1771), the Nikitsky Monastery (16th-17th centuries), the Fedorovsky Monastery (15th-16th centuries), the Danilovo-Troitsky Monastery (16th-18th centuries), the Goritsky Monastery (14th-17th centuries), the Museum of Local Lore, the D.N.Kardovsky Arts Gallery.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT+6 Area: 799 sq km Population: 0,99 million (2010) Founded in: 1723 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -8°C to -18°C in winter, +13°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (342) Airports: Bolshoye Savino Train stations: Perm-2 Ports: river terminal (Kama river) Bus stations: Perm Religious buildings: Orthodox: Holy Trinity St.Stephan Monastery, Sts.Peter and Paul Cathedral, Holy Assumption and St.Theodosius Church, Holy Trinity Cathedral (Slutskaya Church), St.Stephan of Great Perm Chapel, Belogorsk St.Nicholas Orthodox Missionary Monastery (Kalinino village, 85 km from Perm); Catholic: Immaculate Conception of the Most Holy Virgin Mary Church; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Saviour and Transfiguration Monastery Cathedral and Archiereus house, Gribushin House, Gavrilov House, Mikhailov House, Perm-1 Railway Station Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, B.Pasternak, H.Gral, V.Tatischev, Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Heroes of Battlefield and Home Front, Mourning Lady Memorial Museums: Perm Region Local Lore Museum, State Art Gallery, PERMM Modern Art Museum, Motovilikha Diorama Museum, Planetarium, Khokhlovka Architecture and Ethnography Museum (Khokhlovka village, 43 km from Perm), Perm-36 GULAG Memorial Museum (Kuchino village, 120 km from Perm) House-Museums of: S.Dyagilev, N.Slavyanov, RSDRP Perm Committee Underground Printing Press of 1906 Memorial House-Museum Theatres: Tchaikovsky Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Teatr-Teatr Academic Theatre, Panfilov Ballet Theatre, U Mosta Theatre, Novaya Drama Theatre, Young Spectator’s Theatre, State Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Gorky Culture and Leisure Park, Reshetnikov Naberezhny Garden, Kungur Ice Cave (Philippovka village, 100 km from Perm) Expo centres: Perm Fair Sports venues and clubs: Zvezda Stadium (FC Amkar, WFC Zvezda 2005), Molot Universal Sports Palace (HC Molot-Prikamye), Spartak Sports Complex (Handball Club Permskiye Medvedi, MFC Arsenal), Neftyanik Sports Complex, Yunost Stadium Performance sites: Perm Territory Philharmonic Hall, Soldatov Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Zoo, State Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Drugoye Mesto, Russkoye Zastolye

Petrozavodsk, a capital of Karelia, a port on the bank of Onezhskoye lake, was founded in 1703 during the construction of an iron and cannons production factory. In 1777 it became a chief town of a district. The modern city with a population of 282200 is an important industrial, large scientific and cultural centre of Karelia. Among the places of interest are the conservatoire, the Musical Theatre, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Finnish Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Fine Arts.

Pskov, the administrative centre of Pskov region with a population of about 201 thousand, for the first time was mentioned in chroniles in 903 though the territory of Pskov region was inhabited 10-12 thousand years ago. Situated on the Velikaya river the city played the important role in protection of the borders of the state and is famous for the battle on Chudskoye lake in 1242. Famous tourist centre Pskov included the Kremlin (7-19 centuries) and four independent districts, the Domontov Town (12 century), the Middle Town (10 century), the Outer Town (11 century) and the Zapskovye, with unique architectural monuments. The Troitsky Cathedral (1682-99), the Departmental Palace (1693-95), the Mikhail Archangel`s Church (1339), the Mstiskavskaya Tower (1375), the Yamskogo Palace (17 century) are among them. There are the Drama Theatre and the Puppet Theatre, the Historical, Architectural and Fine Arts Museum in the city.

Pyatigorsk is located in the Stavropolsky kray (region) on the left bank of the Podkumok river, on the slopes of the Mashuk and Goryachaya mountains. It has a population of 133000. Pyatigorsk (means "five mountains" in Russian) has given its name in 1830 because of the closely located Beshtau (means "five mountains" in Turkic) mountain. It is an important balneological and mud health resort.

Rostov Veliky with a population of 36,6 thousand, a town in the Yaroslavl region, the centre of the Rostov district, is located on the northwestern bank of Nero lake. Rostov was first mentioned in chronicles in 862. In 1207 Rostov became a capital of the Rostov principality. In 1474 joined to Moscow principality. Rostov has been raised into the status of a town in 1777. The main places of interest are the Rostov-Yaroslavl Historical, Architectural and Arts Preserve Museum, the Kremlin, the Uspensky Cathedral, the Avramyev Monastery, the Yakovlevsky Monastery.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 354 sq km Population: 1,09 million (2010) Founded in: 1749 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -1°C to -6°C in winter, +17°C to +29°C in summer Area code: +7 (863) Airports: Rostov-on-Don Train stations: Rostov-on-Don Ports: river terminal (Don river) Bus stations: Glavny, Prigorodny Religious buildings: Orthodox: Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God Cathedral, Holy Iveron Icon Convent; Armenian Apostolic: Surb Khach Church, St.Karapet Church, Surb Arutyun Church; Catholic: Last Supper Church; Muslim: Mosque; Soldiers’ Synagogue Architectural landmarks: M.Chernova House, Gench-Ogluev Commercial Apartment Building, P.Masalitina Commercial Apartment Building Statues and memorials: D.Donskoy, M.Lomonosov, A.Pushkin, M.Gorky, M.Sholokhov, 1st Mounted Army Tachanka, Alexander Column (Monument commemorating 25th anniversary of the glorious reign of the Emperor Alexander II), Rostov-on-Don Liberation from Nazi Invaders Memorial Complex, Temernik Customs Foundation, Dmitry of Rostov Fortress Founders Museums: Rostov Region Fine Arts Museum, Modern Fine Arts Museum at Dmitrovskaya, Rostov Region Local Lore Museum, Cosmonautics Museum, Railroad Technology Museum, Starocherkassk History and Architecture Museum-Reserve (Starocherkassk, 30 km from Rostov-on-Don), Don Cossacks History Museum (Novocherkassk, 40 km from Rostov-on-Don), Ascension Troop Cathedral (Novocherkassk, 40 km from Rostov-on-Don), Aksay War History Museum (Aksay, 10 km from Rostov-on-Don) House-Museums of: Sholokhov State Museum-Reserve (Veshenskaya village, 350 km from Rostov-on-Don) Theatres: Gorky Academic Drama Theatre, State Music Theatre, Rostov Region Academic Youth Theatre, Bylkov State Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Rostov University Botanical Gardens, Gorky Central City Park, Azov History, Archaeology and Palaeontology Museum-Reserve (Azov, 25 km from Rostov-on-Don), Tanais History and Archaeology Museum-Reserve (Nedvigovka hamlet, 35 km from Rostov-on-Don), Razdorskaya Ethnography Museum-Reserve (Razdorskaya village, 100 km from Rostov-on-Don) Expo centres: VertolExpo Sports venues and clubs: Olimp XXI Vek Stadium (FC Rostov), SKA SKVO Stadium (FC SKA), Sports Palace (JHC Rostovskiye Zubry, Handball Club Rostov-Don), Express CSC (WBC Rostov-Don), Gedon Tennis Centre, Don Golf and Country Club (Starocherkassk, 30 km from Rostov-on-Don) Performance sites: Rostov Region Philharmonic Hall, Rakhmaninov State Conservatory, Officers’ Club Entertainment sites: Zoo, State Circus, Dolphinarium, Butterfly Park, Water Park Restaurants of national cuisine: Don: Atamansky, Ermitazh, Kazachy Kuren, Russian: Petrovsky Prichal, Vodka

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 252 sq km Population: 0,525 million (2011) Founded in: 1095 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -4°C to -14°C in winter, +11°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (4912) Train stations: Ryazan-1 Ports: river terminal (Oka river) Bus stations: Tsentralny, Prioksky Religious buildings: Orthodox: Nativity of Christ Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral, Transfiguration Cathedral, Epiphany Church, St.Alexandr Nevsky Church, Annunciation Church, Nikolo-Yamskaya Church, Sts.Boris and Gleb Church. Our Lord Entrance into Jerusalem Church, Holy Trinity Monastery, Transfiguration of Our Saviour Monastery, Solotcha Nativity of the Mother of God Convent (Solotcha village, 20 km from Ryazan), St.John the Evangelist Monastery (Poschupovo village, 25 km from Ryazan) Architectural landmarks: the Kremlin, Staraya Ryazan Ancient Village (Spassk-Ryazansky, 50 km from Ryazan) Statues and memorials: I.Pavlov, S.Esenin, Evpaty Kolovrat, M.Saltykov-Schedrin, K.Tsiolkovsky, Prince Oleg of Ryazan, Victory Square Monumental Complex Museums: History and Architecture Museum- Reserve, Pozhalostin Ryazan Region State Art Museum, Paratroopers History Museum House-Museums of: Pavlov Memorial Museum- Manor, Esenin State Museum-Reserve (Konstantinovo village, 43 km from Ryazan) Theatres: Ryazan Region State Drama Theatre, Ryazan Region Music Theatre, Ryazan Region State Children and Youth Theatre, Ryazan Region State Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Upper City Park, Lower City Park, Gagarin Park, Ryumina Grove, Novopavlovskaya Grove, Meschersky National Nature Park (Spas-Klepiki, 70 km from Ryazan), Oka State Biosphere Reserve (120 km from Ryazan) Expo centres: Ryazinformexpo Sports venues and clubs: CSK Stadium (FC Zvezda), Olimpiysky Sports Palace (HC Ryazan), City Palace of Youth Creativity (BC Ryazan) Performance sites: Ryazan Region Philharmonic Hall, Esenin Concert Hall, Municipal Culture Centre, Dom Kultury Club, Fountain Cafe, Planetarium Art Club Entertainment sites: State Circus, Acapulco Water Club Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Evpaty Tavern, Bylina Family Leisure Centre

Rybinsk is a city in the Yarsolavl region of Russia and is the administrative center of the Rybinsk municipal district. The population according to data from the 1st of January 2010 is 206,746, and the nationality of the Rybinsk citizens is predominantly Russian. The city is located near the mergence of the Volga, Sheksna, and Cheremuha rivers and contains many other springs and rivers on its territory. The city of Rybinsk has potential in the sphere of tourism. Some of the interesting celebrations and events that take place in the city include: a level of the world cup of ski racing in Demino, Day of the Merchant, and the Festival of Poetry, Song, and Remembrance of Lev Oshanin. The city eagerly accepts bus tour groups, and sightseeing tours on foot around the Rybinsk area.

Salekhard with a population of 29,6 thousand, a centre of the Yamalo-Nenetsky region, is located on on the right bank of the Ob river. Salekhard was founded in 1595 as Cossack fortress and was named Obdorsk. Since 1930 Obdorsk is the centre of Yamalo-Nenetsky region. Salekhard acquired its name in 1933 and was raised into the status of a town in 1938. The main place of interest is the Museum of Local Lore.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 466 sq km Population: 1,16 million (2010) Founded in: 1586 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -8,2°C to -11,1°C in winter, +18,6°C to +20,9°C in summer Area code: +7 (846) Airports: Kurumoch Train stations: Samara Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Tsentralny Subway: 1 line; 9 stations Religious buildings: Orthodox: Holy Ascension of Christ Church, Protection of the Holy Mother of God Cathedral, Peter and Paul the Apostles Church, Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope and Love and Their Mother Sophia Church, Holy Resurrection Cathedral (Holy Resurrection Monastery), Sts.Cyril and Methodius Equal to the Apostles Cathedral, Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God Church, Iveron Convent, Holy Hierarch Alexiy the Metropolitan of Moscow Chapel, St.Megalomartyr George the Victorious Church, All Saints of Samara Synaxis Church; Armenian Apostolic: Holy Cross Surb Khach Church, Catholic: Most Holy Heart of Jesus Church; Lutheran: St.George Church; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Or Esrael Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Golovkin Dacha, A.Kurlina Mansion, Shikhobalovs Mansion Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, V.Chapayev, V.Kuybyshev, S.Kirov, V.Vysotsky, Glory Monument, Ladya Needle, Grieving Motherland Haut Relief, Soyuz Rocket Carrier Monument Museums: Alabin Samara Region History and Local Lore Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Stalin’s Shelter Museum, Air and Space Museum, Vysotsky Museum, Samara Diocese Church History Museum, Samara Football Museum, Railway Equipment Museum House-Museums of: M.Frunze, A.Tolstoy, the Ulyanovs Theatres: Gorky Academic Drama Theatre, Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Samarskaya Ploschad Municipal Theatre, Kamernaya Stsena Municipal Drama Theatre, Gorod Theatre, SamArt Young Spectator’s Theatre, Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Strukov Garden, Central Culture and Leisure Park, Gagarin Culture and Leisure Park, Victory 30th Anniversary Culture and Leisure Park, Molodezhny Culture and Leisure Park, Voronezh Lakes Park, Druzhba Culture and Leisure Park, Samara State University Botanical Gardens Expo centres: Expo-Volga, Alabin Exhibition Complex Sports venues and clubs: Metallurg Stadium (FC Krylya Sovetov), MTL Arena Universal Complex (BC Krasnye Krylya), CSK VVS Ice Sports Palace (HC CSKA VVS) Performance sites: State Philharmonic Hall, Pushkin Railway Palace of Culture, Garrison Officers’ Club, Mochalov Metallurgist Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Popov State Circus, Zoo, Victoria Water Park Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Russkaya Okhota, Boyarskiye Palaty

City: St.Petersburg Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 1439 sq km Population: 4,848 million (2010) Founded in: 1703 Climate: moderate, transitional between moderately continental and moderately marine Average temperature: +12°C to +24°C in summer  -2°C to -12°C in winter, Area code: +7 (812) Airports: Pulkovo Train stations: Baltiysky, Vitebsky, Ladozhsky, Moskovsky, Finlyandsky Ports: sea terminal (Baltic sea), river terminal (Neva river) Bus stations: St.Petersburg Subway: 5 lines; 64 stations Religious buildings: Orthodox: Sts.Peter and Paul Cathedral, St.Sampson Cathedral, Smolny Cathedral, St.Isaac Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, Saviour of the Spilled Blood Church, St.Nicholas Naval Cathedral Cathedral, Our Lady of Vladimir Cathedral, St.Andrew Cathedral, St.Prince Vladimir Cathedral, Saviour and Transfiguration Cathedral, Izmailovski Holy Trinity Cathedral, Holy Cross Exaltation Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Holy Trinity St.Sergius Coastal Monastery, Novodevichy Resurrection Convent, St.John Monastery; Catholic: St.Catherine of Alexandria Church, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, St.Stanislaus Church; Lutheran: St.Peter and Paul Church, St.Catherine Church, St.Michael the Archangel Cathedral; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque, Kolomyagi Mosque; Grand Choral Synagogue; Buddhist Temple Architectural landmarks: Palace Square, Winter Palace, Rostral Columns, Kikin Chambers, Twelve Collegia, Smolny Institute, Anichkov Bridge, Anichkov Palace, Stroganov Palace, Gostiny Dvor, Vorontsovsky Palace, Emperor's Academy of Arts, Tauride Palace, Chesma Palace Statues and memorials: Peter the Great, Nicholas I, Catherine II, Alexander III, I.Krylov, M. Kutuzov, A.Suvorov, N.Rimsky-Korsakov, A.Pushkin, Alexander Column, Narva Triumphal Gate, Moscow Triumphal Gate, Marsovo Field, Piskarevskoye Memorial Cemetery, Leningrad Heroic Defenders Monument, Hero-City of Leningrad Needle Museums: State Hermitage, State Russian Museum, Mikhaylovsky Castle, Peter and Paul Fortress, Yusupovsky Palace, Peter the Great Antropology and Ethnography Museum of RAN (Kunstkamera), Russian Ethnography Museum, Peter the Great House, Erarta Modern Art Museum, Central Naval Museum, Leningrad Defence and Blockade State Memorial Museum, Aurora Cruiser, Elaginoostrovsky Russian Arts and Crafts and Interior of XVIII-XX Century Palace-Museum, Roerich's Family State Institute-Museum, Suvorov State Memorial Museum, Vselennaya Vody Museum Complex, Zoology Museum House-Museums of: A.Kuindzhi, D.Mendeleev, A.Popov, I.Brodsky, A.Akhmatova, A.Pushkin, I.Pavlov, M.Zoschenko, N.Nekrasov, F.Dostoevsky, F.Nabokov, F.Shalyapin, A.Blok Theatres: Tovstonogov Bolshoi Drama Theatre, Russian State Pushkin Academic Drama Theatre (Alexandrinsky Theatre), Mariinsky Theatre, Mikhailovsky Theatre, Rimsky-Korsakov State Conservatory Opera and Ballet Theatre, Yakobson State Academic Ballet Theatre, Eifman’s State Academic Ballet Theatre, Musical Comedy Theatre, Komissarzhevskaya Academic Drama Theatre, Lensovet Academic Theatre, Akimov Academic Comedy Theatre, Baltic House Theatre-Festival, Na Liteynom State Drama Theatre, Komedianty Drama Theatre, Raykin Estrada Theatre, Priyut Komedianta Drama Theatre, Theatre of Europe Academic Maly Drama Theatre, Na Fontanke State Youth Theatre, Bryantsev Young Spectators’ Theatre, Grand Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Summer Garden, Kirov Central Culture and Leisure Park, Mikhailovsky Garden, Tavrichesky Garden, Aleksandrovsky Garden, Shuvalovsky Garden, Moscow Victory Park, Coastal Victory Park, BIN RAN Botanical Garden Expo centres: Lenexpo, Manege Sports venues and clubs: Petrovsky Stadium (FC Zenit), Ice Sports Palace (HC SKA), Yubileyny Sports Complex (BC Spartak, WBC Spartak, HC VMF, JHC SKA-1946, JHC Serebryanye Lvy), Platonov Volleyball Academy (VC Avtomobilist, WVC Leningradka), Kalinin District Fitness and Health Complex (MFC Politekh), Kirov Stadium (Gazprom-Arena) Performance sites: Shostakovich Academic Philharmonic Hall, Oktyabrsky Concert Hall, Peterburgsky Sports and Concert Complex, Jazz Music State Philharmonic Hall, Gorky Palace of Culture, Lensovet Palace of Culture, Vyborgsky Palace of Culture, Concert Hall at Finlyandsky Station Entertainment sites: Grand State Circus, Zoo, Divo Island Amusement Park, Waterville Water Park, Rodeo Drive Water Park Restaurants of national cuisine: Palkin, Troyka, Russky Ampir, Udachny Vystrel, Russky Kitsch, Yemelyan, Russkaya Ryumochnaya No1

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 71.5 sq. km Population: 0.298 million (2012) Founded in: 1641 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -5°C to -15°C in winter, +11°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (8342) Airports: Saransk Train stations: Saransk Bus stations: Saransk Religious buildings: Orthodox Christian: Fyodor Ushakov Holy Righteous Warrior Cathedral, Our Lady of Kazan Church, St.John the Divine Church, Life-giving Trinity Church, Nativity of the Holy Mother of God Church, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker Church, St. John the Baptist Nativity Church, Makarovsky St. John the Divine Monastery (Makarovka village, 10 km from Saransk); Islamic: Uskudar Mosque Architectural landmarks: Pugachev’s Tent Statues and memorials: E.Pugachyov, F.Ushakov, A.Polezhayev, S.Erzya, Patriarch Nikon, Monument to Stratosphere Pilots, Monument to Warriors of Mordovia, Alley of Glory Museums: S.Erzya Mordovian Republican Fine Arts Museum, I.Voronin Mordovian Republican Unified Local Lore Museum, Memorial Museum of Military and Labor Exploits in 1941-1945, Mordovian Folk Culture Museum, A.Polezhayev’s Museum Theaters: I.Yaushev State Music Theatre, Mordovian State National Drama Theatre, Mordovian State Puppet TheatreNatural sites and parks: A.Pushkin Culture and Leisure Park, Fairytale Woodland Park, Botanical Garden Expo centers: Mordovexpocentre Sports venues and clubs: Start Stadium (FC Mordovia, WFC Mordovochka), Mordovian Republic Ice Palace (HC Mordovia), Mordovia Sports Complex, Republic of Mordovia’s Olympic Racewalking Training Centre, Shamil Tarpishchev Tennis Centre, Republic of Mordovia Skiing and Biathlon Complex Performance sites: Mordovian State Philharmonic Hall, N.Ogarev Palace of Culture and Arts of Mordovian State University Entertainment sites: Zoo Restaurants of national cuisine: Mordovian: Natsionalny

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 393 sq km Population: 0,837 million (2010) Founded in: 1590 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -3°C to -12°C in winter, +15°C to +28°C in summer Area code: +7 (8452) Airports: Tsentralny Train stations: Saratov-1 Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Saratov Religious buildings: Orthodox: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Assuage My Sorrows Icon of the Mother of God Church, Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church, Mother of God Protection Church, Advent Cathedral, Most Holy Life-giving Trinity Cathedral, St.Alexiy Convent, St.Nicholas Monastery; Catholic: Sts.Peter and Paul the Apostles Cathedral; Muslim: Saratov Cathedral Mosque; Grand Choral Synagogue Architectural landmarks: D.Pozdeeva Hospital, Nicholas Church Gate Statues and memorials: P.Stolypin, N.Chernyshevsky, Y.Gagarin, Victory Park Memorial Complex Museums: Radischev Art Museum, Saratov Region Local Lore Museum, Ethnography Museum, State Battlefield Glory Museum, Glass Museum, Gagarin People’s Museum House-Museums of: V.Borisov-Musatov, N.Chernyshevsky, K.Fedin, P.Kuznetsov Theatres: Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, Slonov State Academic Drama Theatre, Russian Comedy Theatre, Versia Municipal New Drama Theatre, Kiselev State Academic Young Spectator’s Theatre, Teremok Puppet Theatre, Saratov Region Operetta Theatre (Engels, 15 km from Saratov) Natural sites and parks: Kumysnaya Polyana Park, Lipki Park, City Culture and Leisure Park, Victory Park, SGU Botanical Gardens, Radischev Garden, Arboretum Expo centres: Sofit-Expo Sports venues and clubs: Lokomotiv Stadium (FC Sokol), Kristall Sports Palace (HC Kristall), Zvyozdny Sports and Fitness Complex (BC Avtodor), Solnechny Sports and Fitness Complex (MFC Saratovets), Dynamo Stadium (Bandy Club Universal) Performance sites: Sobinov State Philharmonic Hall, Rossia Palace of Culture, Saratov Social and Economy University Hall Entertainment sites: Nikitin Brothers Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Izba, Pechki-lavochki

Sergiev Posad (known as Zagorsk in 1930-1991) with a population of 113 thousand, a town in the Moscow region, the centre of the Sergiev Posad district. The historical core of Sergiev Posad - the Troitsko-Sergieva Lavra was founded in 1345. Since the end of the 14th century villages began to appear around the Lavra and in the beginning of the 18th century they have united in a single burg, which was named Sergiev in 1742. In 1919 Sergiev has been raised into the status of a town. The main places of interest are the Troitso-Sergieva Lavra, the Museum of Toy.

Shahty is located on the river Grushevka in the Rostov region. The population is 245, 800. The city is second in terms of size and third in terms of population in the Rostov region. In the year 1867 the settlement achieved the status of a city. During the years of 1881-1921, the city existed under the name of Aleksandrovsk - Grushevsk. The city was renamed Shahtyi in the year 1921.

Smolensk is one of the oldest Russian cities. It is mentioned in the annals in 863 for the first time. Smolensk is located on the both banks of the Dnepr river. It occupies a territory of 176 square kilometres and has a population of 356000. There are a lot of architectural monuments in Smolensk. The most outstanding of these is the Uspensky Cathedral. Smolensk was a cultural centre for a long time. There are Drama Theatre, Philharmonic Hall, Puppet Theatre, Historical Museum, Chamber Theatre, Art Gallery, Museum of Local Nature and Museum of Sculpture named after S.T.Konenkov in the city.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 3502 sq km Population: 0,421 million (2011) Founded in: 1838 Climate: subtropical Average temperature: +3°C to +12°C in winter, +17°C to +29°C in summer Area code: +7 (8622) Airports: Sochi-Adler Train stations: Sochi Ports: sea terminal (Black sea) Bus stations: Sochi Religious buildings: Orthodox: Archangel Michael Cathedral, St.Prince Vladimir Church, Iveron Icon of the Mother of God Baptistery, Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church (Dagomys village, 12 km from Sochi), Nativity of the Mother of God Church (Lazarevskoye village, 60 km from Sochi), St.Nicholas the Wonderworker Church (Lazarevskoye village, 60 km from Sochi); Catholic: Simon and Thaddeus the Apostles Church; Armenian Apostolic: Holy Cross Church; Muslim: Mosque (Tkhagapsh village, 80 km from Sochi) Architectural landmarks: Train Station, Sea Terminal Station Statues and memorials: N.Ostrovsky, A.Pushkin, I.Stalin, T.Roosevelt and W.Churchill Museums: Art Museum, Ethnography Museum, Sochi the Resort-City History Museum, Khostinsky District History Museum, Sochi Sports Glory Museum, Sochi National Park Nature Museum, V.Barsova Dacha, Oceanarium, Aquarium House-Museums of: Ostrosvky State Literature Memorial Museum Natural sites and parks: Frunze Park, Riviera Park, Khostinsky District Culture and Leisure Park, Lazarevsky District Culture and Leisure Park, Botanical Gardens (Arboretum), Derevo Druzhby Garden-Museum, Yew and Boxtree Grove, Dolmen Complexes, Vorontsovsky Caves Expo centres: Sochi-Expo Sports venues and clubs: Metreveli Central Stadium, Olympic Park Performance sites: Festivalny Concert Hall, Summer Theatre, Winter Theatre, Chamber and Organ Music Hall, Green Theatre Entertainment sites: State Circus, Mayak Water Park, Morskaya Zvezda Water Park, Nautilus Water Park (Lazarevskoye village, 60 km from Sochi), Loo Water Park (Loo village, 18 km from Sochi) Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Russian Restaurant, Dich; Caucasian: Navalishensky Canyon

Staraya Russa, a district centre of the Veliky Novgorod region, with a population of 41,2 thousand, is located on the right bank of the Polist river. For the first time it was mentioned in the chronicles in 1167. The main places of interest are the Voskresensky Cathedral, the Nikolo-Kosinsky Monastery, the F.M.Dostoevsky Cottage Museum.

Stavropol was founded in 1777 as a fortress and has become already a city in 1785. "Stavropol" means "city of cross" in Greek. Stavropol is the administrative, economic and cultural centre of the Stavropolsky kray (region) today. The first Russian Drama Theatre and the first Museum of Local Lore made an important contribution to development of the North Caucasus culture. There are 2 theatres, 6 museums, the Philharmonic Hall and the Circus in Stavropol. It occupies a territory of 242 square kilometres and has a population of 350000.

Surgut with the population of 260 thousand is located on the right bank of the Ob river. Surgut is one of the first Russian cities in Siberia. It was founded as a fortress and was called under the name of the nearest to Surgut canal of the Ob river. Surgut was raised into the status of the city in 1782. The modern city is a large centre of the oil-extracting industry. The main places of interest are the Museum of Local Lore, a well-known archeological monument called as the Barsova Mountain (dwellings, burial grounds, sanctuariies, most ancient of which concern to the Stone Age).

Suzdal is one of the oldest Russian cities. The first mention of it in the annals was in 1024. Russain craftsmen built this city very cosy and convinient to live in. Suzdal stands along the banks of the Kamenka river which was navigable 300-400 years ago. Suzdal captivates visitors by the treasures of its ancient culture. The Archbishop's Palace houses a number of expositions. One of them is devoted to Suzdal's history, another represents a collection of ancient icons. The oldest among them is Maximov's Mother of God dating back to 1299. There is a 13th century Cathedral of the Nativity in Suzdal. Its Golden Gates is a genuine masterpiece of early russian art. The distance from Moscow to Vladimir, a regional centre of the Russian Federation, is 172 kilometres, from Vladimir to Suzdal - 38 kilometres.

Svetlogorsk (known as Raushen before 1946) is a health resort on the coast of the Baltic Sea. It is located in 35 kilometres from Kaliningrad and is well-known for its mild climate, sandy beaches, curative sea air and mineral springs.

Syktyvkar, capital of Repuplic Komi, with the population of 225.8 thousand. It is located on the left bank of Sysola river. Syktyvkar is know since 1586 as country charchyard Ust-Sysolsk, the status of city has received in 1780. The basic sights of Syktyvkar: musical, drama V.A. Savin theatres, art, historical-study of local lore, literay-memorial A.A. Chernova musem.

Taganrog, a district centre of the Rostov region, with a population of 291,6 thousand, is located on the coast of the Taganrogsky bay. It was founded in 1698 because of the building of the Troitskaya fortress. In 1775 it was raised into the status of a city. The modern Taganrog is a developed industrial city. The main places of interest are the Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the A.P.Chekhov Literature Memorial Museum.

Taman is a town in Temryuksky District of Krasnodar Krai, located on the coast of the Taman Bay. Taman occupies the site of the ancient cities of Hermonassa and Tmutarakan. From the end of the 15th century until 1783, this was a site of a Turkish fortress. The modern village was founded by the Zaporozhian Cossacks under Anton Golovaty on August 25, 1792 as the latter's residence and the first garrison of the Black Sea Cossack Host. Until 1849, Taman was officially considered to be a town. Such features as variety of beaches, active mud volcanoes and ancient monuments of history and Byzantine culture, early medieval Christianity that appeared in 4-5 centuries of the ancient Tmutarakan principality underlines the uniqueness of town.

Tambov, a centre of the Tambov region, is located on the left bank of the Tsna river. It was founded in 1636 as a fortress. The present Tambov with a population of 320 thousand is the industrial centre with the advanced chemical mechanical engineering. The main places of interest are the Pokrovskaya Church (1763-69), the Kazanskaya Church (1791), the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (1694), the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Gallery, the Chicheriny Museum, the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre.

Tobolsk, city from 1590, is located in the centre of Western Siberia. It was founded in 1587. Tobolsk was one of the largest cities of Russian Empire in 17-18th centuries. The stone-building in Tobolsk was the first in Siberia. The only Kremlin in Siberia, the Sofiysky Cathedral, the temples and the merchant private residences of Tobolsk are architectural monuments. Tobolsk has been the cultural centre of Siberia for a long time. The first monastery of Siberia was built in Tobolsk. Tobolsk is a port on the Irtysh river.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 314,8 sq km Population: 0,719 million (2010) Founded in: 1780 Climate: continental Average temperature: -5°C to -15°C in winter, +14°C to +27°C in summer Area code: +7 (8482) Airports: Kurumoch Train stations: Togliatti Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Togliatti Religious buildings: Orthodox: Annunciation of the Most Holy Mother of God Church, Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church, Transfiguration of Our Saviour Church, Holy Hierarch Tychon the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Church, Holy Ascension Monastery; Catholic: Our Lady of Fatima Parish; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Territorial Hospital Complex, Lesnoye Health Resort Statues and memorials: V.Tatischev, V.Lenin, V.Kuybyshev, Glory Needle, Glory Monument, Creators of the City Memorial Complex, Grieving Motherland Haut Relief, Eternal Flame Museums: Local Lore Museum, Togliatti History and Culture Legacy Museum, Nasledie City Museum Complex, JSC Avtovaz Technology Museum, Fine Arts Museum House-Museums of: I.Repin (Shiryaevo village, 30 km from Togliatti) Theatres: Koleso Drama Theatre, Youth Drama Theatre, Sekret Theatre, Dilizhans Theatre, Pushkin People’s Literature Theatre, Buratino Puppets and Masks Theatre, Piligrim Puppet Theatre, Young Spectator’s Theatre Natural sites and parks: Gorky Culture and Leisure Park, City Culture and Leisure Park, Zhiguli State Nature Reserve (Bakhilova Polyana village, 40 km from Togliatti), Samarskaya Luka Nature Park (30 km from Togliatti) Expo centres: Expo-Togliatti Sports venues and clubs: Torpedo Stadium (FC Togliatti) (Dimitrovgrad, 100 km from Togliatti), Volgar Sports Palace (HC Lada, JHC Ladya), Olimp Universal Sports Complex (Women’s Handball Club Lada), Akrobat Sports Complex (BC SDUSHOR Krasnye Krylya), Togliatti Tennis Centre, Stepanov Sports and Technical Centre (Mega-Lada Speedway Club), Togliatti Golf Centre Performance sites: Philharmonic Hall, Togliatti Palace of Culture, Palace of Children and Youth Creativity, Togliatti Music College Concert Hall Entertainment sites: Arena City Circus, Funny-Park Amusement Park, Spin-Sport Sports Park Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Ilya Muromets

Tomsk, a centre of the Tomsk region, is located on the right bank of the Tom river. It was founded in 1604 as a fortress. In 1629 Tomsk was raised into the status of a centre of the region. The present Tomsk with a population of 473 thousand is one of the largest industrial, scientific and cultural centres of Western Siberia. The main places of interest are the Voskresenskaya Church (1789-1807), the Stone Trading Lines (the 18th century), the City Council (1802-12), the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Wooden Architecture, the Paleontological Museum, the N.Krylov Siberian Botanical Garden, the Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre.

Tuapse, a sea port, a centre of Tuapse district in the Krasnodar region, is located on the seashore of the Black sea. It was founded in 1838 as a settlement around the Russian military fortification named Velyaminovsky. Tuapse was raised into the status of a town in 1916. The modern Tuapse with a population of 65700 is a centre of resort zone. The main places of interest are the Theatre of Young Spectator, the Historical Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum.

Tula with a population of 528700 is located on the Upa river - the inflow of the Oka river. For the first time Tula was mentioned in 1146, it became a centre of the Tula region in 1937. The modern city is the large centre of the machinery construction and the metal-working. The main places of industry are the Drama Theatre, the Theatre of Young Spectator, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Weapons, the Arts Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, the Kremlin (1507-1520), the Uspensky Cathedral (1762-1764), the Blagoveschenskaya Church (1692), the Nikola Zaretsky Church (1730-1734), the Voznesenskaya Church (1755-1787), the Vsekhsvyatskaya (1776-1800), not far from Tula in Kurkinsky district there is the Museum "Kulikovo Pole", the Memorial Estate of L.N.Tolstoy "Yasnaya Polyana" is just in 14 kilometres to the south from Tula.

Tver (the former Kalinin) is a port on the Volga and Tvertsa rivers. The chemical industry, the mechanical engineering are well developed. There are 3 theatres, 4 museums in the town: the Historical Museum, the Literary Museum, the Museum of Local Lore, the Museum named after Saltykov-Schedrin. Tver is famous for its Art Gallery. The town was founded in 12th century and has many architectural monuments of 16-19th centuries. The population 455600 person.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +6 Area: 235 sq km Population: 0,581 million (2010) Founded in: 1586 Climate: continental Average temperature: -9°C to -22°C in winter, +10°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (3452) Airports: Roschino Train stations: Tyumen Bus stations: Tyumen Religious buildings: Orthodox: Our Saviour Church, Our Lady of the Sign Church, Archangel Michael Church, Holy Cross Exaltation Church, Ascension and St.George Church, Ilyino Mother of God Nativity Convent, Tyumen Holy Trinity Monastery; Catholic: St.Joseph the Betrothed Church; Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Former Commercial College, Gostiny Dvor, City Administrative Board, Water Tower, People’s House Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, Y.Ervye, A.Tekutyev, Ermak and his Cossacks, Eternal Flame on the Memory Square, Tyumen Founders Museums: Tyumen Region Fine Arts Museum, Slovtsov Tyumen Region Local Lore Museum, XIX- XX Century House History Museum, Geology, Oil and Gas Museum, Archaeology Museum-Reserve at Andreevskoye Lake (25 km from Tyumen) House-Museums of: Masharov House Theatres: State Drama and Comedy Theatre, Angazhement Youth Theatre, Preobrazhenie Theatre, Mimicriya Theatre, Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Aleksandrovsky Garden, Kolmogorovsky Garden, Komsomolsky Park, Masharov Park, Desantnikov Park, Siberian Cats Park Expo centres: Tyumen Fair Sports venues and clubs: Geolog Stadium (FC Tyumen), Sports Palace (HC Rubin, JHC Gazovik), Central Sports Complex (VC Tyumen, WVC Tyumen- TyumGU, MFC Tyumen), Zodchy Sports Complex Performance sites: Philharmonic Hall, Torfyanik House of Culture and Creativity, Art College Concert Hall, Zheleznodorozhnik House of Culture Entertainment sites: Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Alexander, Gosudarev, Rasputin

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +6 Area: 707,9 sq km Population: 1,062 million (2010) Founded in: 1574 Climate: continental Average temperature: -6°C to -19°C in winter, +11°C to +26°C in summer Area code: +7 (347) Airports: Ufa Train stations: Ufa Ports: river terminal (Belaya river) Bus stations: Yuzhny, Severny Religious buildings: Orthodox: Mother of God Nativity Cathedral, St.Sergiy Cathedral, Intercession Church, Equal to the Apostles Sts.Cyril and Methodius Church, St.Andrew the First-called Church, Ascension Church, Holy Cross Exaltation Church, Saviour Church; Muslim: Ufa 1st Cathedral Mosque; Lyalya the Tulip Mosque, Khamza-Khaji Mosque, Ikhlas Mosque, Gufran Mosque, Asnya Mosque, Khakimia Mosque; Catholic: Holy Cross Exaltation Roman Catholic Parish, Synagogue Architectural landmarks: E.Ponosova-Mollo House, P.Kosterin House, Deputy Assembly of the Nobility Statues and memorials: S.Yulaev, M.Gafury, F.Shalyapin, F.Dzerzhinsky, M.Gorky, V.Mayakovsky, Friendship Monument, Grieving Mother Monument Museums: Nesterov Bashkir State Fine Arts Museum, Archaeology and Ethnography Museum, Bashkortostan Republic Geology and Natural Resources Museum, Latfullin Bashkortostan Republic Modern Art Museum, Bashkortostan Republic National Museum, Planetarium House-Museums of: S.Khudayberdin, M.Gafury, V. Lenin, S.Aksakov Theatres: Bashkir State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Gafury Bashkir Academic Drama Theatre, Bashkortostan Russian Academic Drama Theatre, Karim Bashkortostan Republic National Youth Theatre, Nur State Tatar Theatre, Bashkir State Puppet Theatre Natural sites and parks: Yakutov Culture and Leisure Park, Victory Park, Demsky Culture and Leisure Park, Gafury Central Culture and Leisure Park, Kashkadan Culture and Leisure Park, Pervomaysky Culture and Leisure Park, Aksakov Culture and Leisure Garden, UNC RAN Botanical Garden-Institute Expo centres: Bashkortostan, BashEXPO Sports venues and clubs: Neftyanik Stadium (FC Ufa), Ufa-Arena Ice Sports Palace (HC Salavat Yulaev), Salavat Yulaev Sports Palace (JHC Tolpar), Dynamo Sports Complex (VC Ural), UGNTU Sports Complex (WVC Ufimochka-UGNTU) Performance sites: Akhmetov Bashkir State Philharmonic Hall, Youth Palace, City Palace of Culture, Shalyapin Concert Hall, Congress Hall, Ogni Ufy Entertainment Complex, Neftyanik Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: State Circus, Zoo Restaurants of national cuisine: Bashkir: House of Bashkir Cuisine, The Luxe Hall; Russian: Schepka

Uglich is an ancient town in Yaroslavl region. It is located on the bank of the Volga river, 110 kilometers west from Yaroslavl. A local tradition dates the town's origin back to 937. Uglich belongs to the Golden Ring of Russia. Cruise boats running along the Volga river often stop here. The city features many nice samples of Russian architecture, ancient monasteries and churches. Particularly notable are the following: the Uglich Kremlin with the Church of Dmitry on the Blood (1692), the Transfiguration Cathedral (1713), the Belfry (1730) and Prince Dmitry's Chambers (1482); the Voskresensky Monastery (the 17th century); the Bogoyavlensky monastery (the 16th century); the Alexeevsky Monastery and its "Marvelous" Church of the Assumption (1628); the Church of St. John the Baptist (1681); civil buildings of the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries. More old architecture can be seen in the vicinity of Uglich, including the 15th century Uleima Monastery and the Troitskaya Church in Divnaya Gora village.

Ukhta is located in the Republic of Komi in the Russian Federation and is the largest populated area in the city region. Ukhta achieved city status in 1943 and the population according to data from the 1st of January is 127,100. The territory of the city is located in the valley of the Ukhta river and in near the edge of the Timan.

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 the Selenga river. It is the third largest city in East Siberia. Ulan-Ude, former Verkhneudinsk, was founded in 1666 by Russian Cossacks. Due its geografical position the city grew rapidly and became a large trade centre which connected Russia with China and Mongolia. There are old merchants' mansions richly decorated with wood and stone carving in the historical center of Ulan-Ude along the river banks. They represent beautiful examples of Russian classicism.

Ulyanovsk, the centre of the Ulyanovsk region, is located on the banks of the Volga and Sviyaga rivers. It has a population of 657000. Ulyanovsk was founded as a fortress in 1648. It was named Sinbirsk till the end of 18th century. Ulyanovsk was the centre of the Simbirsk region from 1780 and the principal town of province from 1796. There were 29 Orthodox churches, 2 monasteries, Lutheran and Catholic churches, Mosque and Synagogue in Ulyanovsk. The city is an industrial and a cultural centre today. There are Drama Theatre, Philharmonic Hall, Museum of Local Lore (1895) and Arts Museum (1920) in Ulyanovsk today.

Valday with a population of 19,8 thousand, a town in the Novgorod region, the centre of the Valday district, is located on the coast of Valday lake. Valday has been known since 1481 and was raised into the status of a town in 1770. The main places of interest are the Museum of Local Lore, the Ekaterininskaya Church, the Valdaysky National Park, the Iversky Monastery.

Veliky Novgorod, the administrative centre of Novgorod region with a population of 233000, is situated on the banks of the picturesque Volkhov river, in 190 kilometres to the south of Saint-Petersburg. The city was founded more than 11 centuries ago and was the second most important city in ancient Russia. Among the places of interest are the oldest stone building in Russia - St. Sophia's Cathedral (11th century), and the Kremlin. The electrotechnical, chemical, woodworking and light industries are the main industries in Novgorod.

Vityazevo - village in Russia is a part of Anapa city-resort of Krasnodar region. Located in 11 km north from the centre of Anapa (in the end of Pioneer Avenue) on the bank of the Vityazevsky estuary where there is a well-groomed beach about 200 meters on the bank of Black Sea (sand with shells). From 1837 to 1854 instead of modern Vityazevo there was a Vityazevskaya stanitsa, that was named after Vityaz major. The main attraction a TB popular tourist sightseeing for walking of village - Paraliya embankment, constructed from modern materials in "ancient greek" style. Vityazevo became popular by the therapeutic muds, used by treatment loco-motor apparatus.

Vladikavkaz, a capital of Severnaya Osetiya, was founded in 1784 as a Russian fortress Dzaudzhikau. The city is located on the banks of the Terek river. Before 1863 Vladikavkaz was an Caucasian fortified frontier post. It took an trade and industrial significance in 19th century. The modern city is an industrial and cultural centre of Severnaya Osetiya. The main places of interest of Vladikavkaz: the Sunni Mosque (1906-08), the Russian Drama Theatre, the Severnaya Osetiya Drama Theatre, the Musician Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum, the Museum of Literature of Severnaya Osetiya.

Vladimir, the one of the most ancient Russian cities, was founded in 990 by Kyiv prince Vladimir Svyatoslavovich. It is located in the central part of Russia 180 kilometres north-east of Moscow on the Klyazma river. Vladimir is the administrative centre of the Vladimir region. It is the site of unique architectural monuments. The most outstanding of these are the Uspensky Cathedral (12th century), the Dmitrievsky Cathedral (12th century) and the Golden Gate (12th century). These monuments are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The State Vladimir-Suzdal Historical-Architectural Natural Reserve Museum is famous for its exhibitions and monuments all over the world. Vladimir occupies a territory of 124 square kilometres and has a population of 361100.

Vladivostok is a sea port situated on Golden Horn Bay of Zaliv Petra Velikogo or Peter the Great Bay, an inlet of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok is the terminus of the Trans-Siberian Railroad, Russia's major Pacific seaport, and the main base of the Russian Pacific fleet. The city was founded in 1860 as a defense post and now has a population of 648000. Industries in Vladivostok include shipbuilding, zinc and copper smelting, and the manufacture of forest products, processed food, and machinery. Shipbuilding and ship repairing, and manufacture of mining equipment are also well developed. There are universities and the Far East Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Vladivostok. If you are going to visit Vladivostok you are welcome to use the booking system of Academservice, where you can choose a hotel in Vladivostok and book a room on-line. Booking a hotel in Vladivostok you should consider the following Vladivostok Airport. Vladivostok International Airport is located 44 km away from the city, not far from Artyom town. There are two airdromes at the airport: Knevichi (the main one) and Ozernye Klyuchi (used by local flying clubs). You can get from Vladivostok Airport to central hotels of Vladivostok directly by bus, which runs from the airport to the bus terminal of Vladivostok. It will take about 40 minutes. You can also use the route passing through Artyom town. A bus for Artyom runs every 5 minutes, and there you can change for an electric train, which arrives at Vladivostok railway terminal. Vladivostok railway terminal. Vladivostok railway terminal is located downtown, at Privokzalnaya square. The railway station of Vladivostok is connected with the sea terminal by a footbridge - a viaduct. The central telegraph office, a multilevel parking, Arsenyev Museum are all located a few steps away from both terminals. Two buildings of the AZIMUT Hotel - the Amur Bay building and the Vladivostok building - are the closest hotels to the railway station. The central embankment, one of the popular recreation areas of the city, is located within 10 minutes walking distance from the station. The embankment offers a lot of shops and cafes, the Oceanarium, the Dolphinarium, and the Okean movie theatre. Vladivostok bus terminal. Vladivostok bus terminal is located north of the city centre, at Russkaya street, in Vtoraya Rechka district. The 3-star Gavan Hotel stands a few steps away. Vladivostok Fortress, fort 7 is located close to the hotel. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the city centre from the bus terminal by car. In order not to get stuck in a traffic jam you can either use a local train from Vladivostok railway station to reach the bus terminal or book a hotel next to the bus terminal. Vladivostok sea terminal. Vladivostok sea terminal is located next to the railway station, in the Golden Horn bay. The 4-star Hyundai Hotel stands several blocks from the sea terminal. Antonina Nezhdanova and Rus motor ships link Vladivostok and Japan, and ferry boats run from Vladivostok to South Korea. Powerboats bound for Russky island, Popov island, Peschany peninsula and others depart from pier 37. The scene by the sea terminal often hosts local festive events and concerts. Vladivostok downtown. Vladivostok downtown includes districts around Svetlanskaya and Aleutskaya streets, Oktyabrsky and Partizansky avenues. The 4-star Versailles Hotel is located downtown, at Svetlanskaya street. The Affairs Management Department of the President of the Russian Federation is overby. Primorsky region Administration Office, Ukrainian Consulate, VTB Bank, Vladivostok Department Store, built in the late 19th century in German art nouveau style, Gorky Drama Theatre are all located a little farther along Svetlanskaya street. The Dinamo Stadium and Arsenyev Museum are a short distance away from the hotel. A Fresh Plaza, a new business complex occupying a 14-storeyed building, stands at 17 Okeansky avenue, facing the City Administration Office. A funicular railway is located not far from the city centre, on the slope of Orlinaya hill. There is a local pedestrian Arbat street in Vladivostok city centre - Admiral Fokin street, located in the famous Millionka district, the former Chinatown.

Vnukovo - esclave Moscow district to the south-west from MKAD is a part of Western Administrative district. It got this name in XVI century from the first owners. One of them was Semen Grigoryevich, descendant of Smolensk princes whose nickname is Vnuk. He got a lot of land in Moscow vicinity, and inhabited it by the peasant and appeared village was called Vnukovo. Total area - 1691, 2. Population - 20, 1. A special pride of Culture House is a museum of Battle and Labour Fame of the Vnukovo International Airport, where all history connected with the life of village and is gathered. The main sightseeing and symbol of region is monument to heroes of civil aviation dead in Great Second War. Vnukovo village is considerate to be aviators' town. The essential time of employable population work in the airport or enterprises connected with him.

Volgodonsk - city in Russia, an administrative unit of Rostov region. It is one of the youngest cities in the south of the country, founded on July 27, 1957. The city placed through Salsky steppes on the left bank of Tsimlyansky impoundment (on Don River). Vogodonsk - is a huge cultural centre of Rostov region. Cultural establishments are the following art schools, state museums, culture palaces and clubs, culture and leisure parks, cinema.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 856 sq km Population: 1,02 million (2010) Founded in: 1589 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -1°C to -10°C in winter, +16°C to +30°C in summer Area code: +7 (8442) Airports: Gumrak Train stations: Volgograd Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Tsentralny, Yuzhny Religious buildings: Orthodox: Kazan Cathedral, St.John the Baptist Church, St.Sergiy of Radonezh Church, St.Nicetas Church, All Saints Church on Mamayev Kurgan, Holy Spirit Monastery; Catholic: St.Nicholas of Myra of Lycia Church; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: Tsaritsyn Fire Squad, Fallen Fighters Square, Tsentralnaya Embankment Statues and memorials: V.Lenin, N.Gogol, Mamayev Kurgan, Motherland Calls, Pavlov House, Heroes Alley, Red Tsaritsyn Defenders, Komsomolsky Garden Museums: Battle of Stalingrad State Memorial History Museum-Reserve, Volgograd Region Local Lore Museum, Mashkov Fine Arts Museum, Memorial History Museum, Memory Museum, Old Sarepta State History, Ethnography and Architecture Museum-Reserve, Pushkin Musical Instruments Museum, Planetarium Theatres: State Don Cossack Theatre, Municipal Musical Theatre, New Experimental Theatre, Tsaritsyn Opera Theatre, Serov Youth Theatre, Modern Theatre Laboratory, Volgograd Region Puppet Theatre, Young Spectators Theatre Natural sites and parks: Central Culture and Leisure Park, Gagarin Park, Na Semi Vetrakh Park. Sasha Filippov Park, Memory Park, City Play Park, Green Alley at Lenin Prospect, Tsaritsa River Bottomland Expo centres: VolgogradExpo, Region Exhibition Centre Sports venues and clubs: Central Stadium (FC Rotor), Dynamo Sports Complex (Women’s Handball Club Dynamo), Sports Palace (Handball Club Kaustik), Water Sports Centre (WPC Lukoil Spartak), Olimpia Stadium (FC Olimpia), Iskra Sports Complex, Trade Union Sports Palace Performance sites: Volgograd Region Philharmonic Hall, Central Concert Hall Entertainment sites: State Circus, Privolzhye Small Railroad Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Russky Dvor, Sosnovy Bor

The regional centre Vologda is one of the most ancient cities of Russia. It was found in 1147. In 16th century Vologda was an important centre of international trading. There are 112 russian and 154 local historical-architectural monuments in the region of Vologda. There is an unique museum on the territory of the Kremlin of Vologda. It considered a lot of historical expositions, and the best ones of them were exibited in the museums of England, Hungary, Germany, Netherlands, Finland, France.

Volzhsky - city of Volgograd region in Russian Federation one of the largest industrial cities of Nizhny Povolzhye. Population is about 314, 4 thousand people (2010). Located on the left bank of the Akhtuba Riverin 20 km north-east from Volgograd city centre. In XIV century lots of settlements of golden orda was existed instead of modern Volzhsky city. The population was 20 thousand people by the 1917. Mills and school buildings saved by this times and are considerate to be tourist attractions.

Vorkuta is a city in Russia located in the south of the Komi Republic, on the Vorkuta river, 904 km from the capital of the republic - Syktykvara. The city was founded in the 1930s by geologists excavating coal reserves in the Bolshemezelskaya tundra. Vorkuta attained city status in 1944. The name of the city comes from the Nenets language and is translated as "many bears", or "abundance of bears", "bear corner". Some of the traditionally celebrated holidays in the city include Miner's Day, the Day of the Deer Herder, Sport championship of the Northern people, Maslenitsa of the north.

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 546 sq km Population: 0,975 million (2011) Founded in: 1586 Climate: moderate Average temperature: -2°C to -10°C in winter, +13°C to +26°C in summer Area code: +7 (473) Airports: Voronezh Train stations: Voronezh Ports: river terminal (Voronezh river) Bus stations: Tsentralny, Levoberezhny Religious buildings: Orthodox: Annunciation Cathedral, Intercession Cathedral, Admiralty Assumption Church, St.Nicholas Church, Kazan Church, Alexander Nevsky Church, St.Andrew Church, Vvedenskaya Church, Resurrection Church, All Saints Church, St.George Church, St.Elijah Church, St.Alexey of Akatov Convent, Divnogorsk Holy Assumption Monastery (Divnogorye village, 150 km from Voronezh); Catholic: Most Holy Virgin Mary the Intercessor Parish; Lutheran: St.Mary Magdalene Church; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: D.Samofalov Commercial Apartment Building, Merchant P.Mikhailov House, Merchant Sinitsyn House, Princess von Oldenburg Castle (Ramon village, 43 km from Voronezh) Statues and memorials: Peter the Great, I.Bunin, A.Koltsov, I.Nikitin, A.Pushkin, S.Esenin, O.Mandelshtam, I.Chernyakhovsky, Glory Memorial, Chizhovsky Bridgehead Memorial Complex Museums: Voronezh Region Local Lore Museum, Nikitin Voronezh Region Literature Museum, Kramskoy Voronezh Region Fine Arts Museum, Arsenal Museum, Esenin Community Museum, Battlefield Glory Museum-Diorama House-Museums of: A.Durov, I.Nikitin Theatres: Koltsov State Academic Drama Theatre, State Opera and Ballet Theatre, Chamber Theatre, State Young Spectator’s Theatre, Shut Puppet Theatre, Children’s Animal Theatre Natural sites and parks: Koltsov Park, Petrovsky Park, Aliye Parusa Culture and Leisure Park, Patriot Park, Orlyonok Central Play Park, Pervomaysky Park, Divnogorye Architecture and Archaeology Natural Museum-Reserve (Divnogorye village, 150 km from Voronezh), Voronezh State Natural Biosphere Reserve (Krasnolesny village, 40 km from Voronezh), Lomovsky Nature and Landscape Park (240 km from Voronezh) Expo centres: Chernozemye Agribusiness Expocentre, VETA Exhibition Centre Sports venues and clubs: Unions Central Stadium (FC Fakel), Olimpik Sports Complex, Yubileyny Sports Palace, Underwater Sports Palace Performance sites: Philharmonic Hall, Actor House, Komintern House of Culture, October 50th Anniversary House of Culture, Zavod Disco Bar Entertainment sites: Zoo, State Circus Restaurants of national cuisine: Vecherny Voronezh, Stary Gorod

Vurmankasy - village of Alikovsky region of Chuvashskaya Republic. Village located 8 km eastern to the administrative centre of Alikovsky region. There are 17 objects of culture inheritance including 1 ensemble; among them are the following Literature and Local Lore Museum, Raskildinskaya Holy Mother of God Church.

Vyborg with a population of 81200, a district centre of Saint-Petersburg region, was founded in 11-12th centuries as a Russian-Karelian settlement. It was raised into the status of a city in 1493. The main places of interest are the Vyborg Castle, the Round Tower, the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral, the Museum of Local Lore.

Vyksa has been a Russian city since 1934 and is currently the administrative center of the Vyksa region of the Nizhnyi Novgorod County. The current population is 59,600 people. The city is located near the river Oka and 186 km from Nizhnyi Novgorod. The town originated in 1765 as a result of the establishment of the Vyksa Iron factory by the Batashevyi brothers. By the beginning of the 19th century in the town of Vyksa and its surroundings contained many different working iron factories. As large quantities of energy are necessary for working with iron metal, artificial lakes were created to harvest energy in and around Vyksa. This system of artificial lakes is unique and serves as a monument to the city's natural history.

Yakutsk, a port, a capital of Yakutiya, is located on the left bank of the Lena river. It was founded in 1632 as a Yakutsky burg on the right bank of the Lena river about 70 kilometres downstream of the modern city. In 1642-1643 it was moved to the location of the modern Yakutsk. A city was founded in the eighties of the 17 century westerly of the burg. The modern Yakutsk with a population of 191400 is an industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Yakutiya. The main places of interest are the Yakutsky Drama Theatre, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall, the Museum of Local Lore, the Fine Arts Museum, the Tower of the Yakutsk burg with wood hip-roof (1685), the Stone buildings of the Spassky Monastery (1664), the Nikolskaya Church (1852).

Country: Russia Time zone: GMT +4 Area: 205,8 sq km Population: 0,581 million (2011) Founded in: 1010 Climate: moderately continental Average temperature: -6°C to -14°C in winter, +16°C to +25°C in summer Area code: +7 (4852) Airports: Tunoshna Train stations: Yaroslavl Ports: river terminal (Volga river) Bus stations: Yaroslavl Religious buildings: Orthodox: St.Theodor Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral, Archangel Michael Church, Epiphany Church, Elijah the Prophet Church, Ascension of Lord Church, St.John Chrysostom and Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God Church Complex, Sts.Peter and Paul Church, Kazan Convent, Cyril and Athanasius Monastery, Saviour Transfiguration Monastery, Tolga Holy Candlemas Convent (Tolga village, 6 km from Yaroslavl); Muslim: Cathedral Mosque; Synagogue Architectural landmarks: the Kremlin, Vice Governor House and Governorate County Executive Council, Vlasyevskaya Watchtower, Volzhskaya Watchtower, Gostiny Dvor, House of Mercy Statues and memorials: Yaroslav the Wise, N.Nekrasov, F.Volkov, S.Mamontov, L.Sobinov, Demidov Column, Yaroslavl Millennium, Holy Trinity Museums: State History, Architecture and Art Museum-Reserve, Yaroslavl History Museum, Art Museum, Battlefield Glory Museum, Planetarium, Music and Time Museum, Cosmos Museum House-Museums of: L.Sobinov, M.Bogdanovich Theatres: Volkov Russian Academic Drama Theatre, Chamber Theatre, Strannik Studio Theatre, State Puppet Theatre, State Young Spectator’s Theatre Natural sites and parks: Millennium Park, Yubileyny Park, Neftyanik Park, Victory 30th Anniversary Park, Gubernatorsky Sad Park-Museum, Petropavlovsky Park, Tveritsky Bor Expo centres: Stary Gorod Sports venues and clubs: Shinnik Stadium (FC Shinnik), Arena 2000 Universal Culture and Entertainment Complex (HC Lokomotiv, JHC Loko), Atlant Sports and Fitness Complex (VC Yaroslavich) Performance sites: State Philharmonic Hall, Dobrynin Palace of Culture, Sudostroitel Palace of Culture Entertainment sites: Zoo, State Circus, Juvenile Railway, Little Land Amusement Park, Dolphinarium Restaurants of national cuisine: Russian: Ioann Vasilyevich, Na Naberezhnoy Tavern

Yoshkar-Ola (Tsaryovokokshaysk before 1919, Krasnokokshaysk in 1919-1927) with a population of 250900, a capital of Mariyskaya Republic, is located on the left inflow of the Volga river - the Malaya Kokshaga river. It was founded in 1584 as a Kokshazhsk fortress and was raised into the status of a chief town of a district in 1708. The main places of interest are the Mariysky Musical Theatre, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Voznesenskaya Church (1756).

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, an administrative centre of the Sakhalinsk region with a population of 181 thousand, is located on the banks of the Susuya river. It was founded as Vladimirovka village in 1882. In 1905-1945 was ruled by Japan and was called as Toyehara. In 1945 became the part of Russia again and was renamed in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in 1946. There are the Chekhov Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum in the city.

Zelenograd - located in 37 km to the north-west from centre of Moscow. Zelenograd was founded on the territory of the following villages: Matushkino, Savelki, Kryukovo and others small localities and country house areas. Lots of monuments to the Second World War: the most famous is "Bayonet" memorial complex. Zelenograd has its own cultural traditions. The leisure of citizens is provided by the developed network of culture buildings: Zelenograd Culture Palace, art schools, exhibitions halls.

Zheleznogorsk -is one of the most landscaped and beautiful cities of Kursk region. Located within Middle -Russian side-hill on the interfluve of Pogarschina, Rechitsa, Chern Rivers and the right triburaries of Svapa River in 120 km north-west from Kursk and Orel regions. Zheleznogorsk is the second largest city of region. Population is about 100 thousand people. Zheleznogorsk is young and beautiful city with developed infrastructure. Zheleznogorsk culture is presented by library network, culture centres and museums. Partizanskaya Slava Museum on the memorial to Big Oak started work in 1977, an exhibition hall of Local Lore Museum works from 1997. There is a beautiful young arboretum. Trees and bushes more than 350 species taken from different places of the world find there their motherland.

Zhelnino - is an urban locality (an urban-type settlement) under the administrative jurisdiction of the city of oblast significance of Dzerzhinsk in Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, Russia, located 40 kilometers (25 mi) west of Nizhny Novgorod and 2 kilometers (1.2 mi) southwest of Dzerzhinsk. It's a harbor on the bank of the Oka River. The village was famous since XVIII century. Shipbuilders and fishermen lived here. However, in XIX there is a country house fashion and since 1870 Zhelnino became a favorable place for such leisure for a middle class of Nizhny Novgorod. Zhelnino was named Nizhegorodksaya Yalta because of healthy fresh air. A priori the village get this name after woodpecker which inhabitants suburb forests. Rich natural surroundings are the following: the Oka and Osovets rivers, Svyatoye and Plotinka Lakes, oak groves and pine forests made the village favorite place for rest of the Dzerzhinsk citizens. There are lots of beaches, pick-nicks zones and children health and tourist camps.

Zhuravlevo - village in Kemerovo district of Kemerovo region. It's included in Yelykaevsky urban town. It is located on the Tom River in 10 km from Kemerovo city. The constant population is about 184 people (in 2007).

Zvenigorod - is an old city in Moscow region, Russia. Population: 16,395. The community has existed since the 12th century, although its first written mention is dated 1338. The town's name is based either on a personal name (cf. Zvenislav, Zvenimir) or on a hydronym (cf. the Zvinech, Zvinyaka, Zveniga Rivers); the derivation from "town of ringing (bells)" is a folk etymology. The city is located on the bank of the Moscow River in 30 km to the west from Moscow. Zvenigorod is famous for its nature reserve "Valley of Storozhka River". At present time Zvenigorod and its suburbs became a popular resort region of middle-Russian zone.

Dushanbe (Dyushanbe before 1929 and Stalinabad before 1961) is a capital of Tajikistan. Its strange name translated as "Monday" was given to city as its people preferred commerce above all. Nowadays Dushanbe stretches along Vazrob river gently called Dushanbinka after its junction with Luchob river just within the city area.

Ashgabat is the capital of Turkmenistan with a population of 412000. The city was founded in 1881. It is situated on the plain not far from the border with Iran. Among the places to see are the 15th century mosque located in the suburbs of the city and ruins of the ancient and medieval city Nis. Oil and gas extraction and cotton manufacturing are well developed. The city is famous for its carpets. The Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan are located in Ashgabat. The city has the university and other educational establishments.

1654 is the official date of the Kharkiv foundation while the name of the city is mentioned in the annals in 1627 for the first time. Kharkiv was a military city of Kharkiv regiment in 17th century. All 70 Orthodox Churches in the city are evidence of its riches. Kharkiv is the industrial, scientific and cultural centre of Ukraine today. It occupies a territory of 300 square kilometres and has a population of more than 1500000. There are more than 40 museums in the city. Kharkiv is rich in architectural monuments: the Pokrovsky Cathedral of 1689, the Uspensky Cathedral of 1771 etc.

Cherkassy is the administrative, economic, scientific and cultural centre of the Cherkassy region with a population of over 300 thousand. For the first time Cherkassy was mentioned in chronicles in 1394 when it was the town on the Dnepr river protected the southern boundary of Kyivskaya Rus from the invaders. There are two theatres, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum in Cherkassy.

Chernivtsi, a centre of the Chernivtsi region, is located on the banks of the Prut river. The population of the city is 260 thousand. At the first time Chernivtsi was mentioned in chronicles in 12th century as a fortress. The main places of interest are the Residence of the Bykovynian Metropolitans (1864-1882), the Armenian Church (1869-1975), St.Nicolas`s Church (1607), the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God (1767), the Voznesenska Church (16th century), the Arts Museum, the Musical Drama Theatre named after O.Kobylyanska, the Puppet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall.

Dnipropetrovsk (known as Ekaterynoslav before 1926) is a city in south-central Ukraine in 500 kilometres from Kyiv. It is the centre of the Dnipropetrovsk region and a port on the Dnepr river, has a population of 1189000. Dnipropetrovsk was founded in 1783 by Prince Grigory Potemkin and named Ekaterynoslav in honour of Catherine the Second. Dnipropetrovsk has developed into one of the largest industrial and cultural cities of Ukraine. The cultural establishments include several theatres and the Philharmonic Hall. The most outstanding architectural monuments are the Preobrazhensky Cathedral (18th century) and the Palace of Potemkin.

Donetsk is the administrative centre of the Donetsk region. It was founded in 1689 by English technician-metallurgist J.J.Hughes who built the smithy that became the first production line of future metallurgical plant. Donetsk was known as Hughsofka till 1924 and Stalino till 1961. It was given the status of city in 1917 and became the capital of the Donetsk region in 1932. Donetsk is a major industrial, scientific and cultural centre with a population of 1132700 today. There are 3 theatres, a Philharmonic Hall, a planetarium, 29 museums and 500 libraries in the city. Donetsk has become one of the most beautiful Ukrainian cities.

Feodosiya (known as Kaffa since the end of the 13th century till 1783), an administrative centre of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea since 1991, with a population of 71,7 thousand, is located in the southeastern part of the Crimean peninsula on the coast of the Feodosiysky bay. Feodosiya is a seaside climatic and balneomud resort. The foundation of the city was due to the Greek merchants who based a colony-trading station which was named Feodosiya (in Greek "the God given") in the 6th century B.C. In the end of the 13th century Feodosiya was ruled by Italian trading city of Genoa. Inhabitants of Genoa named it Kaffa and have constructed a powerful fortress. In the end of the 15th century Kaffa was conquered by Ottoman Empire. In the end of the 18th century the name of the city was given Feodosiya for the second time. Old part of the city is an original architectural and historical museum with evident features of the middle ages. The main places of interest are the Ayvazovsky National Gallery, the Grin Cottage Museum, the ruins of the fortress of the 14th-15th centuries, the Mufti Dzhami Mosque (17th century), the Museum of Local Lore.

Ivano-Frankivsk (known as Stanyslaviv before 1962), a centre of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, is located on the Bystritsya-Nadvirnyanska and Bystritsya-Solotvynska rivers. The population of the city is 246 thousand. Zabolottya village was named Stanyslaviv in 1662. The main places of interest of the city are the Parish Roman Catholic Church (1672-1703), the Armenian Church (1742), the Holy Resurrection Cathedral (1753-1763), the Arts Museum, the Musical Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall.

Kamyanets-Podilsky, a city in Khmelnytsky region, the administrative centre of Kamyanets-Podilsky district, with a population of 100 thousand, is located on the Smotrych river in Southwestern Ukraine. Modern Kamyanets-Podilsky is a large industrial and trade centre of the region. It was founded as a fortress in the 11th century and was given city status in 1795. Kamyanets-Podilsky is one of the oldest towns in the Ukraine, its Old Town is declared a national historical and architectural reserve. There are about 200 architectural monuments in Kamyanets-Podilsky. The main places of interest are the following: Old Town, St.Peter and Paul`s Cathedral, ethnographical and historical museums.

Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine and the historical capital of ancient Russia first mentioned in a 9th century manuscript. It is situated on the river Dnepr, 850 kilometres from Moscow and has a population of 2635000. Among the places to see are the 11th century Cathedral of St. Sophia and the Mikhailovsky Cathedral, the Kyivo-Pechorska Lavra (a monastery of the highest rank); the Orthodox monks' caves, the Mariinsky Palace, the 18th century Andriyivska Church built by the architect V.Rastrelli and the monument to Grand Duke Vladimir, who baptised Russia. Among the major industrial enterprises one of the best known is the Arsenal plant. The machine building, the chemical, the chemical pharmaceutical, the petrochemical and the printing, as well as other light industries are well developed in Kyiv. The city also has a metro system. The university, various institutes and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine are located in Kyiv. If you are going to visit Kyiv you are welcome to use the booking system of Academservice, where you can choose a hotel in Kyiv and book a room on-line. Booking a hotel in Kyiv you should consider the following Airport. Boryspil International Airport is the air gate of Kyiv and one of the most dynamically developing airports in CIS territory. The airport is located 38 km away from the city centre. A shuttle (an express bus) runs between the airport and the railway station every hour. The International Exhibition Centre and the Bratislava Hotel are within easy reach from Boryspil Airport. Zhulyany Airport, which stands 8 km away from Kyiv downtown, is used mostly for domestic flights. The railway terminal. Kyiv-Passazhirsky, the only railway terminal of the city, is located not far from Kyiv downtown, next to Vokzalna metro station. The 4-star Radisson SAS Kyiv Hotel stands in 3 km from the railway station and steps away from the famous Golden Gates. If you arrive in Kyiv on a morning train you should consider that check-in time at most hotels starts at 12 a.m., so it's better for you to order early check-in while booking a hotel. Metro. Kyiv metro includes three operating lines, which connect left and right banks of the Dnieper. In order not to depend on traffic jams you should book a hotel in Kyiv next to a metro station. The 5-star Premier Palace Hotel stands close to the central metro stations - Khreschatyk and Maydan Nezalezhnosti. The pedestrian area in the centre of Kyiv. The 4-star Rus Hotel and Dnipro Hotel in Kyiv downtown are conveniently located steps away from Parus, Horizon-Tower, and Millennium business centres, accommodating lots of offices. The green pedestrian area is simply pleasant to stroll along. A 5-minute walk from the Dnipro Hotel will take you to Kyivo-Pecherska Lavra, which was founded as far back as 1051 under Yaroslav the Wise. Funicular railway as an alternative to Andriyivsky descent. Poshtova Ploscha metro station has an exit towards the lower funicular station. The funicular connects Podil with the Upper city, making up a fine alternative to a pedestrian stroll along Andriyivsky descent. Booking a hotel room in Kyiv you should consider this unusual type of transport as well. The funicular lifts those who wish to admire breathtaking panorama of Kyiv to Trekhsvyatitelska station, which stands close to St.Vladimir's Hill. The 4-star Riviera on Podol Hotel is located next to the funicular railway.

Kryvy Rih is a large city in the south- east of Ukraine, located within 250 km north of Krym. The population of the city is approximately 1, 101,000. The official year of the founding of the city is considered to be 1775. Kryvy Rih is the second most important city in the Dnepropetrovsk region and is the center of the Kryvy Rih iron production industry. The city is also considered the cultural center of the region, containing many universities, theaters and museums.

Luhansk is the administrative centre of the Luhansk region. The city has a population of 468000. It is situated in the valley of the Luhan river (813 kilometres from Kyiv). It was founded in 1795 by the edict of Ekaterina the Second on the settlement of foundry plant on the Lugan river to provide fortresses and young Black Sea fleet with cannons and projectiles. The settlement was growing known as a village called Luhansk plant and in 1882 was raised in the status of a district city. At the beginning of the 20th century Luhansk has confirmed itself as a large industrial city. The present Luhansk is one of the largest economic, scientific and cultural centres in Ukraine. To great regret all buildings that had a great value as architectural monuments were destroyed except Petropavlovskaya Church. There are many places of interest in Luhansk. The Drama Theatre, the Pupet Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum and the Museum of Dal are among them.

Lviv, situated on the Boug and Dnestr rivers, was founded in 1256, and has a population of 802000. Among the places to see are the 13-14th centuries Roman Catholic church of Maria Snezhnaya and John the Baptist, the 14-15th centuries gothic cathedral, and the 16th century Onufrievsky monastery. The main industries are the machine building, the metalworking and the woodworking. The pulp and paper industry and the musical instruments production are also well developed. Lviv has the university and various institutes.

Odesa is the main Ukrainian seaport located on the north-western coast of the Black Sea, 490 kilometres far from Kiev. One of the largest cities of Ukraine, southern gates of the state, important industrial, scientific, cultural and resort city. The population is 1132000 . This very special city is a true gem on the Black Sea Coast. Founded at the end of 18th century, it soon became the important seaport, the centre of commerce and communication. Outskirts of the city are known as balneological resorts.

Sevastopol is the largest non-freezing commercial and fishing Black Sea port of Ukraine and one of the major industrial, scientific and cultural centres of the country and Eastern Europe in general. It is located in the south-west of the Crimean Peninsula, on the same parallel with the Italian city of Milan and the French city of Lyon. Sevastopol occupies a territory of 864 square kilometres and has a population of 390100. Located on the site of the ancient Greek colony Khersonesus the city itself and the Black Sea fleet based in Sevastopol have occupied a prominent place in Russian and Soviet history. There are 4 theatres and 10 museums in the city. The whole city is a one big museum with over than 1800 monuments and memorials.

Simferopol is the administrative, economic, scientific and cultural centre of Crimea with a population of 400 thousand. The city is located on the banks of the Salgir river. It was founded in 1784, but people lived in this area many times ago. There are over two hundred historical, natural, architectural and cultural memorials in the city and its vicinity. The oldest building in the city - the Kebir-Jami Mosque, built in 1508, and the Vorontsov House, built in 1827, are the most attractive memorials in Simferopol. There are several cultural establishments in the city. The Crimean Academic Russian Drama Theatre, the Crimean Ukranian Music Theatre, the Pupet Theatre, the Crimean Philharmonic Hall, the Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum, the Svyato-Troitsky Cathedral and the St.Peter and Paul`s Cathedral are among them.

Uzhhorod, a centre of the Transcarpathian region, is located on the Uzh river. The population of the city is 125 thousand. At the first time Uzhhorod was mentioned in chronicles in 872. The city changed its name several times. It was named Ongvar, Hungvar, Unguyvar and Ungvar. The main places of interest are the Cathedral (1646), the Castle-Fortress (10th-16th centuries), the Arts Museum, the Musical Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Philharmonic Hall.

Vinnytsya, one of the oldest Ukrainian cities, is situated on the Yuzhny Bug river. It is more than 600 years old today. Vinnytsya is one of the biggest industrial and cultural cities of Ukraine, the centre of the Vinnytsya region and the Podolsk economic zone. The architectural monuments of 18-20th centuries - the cathedrals and the churches - are open today, including the renovated St.Mykola's Church, one of the best examples of wooden falk art. There are 5 museums, 2 theatres and a Philharmonic Hall in Vinnytsya. The Museum of Local Lore, the Arts Museum, the Music Drama Theatre and the Puppet Theatre are among them.

Exposed to the sun, washed by gentle waves of the Black sea, sheltered by the Crimean mountains from northern winds, Yalta is always full of charm and attraction. Picturesque landscapes, unique monuments of nature, history and architecture - all this is Yalta. Average July temperature is +24C, while average February temperature is about +4C. 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.

Zaporizhzhya (known as Alexandrovsk before 1921), the administrative centre of Zaporozhye region with a population of about 1 million, was founded in 1770 as a fortress on the banks of the Dnepr river. The name of the city is associated with Ukrainian Cossacks lived on the Khortitsa island the capital of Zaporozhian Sech. At present the Zaporizhzhya is large industrial, scientific and cultural city in Ukraine. There are the Music and Drama Theatre, the Puppet Theatre, the Museum of the Zaporozhian Cossacks History in Zaporizhzhya.

There are a lot of sacred places in the world but Bukhara is, in fact, a generous and ancient city among them. Bukhara is famous for its madrassahs, mausoleum and mosques, the most ancient in the Muslim world (mausoleum of Samanids dynasty and mosque Maghoni Attori). Bukhara is known as fulcrum of Islam. Its 2500th anniversary is going to be celebrated by the whole world. During all its history Bukhara was burnt, destroyed and revived again to life. The arc was the citadel of ancient Bukhara. The scientists consider it as the cradle of world.

Ferghana (known as Novy Margelan till 1910 and as Skobelev in 1910-1924), founded in 1876, is located in in the Southern part of the Fergana valley on the cape of the Shakhimardan river. It was raised into the status of the regional city in 1938. The modern city is the large industrial centre with a population of 226,5 thousand. The main places of interest are the Uzbek Theatre of Drama and Comedy, the Russian Drama Theatre, the Museum of Local Lore (1896).

Khiva is a city-museum located in 30 km from Urgench of the Khorezm region on the Great Silk Road in Uzbekistan. It was founded in the 6th century on the banks of the Amu-Darya river. Khiva consists of two parts: the internal - the Ichan-Kala (inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List), and the external - the Dishan-Kala. There are more than 20 well-known architectural memorials of the 14-19th centuries in the Ichan-Kala. The Juma Mosque and Minaret (1778-1782), the Islam-Khoja Madrasah and Minaret (1908-1910), the Kalta-Minor Minaret (1855), the Amin-Khan Madrasah (1851-1852), the Kunya-Ark Old Fortress (1868-1888), the Pakhlavan-Makhmud Memorial Complex (19th century) are among them. The Dishan-Kala is famous for its historical monuments too.

Samarkand is the oldest city of the world and has the history of 25 centuries. It is the second largest city in Uzbekistan after Tashkent, the capital of the republic. Majestic and beautiful city Samarkand has marvellous and attractive power. Poets and historians of the past called it "Rome of the East", "The beauty of sublunary countries", "The pearl of the Eastern Muslim World". It is not by chance. Its advantageous geographical positions in Zeravshan valley put Samarkand to the first place among the cities of the Central Asia. The Great Silk Road crossed Samarkand. Not only trade roads but also different customs and traditions of peoples linked here which formed the local distinctive culture. Samarkand was the cultural centre of the ancient state.

Tashkent, a capital of Uzbekistan with a population of over 2 million, is located at the foot of the western Tien Shan mountain range in the valley of the Chirchik river. The city was known 2000 years ago and its development was facilitated by its location on the famous ancient Silk Road. Among the places of interest are the remains of the Ak-Tepe Castle, built in the 6-8th centuries, the Noraz-Tepe Castle, built in the 12-15th centuries, and the Ming-Uruk Castle, built in the 1-8th centuries. The university and the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan are located in Tashkent. The main industries are the machine building, food and light production. There is also a metro in the city.

Urgench, founded in 17th century, is located close to the world historical centre of Uzbekistan - Khiva town. Khiva, founded 2500 years ago on the banks of Amu Darja river, is a part of the cultural heritage. The old part of the town with its 50 monumets resembles an open air museum. The tipical ornaments of Khiva adorn the walls, blue medallions with verses of the poet Agechi intensify the splendour. The most famous monumets of the town are: Citadel Khone Ark, architectural reserve Itschan-Kola.