Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia
© Photos from the album of Linda Young
Onion domes in brilliant jewel colors tell you instantly that you are not in a familiar western country. Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia have buildings that remind you of home, but you know there is something exotic that you must discover. It does not take long to sense the excitment in the air, nor to notice all the attractive young women in the fur jackets and leather boots, especially in Moscow, the world's most expensive city. That is, if you are a tourist.
Prices are slightly more reasonable if you are a native. Beneath this surface glamour, you can uncover the history and the rich legacy of arts that Russia has to offer. Peter the Great took a team of a hundred artisans and craftsmen to London and the Netherlands to learn the skills necessary to build the palaces of St. Petersburg, and this carried over into the love of fine art as Catherine the Great acquired the works of artists which began the collection of the Hermitage.
And the museums in both Moscow and St. Petersburg containing the works of Russian artists are highlights of any trip to this rich country. You will marvel at the jewels in the Kremlin. And I thought the monastery I visited outside Moscow was incredibly beautiful. You hear people return from a visit to Russia who think that St. Petersburg is the show piece of the country, but I found Moscow to be full of excitement with all its nouveau millionaires and hidden treasures everywhere.
I suggest a trip to Moscow soon, before it loses its edge. Stay long enough to see everything....at least a week. You need a guide and reservations for everything, even the museums, so pre-booking is essential. We can take care of everything for you. Even in winter, you can have a Dr. Zhivago experience! Contact us about Russia now.
