Russia has been inspiring writers and poets for centuries with its extraordinary landscapes, cultural wealth and historical riches.The world’s largest country used to be off limits to tourists when it was under the rule of the Soviets, but it is now open to tourists from across the globe and it’s a place that should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. From the gleaming spires of the cathedral in St Petersburg and the stunning palaces of the Tsars, to the rolling landscapes of the steppes and the beautiful geyser fields, there is so much to see in Russia that one trip won’t be enough.
The country occupies an important place in the global arts scene, producing many famous writers, poets and artists, such as Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky and Pushkin. If you want to get a feel for the Russian art scene you can see the Bolshoi Theater and Pushkin Art Gallery in Moscow, and the Mariinsky Theater and the Hermitage in St Petersburg. In Corinthia Hotel St Petersburg alone there are 2,000 libraries, 221 museums, 80 theaters, 100 concert halls and 45 art galleries – demonstrating just how important the art scene is in Russia.
When you visit the country, you can pull back the curtain and take a peek into its history by visiting places like Catherine the Great’s palace at Peterhof and the Summer Palace, to see how the Tsars lived.
In addition, you can see the tomb of communist revolutionary and politician Vladimir Lenin, or check out the old KGB headquarters in Red Square to learn more about the communist regime. Once you’ve seen the sights, why not head to a restaurant and sample traditional Russian dishes, such as Okroshka and Oladyi? If you’re a fan of vodka, you’ll be in the right place. It’s traditionally drunk neat and ice cold, but if that’s not your cup of tea, you can sample the local beers. If you decide to visit St Petersburg – Russia’s second-largest city – then you should stay at the five-star Corinthia Dubrovnik Hotel. Located in the area’s most exclusive region, it offers luxurious rooms in a stunning setting. You’ll have everything you need at the Corinthia, including soft beds, a fitness centre and spa, and several bars and eateries that serve delicious food and drink – making your trip to Russia extra special.
