The most beautiful manors and royal residences in Moscow, Russia Moscow had been the capital of Russia for a couple of centuries before St Petersburg got this status in 1712. Naturally, many noble families moved there and built new homes. Still, Moscow wasn’t forgotten and, in addition to some existing palaces, the czars and aristocrats kept building palaces and manors
Everything about Listvyanka, a village on Baikal Lake, Russia
When I was doing my research for the upcoming trip to Baikal, I would always come across Listvyanka. Almost everyone mentioned it (I am a native Russian speaker, so I searched for the info in Russian), so I decided it was worth going there. And I was right 🙂 Listvyanka is a small village on the shores of Baikal, right
Buuz, sagudai and other local food around Baikal
My guide to the local food around Baikal Lake The history of Russia led to the amalgamation of different cuisines of local peoples of this vast country and the European one. The Soviet times brought new dishes or simplified the refined food of the Russian empire. For example, the famous olivier salad, which nowadays has simple ingredients, contained caviar, crayfish
What to do in Irkutsk, Russia: 30+ things to do in Irkutsk
A full guide on what to do in Irkutsk, Russia, the gateway to Baikal Lake. In Moldova, the country I am from, it is generally considered that only Moscow and St Petersburg are worth any attention among the Russian cities. Many people here believe that outside these two cities every other place is underdeveloped, with awful roads, no infrastructure and
The best things to do in Olkhon Island, Russia: 20+ places to see in Olkhon
My guide to the best places to visit and things to do in Olkhon Island, Russia Olkhon Island is a gem in Baikal Lake region of Russia’s Siberia. This island, where less than 2,000 people live permanently, has stunning landscapes ranging from dense forests to rocky and steep shores. It is equally spectacular in summer and winter, with winter having
Olkhon Island, Russia: a full travel guide to the gem of Baikal Lake
My guide to Olkhon Island, one of the most beautiful places in the world! Siberia, one of Russia’s most vast regions, has many natural wonders, and Baikal Lake is one of them. The surroundings of the lake are rich in landscapes, including mountains, taiga, steppes, a volcanic depression, spectacular bays. While I wanted to visit all of them, Olkhon Island
Around Baikal Lake: Taltsy Museum on a day trip from Irkutsk
When I was planning my trip to Baikal Lake in Russia’s Siberia, I decided immediately that I would use Irkutsk as my base. It meant that I wanted to see as many places around the city as I could. After checking I saw a place called Taltsy Museum, about 50 kilometers away from Irkutsk on the Angara River. I researched
Baikal Lake, Russia: a travel guide
Baikal Lake is the most beautiful place I have seen so far! Baikal is the deepest lake in the world, the biggest reservoir with potable water. It has more waters than the 5 great lakes in the USA! When it comes to the depth of Baikal, the latest data show that it is 1,642 meters deep! It had been a
Around Baikal Lake: visiting Tazheran Steppe on a day trip from Irkutsk
Tazheran Steppe… so far, the most beautiful place I have ever seen. I came across this place by pure accident: I was looking for things to do around Baikal Lake and saw a picture of a fantastic place: autumnal hills alternating with valleys, lit by the fading sun. After a bit of digging I found out that this place is
Russia: what to do in Moscow for free
I have heard from many people that Moscow is expensive. I have visited this city numerous times and I don’t understand where they get this idea from. Prague is somehow always included in the list of the cheapest cities in Europe, and after visiting it I can say that Moscow is much cheaper when it comes to accommodation, food and
