Russia has successfully shed its Soviet legacy of regulating foreign visitors. Accessibility has become the new catch-phrase for the Russian tourism sector. Apart from the more conventional forms of group and individual travel, adventure tourism is rapidly growing and trekking, mountaineering, canoeing, and potholing groups among others can be contacted through travel agencies.
Looking at it on the map, Russia's size is undoubtedly intimidating to the unfamiliar eye. It passes through several environmental bands from North to South and several time zones from East to West. But these parameters are riddled with diversity and a first-time visitor will be amazed at the seemingly endless possibilities to explore this country and the desire to return.
The East/West contrast will perhaps be the first impression for Western visitors. So-called "European Russia" (from the borders with the Baltic republics to the Ural Mountains) will be semi-reminiscent of European countries through its people, culture, architecture and general atmosphere. Nonetheless, one will immediately notice the contrast between the Asiatic excitement of hectic, narrow streets of Moscow and the reassuringly organised stately architecture of more European St. Petersburg. For a foreigner, these contrasts can be met the length and breadth of Russia and they provide the basis on which to enjoy even the most simple activities during one's tour: an overnight train journey, dinner in a restaurant, a night at the Mariinsky Theatre, a visit to an art gallery or monastery, a dip in a fresh, cool lake on a hot summers day, a night sky on the exotic Black Sea coast.

Russia is truly incomparable ... see it for yourself!