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Entertainment in Russia
The last ten years have brought many changes to the Russian entertainment scene. Moscow, the capital, has witnessed the opening of many five star restaurants, designer boutiques, retail chain stores and large supermarket chains. Within Russia’s largest cities there is a whole range of international cuisine available alongside all the traditional favourites. The cafe and bar scene has also expanded to include many stylish new venues catering to a diverse range of tastes. Nightlife is buzzing particularly in the capital and St Petersburg with many new large clubs offering all of the latest music. Culturally, Russia has it all including the famous Bolshoi Theatre and many more excellent theatres, opera houses and concert venues.
Those who enjoy travelling will appreciate a ride on the world renowned Trans Siberian Railway. The full route takes you through Russia to China and Mongolia, but the journey takes many days, making it the longest train journey in the world. There are several organised tours available on this route, which take you through vast, untouched forests and acres of beautiful countryside. Perhaps one of the most scenic tours is the Golden Buckle stretch of the Great Siberian Trail. This section between Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude passes fantastic crystal rock formations, which form amazing natural tunnels and arches, although the Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands located in eastern Russia, close to Japan offers some breathtaking views of the Major Kurile Archipelago, which consists of 56 islands.
Russia is rich in natural attractions, with over 30 national parks. If you love the outdoors you will enjoy visiting some of the country’s most wondrous natural sites like the desolate forests of Komi in the Yugid-Va National Park, the volcanoes of Kamchatke and the Golden Mountains of Altai. Moneron Island National Park located on the Tatar Strait, is the country’s first marine park. It contains some unusual underwater reliefs and subtropical shellfish and sea urchin amongst other species. The scenery here is also enchanting with steep, somber cliffs, gushing waterfalls and many bird colonies. There are organised tours around the many caves and hiking trips through the vast tundra. Zabaikalsky National Park lies in the east overlooking the calm waters of Lake Baikal. The park is set in a vast coniferous forest surrounded by wildlife, from brown bears to Manchurian wapiti and musk deer. Baikal Lake is full of Baikal seals that can be observed frolicking in the lake or feeding from the abundant supply of fish.