The cascade of falls on the river Sochi

The new tourist route opened in Sochi. The remarkable town is near the well-known Orehovsky falls.

Here Bezumenk's mountain small river, making the way through thickets of the majestic wood, rushes down, forming magnificent falls. Such fine places always involved a great number of tourists. In the ancient time local tribes worshipped to these mountains, as to a deity.

Than «The cascade of falls» differs? Why it is better to choose this route?

- I grew in Sochi, I like to have a rest in mountains. Fresh air, a cool, the magnificent nature. What can be better than bathing in the mountain river, catching of a trout, rest in a wood shadow? – the organizer of a tourist route Sergey Nefedov speaks.

That tourists fell in love with rest in mountains, organizers made a lot of things. On a wood glade, in a shadow of oaks, beeches and a hazel grove cozy arbors settled down. Near them braziers are providently placed. Everyone can fry to itself(himself) a shish kebab, help with it skilled cooks are ready. It is possible to try here an ear from the caught fish. But the attraction «The Caucasian captive» becomes the main highlight of "The cascade of falls», undoubtedly. All of us remember that the protagonist of this film traveled on mountains on non-polluting transport – a burro. Here again to you will suggest to make walk to a mountain apiary on a donkey. There you can try mountain honey, and on return to equestrians will give out the rights to management of a burro.

All tourists are expected here by acquaintance to local folklore. Every evening on a glade with incendiary Georgian dances the well-known Ivery ensemble acts.

How to reach? Very simply. From the station to sit down on the bus No. 102 and to reach to a final stop, and then to walk on foot on a mountain track. There is also other way - to «The cascade of falls» it is possible to pass UAZ by legendary cars. 446-29-28.

By the way, an entrance on a tourist route «The cascade of falls» - free. So take friends and go on rest to mountains.

To order such unusual trip it is possible by phones: 8 (928) 446-28-29 and 8 (928) 446-29-28

A Video Journey, Karelya, Russia

A Video Journey in the summer of 2007 through some villages in Russia,Karelya. Film maker NiklasGranberg

Peterhof - Treasures of Saint-Petersburg

Treasures of Saint-Petersburg

Peterhof is the splendid summer residence of the Romanov Dynasty. The idea to create a residence as luxurious as the famous Versailles in France occurred to Peter I in 1714.
The Emperor himself was responsible for the design of the palace and of the surrounding parks, as well as for the idea of many fountains. The construction of the entire ensemble went on for two centuries.Peterhof's palaces house a rich collection of paintings and applied art of the 17th and 18th centuries.
The parks of Peterhof cover an area of around 2500 acres and are decorated with elegant statues and ornate fountains.





Director: Vladimir PtashchenkoText: Nina Vernova, Natalia Ptashchenko
From: igorzee

The Golden Ring

WHAT IS THE GOLDEN RING: 'The Golden Ring' is one of the oldest Russian routes. It goes to the north-east of Moscow and forms a circle. There are many interesting ancient Russian cities and towns along the way, full of history and unique Russian architecture of the XII-XVII centuries.The 'classical' route (counter clockwise) starts from Moscow, goes through Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Velikiy, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Sergiev Posad. All cities and towns are located relatively close to each other, the 'Golden Ring' forms a ring, so from one place you can reach to another and make a circle until you get back to the one you started with. Probably, most often you'll use buses to move along the golden ring, sometimes you 'll use trains. You can also 'make' the golden ring trip by car.

WHY GO THERE?
Russian History & Architecture. The 'Golden Ring' route is known for the famous old cities and towns along the way, so one of the reasons to go
there is to see Russian architecture, old churches made of white stone, hear the bellring, see old fortifications, fortresses, beautiful monasteries, and learn more about history of Russia. For such trip, the 'classical' route (Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Sergiev Posad) will be the most interesting. Just be careful: there are so many churches and monasteries, that it can become too much.Russian Countryside. If you're staying a few weeks in the busy Moscow, you might feel like taking a little break from the pollution,
the cars and the noise of the capital after a moment. In the trip to the smallest towns of the 'Golden Ring' you will get to see calmer, slower, more peaceful life, walk around hilly countryside, and just rest. For such trip Suzdal and Rostov Veliky (both 3-4 hours by train or by bus from Moscow) are the best.Provincial Russia. Also, you'll be interested in going to the biggest towns of the Golden Ring, if you want to experience another, provincial way of
life in Russia. Such towns as Vladimir, Ivanovo, Kostroma, Yaroslavl can get you a pick of the Russian province: more traditional way of life, not yet as much westernized, fancy, and hectic as the big cities, with some relics of the Soviet times.

A MAP OF THE GOLDEN RING:

THE CITIES ALONG THE GOLDEN RING. The cities and towns of the Golden Ring counterclockwise direction:

VLADIMIR: The first town of the Golden Ring, 179 kilometers to the east of Moscow with 378 thousand people living there. It is located on the railway to Nizhniy Novgorod, and it is the first stop along the Trans-Siberian route. Vladimir is an old Russian town, it used to be capital of Russia in the 12th century.There are many interesting sights, like old churches, monasteries and museums, but the interest in the city is in its provincial atmosphere and its contrast with the big cities.

SUZDAL: A calm ancient Russian town 38 kilometers north of Vladimir with around 13 thousand inhabitants. Suzdal is officially protected from the industries, and the old architecture and buildings are kept intact. The hilly green town is very seducing, walking around is a pleasure, the monasteries and old beautiful churches offer dreaming views.You can even camp freely along the small river 'Kamenka' that goes through the town, or next to the Kremlin or next to a monastery.Suzdal is the most similar to Rostov-Velikiy of all the towns along the Golden Ring, and the two towns are located almost the same distance from Moscow (though in different directions).

IVANOVO: It is quite a big city (450 thousand inhabitants), located between Suzdal (70 kilometers to the south) and Kostroma. Ivanovo is a real Russian industrial city: grey residential buildings, dirty streets, polluted atmosphere, relics of the Soviet times kept intact. Perhaps, you will be happy just to go through this city, but it will be the most interesting stop along the Golden Ring if you want to get the taste of 'industrial' Russian province.

KOSTROMA: A surprisingly calm and inviting town, located on Volga river, 120 kilometers north of Ivanovo. The interest is to walk around the town, especially early morning, or late evening, and see the Ipatiev's Monastery on the other side of Volga.

YAROSLAVL: Yaroslavl got its name from Yaroslav Mudry, who founded the town in the beginning of 11th century, at the place where Volga river meets Kotorosl. Now it is a large industrial city, the biggest along the Golden Ring (630 inhabitants), nevertheless very interesting because of its history, architecture, and city life.

ROSTOV VELIKIY: An ancient Russian town located on the 'Nero' lake. The history of this place started 4 thousand years BC, when the first tribes stayed next to the lake. Until the 11th century the territory of Rostov was inhabited by the Finn-Ugors 'Meryans' people, and the city of Rostov was founded by them (it is known since the 9th century). Slowly they assimilated with the Slavs, who came from the south.Now it is a small town (32 thousand inhabitants), old buildings, the Kremlin, and authentic Russian architecture.Rostov is the most similar to Suzdal of all the towns along the Golden Ring, and the two towns are located almost the same distance from Moscow (though in different directions).

PERESLAVL-ZALESSKIY: An old Russian provincial town, famous for its many monasteries, old churches, the first boat build by little Peter the Great, and Pleshcheevo Lake (which has the status of national park from 1988).

(http://www.waytorussia.net)

JAZZ IN MOSCOW

JAZZ IN MOSCOW

Tour for Jazz Lovers

What is Russian Jazz? The answer to this question is different depending on whom you ask. Some remember meeting these Russian Jazzmen at festivals in Moscow or the Swiss Montreux, while others from concerts in Prague or Vienna, still, some have never heard these Russian Jazzmen, but nevertheless have held a desire to become acquainted with their style of playing.
For those who have wished such now have a chance to become acquainted with Russian Jazz, thanks to the Jazz Club "The White Piano" in the very luxurious and hospitable Altay Hotel, located in Moscow. "The White Piano" hosts Jazz Music on Tuesdays and Fridays and gives those who want to get intimately acquainted with Russian Jazz, a chance to do just that. All styles and modern jazz trends are played by masters and young hopefuls of the Russian Jazz genre, a great opportunity for those who attend "The White Piano."
TOUR PROGRAM 1st Day (Friday). Arrival to Moscow. Moscow sightseeing tour. Transfer to hotel "Altay" 3*. Check in. Jazz evening in the Jazz club "The White Piano". 2nd Day (Saturday). Breakfast. Check out at 12:00. Additional excursions are extra.
Price per person in €: SNGL - 180 € DBL - 100 € TRPL (Luxe) - 80 €
Tour price includes: accommodation, transfer from railway station/airport to the hotel, Moscow sightseeing tour.
Additional Services for Extra Payment: Transfer hotel – railway station/airport 35 € (1-3 persons.). The Moscow Kremlin tour with transportation - 110 € / 1 person, 130 €/ 2 persons., 150 €/ 3 persons. The Kuskovo Museum tour- 98 € / 1 person., 110 €/ 2 persons., 120 €/ 3 persons. The Novodevichy (New Maiden) Convent tour 98 € / 1 person., 110 €/ 2 persons., 120 €/ 3 persons. “Moscow Metro” tour- € / 1 person., 40 €/ 2 persons., 45 €/ 3 persons.
Hotel "Altay" is located not far from the Main Botanical Garden and The All-Russia Exhibition Center. From the hotel the Kremlin is a 15 minuite drive. The hotel is international safety certified.

http://www.labirint.su/

Altay Mountains

Western Siberia, south, Altai mountains (3.5 hours from Moscow by plane, 48 hours by train).Nearest cities: Gorno-Altaysk, Barnaul (300km), Novosibirsk (600km).Activities: trekking, rafting, hiking, climbing, horseriding Tours at Altay Mountains - a list of recommended trips - click here

The name "Altay" (or "Altai") comes from Mongolian "Altan", which means "golden". Altay mountains are truly one of the nature's most marvelous gems, amazing by its diversity and beauty.

The Altay ecoregion covers vast 845,000 square kilometer area at the junction of four countries: Russia (largest part), Kazakhstan, Mongolia and China. Novosibirsk, the city through which the Trans-Siberian route goes, is about 600 km far, which is very not far for Siberian scales. Altay is a land where myths and legends are incarnated into reality. It's one of those rare corners on the Earth where Nature decided to show everything it was capable of.

Broad and boundless views of steppes, luxuriant varieties of taiga thickets, modest charm of deserts, severe splendor of snowy peaks, laconic beauty of tundra - the diversity of landscapes here is so rich, it is as if you are turning over pages of a geographical atlas!Highlights.Three major factors make Altay mountains a recreational domain of great value: amazing natural diversity (various landscapes, climates, abundance of wildlife); thin population, historically nomadic (Mongolian and Kazakh ethnos), who have a very natural way of life; and remoteness from any industries (the region lives only for tourism and agriculture). All this has ensured that

Altay region stayed untouched by industrial development and is still a very natural place. Besides, such diversity makes it possible to involve in almost any possible activity: from rafting to trekking, from speleo to skiing.Stretching for nearly 2000 km from north-west to south-east, Altai mountains form a natural border between the arid steppes of Mongolia and the rich taiga of Southern Siberia.

Both climatic zones create the landscapes of striking diversity, ranging from the Mongolia-like steppes (at the area of Kosh-Agach village, south east) to those of the Swiss Alps (along Chuysky Trakt). During the Soviet times, Altay was a mecca for adventure tourism, especially rafting. Altai mountains have a lot of rivers, Katun, Biya, and Chuya being the longest of them. There are also myriads of smaller mountain rivers that are fed by Altay's glaciers. Along all these rivers there's a lot of places for recreation and fishing.

You can easily put a tent anywhere you want.Altay's Nature. The wildlife vary from big mammals (bear, lynx, glutton, Siberian stag, even reindeer and snow leopard above the tree line) to small birds (230 species) and fishes (20 species - umber, loach, white fish among them). Many species and plants are really unique.Camel and yak are a good Mongolian touch to the picture of the Russian Altai. Another, and very pleasing touch is no mosquitoes and such-like making life miserable in Northern Siberia. Cedar is a very common tree in the rich mountain forests as well as pine, birch, spruce, fir, larch.

Berries and mushrooms are abundant in the season.There are four main plants that grow in Altay mountains and that are widely used by local people. On the photo below, from right to left are:Cedar (Kedr) is a pine-like tree, its pines contain a lot of little nuts. You can cook the whole pine in fire or boil it and then take out the nuts, they are very tasty and nutricious. Badan is a plant that usually grows on heights starting from 1000 m and its dry (brown) leaves are used to make tea. Kuril tea is another nice plant to make tea with and has many positive effects also. Cannabis selvia is also quite widely spread.Altay Weather.The weather and climate at Altay is as diverse as its nature.

Generally, the summer starts in May-June and finishes in September. During that time it's quite warm during the daytime (about 20 - 25 celcius) and cool in the night (about 5-10 celcius), so it's better to have a sleeping bag with you, if you are
traveling on your own. During June and July there may be quite a few rains, but the August and September are the sunniest months (more than 60% of the time there's no rain at all). In the Summer the snow is left only on the heights of 2600 meters and higher. The winds in the valleys are not very strong. So, to sum everything up, the best months for traveling at Altay in Summer are July, August, and first half of September: warm, sunny in the day, no mosquitoes.

The winter in Altay starts in October-November. That's when it starts snowing and the mountains are covering by snow from top to bottom. The best months for traveling in winter are November and December. During that time, there's mostly good weather and not very cold. The coldest months are January and February. The average temperature goes down to minus 15-20 celcius.

The coldest place at Altay is Chuyskaya steppe, which is along the way to Mongolia. After that, in February and March the weather is quite good again. There are a lot of activities possible, like skiing, auto tours, animal watching, and even swimming in frozen lakes. And, of course, the main activity: alpinism.The snow usually starts to disappear in the first half of May, so it is a beatiful Spring time in Altay at this period.Ethnography and Inhabitants. For innumerable centuries being the cross-roads of human migration, the Altai has a long and rich history. A lot of archaeological finds prove that.

Those of the Ulalite paleolithic site (in the town of Gorno-Altaisk) are 900-800 thousand years old. So, man's ancestors lived in the Altai long before the pithecanthrope of Java. The number of younger sites (mainly in caves) comes to dozens. So, going from cave to burial mound, from graffito to graffito you will get the stereoscopic picture of man developing from the Stone to Bronze and Iron Ages.

The modern population is a mixture of indigenous Altais and Russian settlers, some of the latter still leading in their villages the life of Old Believers, with strict rules and very much isolated from civilization. There are few remote villages in Altai where you can see wool being spun on a hand and hear traditional Altai throat singing (a very interesting and strange technique).Best Places to Go: Katun river starts its way near the highest point of Altai mountains (4620 m) and goes down through pristine alpine scenery, with a number of remote Altai villages along the way to Ob' river, that crosses the west Siberia from North to South and brings its waters to Karskoe more, in the ocean.

Katun river is very good for rafting as it offers many exciting routes and magnificient views at Altai mountains. Altyn-Kyol (in Russian means "Golden Lake") is the native Altai name for Lake Teletskoye. This lake is considered to be a smaller replica of Baikal lake, however, we would not recommend you to go there, because it is quite unaccessable and there are rumours that it is polluted by the remains of Soviet space ships that were launched in 80s from Baikonur space (in Kazakhstan).

Aktru glacier is a beautiful and the most accessible of Altay's glaciers. It is located about 500 km along Chuyski trakt, which leads to Mongolia. You can arrive to Aktru alpinist base and make short 1-day walks to glaciers. The walks are not hard and picturesque, so perhaps Aktru is one of the best place to visit in Altay if you have more than 3 days. Aktru is also loved by snowboarders who ride there even in Summer months. It is a remote area and very pristine and clean. The best place to rest from civilization and enjoy the nature.Beluha mountain is considered to be a sacred place.

Local people believe that Belovodie (the region around Beluha) is where the new civilization will start. However strange it may sound, but historical researches prove that many civilizations started their way from this region. It is hard to access Beluha by car, the nearest village is Tungur, where there's a good alpinist base, and Beluha is within 3 days walk (or 2 days horseriding) from there.The Cordon of Chelush is a lonely place on the shore of the amazing highland lake, not far from the mouth of a mountain river. It is only possible to get there by water or by helicopter.

The picturesque landscapes of the cordon may give a great pleasure to the real connoisseurs of Natural beauties and wonders. The Biya is the only river flowing out of Lake Teletskoye. A rafting journey down the Biya is considered a classic route of water tourism. The mixture of impetuous rapids and calm, extensive sections of the river allow enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes and at the same time receive a sufficient dose of adrenalin. Around 100-150 years ago there was a great mountain avalanche, but it couldn't stop the impetous Chulcha river and from a great height it falls down by cascades, forcing its way to the Chulyshman River – Uchar Waterfall (in Russian means "Unapproachable").

The Uchar Waterfall was discovered only about 20 years ago, so not many people have had a chance to see it yet. Tours at Altay Mountains - a list of recommended trips - click here Nearest Towns and How to Get There. Altai montains is a quite remote region. The closest big (more than 50,000 inhabitants) city is Gorno-Altaisk, located just at the beginning of Altai mountains, on Katun river. Slightly further is Biysk. Many tourists go to one of these two cities, and it is a big mistake. Gorno-Altaysk and Biysk are completely run-down Soviet style cities with quite depressive mood. Besides,
it's almost impossible to find a good guide from there.We recommend you to go to Barnaul, which is 300 km far from Altay. It is a beautiful nice provincial town, which surprises with availability of good-quality accommodation ($3/night for western-style shared room!), original restaurants, and friendly people.

Also, most Altay tour operators base in Barnaul, so it's a practical place to start your trip.Novosibirsk (around 600 km far), which is located on Trans-Siberian railway, can also be a good starting point.The most convenient way to get to Altay is to take a plane from Moscow to Barnaul (from $230 return, 4 hours flight) and then take a bus or personal mini-bus to Gorno-Altaisk. The cheapest way to get to Altai area is to take a train from Moscow to Novosibirsk (from $70 one way), then take a train to Biysk (through Barnaul - about 370 km and $5 one way), then take a car or a bus (cheap) to Gorno-Altaisk (just at the beginning of Altai mountains) and further - take local buses to Altai mountains along Chuisky Trakt (the auto-road that goes through Altay to Mongolia).

Activities & Traveling around Altay. Most outdoor activities can be practised in Altai: caving, climbing, mountaineering, trekking, hunting, rafting, paragliding, horse riding. Rafting has made Altai known not only in Russia and the Chuya Rafting Rally is an international event.

Video Tours

These are the videos of some St-Petersburg's sightseeing tours, you might find them interesting:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=qOJNOuCuUzI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijiEcsA291I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJK8GPnlPa8

Famous Hermitage Video Tour:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHSswzB1P_U

The tours offered by the MGU Russian Language Centre

The programmes of MGU Russian Language Centre include the following excursions:
Historical Center of Moscow: The Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Tverskaya Street - the main Moscow street

Group of buildings of the Moscow State Lomonosov University on Leninskiye Gory - word-class architectural accomplishment.


Also you can take part in other excursions, offered by our Centre:
Tsaritsyno - Estate-museum. Tsaritsyno is situated in one of Moscow’s most beautiful parks and has become beloved as a picturesque ruin and a memorial to imperial whims.
State Tretyakov Gallery - Russian National Art Gallery.

Kolomenskoye - Russian tzars palace.

"Kuskovo" - the residence of the Moscow princes, the remarkable monument of Russian art culture of XVIII century.
You just pay for the entrance ticket and a fare.


Information about other interesting places in Moscow and excursions you`ll find on the pages "Excursions" and "Activities". (http://www.rlcentre.com)