Visiting Russia is a wonderful opportunity to explore a vast array of exciting and ancient cultures, from the glittering imperial Russia of St Petersburg to the timeless village life of Siberia and Irkutsk. Today's Russia is a country filled with great diversity and an exciting enrrgy. It is as if the cultural traditions of a century ago have re-awakened with a newfound strength - ancient cathedrals are being rebuilt and restored, colourful markets hum with activity once again and literature and the arts are quickly regaining the creative renown they enjoyed decades ago. A new Russia is now in full bloom.

Most of us know Russia only by the names of its European cities like Moscow and St Petersburg and then only from glimpses seen on the television. It is a country that spans eleven time zones and two continents and within this vast expanse lie the largest freshwater lake in the world, rivers and forests teeming with fish and wildlife, awe inspiring volcanos and towering mountains. Russia is the largest country on Earth, with enormous tracts of land that have been opened to travellers only in the last few years.

Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, so has its food and the cusine of a new country waiting to be discovered.