From its legendary onion domes and the Kremlin of Moscow to the striking landmarks and canals of St. Petersburg, Russia is a stunning blend of dramatic beauty and sweeping history. Moscow, the capital, has innumerable restaurants, a wide range of hotels from which to choose and a wealth of historically important monuments including the magnificent Red Square, the impressive Kremlin, and St. Basil’s cathedral. One of the other cities that receives many visitors is St. Petersburg, with its numerous canals bordered by palaces. This magnificent stylish city is an imperial capital that has much to offer. Officially proclaimed the “Cultural Capital of Russia”, St. Petersburg’s attractions include the Hermitage Museum and the Kirov Ballet of the Mariensky Theater.

While these cities are exciting in themselves, there are many historic cities and villages which can offer you the chance to witness the provincial Russia; to see a more traditional way of life.

One of the most comfortable ways to travel in Russia is to cruise along the entire length of the legendary Volga River from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The ships are beautiful and the outstanding meals and shore excursions are all included, offering very good value for the price. A typical itinerary would include the following stops:

Your fist stop is Moscow. The city was founded in 1147, is the capital of Russia and maintains its imperial history through its architectural splendor. It is marked by concentric rings that chronicle stages of the city’s growth. You will want to see Red Square, Moscow University, the Bolshoi Theater and St. Basil’s Cathedral with its onion domes, each differing in design and color. You’ll also want to visit Moscow’s famed GUM department store and take a ride on the city’s metro system. Another interesting thing to do in the evening is to attend the famed Moscow Circus.

Take time to tour the Kremlin’s fortified enclosure with its distinctive crenellated red brick walls, tall towers and many cathedrals and places, and then visit the Armory which holds a spectacular collection of royal treasures, including jewels, crowns and royal armor.

The next stop is Uglich, founded in 1148. It contains some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals. The magnificent Church of St. Dmitry was built on the site where the slain body of Ivan the Terrible’s nine-year old son was found.

Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise and is one of Russia’s oldest and best-known provincial cities. The Church of Epiphany and Church of St. Elijah the Profit are notable for their beautiful architecture and ancient icons and frescoes.

Quaint Goritzy is a typical Russian village and home to the 16th century Monastery of the Resurrection where Ivan the Terrible’s first and fourth wives were exiled. Not too far away is Russia’s famous Kirillov Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril with the building of two small wooden chapels, now housing an extensive museum.

Charming Kizhi is situated at the north end of Europe’s second largest lake, Lake Onega. There is an Open Air Museum of Architecture with dozens of buildings, wooden houses, windmills and churches. Here you’ll find the three-tiered, fairy-tale Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church, and the Church of the Intercession, built in 1764 without the use of a single nail.

Known as the “Blue Route” you’ll journey north from Lake Onega to Lake Ladoga on the narrow 130-mile long Svir River, Europe’s largest lake. Lake Ladoga spans nearly 7,000 square miles and boasts 700 islands. It is surrounded by natural beautify: high, craggy hills highlight the lake’s northern shore while the southern shore is lined with low, sandy beaches.

Arriving at St. Petersburg, you’ll want to tour The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, which includes the elegant Catherine’s Palace, named for Peter the Great’s widow, Catherine I. You won’t want to miss the venerable St. Peter and Paul Fortress, begun in 1703, which is also regarded as the beginning of the city’s history. The most important architectural feature of the cathedral there is its lovely golden spire. You can attend a ballet or opera performance at the Moussorgsky Theater. Tickets are hard to get at the last minute but can be reserved ahead of time.

A tour of the Hermitage Museum, located in the opulent Winter Palace, is a must. Home of the last six Czars, it features one of the world’s greatest collections of fine art. If you have the time, allow a full day to visit the museum.

Russia beckons and the best time to visit her is from May through September.