Rest in Sochi

Kashirsky district

Tuapse district

Rest in Sochi

Russia is a country in two parts of the world, a state whose territory covers the sandy Baltic Spit and the rocky islands of Chukotka, stretches from the northern Arctic latitudes to the subtropics. Russia has unimaginable riches - cultural and historical heritage, protected forests and untouched expanses. Graceful streets of St. Petersburg and architectural monuments of Kaliningrad compete with the architecture of ancient cities - multi-domed churches and merchant houses, and the beaches of the Black Sea coast compete with the northern forests of Karelia and the ridges of the Ural Mountains.

Geography

Russia is the largest country in terms of area on our planet, occupying 17.1 million square kilometers. The state is located in Eurasia and covers both parts of the continent. About a third of the territory of Russia is located in Eastern Europe, and the rest of it belongs to the north of Asia. The Russian shores are washed by the waters of 12 seas belonging to the basins of the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the waters of the inland Caspian Sea.

Russia lies on large platforms, so its relief is predominantly flat. In the west of the country, the undulating Central Russian Plain stretched, separated by a ridge of the Ural Mountains from the Siberian Plateau. In the south of Russia are the mountain systems of the Caucasus with the highest point of the country - Mount Elbrus, Sayan Mountains and Altai. In the Far East, the peaks of extinct and active volcanoes rush up.

There are about 2.5 million rivers and 3 million lakes in Russia. Most of the rivers have a flat character, but in Russia there are also turbulent mountain rivers with rocky rapids channels. The largest rivers of the country are the Ob, Lena, Irtysh, Yenisei and Volga. The lake region of Russia is Karelia, here are the largest lakes in Europe - Ladoga and Onega, in Eastern Siberia there is the deepest lake on the planet - Baikal.

The flora of Russia is the velvet of mosses and lichens in the taiga tundra, coniferous forests surrounding the glacial lakes of Karelia, oak forests and birch groves, feather grass and fescue steppes, broad-leaved Far Eastern forests, subtropical flora on the Black Sea coast. Nature protection zones have been created in Russia, there are 42 national parks, 71 reserves.

Climate

The territory of Russia covers several climatic zones: arctic and subarctic on the shores of the Arctic Ocean and in the northern regions, temperate, subtropical on the Black Sea coast. However, most of the country is characterized by a climate of temperate latitudes: continental, temperate continental, sharply continental and monsoonal in the Far East.

In general, Russia has a long, snowy and cold winter. Depending on the region, average January temperatures range from 6 to -50 °C. Summer in most of Russia is moderately warm with an average temperature of 1 °C in the northern regions to 25 °C on the Black Sea coast.

Time

The territory of Russia covers 11 time zones:

Kaliningrad time - MSK−1 (UTC+2)
Moscow time - MSK (UTC+3)
Samara time - MSK+1 (UTC+4)
Ekaterinburg time - MSK+2 (UTC+5)
Omsk time - MSK+3 (UTC+6)
Krasnoyarsk time - MSK+4 (UTC+7)
Irkutsk time - MSK+5 (UTC+8)
Yakut time - MSK+6 (UTC+9)
Vladivostok time - MSK+7 (UTC+10)
Middle Kolyma time - MSK+8 (UTC+11)
Kamchatka time - MSK+9 (UTC+12)

Language

Official language of Russia: Russian. The subjects of the Russian Federation have the right to establish state and official languages ​​used on a par with Russian. The most common foreign languages ​​in Russia are Ukrainian, Belarusian and German. English is widely used in business and tourism, as a means of international communication, mainly in large cities.

Population

The population of Russia is 142 million people. About 80% of the population are Russians. In total, representatives of more than 200 nationalities and nationalities live in the country.

Currency

Official currency: ruble (RUB).

Customs regulations

Undeclared import and export of currency is limited to an amount equivalent to 10,000 USD. Duty-free import of goods for personal consumption is limited - alcohol and cigarettes: liters of alcohol, up to 50 cigars or cigarillos, or 200 cigarettes, or 250 grams of tobacco, as well as goods and things for personal use: clothing, toiletries, jewelry, photographic and film equipment .

Jewelry, artistic and cultural values, works of art, psychotropic and potent medicinal substances, ammunition and weapons are subject to mandatory declaration.

Connection

In Russia, cellular communication services are provided by more than a hundred operators, the largest of them is the so-called "big three" - mobile operators MTS, Megafon and Beeline. The rest of the companies have a much smaller number of customers and provide services in certain regions. SIM cards of the "Big Three" operators can be purchased everywhere - in stores, mobile phone stores, post offices.

The telephone code of Russia is +7.

To call Russia by mobile phone, dial +7-subscriber's number***

Mains voltage

Mains voltage 220 volts.

Tourism

In Russia there are opportunities for any kind of tourism. The rich historical heritage served as the basis for the creation of sightseeing routes and educational tours, the long Black Sea coast is a traditional region for beach and outdoor activities, ski resorts in Russia are rapidly developing. One of the main types of tourism in the country is health tourism. For centuries, a system of resort treatment has been developing in Russia - sanatoriums and spa hotels operate at the sources of mineral waters, therapeutic mud, in places with a favorable climate.

Traditions/Features. In Russia, many customs and traditions dating back to the depths of centuries have been preserved. Every spring in large cities and very small towns they see off the winter on a grand scale - they bake pancakes and burn a straw effigy of Shrovetide, in the summer they celebrate Ivan Kupala Day in the villages, but the main winter holiday is the New Year.

One of the main features of the Russian people was and remains hospitality, which is most evident in the feast. The traditional Russian meal includes first, second and third courses - soups and stews, baked poultry or meat, all kinds of pastries - pies and pies. Dishes of national cuisine in all their richness are presented in restaurants. Daily cabbage soup, roasts, sbitni and tinctures are served in the best establishments.

Safety

The safety of tourists in Russia is ensured by the forces of law and order. Since June 2014, tourist police units have begun to work in a number of regions, patrolling busy pedestrian streets, squares and parks.

In general, Russia is a safe country for tourists. However, in order to prevent unpleasant incidents, one should adhere to standard safety rules - do not leave personal belongings unattended, do not carry a wallet in the back pocket of your trousers or an easily accessible place, beware of deserted and unlit places at night, do not use the services of unofficial taxi drivers, do not exchange currency with individuals.

Documentation

The list of documents required during the vacation includes:

• Russian passport
• travel package or voucher
• health insurance policy
• if you plan to rent a car, you must have a driver's license

If a tourist will have a rest in a sanatorium-resort institution with medical procedures, then a sanatorium-resort book is needed, which can be obtained from a general practitioner.

Children accompanied by adults must have a birth certificate or passport, medical policy.

Important Phones

Emergency phone numbers in Russia:

• Fire Service - 01
• Police - 02
• Ambulance - 03
• Unified 24/7 helpline when calling from a mobile phone - 112

Tourism

The choice of tourist destinations in Russia is wider than anywhere else. Features of the geographical position and historical development allowed the formation of resort regions in the country, which are characterized by one or another type of recreation.

beach holiday. In Russia, there are many resorts offering a comfortable stay on the sea coast. The traditional region of beach tourism in our country is the Krasnodar Territory. It is here that the summer capital of Russia - Sochi, the famous resorts of Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse, Adler, the resort of Yeysk, located on the coast of the Sea of ​​\u200b\u200bAzov, is located.

Beach holidays are offered by Crimean resorts. Sanatoriums, resort hotels, private and city beaches stretch along the entire coast of the peninsula. The main destinations are Alushta, Evpatoria, Kerch, Koktebel, Saki, Sevastopol, Sudak, Feodosia, Yalta, Kurortnoe, Nikolaevka, Peschanoe and Shchelkino settlements.

Sanatorium treatment carried out in almost all regions of Russia. There are sanatoriums, resort and medical centers at the sources of mineral waters, therapeutic mud, in places with favorable climatic conditions. The most famous balneological resorts of the country are Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk and Pyatigorsk.

Rich traditions in the use of natural factors have been formed in the Crimea, especially in Saki and Yevpatoria, where the first mud treatment resorts were launched. Sanatorium treatment is carried out on the coast of the Krasnodar Territory, in the Moscow, Ryazan, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Tver and Tula regions, in the Urals. In the northern and northwestern regions of the country there are medical resorts Marcial Waters, Sestroretsk, Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk, the largest resort in Siberia is Belokurikha.

Excursion tours in Moscow, the Golden Ring of Russia, Pskov, Uglich, Veliky Novgorod, Vologda and Nizhny Novgorod allow travelers to get acquainted with the historical heritage of ancient Russian cities - ancient temples with gilded domes, ancient fortresses and castles, city mansions and merchant houses. Dozens of excursion routes run through the territory of Kazan, St. Petersburg and its environs - Peterhof, Lomonosov and Kronstadt. Cognitive tourism in the Crimea involves visiting royal palaces, nature reserves and cave cities.

Ski tourism in Russia is experiencing a rapid rise. There are large mountain systems and modern ski resorts on the territory of the country. In the Krasnodar Territory, on the slopes of the Main Caucasian Range, the Krasnaya Polyana resort is located. The level of service and the modern infrastructure of Krasnaya Polyana during the days of the Winter Olympic Games were appreciated by tourists and athletes from all over the world. The resort has the most modern equipment, slopes of various levels with a total length of 72 km, ski villages with comfortable hotels.

Among the high-mountain resorts of Russia, ski holidays are offered by the Dombay and Elbrus complexes, Abzakovo-Bannoye in the Urals. Each of the resorts has the necessary infrastructure, comfortable accommodation conditions.

Weekend tours. The most popular weekend destinations are the cities of the Moscow region, the suburbs of large cities in different regions of the country. Short stay programs are offered by tourist bases, sanatoriums, spa hotels and hotels.

Children's rest. Traditionally, summer health camps for children are located on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory - in Anapa, Gelendzhik, Tuapse and Sochi, in the Crimea - in the resorts of Evpatoria and Yalta, in the village of Peschanoe. Children's sanatoriums and camps are available in different regions of the country - Moscow, Kaluga, Leningrad and Rostov regions.

Leisure. There are many places in Russia where you can indulge in sports and active pastime, extreme tourism. Baikal attracts not only with its natural beauties, but also with the possibility of hiking, scuba diving, hunting and fishing, quad biking, cycling and horse riding.

In the warm season, trekking, horseback riding, and rafting are organized for tourists at the resorts of Gorny Altai, Dombay and Krasnaya Polyana. In Crimea, there are opportunities for mountaineering and hang gliding, climbing mountains, trekking, horseback riding, diving, sea fishing. Active recreational activities in the north are sleigh rides, dog or reindeer sledding. Conditions for active pursuits - hunting, fishing, hiking, cycling and horse riding are available in Central Russia.

Visa

To visit the Russian Federation, citizens of most countries require a national visa. Visa-free entry for a period not exceeding 90 days is allowed for citizens of the CIS countries (except Turkmenistan), Abkhazia and South Ossetia, a number of countries in South America, a number of Balkan countries.

The basis for obtaining a Russian visa for foreign tourists is an invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation or from a travel company that is included in the Federal Register of Tour Operators, which gives it the right to provide visa support to foreigners.

The most famous sights

• The Moscow Kremlin is the oldest territory of the capital, with an area of ​​27.5 hectares. In 1367 The Kremlin was surrounded by a brick wall. On the territory there are - Arkhangelsk, Blagoveshchensky, Assumption Cathedrals, the Faceted Chamber, the Senate, the Terem Palace, the Tsar Bell, the Tsar Cannon.
• The Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856. This is the largest museum in the world, which contains unique paintings by masters of the 10th-20th centuries.

• The Hermitage is the largest museum in the world, founded by Catherine the Great in the 18th century. The museum exhibits canvases by world-famous artists. In total, more than 3 million valuables are exhibited on the territory of the museum.
• St. Isaac's Cathedral was built in the 19th century by O. Montferrand - an outstanding monument of St. Petersburg. Its external architecture and interior decoration are impressive, in which all kinds of art are represented - mosaic, painting, sculpture. The main iconostasis is decorated with lapis lazuli and malachite columns.
• Tsarskoye Selo is a reserve in Pushkino, includes a large park and architectural ensemble of the 18-19 centuries, a country residence of emperors. The museum is located on 107 hectares, consists of the Catherine's Park, the Old Garden, the English Park, the Catherine's Palace, the Memorial Museum, the Hermitage Pavilion, etc.
• Peter and Paul Fortress - located on Zayachy Island, the oldest monument in St. Petersburg. Within the museum there is the Commandant's house, the museum of the city, the Grand Duke's burial vault, the Botanical House, the Engineering House, prison buildings, bastions, the Peter and Paul Cathedral.
• The Russian Museum was opened in 1895 by Nicholas II. Within the walls of the building there is a rich exposition of artistic values, a restoration center.
• The Yusupov Palace is the most beautiful architectural monument of the 18-19th century. The guests of the palace were the Queen of England Elizabeth II, the King of Greece, the Queen of Norway and other dignitaries. The building was built by I. Monighetti, J. B. Valen-Delamonte, the Shuvalovs, Branitskys, Yusupovs lived in it.
• The palace and park ensemble of Peterhof is a beautiful monument located not far from St. Petersburg, founded in the 18th century. On the territory there are the Lower, Upper parks, the Grand Palace, the largest system of fountains, water cascades, elegant sculptural compositions, bas-reliefs.

• Pshad waterfall is a unique natural structure. Located on the river Pshada and consists of a whole cascade of small waterfalls.
• The ruins of the old city of Gorgypia show the ancient ruins of the 4th century BC. Ancient foundations and cobbled streets have been preserved here. On the territory there is a large archaeological museum, where you can see the crypt of Hercules, the monuments of Mother Mary, the "Russian Gate" - the remains of a Turkish fortress.
• The local history museum of the city is located in the Shchetnev gymnasium. Visitors are offered an interesting exposition about the fauna, flora of Anapa, the history of the Bosporan kingdom.

• The Arboretum is the largest botanical park, a kind of open-air museum. The park presents unique samples of the flora of the Western Caucasus, as well as many southern states located closer to the equator.
• The Vorontsov caves are the largest underground agglomeration with a height difference of 240m. Some cavities are filled with water, and narrow passages sometimes make it difficult to move. In some compartments of the caves there are ancient sites of primitive people.
• The Sochi Art Museum is a major art center. The building exhibits paintings by Polenov, Aivazovsky, Shishkin, exhibitions of contemporary masters are regularly held.

• The Swallow's Nest is a well-known monument of history and architecture, located on the Aurora Rock, which rises 40 meters above the sea. The building is made in the style of a medieval knight's palace. The current appearance of the palace was acquired thanks to Baron Steingel.
• The Vorontsov Palace is located in Alupka, built from diabase, there is a beautiful park on the adjacent territory. The style of the palace combines English, neo-Mauritanian styles.
• Livadia Palace is the imperial residence. The castle was built in the Italian light style in the 19th century. Considered the most luxurious palace in Crimea, it is the venue for the Yalta Conference.
• Mount Ai-Petri is located on a plateau, has a flat top. The height is 1234 m. The mountain is considered a symbol of the southern coast of Crimea.
• Nikitsky Botanical Garden is a research institution working in the field of botany and fruit growing. There are several parks here - Montedor, Primorsky, Upper, which contain the richest collection of plants brought from all over the world. This is the oldest botanical park in the world, which has interesting architectural structures.
• Masandra Palace is a beautiful architectural structure that served as the residence of Alexander the Third. The building was rebuilt in the 19th century in the style of French medieval deputies. On the adjacent territory there is a magnificent park, which presents more than 250 species of shrubs and trees.
• Domik A.P. Chekhov - a memorial museum opened in honor of the writer in Yalta. The whole atmosphere of those times has been preserved in the house, Chekhov readings are often held in it with the participation of foreign guests, and excursions are held.

Gurzuf

• Richelieu House - erected in 1811 by the Duke of Reselieu in the form of a two-story stone building in European style. The duke rarely came here on vacation, and more often provided the estate to acquaintances. Pushkin, Raevsky and other notorious personalities were here.
• Korovin's dacha is the home of an outstanding painter who worked for a long time in Gurzuf. A beautiful building with clear geometric proportions in the style of constructivism.
• The watchtower is located on Cape Suuk-Su, it existed in the 6th century, when Byzantine legionnaires came to the land. The monument is often called the Geria Tower or the Eagle's Nest.

• Admiralty Cathedral in honor of St. Vladimir is located on the Central Hill, is considered the greatest Orthodox monument of the 19th century. The building has one massive dome, emphasizing the Byzantine architecture of the 9th-11th centuries. Instead of icons, marble slabs are placed in the inner halls.
• Malakhov Kurgan is a grandiose monument, where the Defensive Tower of the 19th century is located, the Museum of Heroic Defense and the Liberation of the City, memorial iron plates, cannons, a beautiful park.
• Chersonese is the oldest monument of Sevastopol, the ruins of an ancient Greek town of the ancient era, in which Vladimir of Kiev converted to Christianity.
• The Military History Museum in honor of the Black Sea Fleet is considered the oldest of the similar museums in the world. Opened in 1869, located in a beautiful building, it is a valuable exposition dedicated to the customs and life of the Russian fleet from the tsarist era to the present day.
• The Genoese fortress with the interesting name Cembalo is located at a height above Balaklava Bay. Founded in 1357, it has defensive walls.

• Mangup is a cave city of the medieval Crimea. Numerous caves have been preserved here, carved into the rock throughout the entire perimeter of the plateau.
• The Temple of the Three Horsemen is carved in a huge boulder. In the inner hall there is a fresco painting preserved from antiquity.
• The Bakhchisaray Palace is a beautiful architectural structure that was previously the residence of the Crimean khans. The building is considered the only surviving monument of Crimean Tatar architecture. The Palace houses a museum of culture and history, an exhibition of weapons.

• Arboretum is a unique nature reserve located on rocky-clay soil. Here is the richest collection of plants, shrubs, many of which are rare on the planet.
• Saki Resort Park was founded in 1890 by Melnichenko P.S. On the territory there are beautiful fountains, three lakes, diverse vegetation.
• The settlement Belyaus was discovered in the 20th century, it existed in the 4th-2nd century BC. BC. The monument is located on the Tarkhankun Peninsula.
• The excavations of Kerkinida were opened in 1964, they prove the existence of a modern city of Greek colonists on the site. 30 burials were found on the territory.
• Kizary - the oldest underground passages located under the old city. The tunnels carved into the yellow shell rock are considered an important value of Evpatoria.

• The Genoese fortress is the oldest monument of the city with beautiful strict medieval architecture. Today here you can see the Watch Tower, the mosque, the residence of the Genoese consul, the gates of the fortress.
• Church of the Intercession Ave. The Mother of God is the first architectural monument of the Russian era, which began after the annexation of Crimea. The building was built in the style of Russian classicism;

New World

• The Golitsyn trail starts at the green bay on the northern side of Khoba-Kai and leads to a natural grotto formed by sea waves in massive rocks.
• Chaliapin's Grotto is a small concert hall with excellent acoustics. The grotto reaches a height of 30 meters, in its depth there is a stage for musicians, and behind it is a small compartment for Golitsyn wines with preserved stone arches.

Suzdal

• The Kremlin is the oldest part of the city. On the territory there are the Nativity Cathedral, the Bell Tower, Nikolskaya, Assumption Churches, Bishops' Chambers. In the 11th century, the Kremlin was surrounded by an earthen rampart trimmed with clay.
• The Museum of Architecture is located on the site of the Dmitrievsky Monastery of the 11th century. The museum collection includes outbuildings, household items of Russian peasants.

• The horse yard is located in an 18th century building in the city center. The exposition consists of handicrafts - embroideries, carvings, wood painting, clothing.
• The Chernigov Skete is a cave monastery that arose in 1844. Today it is a functioning complex, where you can go on excursions in the caves.
• Sergiev Posad Lavra is the largest monastery founded by S. Radonezhsky in 1337. A place revered by the Orthodox, a spiritual center with a rich library of old books.

• Detinets or the Kremlin was founded by Yaroslavl. The first mentions in 1044 in chronicles. The highest tower of Detinets Kokuy, built in the 18th century.
• Hagia Sophia is a grandiose building of the century. The cathedral was built by Yaroslav the Wise as a temple for the whole city. The great bishops, princes, posadniks of the city found peace in its galleries.

• The Assumption Cathedral is the most important church in the city, included in all excursions around Vladimir. The cathedral was founded in the 12th century by Andrey Bogolyubsky to later become the main temple of the state.
• The Golden Gate was built in the 12th century. The building has a rich decoration, and was previously used for ceremonial entrances to the city.
• Vladimir Central is a well-known prison built by order of Catherine II. At one time, Frunze, Powers, Zoya Fedorova were kept in it. Since 1996 it has been a museum open to the public.

• Museum of the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery Complex. The architectural ensemble was built in the 12th century and is considered the largest of its kind. In the 16th century, the state treasury was located here, in 1612 the Headquarters of Pozharsky and Minin were located in the monastery.
• The Church of Prok Elijah was founded in the 17th century on the site of wooden churches at the expense of the merchants Skripins. The building is decorated with five green onion domes, covered galleries, a bell tower, Rizpolozhensky limit.

Uglich

• The Kremlin was founded in the 15th century by Andrei Bolshoi. The construction was surrounded by a high wall with two driveways and nine blind defensive towers. Today here you can see the chambers that belonged to Tsarevich Dmitry.
• The Church of Demetrius on the Blood was built in 1692 on the site where the prince died. The building is painted with red paint, the domes are blue with white ornaments, and there are rich murals of the 18th century in the interior.

Pereslavl-Zalessky

• Goritsky Monastery is a large architectural and historical museum. The exposition consists of furniture, church utensils, a collection of ancient icons, paintings by Shishkin, Benois, a valuable library of old books and a collection of wooden sculptures.
• Museum "Boat of Peter the Great" - the oldest building. The museum is notable for the fact that here on Lake Pleshcheyevo Peter the Great built a funny flotilla. Today you can see the monument to the king, the Boat House, the gatehouse, the Triumphal Gate, the White Palace.

Rostov

• The Borisoglebsky monastery complex was built on a hill surrounded by the riverbed of the Ustye in 1363 under the reign of Dmitry Donskoy with the blessing of S. Radonezhsky. It was he who indicated the place where the temple should stand.
• The Kremlin is the main attraction of the city with the Assumption Cathedral, five temples, powerful walls. Previously, the Kremlin was the episcopal residence.

Kostroma

• The Ipatiev Monastery is the greatest monument of Orthodox culture, built in the 13th century. At the construction site, Mikhail Romanov was elected to reign, so he is often called the cradle of the Romanov family.
• The fire tower is the most beautiful monument of Russian classicism, located on Susaninskaya Square. The building has the appearance of a temple of ancient times, complemented by a portico of columns and a pediment.

• The Vvedensky monastery complex was founded in the 19th century at the expense of Derbenev according to the original project of Begen P. Patriarch Tikhon served in the temple. In its halls are the relics of Blessed Alexy Elnatsky, St. Vasily Kineshma and 168 other saints.
• Bubnov Museum. The house was erected in 1860 for a merchant family and is located on the site of a city estate. The building has survived to this day and is open for tours.

• Lermontov's places are Pyatigorsk Boulevard, Lermontov's baths, Lermontov's House, Elizavetinskiy spring in Pyatigorsk, Mount-Koltso and other places connected with the poet's life in the Caucasus.
• The Castle of Treachery and Love is located in Kislovodsk - a natural monument of rocks, in the outlines of which mournful faces are guessed. The castle is located at the gorge of the river. Alikonovka.

• The Wrangel Tower is a grandiose historical building, the thickness of the walls and ceilings of which is three meters. In the 20th century, the building was no longer used as a fortification, today there are warehouses and wholesale stores.
• The Brandenburg Gate is a beautiful historical monument and the only gate of the city, which is still used for its intended purpose. The building was erected in 1657.
• The Cathedral is a beautiful architectural monument, a symbol of the city. It was built in the Baltic Gothic style and is one of the rare examples of the Gothic style in Russia.

• The Buryat village is located in Olkhon. This is a colorful open-air museum, visiting which you can get acquainted with the life and culture of the Buryats.
• Pillars of Huuhein-Khad is a particularly sacred place located in the Shumak valley. According to legend, you can see your future here.
• Ivolginsky datsan is an important monument of Buddhists. The incorrupt body of Khambo Lama Itigelov, who passed into nirvana in 1927, rests in a beautiful, colorful temple.

• The Valley of Geysers is the largest natural monument discovered in the 20th century. There are 22 geysers and numerous pulsating springs, mud pots, colored lakes with bubbling water.
• The Klyuchevskiy group of volcanoes united 12 volcanoes located on an area of ​​7,000 m². Here is the largest and highest volcano of the mainland, Klyuchevskaya Sopka.

Transport component

The transport system of Russia includes air, rail, sea and road communications.

Air transport. There are 236 airports in Russia, more than 70 of them have international status. The largest airports in the country are Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo and Vnukovo in Moscow, Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg, Koltsovo in Yekaterinburg and Adler in Sochi. Moscow airports are connected with the capital by high-speed aeroexpress trains. Russian air carriers carry out domestic and international flights.

Russian railways serve over 124,000 km of tracks. In large cities there are passenger stations, in small settlements - railway stations. Long-distance trains run between cities, and suburban electric trains also operate. A railway line of the Trans-Siberian Railway runs through the whole country, connecting Moscow and Vladivostok. You can get acquainted with the schedule of long-distance trains and suburban electric trains, you can buy a ticket on the Russian Railways website http://pass.rzd.ru

The total length of Russian highways is 1,000,000 km.

Sea transport Intercity and international passenger transportation is carried out. Marine stations operate in Sochi, St. Petersburg, Murmansk and Nakhodka.

Navigation is carried out along rivers and canals. The length of the river routes is 200,000 km.

Metro available in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, Kazan, Samara, Yekaterinburg and Novosibirsk. In each of the above cities, the metro has its own characteristics - for example, the capital has the most developed metro network, and the Novosibirsk metro has only 12 stations.

Ground transport in Russian cities- These are buses, trolleybuses, tram lines and fixed-route taxis. The most convenient and affordable way to move around the cities is by buses and minibuses. In each relatively large city there are bus stations or bus stations connected by direct flights with regional centers.

Taxi and car rental. Official and unofficial taxi drivers work in Russian cities, it is not recommended to use the services of the latter due to the high risk of being deceived or paying at an inflated rate. The dispatch desks of official taxi companies are usually located in the arrivals halls of airports, near railway stations and bus stations.

If you have a driver's license and at least a year of driving experience, you can rent a car. This service is offered by both large international companies Sixt, AVIS and Europcar, as well as small private companies. In most companies, the rental service with a return in another city is limited to a small number of settlements, or is not provided at all.

* payment in rubles at the rate of the Central Bank (+ 2%) on the day of booking

Information on the conclusion and termination of the insurance contract, the amount of insurance obligations, the actions of the parties in the event of an insured event, the procedure for paying insurance compensation and other necessary information for the insured tourist are specified in the insurance rules.

Beach tours

Choosing a hotel

Choosing a hotel with meals "All inclusive"

And what Russian does not like a freebie? Yes, actually, not Russian either. Maybe that's why we like to rest on the system so much all inclusive? After all, having paid the cost of the tour, you can spend a week or two in a hotel with all the amenities, without spending a single dollar in excess of the "paid" at home, which gives rise to a feeling of total free. But is everything always so rosy and simple? It turns out that it doesn't. All inclusive, it turns out, is different, and before dreaming of a carefree vacation, it would be nice to find out in more detail what kind of "everything" that is "inclusive" is.

Classics of the genre

Perhaps in the mind of any Russian tourist with the concept of "all inclusive" is firmly connected with the country called by professionals "Russian dacha" - Turkey. According to experts, more than half of its hotels and up to 90% of Antalya prefer the all-inclusive system. Therefore, using the example of Turkey, it is easiest to study the varieties of all inclusive.

First of all, let's dispel a common misconception: according to the all inclusive formula, not only expensive hotels level 4-5* and first class clubs. Absolutely any hotel from 2 * to 5 * can feed and entertain tourists without taking a penny in excess of what was paid in Moscow. The difference lies only in the quality and quantity of services included in the "gentleman's set".

Hotels of the 2-3 * level usually include three meals a day in the price. The difference from full board (FB) is the ability to consume local soft drinks and alcoholic drinks throughout the day (usually from 10 am to 10 pm) without any restrictions. The edibility of dishes depends on the skill of the cooks, but in any case, one cannot count on special culinary delights. Tourists are guaranteed a buffet with about five types of different salads and the same number of hot dishes. Plus some vegetables, fruits and pastries. In principle, everything can be very tasty, but by the second week of rest, the memorized menu no longer arouses enthusiasm, and one is drawn to eat somewhere on the side.

As for services not related to the process of eating, their diversity is also small. The minimum necessary beach equipment - sun loungers and umbrellas - is provided free of charge. Children are provided with a playground and a shallow pool, adults are offered only innocent entertainment in the form of table tennis. But the famous Turkish animation may not exist.

In 4 * hotels, the all-inclusive system implies 4 meals a day with the addition of a late breakfast or late dinner to the three traditional meals. The choice of dishes here is wider. In addition to vegetables for a snack, tourists are offered about 10 types of salads and the same number of hot dishes. Plus pastries, tea, coffee all day long. Non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks of local production are poured from 10 am until midnight, or even until two or three in the morning. Eateries and bars on the beach and by the pool are sometimes ready to offer free light snacks throughout the day.

The number of included services and entertainment is also increasing. On the beach, vacationers are given free not only sun loungers, but also mattresses, sometimes coupled with beach towels. Along with the outdoor pool, an indoor one is offered, and if you're lucky, then waterslides. The kids can be sent to the kids club, and adults are guaranteed rich animation and a disco. To table tennis is added a large one, as well as a gym, volleyball and other sports, of course, with free equipment. Finally, any Turkish 4-star hotel with an all inclusive system provides guests with the opportunity to take a steam bath in a Turkish bath or sauna.

"All inclusive" in 5 * hotels is not too different from the 4-star option, although there are nice "appendages" here. So, some hotels give their customers not only local, but also imported drinks to drink, others serve ice cream to vacationers throughout the day. A Jacuzzi is usually added to the bath and sauna, and beach towels are not a pleasant exception, but the rule. Water activities are replenished with free canoeing and catamarans.

Little tricks

As you know, the rule is the rule, so that there are exceptions to it. This statement fully applies to the all inclusive formula. In addition, there are no standards as such here, since each hotel develops its own all-inclusive system, focusing on the experience of competitors and its own imagination.

First of all, the quantity and quality of services provided by a hotel or clubs depend not so much on their "star rating" as on the cost of living. According to travel agency managers, a decent 2 * hotel can provide excellent four meals a day, while hotels with three "stars" on the facade sometimes offer only three meager meals a day. The quality of all inclusive, as it turns out, is also determined by the level of the hotel staff. So, connoisseurs of Turkey claim that the food in the hotel is much tastier than in, although both hotels deservedly received their 5 "stars". The secret behind this difference is simple: Papillion Belvi has a great chef.

And you are not accidentally interested in the question: how do hotels that include food and drinks in the price not go bankrupt from the immoderate appetites of tourists? It turns out that human gluttony has its limits, so that the average vacationer easily fits into the cost of a tour. Nevertheless, many hotels come up with their own, unprofitable ways for tourists to save money. For example, in inexpensive 2-3-star hotels you should not even count on diluted juices, most likely you will simply dilute a powder like Zuko. Another common technique is when uneaten food during breakfast is transferred to lunch, and from lunch to dinner. Also, savings are achieved by reducing the number of service personnel, which tourists feel because of rare and poor-quality cleaning. Therefore, we do not get tired of warning you: when choosing all inclusive, take an interest in the details of the service typical for the hotel you like.

Who is bigger?

There is no limit to the imagination of Turkish hoteliers! In an effort to emphasize the elitism and exclusivity of expensive 5-star hotels, they brought out a completely unusual species improved formula "all inclusive": ultra all inclusive, maximum all inclusive, superior all inclusive, imperial. Moreover, the difference between all these bells and whistles is illusory, that even professionals have difficulty distinguishing one advanced system from another. What a tourist!

We advise you not to get hung up on elusive details, but to look at the root: any kind of "super all inclusive" implies that by paying a decent amount, you can not pay for anything else - of course, if the client does not need any special delights.

They feed at improved all inclusive actually around the clock. Breakfast flows smoothly into brunch, followed by lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, late dinner, and in between - snacks, pastries, ice cream, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, both local and imported. Moreover, in addition to the usual Swedish, many hotels offer to use the services of an a la carte restaurant with Italian, French, Chinese cuisine. True, you will probably have to book a table in advance, and the number of free visits to such restaurants is likely to be limited.

To the traditional free baths, various sports, including water sports, and super-saturated animation, a lot of local "chips" are added. Which - entirely depends on the hotel. Possible options: free tennis and dance lessons, bowling, Internet cafes, water slides.

Well, isn't it a fairy tale? The only downside is that tickets are expensive.

Modestly, but Europe!

Russian tourists, spoiled by Turkish excesses, tend to stay in a hotel with all inclusive in Europe. And here we are in for disappointment. For Europe, the all-inclusive system is like a pineapple for Russia: with a strong desire, you can grow it, but it will come out sour.

The reason lies in the very nature of all inclusive, which arises and blooms in full bloom where the vacationer has nowhere to go out of the hotel. In Europe, everything tourist centers abound with all sorts of cafes, restaurants, discos. As the manager of one of the travel agencies rightly noted, resting in or Italy and constantly hanging around in a hotel is just a crime. Therefore, Europeans consider all inclusive to be an unnecessary excess and are used only in exceptional, club cases (for example, the well-known Club Med chain).

European hoteliers, especially Spanish ones, have a peculiar idea of ​​the "all inclusive" system, often offering to choose from breakfast, half board and all inclusive. Those who pay "all inclusive" hotels give out bracelets or other insignia. At the same time, all inclusive is very similar to a full board, since the "marked" tourists are fed three times a day, however, during the day they drink local soft drinks and alcoholic drinks. Simple entertainment in the form of water aerobics, tennis and saunas are added to the diet. Animation is usually common to all. However, in Europe, in hotels 3 * special entertainment is not provided at all.

In , where unlike hotels have private beaches, free sunbeds, umbrellas, canoes, sometimes surfing, as well as a variety of beach sports games are added to the set described above. According to the all-inclusive system, club hotels from 3 * to 5 * operate in this country, and on the toe of the "boot" - in Calabria.

In the last year or two, the all inclusive formula began to develop in Cyprus and Bulgaria. Moreover, in both states, hotels from 2 * to 4 * are "included in everything" in the cost of a voucher, but 5-star hotels still prefer half board.

The Cypriot all inclusive is closest to the Turkish one, the difference lies in the limitation of meals to three meals a day. Just like the Turks, Cypriots serve drinks, snacks, ice cream throughout the day. 4* hotels offer free sauna, gym, jacuzzi and even tennis lessons. However, Cypriot all-inclusive hotels can be counted on the fingers - about one or two for each resort.

In distant countries

IN last years the all inclusive system is actively spreading in Egypt. However, as they say in travel agencies, this African country is still very far from Turkey. Firstly, there are still few hotels operating on the all-inclusive system. Secondly, often hotels offer both half board and all inclusive. In this case, the principle of "all inclusive" is actually reduced to a full board. Therefore, adherents of all inclusive should choose a hotel that works exclusively on this system.

Since Egypt has only recently entered the all inclusive path, uniform rules have not yet been developed here. So, an expensive 4-5 * hotel may not include the use of beach towels or a gym in the price of a voucher, but it will give out free slippers for walking on corals and offer a lot of sports entertainment. The weakest point of the Egyptian all inclusive is food. Even 5 * do not guarantee a truly delicious buffet, and bars and restaurants on the seashore can not always boast of a rich assortment. Finally, Egypt is a Muslim country, you should not count on good booze.

But in Tunisia, all inclusive and ultra all inclusive are fully consistent with the Turkish counterpart, especially since there are several hotels of the famous Turkish chain in Hammamet Magic Life. Unfortunately, a small number of hotels operate on the all-inclusive system, but the whole range is represented - from 2 * to 5 *.

You can really roam in hotels with all inclusive in Central America. It is distributed primarily in sparsely populated regions: on the Riviera Maya in Mexico, almost everywhere in Dominican Republic, in Cuba away from Havana and Santiago de Cuba. The main distinguishing feature of the Latin American all inclusive is a huge selection of all kinds of entertainment, including horseback riding and water sports sports, as well as excellent cuisine and a full range of local and imported alcoholic beverages, including cocktails. In some hotels you can smoke local cigarettes and cigars for free, however, in limited quantities. The maximum choice of the benefits of civilization is offered by hotels of the Iberostar and Sol Melia chains.

Olga Ivashchenko
CHUK and GEK / August / 2002

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