Russia: Land of Contrasts and Rich Heritage

Russia, the world's largest country, offers travelers an amazing mix of history and natural beauty. From the iconic Red Square and the magnificent Kremlin in Moscow to the beautiful architecture of St. Petersburg—often called the Venice of the North—visitors find cultural treasures everywhere. The Trans-Siberian Railway takes you on an epic journey across this vast land, while Lake Baikal, Earth's deepest lake, shows off Russia's breathtaking landscapes. Throughout the year, Russia celebrates traditional festivals like Maslenitsa (Pancake Week) in February/March and the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg during summer when the sun barely sets. Art lovers will enjoy the famous collections at the Hermitage Museum, while history fans can explore centuries of Russian heritage at many historic sites. From St. Petersburg, the most popular port, travelers can easily take ferries to Helsinki, Finland, and other Baltic destinations, making Russia a great starting point for European adventures.

Discover Latvia's Vibrant Baltic Charm

Latvia offers a captivating mix of medieval history and modern Baltic culture. This small yet lively country features Riga, its capital, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings and the famous House of the Blackheads. Nature lovers will enjoy Latvia's clean Baltic Sea coastline, thick forests covering almost half the country, and the scenic Gauja National Park. The country celebrates the Summer Solstice festival of Jāņi in June and hosts the amazing Song and Dance Festival every 5 years. Latvia's location makes it a great starting point for ferry trips to nearby countries like Sweden, with regular boats from Riga to Stockholm. Travelers can also easily visit Estonia to the north and Lithuania to the south by land, making Latvia perfect for exploring the wider Baltic region.