Just 260 kilometers north of Moscow, Yaroslavl is a world of its own. It is ancient and modern making it a perfect holiday destination for those who seek history among the luxuries and amenities of the modern world.

Yaroslavl has seen Slavs, Finn-Igor tribes’ fight for settlement along its river banks. It is the hometown of the Russian Bear as it was here that Tsar Yaroslavl fought a wild bear and named the city after himself.

Yaroslavl has wonderful sightseeing choices that have religious value. The Spassky Monastry, Saint Gates, Spaso-Preoprazhensky Cathedral, Church of Illia The Prophet and the Epiphany Church not only highlight the religious influences of the region but also display exquisite architectural wonders of Russian history.

The museums and old houses for public view alongside the modern parts of the city are equally astonishing. Yaroslavl has a number of well appointed staying options to suit most budgets.

Kazan the Islamic capital of Russia is a destination of immense beauty and architectural wonders. It was the strong hold of the Tartars for centuries until Ivan the Terrible conquered the city and sought the hand of the beautiful Soyembika.

The tower still standing within the Kremlin Walls has witnessed the suicide of Soyembika to flee the hands of her admirer Ivan. The Kul Shari was constructed to mark the thousandth anniversary of the state and is one of the most magnificent mosques this side of the world.

Kazan as a tourist destination has a number of museums, theatres, parks, cruises, nightclubs and places of religious interest to hold the interest of sightseers. Kazan retains the art of fine dining that is a rich part of the Russian history and culture and has some of the best regional cuisines on offer in many of its many tastefully done up restaurants.