Tourism

Tourism in Russia has seen rapid growth since the late Soviet times, first inner tourism and then international tourism as well, fueled by rich cultural heritage and great natural variety of the country. Major tourist routes in Russia include a travel around the Golden Ring of ancient cities, cruises on the big rivers like Volga, and long journeys on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway.

Most visited destinations in Russia are Moscow and Saint Petersburg, the current and the former capitals of the country. Recognized as World Cities, they feature such world-renown museums as Tretyakov Gallery and Hermitage, famous theaters like Bolshoi and Mariinsky, ornate churches like Saint Basil's Cathedral, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Saint Isaac's Cathedral and Church of the Savior on Blood, impressive fortifications like Moscow Kremlin and Peter and Paul Fortress, beautiful squares and streets like Red Square, Palace Square, Tverskaya Street and Nevsky Prospect. Rich palaces and parks are found in the former imperial residences in suburbs of Moscow (Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno) and St Petersburg (Peterhof, Strelna, Oranienbaum, Gatchina, Pavlovsk and Tsarskoye Selo). Moscow displays the Soviet architecture at its best, along with modern skyscrapers, while St Petersburg, nicknamed Venice of the North, boasts of its classical architecture, many rivers, channels and bridges.

Typical Russian souvenirs include matryoshka doll and other handicraft, samovars for water heating, ushanka and papaha warm hats, and fur clothes. Russian vodka and caviar are among the food that attracts foreigners.

• After you have read the texts be ready to describe Russia using the key points below:

Geographical location:

-location on the map of the world,

- geographical peculiarities,

- climate,

-natural wonders,

- big cities.

History:

-historical periods of national development,

- neighbours (allies and foes),

- historical events that “shaped” national culture and character,

- famous historical figures,

- present-day international relations with other countries.

Religion and national values:

-cofessions,

-the role of church,

-main religious holidays,

-modern traditional values and beliefs.

Modern life:

-rhythm and style of everyday life,

-national cuisine,

-globalization and its influence on everyday life of different groups of people,

-life of people belonging to different social/ age groups.

Arts:

-famous museums/ theatres/ architectural sights,

- specific cultural events,

-famous people.