Cruise Russia and Ukraine

One of the best ways to see the splendor of the Russian and Ukrainian countryside is to cruise Russia or Ukraine by river or by sea. (Click on any map below to open a larger interactive map).   1. Russian Waterways Cruise: Moscow – St. Petersburg Cruise Russia for 10 days/10 nights from St. Petersburg to Moscow or in the opposite direction – Moscow...

Russian Fine Arts

Russian fine arts is synonymous with magnificent galleries and world renowned artists. From the icon paintings of 11th century Kievan Rus’ to the contemporary art of the 21st century, visitors are amazed to discover Russia’s rich and dynamic art history and culture. Russian Art Forms / Genres Purchase Russian Art Must See Arts Galleries Regional Fine...

Russian Ballet

Russian ballet, an art form inherited from Western Europe, has earned an international reputation of excellence. Very few nations have achieved so much in the development and innovation of the art. Prominent Russian composers, choreographers and dancers have long garnered high regard both at home and on the world stage.   History / Background Must See Ballet...

Russian Opera

Dating back to the mid 18th century, Russian opera was one of the first West European performing arts to be embraced by a Russian audience. Thanks to a long list of great Russian composers and talented writers, opera in Russia and Ukraine has since gained a high level of respect both at home and abroad. The following outline gives a summary of Russian opera from its...

Russian Drama Theatre

Russian drama theatre, while it gets less attention from foreign visitors than the other performing arts, is enriched in just as much tradition. Many classical Russian playwrights are as famous on world stages as they are at home, and many of Russia and Ukraine’s most historic theatrical buildings are used specifically for drama performances. For those less...

Russian Classical Music

Russian classical music has a proud history of celebrated composers, conductors and musicians. For aficionados of classical music and for those who will be visiting Russia and Ukraine’s historic concert venues, we’ve created a overview of this cherished art form. Included is a brief history of classical music in Russia, CDs, LPs and mp3s with the works...

Traditional Ukrainian Dance

Traditional Ukrainian dance is one of Ukraine’s most recognized cultural exports. Known and respected worldwide, audiences are not only entertained with the energetic, often fast paced dance, but by also by elaborate, hand embroidered costume and accompanying folk music. Today, Ukrainian folk dance is mostly performed as choreographed stage performances,...

Russian Holidays and Festivals

Russian holidays (and Ukrainian holidays) have come from a wide variety origins. The oldest festivals have their roots in both pagan tradition and Eastern Orthodox religion. More recent holidays had their start during the period of the Soviet Union. The newest holidays (with the least amount of tradition) were created following the breakup of the USSR and the...

Hero Cities of the Great Patriotic War

The title Hero City was given to 13 cities of the former Soviet Union. (To be precise, there are 12 Hero Cities and 1 Hero-Fortress). Each of the Hero Cities was honored for it’s great heroism, sacrifice and role in the eventual defeat of Fascist invaders during the Great Patriotic War. Of the 13 Hero Cities, 7 are in present day Russia, 4 lie within Ukraine,...

Ukrainian Folk Art and Handicraft

Ukrainian folk art, to this day, is an important part of Ukrainian culture and national identity. Many of Ukraine’s artisans still use traditional skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. Their handicrafts are widely recognized for intricate detail and design. Distinctive patterns consisting of of geometric forms and floral motifs are...