Russia is home to some of the world’s most iconic sites and attractions. The world’s largest country offers a wide variety of landscapes from vast deserts to icy glaciers. It also has major deposits of oil, coal and natural gas as well as many strategic minerals.

A trip to Russia is a truly epic experience. Whether you’re traveling by train from Moscow to St Petersburg, by plane for a short city break or by car on the Trans-Siberian highway, you’ll be wowed by this colossal land.

For most visitors, a visa is required for entry to Russia. Visas are obtained by applying to the local Russian embassy or consulate or online. Visa regulations are subject to change; however, as of this writing e-visas are available for passport holders from 52 countries including the US and UK.

With a coastline stretching over 23,533 miles (37,653 km), Russia has plenty of places to swim and take in the sea air. However, the country is most famous for its winter temperatures that can plummet to as low as -50°F. It’s a good idea to prepare accordingly with proper clothing, warm layers and plenty of thermals.

The country’s capital, Moscow, is a great place to start your Russia adventure. A walk through Red Square and the Kremlin is a must and then you can hop on one of the bridges that span the Moskva River to get a unique perspective on the city’s waterfront.

It is also worth checking out the Hermitage; a massive art museum started by Catherine the Great. There is a huge collection of paintings and other pieces of artwork from all over the world displayed here.

Another great thing to do in Moscow is the gastronomic tour of the city, which is a fun way to learn about Russian cuisine and culture. It is recommended that you try some of the traditional meals, such as borscht or blinis with salmon and caviar. The food here is quite delicious and will be a memorable part of your Russian adventure.

If you’re visiting Moscow, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable shoes and have some spare ones as you’ll be doing a lot of walking around. You may also want to pack some snacks in your backpack, such as a granola bar or a small packet of nuts, for the long train rides between cities. It’s always a good idea to take some warm clothes, as it can get cold in the mornings and evenings, even during summer months.

When visiting someone’s house, it is polite to bring a gift, so bring some “k chayu” such as sweets for the family to enjoy with their tea. It is also important to remove your shoes at the entrance of a Russian house. It’s also important to know that English is not widely spoken in Russia, so make sure you take a Russian phrasebook with you and brush up on your Cyrillic before you go.