Irkutsk (Ирку́тск) is one of the largest cities in Siberia and the administrative center of Irkutsk Oblast, Russia. The city is situated about 3220 miles from Moscow, Russia’s capital city. As of latest measurement the city Irkutsk has a population of 610 thousand people.
The city of Irkutsk is situated about 37 miles from the world famous Lake Baikal, and lies along the banks of the Angara river at the confluence with the Irkut river, therefore it’s surrounding nature is beautiful and always in continues growth. How beautiful you might think? Just consider it reviewing the many nicknames this city has gathered including the capital of Siberia, the pearl of Siberia, and even Paris of Siberia. Further more is the city lighthearted and sunny with historical 18th century buildings and delicately sculptured wooden houses, as well brick mansions which were built about centuries ago in combination with as locally known “lace” sculpture giving them touch of Italian Renaissance.
The city is filled with history and culture, which mainly can be seen in the many museums throughout the city including; The City History Museum, The Geology Museum, The Irkutsk Regional Museum, Sukachev Art Museum and the The Sukachev Estate. As unique extra, there’s a small tucked away residential area named Nerpinary which is home to two Baikal Seals. For a tiny price, you see the seals perform a presentation and paint a picture, which later on you can purchase. Local citizens and experienced travelers agree upon the fact that Irkutsk, in many ways is the heart of Siberia. As many citizens say it beautiful “To miss seeing Irkutsk is to miss Siberia.”
Russian tourist visas are issued to tourists looking to visit Irkutsk for a duration of 14-30 days. The total validity for a trip to Irkutsk or any part of Russia cannot extend longer than 30 days. Americans can obtain their tourist visas from the travel agency which can also provide them with other supporting documents such as tourist acceptance confirmation and the tourist voucher, both containing the signature of the hosting travel agency.
Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, as well as the largest city in all of Europe. It ranks among the largest urban areas in the world and is home to around 12 million people. The city is Russia’s economic, cultural, educational and communications center, easily accessible from all parts of the country due to its location in the Central Federal district on the banks of the Moska River.
Moscow’s pre-Soviet era art and architecture stands with modern monuments, testaments to the success of Moscow’s rapid shift towards modernism. Despite the push towards Western ideas and trends, Moscow still likes to look back and appreciate its past, personified in the renovation of old historical structures such as the Bell Tower and the ever-dominant Red Square and the opening of cultural establishments such as the Moscow International Performing Arts Center. The people of Moscow are laid back and friendly, the main reason for the city’s bohemian flavor further enriched by the locals’ love for art, as seen in the many art galleries sprinkled all over the city.
Getting around Moscow can be done by car or by train. A ride on the Moscow Metro is already an attraction unto itself. Other options include trams, trolley, buses and route taxis. Tourists may also fall victims to bad cops who are on the look-out for tourists to bribe. The best way to handle this is to call your embassy. Pretending that you are doing so is usually enough to make your dirty cop back off.
Russian tourist visas are issued to tourists looking to visit Moscow for a duration of 14-30 days. The total validity for a trip to Moscow or any part of Russia cannot extend longer than 30 days. Americans can obtain their tourist visas from the travel agency which can also provide them with other supporting documents such as tourist acceptance confirmation and the tourist voucher, both containing the signature of the hosting travel agency.
