The useful version of a Nizhny Novgorod Volga and Oka weekend feels as if it has been tested in the street, not assembled from a list of sights. In Nizhny Novgorod, that means starting with the high views where the Oka meets the Volga, then[...]
The notes I would give a first-time visitor are not complicated: begin with the contrast between Sulak Canyon views and the Caspian-side history of Derbent, keep the route honest, and do not make Dagestan carry more stops than the day can[...]
The notes I would give a first-time visitor are not complicated: begin with the cable car approach toward the high slopes of Mount Elbrus, keep the route honest, and do not make Kabardino-Balkaria carry more stops than the day can hold. The[...]
The useful version of Dombay as a Caucasus mountain weekend feels as if it has been tested in the street, not assembled from a list of sights. In the Russian Caucasus, that means starting with the Dombay valley and the first lift views toward[...]
The useful version of Teletskoye Lake and the softer side of Altai feels as if it has been tested in the street, not assembled from a list of sights. In Altai, that means starting with the lake shore, forested slopes and boat conditions at[...]