Travel Guide Samara. Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels. Quick view Russia Travel etiquette Health

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1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels Shutterstock LH.com/travelguide 01/12

2 02 Quick view a brief overview Sprawling along the banks of the Volga River, comes into its own in summer, when a party atmosphere pervades on the sandy beaches that line the riverbank. The city was earmarked to be s emergency capital during WWII, but Stalin kept operations in Moscow, and grew instead into a major hub for the n space programme. It s one of the more easy-going n cities, with a collection of interesting museums and monuments and a famous brewery which made the nation s most popular beer in Soviet times. In June, music fans flock to for the Rock on the Volga festival, s largest one-day music festival. General knowledge Country overview is at once breathtaking, baffling and stunningly beautiful. Monumental in every respect, it's a land where untamed wilderness sits alongside bustling urban centres, and adventure lurks around every corner. From imperial splendour to icy Siberian tundra and from time-worn Soviet-era monuments to über-hip urban culture, is a land of contradiction and superlatives. For the first time in its history, is now wide open for foreign visitors to experience, and exploration beyond Moscow and St Petersburg is well advised. The Golden Ring, a collection of ancient gems, transports the traveller back to a bygone age. Geography The n Federation covers almost twice the area of the USA, and reaches from the enclave of Kaliningrad in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The border between European and Siberia (Asia) is formed by the Ural Mountains, the Ural River and the Manych Depression. All in all has 16 international borders with countries including Finland, Lithuania, USA, Japan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and China. European extends from the North Polar Sea across the Central n Uplands to the Black Sea, the Northern Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Siberia stretches from the West Siberian Plain across the Central Siberian Plateau to the Lena River and takes in the Sayan and Yablonovy ranges in the south. East of Siberia stretches the n Far East, a region almost as big as Siberia itself, running to the Pacific coast and including the vast Chukotka and Kamchatka peninsulas. Given the vast size of the country, 's terrain is hugely variable. From the Siberian tundra to the mountains of the Urals, the beaches on the Black Sea coast, and the plains of western, such variable geography means one can experience many different s. General knowledge Key facts Population: LH.com/travelguide 02/12

3 03 Population Density (per sq km): 8 Capital: Moscow. Language n is the official language, although there are over 100 other languages. English is widely spoken by younger people as well as some educated older people. Currency Rouble (RUB; symbol руб) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. uses a standard two-pin European plug. General business opening hours Mon-Fri , with a lengthy lunch break, usually from , during which no work is done - even telephones are left unanswered. Public Holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2019 December 2020 period Nowogodnije kanikuly (New Year): 1 to 6 January 2019 Roschdestwo Christowo (Orthodox Christmas Day): 7 and 8 January 2019 Den saschtschitnika Otetschestwa (Defender of the Fatherland Day): 23 to 25 February 2019 Meschdunarodny schenski den (International Women s Day): 8 March 2019 Prasdnik Wesny i Truda (Spring and Labour Day): 1 to 3 May 2019 Den Pobedy (Victory Day): 9 May 2019 Den Rossii ( Day, Republic Day): 12 June 2019 Den narodnowo jedinstwa (Unity Day): 4 November Nowogodnije kanikuly (New Year): 1 to 6 January 2020 Roschdestwo Christowo (Orthodox Christmas Day): 7 January 2020 Den saschtschitnika Otetschestwa (Defender of the Fatherland Day): 23 and 24 February 2020 Meschdunarodny schenski den (International Women s Day): 8 and 9 March 2020 Prasdnik Wesny i Truda (Spring and Labour Day): 1 May 2020 Den Pobedy (Victory Day): 9 and 11 May 2020 Den Rossii ( Day, Republic Day): 12 June 2020 Den narodnowo jedinstwa (Unity Day): 4 November 2020 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions It is customary to shake hands when greeting someone, though never across a threshold. Company or business gifts are well received; if you're invited to someone's home do bring a token gift, but avoid clearing your plate when eating; LH.com/travelguide 03/12

4 04 leaving some food is considered as a good sign. Conservative wear is suitable for most places women will need to cover shoulders and wear long skirts to enter an orthodox church and the seasonal weather should always be borne in mind. Smoking and drinking is acceptable unless stated otherwise. n society is still highly patriarchal and hierarchical; this may be reflected in chivalrous acts (men holding doors open for women for example) but it may also mean that women are taken less seriously, and engaging in 'unfeminine' behaviour may be interpreted wrongly, although being a visitor may get you some leeway. Be careful with gestures in, giving the 'thumbs up' sign is an insult not an 'OK'. Photography It is prohibited to take photographs of any military installation and/or establishments or sites of strategic importance. Failure to abide by this could result in police arrest. Health Health Main emergency number: 112 Food & Drink In general, does not pose any serious health risks when it comes to food. Use common sense and caution when deciding what might be safe to eat. Tap water is drinkable, although those with sensitive stomachs may want to stick to bottled water. Similarly, some may want to make sure that water used for brushing teeth or making ice has been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Be mindful that eating salads may have vegetables washed in tap water; you may want to stick to well-cooked meals for the duration of your stay. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other Risks Vaccinations are sometimes recommended for Japanese B encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Pismenny, Andrey Tashkentskaya St. 159 Tel Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone/Mobile Telephone Dialing Code: +7 LH.com/travelguide 04/12

5 05 Telephone When dialling the n Federation from abroad, the 0 of the area code must not be omitted. Most Moscow hotels have telephone booths with IDD. For longdistance calls within the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), dial 8 then wait for the dial tone before proceeding with the call. Collect calls, calls placed using credit cards and calls from direct dial telephones in hotels can be extremely expensive. International calls can be made from phones in the street and phonecards are available from many shops and kiosks in the street. For enquiries regarding Moscow private telephone numbers dial 09; for businesses, dial Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. All major cities are covered by at least one operator. Handsets can be hired from some companies and local SIM cards are easily purchased for use within if you have an unlocked handset. Internet Wi-Fi is available within most hotels in larger cities (although they may charge) and at internet cafes. Most connections will be either via dial up or broadband. Although does not ostensibly censor the internet, there is an internet blacklist of sites which you will not be able to visit from inside, which includes some independent news sites. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in Art Museum The city art museum is s premier cultural institution. It boasts an impressive collection of n art spread over an imposing neoclassical mansion on ulitsa Kuibysheva, an exhibition space on ulitsa Ventseka, and two historic houses in the nearby village of Shiryaevo formerly occupied by the n artist Ilya Repin and poet Alexander Shiryaevetz. Ulitsa Kuibysheva Tel: Sun-Wed and Fri-Sat Thu Stalin s Bunker Hidden away five storeys below the Academy of Culture and Art, Stalin s bunker was never actually used by the n leader, who elected to direct s campaigns in WWII from Moscow instead. Now accessible on organised tours, the bunker is an atmospheric warren of chambers and war rooms. Ulitsa Frunze Tel: Tours by appointment Volga Beaches LH.com/travelguide 05/12

6 06 The area of waterfront stretching north from the junction of ulitsa Leningradskaya and ulitsa Maksima Gorkovo is lined with sandy beaches, running into the cool waters of the Volga River. This is where locals come to unwind, and there are public changing rooms for those who fancy a dip. Corner of ulitsa Maksima Gorkovo and ulitsa Leningradskaya Zhiguli Brewery The name Zhigulevskoye has a special place in the hearts of many ns during the Soviet era, the beers made by the Zhiguli brewery were the only brews available in many parts of the country. Visitors come to sample the house beers fresh from the tap and snack on smoked fish at street-side kiosks while admiring the handsome 19th-century brewery buildings. Volzhsky prospekt Tel: Mon-Sat Sun Ploshchad Slavy s war memorial square is dominated by the towering Monument of Glory, topped by a gleaming silver statue of a naked figure bearing a pair of steel wings, celebrating the work done by the aviation workers of in WWII. From the square, there are spectacular views across the Volga. Chapaevskaya ulitsa Iversky Women's Monastery Founded in 1850, this handsome convent, also known as the Iver monastery, once housed 500 nurses, before it was converted into housing for brewery workers during the Soviet era. With its red brick facade and gilded domes, it's one of the most evocative buildings in the city, but currently, visitors can only view the complex from the outside. Volzhskiy prospekt, 1 St George Cathedral The attractively proportioned Orthodox cathedral of St George was actually a modern creation, erected in 2001 to replace an ancient cathedral that was destroyed in the Soviet era. In contrast to the graceful facade, the interior is rather austere, intended as a memorial to the war dead of. Chapaevskaya ulitsa Open for services LH.com/travelguide 06/12

7 07 Alabin Museum The city s museum of natural and cultural history is packed with interesting exhibits covering everything from medieval armour to dinosaur skeletons unearthed in the Zhiguli hills. It offers an entertaining walk through several hundred million years of n history. Ulitsa Leninskaya Tel: Tue-Wed and Fri-Sun Thu New Space Museum The Space Centre played a major role in the n space race, and it continues to launch government satellites. As a result, the actual launch site is closed to the public, but the New Space Museum explores the centre s many achievements, with plenty of space hardware on display. Lenina prospekt Tel: Tue-Fri Sat Sun War History Museum There is plenty of weaponry and military memorabilia on display at this interesting museum, but it's the propaganda-style war paintings that steal the show. The museum focuses on s role in WWII, when the city served as the reserve capital of. Ulitsa Rabochaya Tel: Tue-Fri and Sun Shopping in Shopping in Key Areas Shopping in is concentrated in the centre, particularly along Leningradskaya, the main shopping street. Markets You can find plenty of local produce in the bustling Troitsky Market on ulitsa Galaktionovskaya, with stalls piled high with smoked fish and local cheeses. Also look out for bits and bobs of old Soviet memorabilia. Shopping Centres LH.com/travelguide 07/12

8 08 Malls are proliferating around, with the usual mix of n and international chain stores and franchises. Megacity Mall on ulitsa Novo-Sadovaya and the Park House centre on Moscow Highway 81A have the best selection of stores and places to eat and drink. Restaurants Restaurants in n eateries dominate in, but it s easy to find pasta, pizzas and sushi, the fad that never seems to go away in. As elsewhere in, prices are high across the board and upscale places expect smart attire. Yar Set in a huge Hansel and Gretel cabin by the waterfront, this ritzy hotel restaurant is the place to come for a lavish dinner with a view. Ulitsa Lesnaya Price: Expensive Kipyatok A reassuringly old-fashioned restaurant in the centre, serving classic n dishes, washed down with traditional n drinks such as kvas (rye-bread water). Ulitsa Leningradskaya Price: Moderate Marlin A giant fish tank sets the scene at this Italian-influenced seafood restaurant, open 24 hours. Ulitsa Leningradskaya Price: Moderate Frau Muller A little piece of Bavaria transplanted to, with draught beers, hearty German stews and other bierkeller favourites. Ulitsa Novo-Sadovaya 184A Price: Moderate U Palycha The folk theme at U Palycha extends to live n music in the evenings, but most people come for the authentic n food. Ulitsa Kuibysheva 100 Price: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 08/12

9 Nightlife Nightlife in Nightlife in is busy and boisterous, particularly in summer when bar tents set up along the Volga beaches serving cold beers and shashlik kebabs.at other times of year, take your pick from ritzy clubs and cocktail bars with dress codes and face control, or more down-to-earth theme pubs and music venues. Art Terrace A funky terrace bar with Balearic aspirations and live DJs spinning tunes till late at weekends. Volzhsky prospekt Shannon Irish Pub A convivial theme pub that always pulls in a crowd, with beers on tap and plenty of Irish bric-a-brac on the walls. Ulitsa Krasnoarmeyskaya 1А Podval The rock comes hard and heavy at this boisterous guitar bar, which often hosts live bands. Ulitsa Galaktionovskaya Polet A lively student club with colourful drinks, enthusiastic DJs, energetic dancing and nightly dance parties. Ul. Lukacheva 44 Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre The most sophisticated night out in, with classical dance and opera in a grand setting on Kuybysheva ploshchad. Kuybysheva ploshchad LH.com/travelguide 09/12

10 10 Calendar of events Calendar of events Opera Festival In spring, s opera lovers are treated to a terrific musical programme, which follows a new theme each year. Typically, the festival starts off with three different operas and culminates in a grand gala concert, where audiences can enjoy arias and choruses from a huge variety of operatic works. March - April Venue: Opera and Ballet Theatre Grushinksy Festival There s a hippy feel to this music festival, which first took place in Originally set up to stage bard songs (often with anti-soviet lyrics), the festival now includes all types of music. Tens of thousands of people camp around Lake Mastryukovo, where a giant guitar floats on the water. July 2019 Venue: Lake Mastryukovo, around 50km north of International Volga Theatre Festival Theatre companies from and further afield, in particular youth and local theatre groups, compete for awards in this week-long festival. Prizes are up for grabs in the categories of best actor, actress, director, ensemble and scenic design in a passionately performed programme of plays. September Venue: Various venues Startfest s young, fit and beautiful mingle on the promenade for this multi-activity festival. Around 3,000 participants show off a whole smorgasbord of skills, from yoyo moves and finger skateboarding to parkour and breakdancing. There are prizes aplenty, and huge crowds cheering everyone on. September 2019 vk.com/startfest Venue: Promenade Alla Shelest Classical Ballet Festival Named after one of s 20th-century ballet greats, Alla Shelest, who performed over 40 leading roles, this annual festival showcases many of the country s finest dancers. Audiences can expect to enjoy exquisite productions of favourite and lesser-known ballets over several evenings. LH.com/travelguide 10/12

11 11 October Venue: Opera and Ballet Theatre Hotels Hotels in The arrival of international chains in has pushed local hoteliers to up their game, and the city has growing numbers of comfortable business-class hotels.most are out of the centre, in the modern suburbs that sprawl northeast along the Volga. Ost-West Club A sleek boutique hotel in the north of the city, with designer rooms decked out in earthy tones and neat grey pinstripes. Ulitsa Sadovaya 210A Category: Expensive Holiday Inn Guests are drawn to this thoroughly modern hotel by smart rooms with clean lines and a superior restaurant, gym and pool. Ulitsa Alekseya Tolstogo Category: Expensive Meridian A tall glass tower full of bright, inviting rooms in fresh spring colours, in a quiet location northeast of the centre. Ulitsa Revoliutsionnaya Category: Expensive Green Line Quiet, clean and comfortable rooms with a colour scheme that fits the name perfectly. Ulitsa Sovetskoy Armii 251/ Category: Moderate Oktyabrskaya Hotel A towering Soviet-style hotel near the city botanical gardens, with surprisingly comfortable rooms behind the austere facade. LH.com/travelguide 11/12

12 12 Ulitsa Avrory Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 12/12