The 2-sides of Russia

There are two sides to Russia: great cities Moscow and St. Petersburg, and quaint Golden Ring towns like Yaroslavl and Uglich. Spend several days touring the cities’ important landmarks: Moscow’s Kremlin, Red Square, St. Petersburg’s Catherine Palace, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage, and also discover the history and culture of Russia’s heartland.

Norse Heritage

Like Sineus, Truvor was a brother of Rurik, and was also among the first group of Vikings to travel to ancient Rus where the intrepid group settled. Truvor, whose name means "our faithful," took charge of Izborsk, an area near what is now Russia’s border with Estonia, controlling these lands for Kievan Rus. Yet within a few years of securing his territory, Truvor died. Rurik consolidated his brother’s lands into his own, further increasing the size and the strength of the Rurikid dynasty and the Russian empire. It was an empire than soon rivalled Byzantine in power and in status. The Rurikid dynasty reigned for more than 700 years.