Moscow, Russian Federation

 Currency: The rouble which has 100 kopeks. The rouble is not a hard currency. Its exchange rate is around 30 to one US dollar.

 Founded in 1147 by Prince Yury Dolgoruky as a hunting estate, this metropolis of 10 million inhabitants is the historic, political and cultural center of Russia. From its founding until the present, Moscow has been the focal point of Russia’s often agonizing history.

Situated on the Moskva River, the city radiates in circles outward from its center, the Kremlin. Within Moscow, there are numerous museums, palaces, churches, monasteries and other sites to delight the visitor. Moscow winters tend to be severe and the best time to visit the city is in the summer or early fall. All visitors to Russia need a valid passport and a visa that can be obtained from the Russian Consulate in their home country.