Moscow is the capital and most populous city of Russia with over 40 percent of its territory covered by greenery, it is one of the greenest capitals and major cities in Europe and the world, having the largest forest in an urban area within its borders, more than any other major city. Moscow is considered the centre of Russian culture, having served as the home of Russian artists, scientists and sports figures and because of the presence of museums, academic and political institutions and theatres.

Saint Petersburg is Russia's second-largest city after  Moscow, and an important Russian port on the Baltic Sea, it's one of the modern cities of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint Petersburg is home to The Hermitage, one of the largest  art museums in the world.

The Golden Ring is a ring of cities northeast of Moscow, These ancient towns, which also played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church preserve the memory of the most important and significant events in Russian history. The towns have been called "open-air museums" and feature unique monuments of Russian architecture of the 12th–18th centuries, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals, and churches.

Kazan is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan,  Kazan lies at the confluence of the Volga and Kazanka Rivers in European Russia. The Kazan Kremlin  is a World Heritage Site. The Russian Patent Office granted Kazan the right to brand itself as the "Third Capital" of Russia.

Sviyazhsk is a unique historical, architectural and natural landscape place, located 25 miles from Kazan in the waters of three rivers Volga, Sviyaga and Schuka (Pike). Founded by Ivan the Terrible as a powerful fortress, Sviyazhsk preserved numerous monuments of ancient architecture, Orthodox culture and history.

Velikiy Novgorod is also known as Novgorod the Great or just Novgorod, is one of the most important historic cities in Russia. At its peak during the 14th century, the city was the capital of the Novgorod Republic and one of Europe's largest cities. UNESCO recognized Novgorod as a World Heritage Site in 1992.

Kizhi is an island near the geometrical center of the Lake Onega in the Republic of Karelia. It is elongated from north to south and is about 6 km long, 1 km wide and is about 68 km away from the capital of Karelia, Petrozavodsk. Settlements and churches on the island were known from at least the 15th century. The most famous is the Kizhi Pogost, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Valaam is an island as well, it is best known as the site of the 14th century Valaam Monastery on Valaam Island and for its natural beauty. More than 480 species of the plants grow on the island, many of which have been cultivated by monks. The island is covered by coniferous woods, about 65% of which are pine. Ten species of mammals and more than 120 avian species call the archipelago home.

Pskov is one of the oldest cities in Russia. The name of the city, originally spelled "Pleskov", may be loosely translated as "[the town] of purling waters". Pskov still preserves much of its medieval walls, built from the 13th century on. Its medieval citadel is called either the Krom or the Kremlin. Pskov is exceedingly rich in tiny, squat, picturesque churches, dating mainly from the 15th and the 16th centuries.