The Soviet Union was not only the empire that held together different peoples, but is was the state which united diverse cultures, customs and traditions. The demise of one state led to the birth of 15 independent countries.

We invite you to get acquainted with three different countries of the former Soviet Union, their history, religion, originality and traditions. Discover how each country has coped with the demise of communism, and how the lives of ordinary people have changed. Russia with Kaliningrad, Moscow and St. Petersburg is a large and extremely culturally diverse country, with dozens of ethnic groups, each with their own forms of folk music, languages and religions. Just as Russia's rich cultural heritage has once more come to life, its treasures of nature are also waiting to be discovered. Few places can conjure up vivid images such as Russia with its rich history and unsurpassed beauty. Minsk, the capital of Belarus, and Kiev, the capital of the Ukraine show authentic and interesting sides of other Slavic nations.

Once the seat of Teutonic knights, grand Prussian city of Koenigsberg now offers a surreal, unique experience to the more intrepid traveler. Busts of Marx still line streets, and it’s not rare to find hard core communists still picketing government buildings for a return to the old days. Having been obliterated during the war, Kaliningrad can now boast a surprising number of attractive parks and gardens, some surviving remnants of the city’s German heritage and an interesting selection of war time monuments and museums. Having been closed to Western visitors for nearly half a century the city is a fascinating living lesson in history, and untainted by the development of Sheraton hotels and cheeseburger culture. Armed with patience, and a sense of humour, Kaliningrad is a challenging, unforgettable and ultimately rewarding destination.

Progress in Belarus has been sluggish compared with other independent nations of the former Soviet Union. Nevertheless, its countryside and wildlife are highly prized, and areas of special interest and beauty can be found everywhere.