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1914 S Power Rd

Mesa, AZ 85206

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Just got back from Norwegian cruise booked through Terra Travel - great experience! They kept me in the loop while making the arrangements and stayed in touch right up to the point when I left. Will work with them again.

Terra Travel did nothing special for our trip to a Egypt! They told me they will work with an agent in Egypt and get back to us with prices. It took them three weeks and said we should have prices soon. Also, told me the Nile River Cruise does not run in July and August because of the heat. The earliest would be in September. I found a very reputable Travel company online that organized the entire trip and had prices for airfare in seven days. Plus the Nile River boat cruise was operative in August! I had, also, walked in and asked for brochures. The manager told me they didn't have anything for Egypt and to look online! Terrible service! And would definitely NOT recommend Terra Travel!

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Aug 6, 2024

This review was paid for by Yelp's evil management

Went to the website and placed a request to work with an agent reference an Asia trip for mid-2024. A lady from Terra Travel, working from home in Yuma, AZ, called me on 11/22/23 and I spoke to her for over 30 minutes, giving her every single detail of our trip. She seemed excited and said she'd call us back at 1pm on 11/28/23. It's now 12/8/23 and I'm still staring at my phone waiting for her call. I'll save her the trouble, please don't call me, I went with another agent. Not sure how this company gets 4.9 on Google if this is the quality of service they provide.

Fabulous planners with unique ideas...I've been so surprised with their selections. Simply the Best.

Fabulous at making plans for you that will delight and surprise you. Paul and his team have been everywhere and they know beautiful little places that simply are the secret haunts of the locals. He had never disappointed me.

Stephanie has been our personal travel agent for over 11 years. She has assisted us with planning numerous cruises and vacations. Stephanie is experienced and very knowledgeable of the companies who provide excellent service along with the details of cost and insurance. She is thoughtful, professional, honest and pays attention to details that we might not think of. With Stephanie's planning, our trips go without a hitch and if there is any difficulty, she responds immediately by phone and is a WONDERFUL advocate. Stephanie is a TREMENDOUS asset to Terra Travel! How fortunate for you that she is on your staff. Wilson & Elaine Coulter Roswell, GA

Never even received a return email after I emailed two different travel agents. Booked my vacation with Bliss Travel Agency instead. She was prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with.

Business Owner

Jul 31, 2014

As the President & Owner, I certainly apologize to Brandon for the confusion with the e-mail addresses and have contacted him over this situation. One of the addresses Brandon e-mailed, the agent had just resigned from my company and the other agent was swamped handling all the business at that time of the year. We have since resolved the e-mail issue that caused this mixup with newly hired Travel Consultants. We're sorry that this occurred and hope Brandon will gives us a try in the future.

Walked in 2 ladies were very friendly. Jill said she would help us. We told her what we wanted. She literally scribbled it on a piece of paper said she understood exactly what we were looking for. We have been to travel agents before so we figured she would fine us 2 or 3 places then call and ask us to come in and show us. WRONG! She emailed a couple days later with a name and told us to look it up to see if we liked it. Each time she did this she would say I think I found exactly what your looking for. The whole purpose going to her is because I just thought she could get us a better deal and had better connections. Anyway turned her down on all and then she sent places we told her we didn't want to go. Never heard from her again. I was always nice but that was not perfessional . I ended up finding a wonderful place on my own. So Thumbs down big time for Terra Travel if they are going to have people like Jill working there. If I could give them a F for failing I would.

Jan 23, 2022

Your paid review is appreciated. We appreciate you responding to our request for a review. Your reviews for cash service is the best.

In a nutshell: I sought out a travel agent because of inter-country Eurpean travel. In the future, I will seek out a different travel agency and cannot recommend Terra Travel to others. I traveled with a cousin to Italy & Spain for a family reunion. Started off talking with the owner, but without notice, all follow up was with a less experienced agent. REPEATEDLY asked the agent to verify separate beds in our two hotel rooms. She said the first was no problem, the second was based on availability. The second was a modern Marriot hotel, absolutely no reason why two beds couldn't have been reserved up front, instead of wasting time getting a double room at a midnight check-in. Asked about a day trip to Tangier, Morocco. Very little experience in the office and had to be turned over to their "Destination Specialist". After a month, they STILL didn't have any information. On one leg of flights between Italy & Spain, we were seated in different rows. The plane wasn't close to being full, there was no reason for us not to have seats together. There were discrepancies between what I had been told and what the itinerary showed, so multiple emails to clear up the details. We had asked for upgraded seats on the over-the-ocean flights. The agent booked coach seats and then tried to upgrade, was denied the upgrade without cancelling the flights & rebooking, for a fee $1400. So we were stuck with the coach seats. If she had booked the upgrade originally, it would not have been an issue. Was then told she was able to upgrade the return flight over the ocean. This was then changed by British Airways & the seats were no longer available. What??? Overall, we got to where we needed to be, when we needed to be there. Had a great time with family & friends due to the plans WE (family & friends) had made. Never got the warm & fuzzies from this agency, never felt confident that the plans were going to go off without a hitch. On a positive note, I did have numerous questions, and my emails were answered promptly, just not necessarily to my satisfaction (ie the room/bed situation). For some reason, I was also expecting a last minute "have a great trip" email, which didn't happen. I did receive a "thank you" several weeks after the trip. I've gotten into the habit of booking domestic flights myself. If this trip had been to Italy only, I would have felt very comfortable booking them myself. I will not use Terra Travel again.

Your paid review is appreciated. We appreciate you responding to our request for a review.

Booked a trip to Hawaii with another couple then I became ill and couldn't travel so asked Terra to downsize condo to 1 bedroom instead of 2 in order to save $1000.00.Told me there were no 1 bedroom condos available but yet according to the place in Hawaii,they had several.Never offered travel ins. or even knew there was such a thing until after.Would advice anyone using Terra to ask many questions,dot their i's and cross their t's.Granted there was only a couple day notice that I wasn't going but they could have offered to cancel the reservation and book with another condo place but it was to much trouble for them I guess.

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115 Rue St Joseph, Gracefield, QC J0X 1W0, Canada

The Best Travel Photography of 2023

There's nothing quite like the power of a photograph to truly capture the heart of a place—and awaken the travel bug inside us all. But with social media inundated with images of far-flung destinations, the search for high-quality travel photography can often be a tougher pursuit. So, in place of scrolling, why not let an expert panel of judges filter out the best of the best for you?

This week, the international Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards announced their 2023 winners, selected from more than 20,000 images taken by amateur and professional photographers from over 150 countries. The judging of the competition takes place over three rounds; all 16 judges are leading photographers or experts in the field and are not made aware of the identity or nationality of any entrants.

Ranging from ethereal landscapes of the Italian countryside to striking portraits in Pakistan and Russia , the winning shots—including the celebrated work of Travel Photographer of the Year AndreJa Ravnak—reflect a “subtle elegance," says TPOTY founder Chris Coe.

"This comes through in both of AndreJa’s winning portfolios; one takes us into simple landscapes, with delicate colors and a textural beauty, the other into the hop fields, out of season and undressed ready for the next planting," Coe says. “Neither are obvious subjects, neither photographed at an optimal time of year, and yet they are both engaging and rather beautiful.”

Ravnak's winning submissions consists of eight shots photographed in the farmlands of Italy , the Czech Republic , and Slovenia .

“From my personal experience, I know it's not easy to judge photography. Images are not measurable, so being a judge is a complex task and responsibility,” says Ravnak, a professional architect from Slovenia. "Congratulations to all the winners; together, we are enthusiastically documenting this wonderful world, and perhaps this is a small contribution, a reminder to preserve its wonder for future generations.”

Below, see the 2023 winners of the Travel Photographer of the Year (TPOTY) awards, featuring Japan's Lake Shirakawa , volcanic eruptions in Iceland , Shamanic rituals in Siberia , wildebeest migration in Kenya —and more.

Near Pienza, Tuscany, Italy

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “Early in the spring, the first rains allow wheat to grow in the rolling fields. Due to the cold nights, the landscape is often shrouded in beautiful mists on clear mornings during this period. This agricultural landscape is sparsely populated, with land being used to its fullest potential. Farms are located on the top of individual hills.”

South Moravia, near Kyov, Czech Republic

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “In early spring, the soil is still too cold for growth. An interesting pattern occured while a new orchard was planted on the slope of the hill, making the scene very abstract.”

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “In search of suitable land for cultivating fertile soil for agricultural purposes, humans have sometimes covered entire hilly landscapes with fields. Hills without natural vegetation are very exposed to erosion, which creates unusual waves on the slopes. This agricultural landscape looks like a soft, undulating carpet, completely otherworldly, as if it had been created by AI. In addition to erosion, the problem with these intensively cultivated areas is also the increasing exhaustion of fertile soil.”

Savinjska valley, near Zalec, Slovenia

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “A tractor driver maneuveres a high trailer with a crew of workers on top, manually tying strings to steel cables for hop growing. In the spring, the fields must be prepared for a new season and new strings must be strung. The process is done by hand, but there is not enough interest in this type of work in Slovenia, so hop growers hire workers from abroad every year. Seasonal workers from Romania are regular visitors to the Savinja Valley.”

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “When the hop strings are hung on the top steel cables, an unusual curtain of threads is created in the fields. The threads dance in the wind and sparkle in the sunlight. They look like some kind of unusual art installation.”

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “The freely hanging strings need to be stretched and anchored in the ground. This is done by hand and is more often done by women. Here, Aurora, a woman from from Romania, is in a good mood, as the work team has a radio with them and they are playing Romanian music in the field.”

Savinjska valley, near Braslovce, Slovenia

Overall Winner—The Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 (AndreJa Ravnak, Slovenia) : “Once all the strings are manually stretched, the workers ensure that the small hop seedlings start climbing vertically. Once this is done, they leave the Savinja Valley for a few months and return in late summer, when the hops are ripe for harvesting.”

Chinle, Arizona, USA

Winner, Young Travel Photographer of the Year 2023 ( Caden Shepard Choi, USA, age 14) : “The sheep are herded back to their pen at the entrance of the canyon. They walk through a dust cloud formed by the steady kick of their hooves. The sheep are initially reluctant to enter the mouth of the canyon, but when returning home, they show no resistance. After a long day steering sheep, the two herding dogs now playfully trail behind.”

Exton, Pennsylvania, USA

Winner, Young Travel Photographer of the Year Age 15-18 (Lilly Zhang, USA, age 17) : “The mist suspended on Marsh Creek lake's surface, signature to its early fall mornings, the quiet morning light illuminating the fall leaves, and the fishermen amidst the mist. Captivated by the quiet beauty of the scenery, I took this photo.”

Litli-Hrutur volcano, Iceland

Winner, Young Travel Photographer of the Year Age 14 and Younger (Zayan Durrani, USA, age 14) : “My father and I took a trip to Iceland to visit an ongoing volcanic eruption. I took this image on the first day through the window of a small plane. I love how the setting sun cast shadows through the hills onto the volcano.”

The Icelandic highlands

Winner, Landscape and Environment Portfolio (Armand Sarlangue, France) : “A lush mountain range covered of moss in the Highlands, with a river snaking between the reliefs from the above glaciers. It will carry precious sediments along the lands before joining a bigger river system, up to the coasts of Iceland where it will connect with the great ocean.”

Lake Shirakawa, Japan

Winner, Best Single Image in a Landscape and Environment Portfolio (Kazuaki Koseki, Japan) : “For a period from the end of winter to early summer, Lake Shirakawa is filled with water from melting snow and a ‘submerged forest’ appears. The water in the lake changes colour between light blue and light green, and mist, combined with the reflections which look like a submeged forest create a fantastic landscape. In April, the season of sprouting had arrived in the submerged forest. In the soft light before sunrise, the submerged forest quietly welcomed the morning. I chose a bluish time before sunrise to erase the reality and emphasize the fantastic sight, and set the shutter speed to 30 seconds to flatten the water surface.”

La Ventana, Baja California, Mexico

Winner, Nature, Wildlife, and Conservation portfolio (Martin Broen, USA) : “A split shot of a Mobula ray fever cruising below the divers’ boat as part of their annual migration in the waters of Baja California.”

Anilao, Philippines

Winner, Best Single Image in a Wildlife and Conservation Portfolio (Martin Broen, USA) : “A yellow Gobby watches the ocean from the entrance of his crystal palace, a glass bottle at the bottom of the sea of the worst ocean polluter on the planet.”

Lake Baikal, Siberia, Russia

Winner, People and Cultures Portfolio (Athanasios Maloukos, Greece) : “The Buryatian shaman Vitalli performs a ritual to connect with the spirits on frozen Lake Baikal, with the sacred Ogoi (Dragon) cape in the background. Siberia is considered the heartland of Shamanism, with Lake Baikal its most sacred place.”

Lagos, Nigeria

Winner, Best Single Image in a People and Cultures Portfolio (Jack Lawson, UK) : “Four members of The Special Eagles, Nigeria's national amputee football team, stand looking out into the ocean at a day on the beach.”

Kalash Valley, Chitral, Pakistan

Winner, Best Single Image in a Visual Stories Portfolio (F.Dilek Yurdakul, Turkey) : “In Pakistan, an Islamic Republic, there is no coeducation in public schools. Boys and girls receive Islamic education in separate classrooms and schools. The Kalash live within the borders of Pakistan and neighboring Afghanistan, yet their schools are still co-educational. Gender diversity and unity are viewed as nothing to fear. Children are educated equally and together.”

La Puna, Argentina

Winner, A Quieter Life category (Ignacio Palacios, Australia/Spain) : “Walking on a white sand dune in La Puna, Argentina.”

Reutte, Austria

Winner, Above, Eye Level, Below category (Josien van Geffen, Netherlands) : “Under the Highline 179 suspension bridge, you get a completely different view when you look up. The bridge and the people on it now appear like a scene from an old video game.”

Petra, Jordan

Winner, Leisure and Adventure category (Andrea Peruzzi, Italy ): “As the last rays of the sun illuminate the iconic Treasury of Petra, a Bedouin enjoys jumping between the overhanging rocks. At sunset, it’s as if the once-lost city has two profoundly different souls, divided between day and night. When tourists leave this iconic destination, the Bedouins reawaken the ancient soul of Petra by repopulating the site, to eat around the bonfires and stay connected to the traditions handed down by their ancestors.”

Maasai Mara, Kenya

Winner, People's Choice Vote (Rohan Neel Shah, Kenya, age 16) : “A young wildebeest lost in the Great Wildebeest Migration madness. He stands there confused whilst other wildebeest rush to cross the river.”

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Based over three offices, Lurgan, Portadown and Craigavon, our expert team have extensive experience across the world of travel, meaning you get the best holiday, at the best price possible.

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Terra Travel is an established brand in the travel industry, so for your next trip, give the team a call and let them take care of everything.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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Top 5 most EXPENSIVE hotel rooms in Moscow (PHOTOS)

An ambassadorial suite in the Metropol hotel with a view of the Bolshoi Theater costs 230,000 rubles (approx. $3,000). A penthouse suite in the Ararat Hayat costs a little over half a million (approx. $6,000). And the most expensive suite in the National hotel right in front of the Kremlin costs just 128,000 rubles (approx. $1,500). These are just pennies compared to the suites of the hotels we’ve listed below!

5.  Presidential Suite in Radisson Collection Moscow – from 770,000 rubles (approx. $9,000)

The 370-square meter suite in the Stalinist high-rise building (former 'Ukraina' hotel) overlooks the Moskva River and Moscow City business center.

4.  Royal Suite in Lotte Hotel Moscow – 1.35 mln rubles (approx. $15,700)

This suite has a total of 490 square meters and includes a private sauna and a view of the Garden Ring.

3.  Royal North Suite in Four Seasons Hotel Moscow – 2.3 mln rubles (approx. $26,700)

This 328-meter suite is a stone's throw from the Red Square and the Kremlin and, as the website says, overlooks the "bustling center of Moscow". Kanye West is said to have stayed in this hotel in a cheaper room!

2.  Imperial Suite in The Carlton – 2.4 mln rubles (approx. $27,900)

This 309-square meter suite literally has a postcard view of Moscow - the Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral and the Kremlin!

1.  Presidential Suite in Stella di Mosca – 2.6 mln rubles (approx. $30,700)

In comparison with the others, this ultimate suite has a relatively small room of 255 square meters; however, it has access to a secret panoramic terrace overlooking the center of Moscow.

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CINQUE TERRE , EUROPE , ITALY , PHOTOGRAPHY · December 13, 2016 Last Updated on July 22, 2024

THE 5 BEST PHOTO SPOTS IN CINQUE TERRE

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

The UNESCO World Heritage site, Cinque Terre (pronounced as CHINK-weh TAY-reh) on the Italian Riviera coastline, has recently become a popular tourist destination in Italy and one of the most photographed too.

Cinque Terre, which means the land of five towns, consists of five glorious fishing towns: Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso al Mare. In each of the 5 towns, colorful houses and vineyards cling to steep terraces; harbours are filled with fishing boats and restaurants with delicious seafood specialties.

The most frequent way to visit this place is a day trip from Rome, Florence, Milan or Pisa. There are also several local tour companies organizing combined day trips to Cinque Terre and Pisa from Florence and Rome.

So, if you just have only one day to explore, you really can’t afford to waste time and that’s why knowing the exact spots to photograph from can be very useful! In this post I share all my tips for getting there and capturing this magical place!

Getting To Cinque Terre

I was travelling solo in Italy this summer for 2 weeks, and I was most excited to discover Cinque Terre. Thankfully cars are banned in the National Park and there is a 19th-century railway line cut through a series of coastal tunnels which connect all the five towns. There are ferries going from village to village; and there is a walking trail too.

To go to Cinque Terre, you have to get to a place called La Spezia . And if you are not driving, and are not interested in an organized tour, like me, then train is the best option (check the train timings in advance on websites like GOEURO).

From La Spezia train station, you can buy the Cinque Terre Rail Card  which gives you full day unlimited access to the train line connecting the Levanto – Cinque Terre – La Spezia line. My recommendation is to take the train and go to the last town Monterosso and make your way back to Riomaggiore, from there it’s a 5 mins train ride to La Spezia.

Here are the best spots for photography in the order of travelling route:

Photo Spot 1: Walking Trail From Monterosso To Vernazza

The route is wonderful, providing panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea all along the trail.

Towards the end of the walking trail, before the decent, you will get the top view of Vernazza town.

Photo Spot 2: Vernazza Harbour

Photo spot 3: manarola to corniglia walking trail.

Take the train from Vernazza to Manarola and then walk in the direction of Corniglia (away from Manarola). You will get to some elevation while walking on the hills along the terraced vineyards and will notice Manarola town to your left.

Keep walking until you can’t see the Manarola town anymore and it lies behind you; then, you should find another connecting trail that leads you back to the town through a church/cemetery, and the town is again to your left. The cemetery is an excellent spot for pictures.

Then from the cemetery, make your way to the harbour, through the restaurants (all this while, Manarola town should be to your left).

Photo Spot 4: Manarola Harbour

The walking trail leading to  Manarola harbour  is completely concrete and protected by railing and can’t be missed (you can see it from a distance too) And along the trail you get the postcard pictures you dreamed of!

Find the exact location  here.

Photo Spot 5: Riomaggiore

Take the train from Manarola to Riomaggiore. The best shot of this town is from the line of rocks on the harbour. You can also take the step’s up (to the left of the harbour) and get some top views. Despite the huge population of tourists visiting this place every day, Cinque Terre has successfully maintained its rural, laid back vibe and has not fallen prey to urbanization yet!

Where To Stay in Cinque Terre, Italy

There are so many beautiful places to stay in Cinque Terre. When looking for your hotel it is really important to check you have convenient access to the 5 towns to make exploring as easy as possible. Better yet, stay in one of the colourful towns. Of course this is more expensive but totally worth it if you have the budget!

• Grand Hotel Portovenere  This gorgeous hotel is situated right on the Portovenere’s seafront with a panoramic terrace to enjoy your Italian cup of coffee and fresh pastries. You can also indulge in Cinque Terre specialists at the onsite restaurant that serves incredible fresh fish. Rooms are modern but respectful of their historical setting. A stay here is undoubtedly unforgettable.
• Park Hotel Argento Located only 800m from the train station, all 5 Cinque Terre villages are easy to access from this hotel. The wellness centre has a sauna, Turkish bath and incredible massages on offer. The terrace has a hydro-massage pool, perfect for relaxing after a long day of walking around the villages of Cinque Terre. 
• Hotel Al Terra Di Mare  Surrounded by olive trees and vineyards, this eco-friendly hotel has excellent views of the sea and is a great base to explore the five villages of Cinque Terre. This hotel is a short distance from the train station. The hotel provides a free shuttle to the train station and nearby town, so you can explore as much as you desire.
• Stella Della Marina In the centre of Monterosso, this hotel is right at the start of the famous Cinque Terre walking trail. Perfect for those wishing to do lots of walking. However, it is also only 700 meters from the train station for those who would prefer the train option. A unique feature about this hotel is that it is only a few steps from the beach, allowing you to have a beach day and relax. 

Find the best price on hotels in  Cinque Terre, Italy .

Suggested Tours around Cinque Terre 

• Cinque Terre: Ferry and Tour of Porto Venere and Vernazza Explore both the towns of Porto Venere and Vernazza. A relaxing tour and a great way to learn about the towns most important landmarks. 
• From Monterosso: Cinque Terre Kayak Tour  Walking around the towns is beautiful. However, experiencing Cinque Terre from the sea gives you an entirely new perspective of these colourful quaint Italian towns. This Kayak tour is a unique way to explore Cinque Terre and a great way to spend a day in this beautiful part of Italy coastline. 
• Manarola: Authentic Pesto Making Class in Cinque Terre  Spend your day with a local chef learning the secrets of how to make traditional Ligurian pesto. Feast on your food with locals at the end of the class and have a traditional Italian experience

Summary Of The Best Photo Spots In Cinque Terre

We hope this article has inspired you to visit one of Italy’s most colourful towns and helped you to discover it’s most photogenic spots! Please share your own tips or questions about visiting Cinque Terre with our readers in the comments below. 

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!

Our Top Places To Stay in Cinque Terre, Italy

• Grand Hotel Portovenere
• Park Hotel Argento
• Hotel Al Terra Di Mare
• Stella Della Marina
• Find the best price on hotels in Cinque Terre, Italy
• Sign up to AirBnB with this link and receive a US $35 off your first booking

Read More About Italy

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• The Best Of Northern Italy In 4 Days
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• 6 Tips To Make The Most Of A Trip To Florence
• The 5 Most Romantic Things To Do In Venice
• 10 Things You Must Do With Your Girlfriends In Florence

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Daniela says

February 2, 2017 at 8:53 pm

Beautiful pics! Chinque Terre are on my list for this year. For sure will use your tips!

We Are Travel Girls says

February 3, 2017 at 1:12 am

Thanks for reading and commenting Daniela, hope you make it there this year!

February 28, 2017 at 10:18 pm

I will be visiting this year, currently thinking of doing 2 or 3 nights there how long would you recommend you need to explore?

Anonymous says

July 30, 2017 at 8:44 pm

Nice pictures, thanks for such clear and detailed description of cinque terre to see in a day . Will surely use this guidance.

Kikania Lina says

November 16, 2017 at 6:33 pm

Wow! Love all your pictures! Thanks for sharing this article! I’m planning to go to Italy next week, and have a one day trip to Pisa from Milan. Since Pisa is not far from Cinque Terre. Do you think it’s doable if I take a train from Pisa Centrale to Monterosso, if I arrive at 13:42 and go back to Milan from Monterosso at 17:39? I just want to take some pics from the most popular sport in Cinque Terre, which is Manarola Harbor (based on your article #4 spot). How long does it take to get there from Monterosso? Could you please suggest?

Thank you for your attention.

Best, Lina from Jakarta, Indonesia

Ricky Apalisok says

February 21, 2018 at 2:19 pm

Hi, nice pictures and great information. I hold and lead 5-7 days of photography tours and workshops in Cinque Terre. And many of my customers absolutely love it. The location and all the 5 villages has its own unique differences and offerings. To those who might be interested in joining my photography workshops please visit my website at http://www.rickyapalisok.com for more information.

M Snyder says

January 18, 2022 at 11:00 am

The EXACT article I needed, thank you so much for the beautiful photos AND including the locations of where you took them!

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Moscow Photo Tour

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Description

Highlights:.

• Discover scenic spots of Moscow
• Enjoy the icons of Moscow in style
• Explore off the beaten path routes of Moscow
• Expert commentary as you travel around the city
• Get 10 professionally edited photos of yourself, and all the rest unedited
• Savour delicacies from different regions of Russia in a traditional restaurant

Our goal is to make sure your experience with us is one that you will never forget. Our professional photographer will point out and help you discover the things that are best to be photographed, finding the most photographable and scenic shots - color, sights, and people in their everyday life. This tour will cover all of the main sights of Moscow, as well as some places ‘off-the-beaten-path,’ and a meal at a traditional Russian restaurant, if desired.

We offer private and group photo tours and customize each tour according to your interests. E.g. cityscapes, architecture, people and street photography, etc.

Suggested itinerary for our 3-hour photo walk:

St. Basil's Cathedral, GUM, Kazan Cathedral, State Historical Museum and Lenin's Mausoleum

Revolution Square and Theatrical Square

Bolshoy Theatre, Metropol Hotel, Chinese Wall, State Duma of Moscow

Alexander Garden

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, fountains, the Grotto, Central Exhibition center, Kutafya tower, Kremlin wall and towers

Historic City Center

Tverskaya street with its beautiful historical architecture, China town (Kitai-gorod), an old historical area of Moscow

Most beautiful metro stations

All-russian exhibition center (vvc).

+More places based on your requests! After this 3 hour tour you will receive 10 professionally edited photos and approximately 100 unedited photos.

If you desire a more elaborate experience, we can create a 5 or 10 hour tour, or a split 10 hour tour over 2 days (5 hours/day). Our photo tour adventure can focus on architecture, people, fashion, lifestyle, even rooftop scenes, and more!

Great restaurants, historical streets, urban and outdoorsy locations, metro stations, parks, cathedrals, squares, bridges, Kremlin walls, Stalin’s Neoclassical architecture or a river cruise… Experience all of Moscow in an amazing and relaxed photo session, making your Russian story unforgettable!

Highly recommended Bunker-42 , Cold War Museum , explore the place where Khrushchev lived during the Cuban Crisis. Go down 18 floors to a gigantic bunker under Moscow that was designed to withstand a nuclear attack. Watch a short film about the severity of the Cold War. If you lived through the Cold War, you will hardly believe it is possible that you are in Bunker 42! OR Sparrow Hills .

Sparrow Hills

Wander through Sparrow Hills and climb up to the highest observation deck of Moscow with stunning views of all seven Stalin’s skyscrapers, including Moscow State University . After that, experience the excitement of taking a river cruise on river Moscow and catch the views of the Kremlin and Soviet times.

Our TOP-20 most iconic places in Moscow, ideal for photoshoot

1. red square..

The heart of Moscow and all Russia, in fact. The place for the Kremlin, GUM and Mausoleum.

Spend at least an hour around St Basil's Cathedral - a luxurious temple with ten domes was built in 1561 on the order of Ivan the Terrible - in honor of the victory over the Kazan Khanate.

Drop in GUM for ice-cream, fountain and beautiful views. GUM is the main shopping center of the country. You'll find here countless boutiques, plus the famous "Deli №1» with lots of delicacies.

The rivalry between the republics of the Soviet Union in the decoration of their pavilions came to such an extent that the local steel construction resemble palaces and temples.

Don't miss the Worker and Kolkhoz Woman  - one of the most famous Soviet sculptures, the standard socialist realism.

Make sure to take a Big Ferris Wheel. One of the highest in Eastern Europe), the rate of turnover is seven minutes, enough to catch breathtaking views of Moscow from the height of 73 metres.

3. Alexander Garden.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, "Post №1" and Change of the Guard at the Eternal Flame, which can be seen every day every hour.

4. Sparrow Hills.

One of the best viewing platforms in Moscow with height of almost 80 meters. A popular place for honeymooners and bikers.

5. Old Arbat.

Old Moscow street is striking in its consistency. Despite numerous fires, reconstruction and destruction, there is still readable history of the city.

6. Manezh Square.

One of the most known works of the Georgian architect Zurab  Tsereteli - "Manezhka" - with cascading fountains, giant horses, benches and lighting.

7. Moscow Zoo.

The oldest zoo in Russia, which is home to almost 8000 animals. Plus, the Dolphinarium, a terrarium and exotarium.

8. Gorky Park.

Boat rental, gazebo, summer theater, and in winter - ice rink with mulled wine. The place to be when in Moscow!

9. Christ the Savior Cathedral.

The largest Orthodox Church in the world.

10. The State Tretyakov Gallery.

The emblem of Moscow, a page from Russia's history, a pleasant place to stroll, an educational center with excursions, art studios and lecturer.

11. Clean Ponds.

Chistoprudny Boulevard - a place that attracts all kinds of social strata and is loved by locals.

12. Big Stone Bridge.

The bridge offers a picturesque view of the Kremlin and its surroundings, as well as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

13. Monument to Peter I.

King-sized sculpture that received the nickname "Gulliver".

14. Tsaritsino Museum-Reserve.

Beautiful park in Moscow with the ancient architecture, chamber concerts and singing fountains.

15. Ostankino Tower.

Russian television tower with two viewing platforms.

16. Victory Park.

A large memorial complex at Poklonnaya Hill built in honor of the Soviet victory in the Great Patriotic War.

17. Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve.

One of the oldest inhabited places in Moscow, and the former summer residence of the city authorities since the XIV century.

18. Bolshoi Theatre.

One of the largest theaters in Russia, which was once the stage for Fyodor Chaliapin, Galina Ulanova, Maya Plisetskaya, Maris Liepa, Galina Vishnevskaya

19. Trimphal Arch.

Monument to the victory of Russian troops over Napoleon that adorns the Kutuzovsky Prospect.

20. Patriarch ponds.

Quiet green area in the heart of bustling Moscow.

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow
• + Private & customized tour
• + An exciting tour, not just boring history lessons
• + An authentic experience of local life
• + Flexibility during the tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri)
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow

*This tour can be modified to meet your preferences

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Ukraine war latest: Safety 'deteriorating' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant after drone strike

Zaporizhzhia is the largest nuclear facility in Europe and has been occupied by Russian soldiers since the early stages of its war with Ukraine.

Sunday 18 August 2024 07:35, UK

• Ukrainian drone sparks fire at Russian oil depot
• Russia launches third ballistic missile attack on Ukrainian capital this month
• Zelenskyy says Ukraine inflicting 'maximum damage' on Russian forces in Kursk
• Kyiv used Western rockets to destroy Russian bridge, says Moscow
• 'We could lose': Russian state TV commentators gloomy over Kursk
• Sean Bell: Humiliated Putin will respond ruthlessly to Ukrainian masterstroke
• Michael Clarke : Pokrovsk in real trouble as Russian troops advance
• Listen to the Daily above and tap here to follow wherever you get your podcasts
• Live reporting by Brad Young

Russia launched its third ballistic missile attack on Kyiv this month.

A witness heard blasts that sounded like air defence systems early this morning, before fresh air raid alerts sounded over the threat of more missiles heading towards the city.

Preliminary data showed all missiles were destroyed on their approach to the city, the military administration of the Ukrainian capital said. 

"This is already the third ballistic strike on the capital in August, with exact intervals of six days between each attack," said Serhiy Popko, the head of the Kyiv military administration.

He added that Ukraine's air defence units also destroyed a number of drones launched by Russia.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. 

Ukraine's air force chief said its forces destroyed eight Russian attack drones and five out of eight missiles launched overnight in  the Kyiv, Sumy and Poltava regions.

A Ukrainian drone attack has caused a fire at a Russian oil reservoir, according to reports.

More than 70 firefighters rushed to fight the blaze that covered  5,000 square metres in the Azov district of the Rostov-on-Don region, according to the Russian emergencies ministry. 

Baza, a Telegram channel close to Russian law enforcement, said an oil depot was damaged in Rostov, while Russia's SHOT channel posted a video showing dark smoke rising from what it said was an oil depot.

Regional governor Vasily Golubev said debris from a destroyed Ukrainian drone sparked a diesel fuel fire at an "industrial warehouse". 

Russia's air defence units destroyed five drones that Ukraine launched overnight targeting the Kursk, Belgorod and Rostov regions, Russia's defence ministry said.

Russia rarely admits direct hits by Ukrainian drones.

Welcome back to our live coverage of the war, as we continue to track Ukraine's surprise incursion into the Kursk region of Russia.

Kyiv has been calling for permission to use more Western weapons in Russia, as it seeks to improve Ukraine's future negotiating position and threaten the stability of Vladimir Putin's.

We'll be bringing you live updates and analysis throughout the day, but before we begin, here is a recap of the key developments over the last 24 hours.

Bridge attack: Russia's foreign ministry claimed Ukraine used Western rockets to destroy a bridge over the Seym river in the Kursk region.

Kursk: Volodymyr Zelenskyy heralded the achievements of his forces in Kursk, encouraging them to inflict "maximum damage on all Russian positions".

Ukraine's offensive in the region showed that escalating attacks against Russia was "nothing to be afraid of", a former foreign policy adviser to Mr Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, military analyst Sean Bell forecast that Vladimir Putin will not accept any negotiations involving the occupied Kursk territory, despite Ukrainian ambitions, and will instead deal with it "ruthlessly".

Western weapons:  Washington appeared to be effectively blocking the UK from permitting Kyiv to fire Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia. The UK has been waiting for US approval for more than a month, a government source told the Times.

'Insane' propaganda: Kyiv dismissed "insane Russian propaganda" alleging Ukraine planned to carry out nuclear attacks. Moscow had accused Ukraine - without providing any evidence - of gearing up to attack Kursk nuclear power plant and developing a "dirty bomb"; an explosive used to scatter radioactive waste.

Threat to nuclear safety: Safety at Ukraine's occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was deteriorating after a drone strike on a nearby road, the International Atomic Energy Agency said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised the UK's "true leadership" in its support of Ukraine - but warned "the situation has slowed down recently" as it pushes into Russian territory.

In his nightly video address, he stressed it is "crucial that our partners remove barriers that hinder us from weakening Russian positions in the way this war demands".

He promised to "intensify our diplomatic efforts" amid the Kursk incursion, naming the UK,  US, and France as key targets.

It comes amid speculation Germany is planning to halve its Ukrainian aid budget next year.

Mr Zelenskyy finished his X post by saying: "Throughout this war, we've seen the UK demonstrate true leadership—in arms, politics, and support for Ukrainian society. 

"This has saved thousands of lives, reflecting the strength of the UK."

But he added: "Unfortunately, the situation has slowed down recently. 

"We will discuss how to fix this because long-range capabilities are vital for us. The whole world sees how effective Ukrainians are—how our entire nation defends its independence."

In a Sunday Express interview, Defence Secretary John Healey endorsed Ukraine using British weapons inside Russia - as long as it keeps within international law.

The UK "should be proud" British weapons are being used by Ukraine – including inside Russia, the defence secretary has said.

John Healey told the Sunday Express that he is happy for weapons to be used over the Russian border, providing international law is maintained.

He told the newspaper: "Let me be very clear: under Article 51 of the UN Charter, Ukraine has a clear right of self-defence against Russia's illegal attacks.

"Providing international law is followed, that does not rule out operations inside Russia."

He added: "We should be proud of Britain's support for Ukraine's struggle.

"We should be proud that British-donated equipment, in the hands of brave Ukrainians on the front line, is helping them to defend their country and push back Putin."

Ukrainian troops crossed into the Russian border region of Kursk on 6 August in a bid to divert the Kremlin's military focus away from the frontline in Ukraine.

On Thursday, Ukrainian forces claimed to have seized the town of Sudzha, six miles from the border.

The UK is one of Ukraine's leading military donors, providing lethal and non-lethal weaponry, including tanks, air defence systems, and long-range precision strike missiles.

Safety at Ukraine's occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is deteriorating after a drone strike on the road surrounding it, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Saturday.

Earlier today, the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhia (ISAMZ) team was informed that an explosive carried by a drone detonated just outside the plant's protected area.

A visit by the team found no casualties and no damage to nuclear equipment - but the surrounding road and gates were impacted.

The impact site was close to the essential cooling water sprinkler ponds and about 100m from the Dniprovska power line, the only remaining 750-kilovolt line providing a power supply to the plant, the team said.

IAEA Director General Grossi commented: "Yet again we see an escalation of the nuclear safety and security dangers facing the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

"I remain extremely concerned and reiterate my call for maximum restraint from all sides and for strict observance of the five concrete principles established for the protection of the plant."

The ISAMZ team has reported heightened military activity in the area over the past week.

Germany plans to halve its military aid to Ukraine in 2025, according to a parliamentary source.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is instead planning to use money generated from frozen Russian assets in Germany to support Ukraine's war against Russia, the source told AFP on Saturday.

It is not planning "any additional aid" to the $4.4bn (£3.4bn) already set aside in next year’s budget, the source added.

But Germany's foreign ministry denied the claims on X on Saturday.

"Rumours that Germany stops its support to #Ukraine are wrong," a post read.

"We stand with Ukraine & will support Ukraine as long as it takes.

"Since the beginning of Russia's war of aggression, Germany has supported Ukraine with €34 billion. 

"This year, we will provide military aid north of €7 billion."

Germany is Ukraine's second biggest military donor, providing £6.8bn in aid this year.

The leader of Russia's Chechnya region has appeared in a video threatening to send a Telsa into Ukraine – while praising Elon Musk.

Ramzan Kadyrov, who is known for extravagant publicity stunts, posted the video of himself on Telegram.

It shows him driving a Tesla Cybertruck, seemingly with a machine gun strapped to the roof.

He says he will send the vehicle into the Ukrainian conflict zone, before praising the company's chief executive Elon Musk.

Mr Kadyrov describes Musk as the "strongest genius of modern times", inviting him to Chechnya.

"We... await your future products that will help us finish the special military operation," referring to the Kremlin’s term for the Ukraine war.

Two Italian journalists who angered Moscow with a TV report from Ukrainian-controlled parts of Kursk will return to Italy for their own safety, according to Italian state broadcaster RAI.

Russia's foreign ministry summoned Italy's ambassador yesterday over what it called an "illegal border crossing" by the RAI crew.

The interior ministry was planning to open criminal cases against the two journalists, posted Baza, a Telegram channel close to Russian law enforcement.

"The company decided to make journalist Stefania Battistini and cameraman Simone Traini return temporarily to Italy, solely to ensure personal safety and security," RAI said. 

"Journalism is not a crime. The Moscow authorities' possibility of putting Stefania Battistini and Simone Traini on trial is unacceptable. Reporting is not done with prior authorisations," RAI union Usigrai and Italy's national press union FNSI said in a joint statement. 

A four-person RAI crew, working under Ukrainian military escort, produced the first foreign media report from the war-damaged Russian town of Sudzha last week.

Italy's foreign ministry said its ambassador Cecilia Piccioni had explained to the Russian authorities that RAI and its news teams acted independently and autonomously. 

The two reporters are scheduled to fly back to the northern Italian city of Milan tomorrow.

Security and defence correspondent Deborah Haynes was at the site of a missile strike in Sumy city this morning.

Residents described being awoken by a huge explosion.

One said the blinds across her window saved her from glass shattering as a result of the blast.

Watch more below...

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Brian Jiménez

Owner, marketing & tour guide.

• Nationality: Costa Rican
• Profession: Tour Guide, Environmental Consultant (Law student).
• Languages: Spanish, English, German.
• Driver Licenses: A3, B-International, C2.
• ICT-Tour-Guide-License: # 963
• Specialties: Amphibians, Reptiles, birds, butterflies.
• Hobbies: Dancing, Karate, Photography, Bird-watching.
• Philosophy: You can get it if you really want.!!! (J. Cliff).

Aaron Méndez Mena

• Profession: tour Guide
• Languages:Spanish-English
• ICT license: 1452
• Specialties: naturalist walks, birdwatching, reptiles, amphibians
• Hobbies: outdoor activities, soccer, biking, running.

Andres Espinoza Fonseca

Tour guide – project developer.

• Profession: Ecologist & Tour Guide
• Languages: Spanish, English
• Driver Licenses: B
• Guide License: Guia General 1443
• Specialties: Amphibians, Reptiles & Birds
• Hobbies: Photos, birdwatching, jogging, music.

GREGORY ANTÓN

• Nationality: french/ costa rican
• Profession: tour guide
• Language: spanish/english/french
• Driver licence: B
• Ict licence: in proces
• Specialties: herpetology/ecology/sustentable practices/ guiding kids.
• Hobbies: my job! Hiking in nature, spotting new species, traveling, soccer, dancing, surfing.

Christian Quesada

• Nationality : Costa Rican
• Profession : Naturalist.
• Driver licenses : B
• ICT License :   #2241
• Specialities:  Pre colombian culture, artropods, amphibian,mammals & reptiles.
• Hobbies: Surfing, Dancing, Photography, Music, travel & explore.

Marlot Laurien Pels

Marketing – reservations – organization .

• Nationality : Dutch
• Languages: Dutch, English, Spanish, German, French.
• Profession : Online Marketing, Teacher, Video Editing, Web Design.
• Diplomas: Bachelor & Master in special education, Cambridge Advanced.
• Specialities: Organization and Coordination
• Hobbies: Surfing, Running, Books, Hiking, Music.

The inTech Terra Rover: Cleverly Crafted, Inside and Out

There’s little to be desired after looking at the inTech Terra Rover travel trailer. Or rather, after looking out from the inside. Complementing the spacious dinette at the front of the trailer, you’d be hard-pressed not to notice the 3-ply laminated glass panoramic front windshield. Not only is it an unmatched view of the great outdoors, but it is an excellent use of the space above the trailer’s A-frame, which goes unused in typical trailer models. inTech, who pride themselves (as they should) on making smaller spaces feel large, calls this “Tilt-Forward Design.”

Moving through the mid-section of the trailer, you’ll see an extravagant kitchen, complete with a 10-cubic-foot refrigerator, a brushed nickel faucet, and a 2-burner stainless steel cooktop. Across from the kitchen, there’s additional counter space for meal prep, or for enjoying a coffee while gazing out the window before the start to an adventurous day.

To add space, the Terra Rover bathroom is cleverly split into two areas with a shower on one side and a toilet/sink room directly across the hallway. The toilet is porcelain, and you’ll find storage in overhead cabinets and below the sink.

At the rear of the trailer is a 60” x 80” walk-around bed. If you’re traveling with a friend (or if you haven’t yet made your relationship “official,”) the Rover offers a 2-twin bed configuration with one bed on either side and space in the middle.

Stepping outside, you can enjoy a 14’ power awning, which is the perfect addendum to the rear slide-out kitchen. Out here, the Rover provides an extra block of counter space, and a grill for burgers, pancakes, and the like. The same slide out kitchen also has the added option of a mini refrigerator for extra storage on those longer getaways.

The Terra Rover has durability built into its core—literally. The Terra (and every inTech model) has an all-tube, all-aluminum, fully welded cage frame. It is extremely lightweight, rust-free, and very strong.

With durable vehicle with a luxury layout and amenities, you might be thinking of exploring somewhere off-grid. If you are, the Rover can support you there too. inTech’s Solar and Lithium Package offers 400 watts of solar, mixed with an MPPT charger controller, 200 amp-hours of lithium batteries, and a 2,000-Watt inverter.

To complete the cool factor, the Rover comes with slick, rugged decals and blackout wheels. If $68,950 is in the ballpark of your budget for a 2023 upgrade, check out the full list of features on the Terra Rover here .

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Shooter Files by f.d. walker

Street Photography Tips, Interaction, Travel, Guides

Apr 24 2017

City Street Guides by f.d. walker: A Street Photography Guide to Moscow, Russia

*A series of guides on shooting Street Photography in cities around the world. Find the best spots to shoot, things to capture, street walks, street tips, safety concerns, and more for cities around the world. I have personally researched, explored and shot Street Photography in every city that I create a guide for. So you can be ready to capture the streets as soon as you step outside with your camera!

At over 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Russia and second largest in Europe by population ( Istanbul is #1). An urban, cosmopolitan metropolis with more than enough glitz and glam to cater to the elite, but without losing its fair share of Soviet era roughness around the edges. It can be fast paced, brash, busy, and trendy like other big cities, but it has its blend of West meets Russia atmosphere and beauty that provides plenty of unique interest. The Red Square is as famous as it gets, but there’s so much more to this city, including the most beautiful subway system you’ve ever seen. It would take years to capture all of Moscow, but that means you have an endless amount of areas to discover.

So here’s a Street Photography guide so you can be ready to capture all that Moscow has to offer before you even arrive!

• Patriarch’s Pond
• Old Arbat Street
• Maroseyka Street
• Tverskoy Boulevard

Top 5 Street Spots:

1. red square.

The Red Square is the most famous square in not just Russia, but all of Eastern Europe. The name actually doesn’t come from the color of the bricks or communism, but from the name in Russian, Krásnaya, once meaning “beautiful” before its meaning changed to “red.” This large plaza is what you see on the cover of guide books and magazines for Moscow, with St. Basil’s Cathedral being the center piece next to Lenin’s Mausoleum surrounded by the Kremlin Wall. Of course, the Red Square attracts hordes of tourist due to the main attractions, but all that activity around an interesting atmosphere does provide street photo opportunities. It’s also the central square connecting to the city’s major streets, providing a good starting point to explore outward.

You’ll also find the popular pedestrian only Nikolskaya Street connecting the Red Square to Lubyanka Square. This line of expensive shops includes plenty of activity, while also leading you to another popular square. Filled with history rivaling any city, the Red Square and surrounding areas are the heart and soul of Russia.

2. Patriarch’s Ponds

Patriarch’s Ponds is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Moscow. Despite the name being plural, there’s only one large pond, but it’s worth a visit with your camera. It’s a popular spot for locals and expats to come relax or take a stroll around the pond. You get an interesting mix of young and old too, from young love to “babushkas” feeding pigeons. It’s a very peaceful park atmosphere in one of the nicer areas within the city center, while bringing enough activity for street photography. 

The pond is shallow and in the winter becomes a popular spot for ice-skating too. The area is also well-known for the location in the famous Russian novel, The Master and Margarita. 

3. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Old Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow, and dating back to the 15th century, also one of its oldest. Originally, it was an area of trade, but soon became the most prestigious residential area in Moscow. During the 18th century, Arbat started attracting the city’s scholars and artists, including Alexander Pushkin. Cafes lined the streets and impressive homes filled the neighborhood. Since then, New Arbat street was created as a highway in the area, while Old Arbat was paved for a 1km pedestrian only walkway.

Due to the historic buildings, famous artists that lived here, and the bohemian atmosphere, Old Arbat has become a big attraction for tourists today. Now, there’s a mix of cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, street performers, street merchants and other attractions for visitors, and some locals, to come enjoy. It can get really busy here and there’s usually something interesting going on so it’s a good street to come walk with your camera for guaranteed life.

4. Gorky Park

One of the most famous places in Moscow is Gorky Park. The official name is Maxim Gorky’s Central Park of Culture & Leisure, which gives you an idea of what goes on here. When built, it was the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Divided into two parts, it stretches along Moscow River. One end contains fair rides, foods stands, tennis courts, a sports club, a lake for boat rides, and more. This end brings more active life due to its number of attractions, while the other end is more relaxed, where you’ll find gardens, trees, older buildings, and an outdoor amphitheater.

Gorky Park attracts mostly locals so it’s a good spot to capture the non-tourist side of Moscow life. Muscovites come here to escape the city and unwind in a picturesque setting. The park remains alive outside of the warmer months too, especially when the lake turns into the city’s largest outdoor skating rink. I’d recommend taking the metro out here to spend at least half a day exploring the massive park’s life with your camera.

5. Maroseyka Street

Maroseyka Street is a popular area not too far from the Red Square. The long, winding street turns into Pokrovka and is lined with restaurants, cafes, bars and places to stay. It’s actually where I like to stay when I’m in Moscow due to its location and solid street photography opportunities itself. You have Kitay-gorod station near and if you keep walking southwest, you’ll get to the Red Square. But if you walk northwest, as it changes to Pokrovka, you can find a long street of activity for photography with its own interesting atmosphere.

6. Tverskoy Boulevard

Tverskoy Boulevard is the oldest and longest boulevard in Moscow, beginning at the end of Nikitsky Boulevard, and finishing at Pushkin Square, a spot to come for activity itself. The boulevard is made up of two avenues, with pedestrian walkways in-between. You’ll find grass, shrubbery, trees, benches and more walking it’s almost kilometer length. Many people come here to enjoy some relaxation, walk their dog, or just to use it to walk wherever they’re going. Its center location also provides a nice place to walk with your camera near plenty of other spots you’ll want to check out anyway.

Sample Street Walk:

For a full day of Street Photography, covering some of the best spots, you can follow this sample street walk for Moscow:

• Start your morning walking around the Red Square (1), while exploring the surrounding area, including Nikolskaya Street
• Then walk northwest to Patriarch’s Ponds (2) and slowly walk the pond and surrounding area with your camera
• Next, walk east to the Pushkin Monument and stroll down Tverskoy Boulevard (6)
• Once Tverskoy Boulevard (6) ends, it will turn into Nikitsky Boulevard. Follow this down until you get to the start of Old Arbat Street (3), across from Arbatskaya station
• After you’re done walking down Old Arbat Street (3) for more street photography, spend some time checking out Moscow’s beautiful metro stations
• To finish off the day with more street photography, get off the metro near Red Square (1) again, Maroseyka Street (5) or wherever you’re staying for the night.

3 Things I’ll Remember about Shooting in Moscow:

1. museum metro.

The Moscow metro system was the first underground railway system in the Soviet Union and today includes 203 stations across 340km of routes. The elaborate system has some of the deepest stations in the world too, with escalators that seem to go on forever. None of this is what makes it so special, though. Many of its stations feel like stepping inside a museum, making it without a doubt the most interesting and beautiful metro system I’ve been in.

When built, Stalin wanted to make the metro stations “palaces for the people” with marble, chandeliers, and grand architecture. The best part is the variety of architecture and styles used, making many of the stations a completely different experience visually. You could easily spend a whole day traveling the stations and there are even tours available for people who wish to do just that. My advice, though, would be just to buy a ticket and hop on and off at different stations, while exploring different lines. The museum-like surrounding mixed with the crowds of characters can make for a great photography experience.

Since there are so many stations, here are some of my favorites to check out:

• Novoslobodskaya
• Mayakovskaya
• Elektrozavodskaya
• Komsomolskaya
• Ploschad Revolyutsii
• Dostoyevskaya
• Prospekt Mira

2. Moscow is Big

It’s no secret that Moscow is a big city, but it can feel even bigger with how spread out much of it is. This is especially true if you compare it to cities outside of Asia. If I compared it to cities in Europe, I’d probably say only Istanbul would warrant more time to really discover the depths of this city. Most only explore around the Red Square and surrounding area, but that is such a small part of the city. Although, that central area does give you plenty to see on its own.

Fortunately, I had a good friend living in the city to show me around, but it opened up my eyes even more to how much there is to discover in Moscow. It’s a big city with a variety of atmosphere that can take you from “east” to “west” and trendy to rugged depending on where you go. I’d imagine you’d have to live here a while to really know the city.

3. Cosmopolitan Mix of East meets West

Modern skyscrapers mixed with amazing architecture, a world-class metro system with museum-like beauty, trendy fashion and chic clubs, Moscow is a rich mix of Russian culture and history in a more western cosmopolitan package. There is a push to keep the Russian culture, while also pushing forward with a modern metropolis the whole world will envy. This comes with an impressive skyline, that continues to grow, and endless modernities, but with soviet nostalgia and atmosphere mixed in for good measure.

Mixed in with this grand western cosmopolitan atmosphere, is a strong national pride in Russia. This includes their famous leader, Vladimir Putin. Maybe no other place will you see a country’s leader more often. All over, from the pricey tourist shops to the underground walkway stalls, you’ll find goods with Putin’s likeness covering them. From t-shirts to magnets to Matryoshka dolls. There’s a strong national pride that can be seen around the city, which also extends to their leader. Moscow is many things. It’s East meets West, modernizations meets Soviet era, and a whole lot more.

What To Do For a Street Photography Break?:

Eat at a stolovaya.

Stolovayas are Russian cafeterias that became popular in the Soviet days. You grab a tray and walk down the line of freshly prepared local dishes, and select whatever you want from the chefs. They’re usually inexpensive and a much better value than restaurants, while giving you the opportunity to try from a wide selection of everyday Russian food. They’re also very tasty. I always include some borsch on my tray and go from there. The places themselves are all over Moscow and usually come with Soviet-era aesthetics to complete the experience.

Street Safety Score: 7

*As always, no place is completely safe! So when I talk about safety, I’m speaking in general comparison to other places. Always take precaution, be smart, observe your surroundings and trust your instincts anywhere you go!

Being the 2nd largest city in Europe with over 12 million people, you’re going to have your dangerous areas, but for the most part, it feels safe walking around. Russia is statistically higher in crime compared to most of Europe, but this generally doesn’t apply to tourists and visitors. Around the Red Square and surrounding city center, you should feel completely safe walking around. Pick pocketing can happen, but no more than other touristic places. I always explore Moscow freely without coming across too much to worry about. It’s a spread out city, though, so of course it matters where you are. Just use basic street smarts, know where you are and Moscow shouldn’t give you a problem. 

People’s Reaction Score: 7

Moscow is fast paced, big city life, which usually means people aren’t too concerned with you, or your camera. I don’t find people notice or pay much attention to me when I’m out taking photos in Moscow. For the most part, people just go about their day. You shouldn’t get too many looks or concern. But it can depend on the area you are in. The more you stick out, the more you might get noticed with suspicions. I’ve never had any problems in Moscow, or Russia, but just be careful who you’re taking a photo of if you get out of the city center. Other than that, it’s about average for reactions. 

Street Tips:

Learn the alphabet .

Much of Moscow, including the metro system, doesn’t use english. The Russian alphabet uses letters from the Cyrillic script, which if you aren’t familiar with it and don’t know the sounds, can be hard to decipher the words. This is most important for street names and metro stops when trying to get around. It can save confusion and make it easier getting around if you learn the basic alphabet. At the very least then, you can sound out the words to see which are similar in the english conversion, which can help matching them to maps. When out shooting street photography, getting around is as important as anything. So save yourself some time and frustration by learning the Russian Alphabet.

Use the metro

While Saint-Petersburg feels very walkable for a city its size, Moscow can feel very spread out, even for its bigger size. Outside of the Red Square area, you can have plenty of walking before getting anywhere very interesting, so you’ll need to take the metro a lot if you really want to explore the city. Maps are deceiving here too, it will always be further than it looks.

Another reason it’s less walkable than Saint-Petersburg is its completely different set-up. Moscow’s streets are mostly contstructed in rings with narrow, winding streets in-between. This is common with medieval city cities that used to be confined by walls, but you usually don’t have it in a city this massive. Saint-Petersburg has a more grid-like pattern that also uses the canals to help you know your way around. When it comes to navigating on foot in Moscow, it can be more difficult, so bring a map and take the metro when needed. It’s why Moscow’s metro carries more passengers per day than the London and Paris subways combined.

Explore other areas if you have time

Moscow is really big. While most people stay around the Red Square within the Boulevard Ring, there’s so much more to the city. I covered some other spots outside of this circle, but if you really want to see the city, you’ll need time. If you do have time, some other areas I’d check out first are Zamoskvarechye, along some of the south and western Moscow.

Inspiration:

For some more inspiration, you can look through the Street Photography of Moscow photographer Artem Zhitenev  and check out 33 of my photos taken in Moscow .

Conclusion:

Moscow’s name brings a certain mystique, but once you’re there it might bring a different atmosphere than you expect. It’s big and sprawling, but beautiful in many ways. It can feel like a European capital on a grand scale, but you can definitely find its Russian side in there.

The urban sprawl of Moscow can be intimidating, but give it enough time and you’ll be rewarded with plenty to discover. All with the world’s best metro system to take you around.

I hope this guide can help you start to experience some of what Moscow contains. So grab your camera and capture all that Moscow has to offer for Street Photography!

If you still have any questions about shooting in Moscow, feel free to comment below or email me!

(I want to make these guides as valuable as possible for all of you so add any ideas on improvements, including addition requests, in the comment section!)

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(A New Guide Posted Every Other Wednesday)

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