Winston Churchill called it a mystery, an enigma and a conundrum, and with all its contradictions, Russia lives up to the former British leader’s portrayal of it.

Russia has some of the most celebrated business innovators who have amassed tremendous wealth, and it also has some truly startling portions of extreme poverty. A number of noble men and women have called Russia their home, but a troubling number of tyrants have also left their dark mark on the history of that country.

Russia’s general population is known as a resourceful group that handles adversity well, while the leaders are often seen as hooligans who don’t respect the rights and liberties of their people. Russia’s innovative arts and architecture contrast greatly with the country’s state-created harsh industrial landscape of eyesores and unfathomable levels of pollution.

Despite the manmade flaws, Russia also has huge areas that are untouched by human intervention and can be enjoyed by those visitors who want to view the mountains, countryside and vast coastline. There’s no lack of history in Russia; from the picturesque cathedrals to aged castles and monasteries, you’ll find many sites that will intrigue you to no end.

Take steps to secure new US passports, because you and any others traveling with you can’t get into Russia without them.

There are lots of prerequisites you’ll need to fulfill, so look into getting Russian travel visas well in advance of your scheduled date of departure.

It may seem like excess advice, but you should be reminded that getting your paperwork together in advance of your trip is absolutely essential if you wish to stay away from difficulties. Most first-time visitors want to visit the same places when they first get to Russia, and you’ll find that tourists flock to the most well-known, storied areas in the Russian capital and elsewhere.

As a first-time visitor, you’ll probably gravitate toward Moscow, since it is the most well-known location in all of Russia, and holds many of the points of interest tourists want to visit. It’s not uncommon for visitors to explore the Russian countryside after spending time viewing the attractions that the cities have to offer.

If you’re ready for different scenery, get out of the cities and visit some of the country’s vast countryside, where you can appreciate the natural beauty. If you get the bug to vacate the urban side of Russia, you might head out to resorts along the ocean and the country’s many scenic mountain getaways.

Tourists enjoy strolling through Gorodets, the pleasant village well-known for its honey cakes, and home to lots of folk artists. Perhaps you’re a veteran of many a distant expedition, but with its seemingly endless expanse of land, Russia is an impressive undertaking even for the seasoned tourist.

For you, it may make sense to limit your scope to a more manageable portion of Russia your first time there, and then plan to return at another time for more sight-seeing.