As the world’s largest country, around double the size of the USA and reputedly bigger than Pluto, there’s a fair chance you’re not going to cover all of Russia in a couple of weeks. Getting to grips with the highlights, however, does give you a fair taste; and from the architectural masterpieces of Saint Petersburg and Moscow to the isolated Siberian scenery which accompanies a trip on the Trans Siberian Express, undertaking manageable chunks is certainly an easier alternative to one giant bite. Chess, Communism, babushkas and Bolshoi or Pacific walrus, polar bears, snow geese and Siberian tigers, whatever you’re hoping to find, just make sure you’re ready for Russia rather than Russia being ready for you.

The only time trains have ever been late in Russia is when the leader of China visited in 2001 and schedules were paused to allow him speedy passage through to the capital. It’s this sort of efficiency in the face of harsh conditions that has forged such confidence of character in Russia’s people and no trip is complete without meeting at least a couple of the locals.

The art and architecture of Moscow and St Petersburg can only be topped by the phenomenal scenery of Siberia and Kamchatka, and if you’ve got time to spare then it’s always worth taking the Trans Siberian Express to compare both sides of this huge nation.