Yaroslavl is situated in 280 km (or 175 miles) northern-western from Moscow, the capital city of Russia. It is possible to get to Yaroslavl by car, by bus, by train and by airplane (in example, it takes usually 4 hours to get from Moscow to Yaroslavl by bus or train). Yaroslavl was found about 1000 years ago. Yaroslavl population is about 700,000. People with different confessions and religions (Catholicism, Protestantism, Christianity, Islam and others) are living here, so everyone could find their churches and chapels in our city. The weather and the climate in Yaroslavl are not differed much from Moscow. Averaged temperature in summer is +28ºC (83ºF), in winter averaged temperature is -15ºC (5ºF).

Yaroslavl is a big cultural center of Russia. Many tourist routes lay through Yaroslavl. There are many cultural sites in Yaroslavl, these are: museums, theatres, movie theatres, parks, Volga embankment. You can find here many places of interest: restaurants, cafes, sport complexes, swimming pools, fitness centers, and many other places to have the good rest and relaxation. It is accepted that Yaroslavl is the most beautiful city on the Volga River, and that is why it belongs to the complex of most ancient and beautiful cities (also known as Golden Ring of Russia).

Climate
Russia's territory stretches over continents of Europe and Asia and has therefore many different climate zones. From the subtropical Black sea coast to the Far Eastern regions including southern parts of Siberia, there is mostly continental climate, with hot summers enabling outdoor swimming in rivers, lakes and hiking, and cold winters with a lot of snow, a paradise for ski holidays.

The greatest amazing thing about Russia is, given its immense size, without a doubt the diversity of climate zones, and the weather extremes. In the summer months June to late August Siberia get sub-Saharan temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or more, vegetation is lush and pleasant. You will definitely need lots of sunscreen. Another positive side of the continental climate in the summer is that the weather can stay hot for weeks on end, interrupted only by an occasional rain shower. Summer days in June/July in northern Russia are extremely long, with the sun going down at 11pm or in some regions not at all.

Winters, November to March, are cold almost everywhere, with lots of snow, except in the southern part of the country where little to no snow comes by every year. If you do not take appropriate precautions, you can very quickly get a frostbite. Depending on where you go, take a note of the weather and equip yourself with adequate clothing. The outside temperature in the European part of Russia rarely gets below - 15 Celsius, but can drop even lower at night.

Holidays
Russia's list of holidays is divided into federally and regionally established, ethnic, historical, professional and religious. The first two types are all-country day-off and should be taken into account while planning a trip. These are official holidays in the Russian Federation:

New Year Holidays (1-5 January) are often merged with Christmas and make up more than a week off.
Orthodox Christmas (7 January).
Fatherland Defender Day (23 February).
International Women's Day (8 March).
The Day of Spring (1 May).
Victory Day (9 May).
Day of Russia (12 June).
People's Unity Day (4 November).