The only liana forest in the country and ancient cities: tourist discoveries at the "Journey Across Russia" exposition

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The "Journey Across Russia" exposition at the National Centre RUSSIA showcases the country's most impressive tourist destinations, perfect for summer holidays. Particular attention is drawn to the Samur liana forest — Dagestan's jewel and Russia's only area of relict liana forests. This natural site in the North Caucasian Federal District astounds with its diversity of flora and fauna: here you can encounter rare black storks, flamingos, as well as endemic species — the European free-tailed bat and Bechstein's bat.

"The Samur Grove in Dagestan is a unique place, there are no others like it in Russia. Its age reaches 65 million years. Fifteen species of lianas grow there," says Oksana Moroz, a guide at the National Centre RUSSIA. 

At the exposition, visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this tropical forest thanks to a special interactive zone with swings amongst the lianas.

No less interesting is the "Golden Ring" route presented at the exposition, uniting ancient cities that played a key role in the history of Russian Orthodoxy. The interactive display allows visitors to see the main attractions of each city through special "portals" and hear stories about them.  

"The 'Golden Ring' is a tourist route passing through ancient Russian cities that have preserved their historical architecture, particularly magnificent monasteries and churches, traditional crafts, and the unique Russian spirit," notes Oksana Moroz. 

The route includes eight main cities, including Sergiyev Posad — the only Moscow region city in the "Golden Ring," which annually welcomes over 1.5 million tourists and pilgrims.

Founded around the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Sergiyev Posad maintains its status as Russia's spiritual centre. The city is currently undergoing large-scale renovation aimed at recreating its historical appearance and creating new cultural and historical spaces around the lavra, which will tell guests about the role of Orthodoxy in the country's history. 

Entry to the "Journey Across Russia" exposition is free as part of tour groups, which are formed through advance registration on the russia.ru website in the "Events" section.