If you are willing to see a piece of authentic Old Russian town’s life, visit Vologda, a pleasant provincial city with a high concentration of churches and monasteries, many lovely parks and wooden buildings. Vologda is world famous for its unique lace-making techniques and craftworks.

Velikiy Ustyug, a small old town located not far from Vologda, is known to be Ded Moroz’s (Russian Santa Claus) place of residence. Moreover, Velikiy Ustyug has a lot to be seen for those, who are not indifferent to the crafts connected with silver. The major achievement of decorative art in Velikiy Ustyug is its silver goods (“silver hoar-frosts”) and wood carving masterpieces. Another famous production of the town is valenki – national footwear made of felt, which save from the cold even near to the residence of Ded Moroz (this name can be literally translated as “Grandfather Frost”). One can be absolutely sure that even a short visit to Vologda Region will turn the trip into a fairy-tale.