Singles' tours for well-to-do men who crave women with 'white skin and blue eyes'.

Foreign visitors transiting on Russian airlines will be able to stay for 72 hours without documents as part of move to help boost tourism and economy.

Construction has begun on a Park Inn by Radisson hotel in Novosibirsk with its opening planned for 2014.

At Akademgorodok, and a real favourite of this guide. Don't be fooled by the exterior, from the candlelit lobby this brilliant restaurant gives you the warmest welcome no matter how cold it is. In summer, there is also patio eating outside. 

A truly fine wine list and a mixture of sumptuous European, Asian and modern Russian food, plus a young and dedicated staff who ensure that your lunch or dinner will be memorable. 

One of Denis Ivanov's excellent restaurants in Novosibirsk and not always the one that attracts most media plaudits but for us this is a gem, showing the new Russia at its finest. 

Tyva republic registers Saudi-like heat but is also hit by wildfires.

Biggest and 'best' in Russia, it is more like a 'reserve' than a traditional zoo.

Named Olga after the brave woman who helped save her life, the little girl abandoned by her mother at birth has new adoptive parents.

In the rest of the world, people are sure about one thing: Siberia = cold.

The mayor of Vladivostok is fed up with Moscow being asleep when he needs key decisions to be made.

A guide to the little corner of Ireland in Novosibirsk where you are always guaranteed a good beer and a warm welcome, whatever the weather.