Cruises from Vladivostok
The largest Russian port of the Pacific coast, Vladivostok is located less than 100 km east of the Chinese border, and just across from the main Japanese island of Honshu. Home base of the Russian Pacific Fleet, it also happens to be one of Russia's greatest cities ideal for walking around. Long-dead volcanic hills give the city a patchwork layer-cake effect. All manner of buildings arise from different levels and eras. Read more
For example, one finds a gutted wooden house at the foot of a Krushchevsky apartment block, topped by a shiny new casino, and beyond that sea and sky. On Pushkin Street the American Consulate's next door neighbour is a burnt-out shell. Wherever you walk, you're going up or down, and it is a rare moment when you can't get a glimpse of the sea.
