A comparatively recent city, founded in 1860, Vladivostok is home to Russia’s Pacific Fleet and marks the terminus of the Trans-Siberian railway. It is in a fantastic location with mountains surrounding the Golden Horn Bay and many outlying islands. It was one of the Soviet Union’s closed cities from 1958 until 1992 but today sees a number of Chinese, Japanese and Korean tourists.

Take the funicular railway to one of the city’s best viewpoints before exploring further. Unsurprisingly, considering its strategic location, there are a number of forts to visit, some only recently vacated. There are opportunities to take cruises around the harbour and see some of the many ships that come and dock or visit the islands.