Vladivostok, Russia, is an amazing port with a lot of history that is sure to interest travelers. The destination is offered as a stop on Alaskan cruises that extend across the Pacific and into the Far East.
This Russian city is gorgeous and offers quite a bit to see and do, yet it's not well known as a vacation destination. That's because it was completely closed off to the outside world by the Soviet Union in 1932. The Soviets used Vladivostok as the base of operations for the country's Navy. It wasn't until 1974 that foreigners were allowed to enter the city. Even then, foreign ships were not allowed to anchor outside the port until 1992, when the Soviet Union collapsed.
Needless to say, Vladivostok holds quite a bit of recent history that's sure to interest you. One of the highlights of any trip will undoubtedly be the C-56 Submarine Museum. A remnant of the powerful Navy that was once based in Vladivostok, the C-56 has since been converted into a floating museum. Explore the inner workings of the former Soviet sub while learning all about the country's military history.
While the C-56 may detail recent military action, the Vladivostok Fortress is the place to go for an overarching view of the city's history. This massive fortification took nearly 70 years to complete, and was built to ensure the city would survive any attack. Now it serves as a museum and chronicles the history of this great destination.
Another point of interest is the Vladivostok Railway Station. Built in a gorgeous 17th century architectural style, it's easy to spend quite some time here simply marveling at the workmanship. Yet it's also a great opportunity to learn about one of the most famous railroads of all time, the Trans-Siberian. Recognized as the longest continuous railway in the world, Vladivostok is one of the endpoints for this awe-inspiring achievement.
