Another major city located on the River Volga is Samara. It is considered to have been founded as an outpost by the Russians in 1586. During the Soviet Period it was a closed city and known as Kuibyshev. It was also the chosen to be the alternative capital during the Second World War should Moscow fall. As such a bunker was especially built in the city for Stalin (which is today open as a museum) and several ministries and embassies relocated here. Samara was a venue-city for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Of course Samara’s best feature is the Volga and the city has a long embankment overlooking it. Go further out of the city and you can enjoy even better views. In addition Samara makes a good base for exploring the neighbouring Zhiguli Mountains.