Vast and varied, Russia is simply too big for a whistle-stop tour to understand how it ticks. So let Russia Close-Up help. It's a unique series on Russia Today, travelling to hard-to-reach places, revealing the answers to your questions.

What are the people like? How do they live? What special customs and traditions do they have? What are their hopes and fears? It's essential viewing for those who want an in-depth, personal understanding of the everyday life of local people, seen through their eyes and words.

The Russia Close-Up team want to make you feel at home in Russia's cities, towns and villages. So sit back and enjoy the ride, without the airfare!