Borodino Battlefield: Follow Napoleon Across Russia

Year 2012 marked the 200th Anniversary of 1812 - and Napoleon's disastrous invasion of Russia and the battles provoked by it.

   Head to Moscow, where the battle of Borodino Panorama gives a vivid impression of the events of a key skirmish. Or go further north to St. Petersburg's Hermitage and Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps, which contain paintings and memorabilia from the campaign.

This could also be the time to finally tackle Tolstoy's War And Peace, set around the conflict - though you may need to set aside the entire year to get through it.  

The 360-degree panorama of the Borodino battle - complete with sound efforts - is at 38 Kutuzovsky prospect Moscow.