Founded as an industrial center, Tula has a number of sites worth a day trip from Moscow. Visit the 350-year-old Kremlin, the History of Arms Museum and the Imperial Small Arms Factory (founded by Peter the Great in 1712).
Some of Russia's finest samovars (teapots) were created in Tula, and there is a collection on view in the Samovar Museum near the Kremlin. The city's most famous draw, however, is nearby Yasnaya Polyana, the country estate of author Leo Tolstoy. While there, visit his home, museum and (unmarked) gravesite. Also try some
Tulsky pryanik (gingerbread), a traditional Russian cookie.
110 mi/180 km south of Moscow.