Tula, which lies about 190km South of Moscow, is likely to be unknown by the vast majority of viewers. Indeed, until I met my wife I knew nothing of this city. It is a Hero City (due to its citizens and soldiers bravery in fighting Germany during the Great Patriotic War [Second World War]) and is famous for making military arms, samovars (which are used to make tea) and a wonderful honey cake. It is also close to some amazingly beautiful countryside and important Russian landmarks. Leo Tolstoy lived just 15 minutes from the centre of Tula (probably an hour in his day) and a drive of a couple of hours will take you to Kulikovo Polye, where one of the most important battles in medieval Russia took place.