Discussion To Russia With Love?

There seems to be one glaring omission from all these great episodes of travel throughout Europe: Russia. It's such a vast and diverse country, yet it often gets overlooked in travel discussions. Has anyone here traveled to Russia recently? I'm particularly interested in hearing about experiences in St. Petersburg and Moscow, but also any hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path destinations. What were your impressions, and would you recommend it for someone looking for a unique European adventure?