debbie

Anyone familiar with, or can comment on, this tour organization based in Manhattan? Interested in reliability, dependability and the like. Our 10-year anniversary is next May, and we're interested in doing something 'special' this trip. Last two have been to the Southern Caribbean, and while soaking up the sunshine is heavenly, think we're interested in a bit more of an 'historical' trip this year. Thanks !!

Pat

Were you able to find any answers. I too am interested in this consolidator for a trip in March

Andy

I'm sure interested as well. Were hoping to go to Russia on a river cruise next July and I can't seem to get any info. I've posted numerous questions & got very few answers. I'd like to know if "Moscow Bureau of Voyage" is a reliable Co. to do business with before I send any money. <BR>They have sent me Visa support papers which seem alright, and theit email correspondence is prety good. What to do? /what to do?

Susan

I took a cruise to Russia, Estonia, etc. with Celebrity Cruises. It was a really difficult trip. I can't speak about any of the companies listed below, but I can tell you to be careful because once you are there, it's a tough place to be. I was only in St. Petersburg, of course, and I'm sure that there are lots of beautiful places to see. We had problems with our passports being collected for manifests (they lost mine) etc. Maybe these companies can give you references....

Debbie

Pat/Andy-Check out the Frommers European message board-was able to get some great information from a couple people who took this Eastern Tour last year. One poster in particular was especially detailed in her responses, which I'll forward to you both. I ordered some brochures on-line from Eastern, which were promptly sent. Unfortunately, their trips must be paid for either in cash or with a check-no charge payments allowed, and they will get a Russian Visa for you (in fact, they include the paperwork with the travel brochures they sent)for a fee (of course). From what the Frommers posters have said, the trip is very much as described in Eastern's brochures-a lot is packed in just a few days time. Sounds encouraging. If either of you hear anything, and/or take one of their trips, please let me know. <BR> <BR>Still hoping to hear from a Fodorite who's used Eastern Tours!!

Elaine

Debbie, would you mind forwarding the information from that couple to me also? <BR>I also posted a question about Russian river cruises, but only had one response. There is not a great deal of information available on Russian travel. <BR> <BR>I am really more interested in visiting Moscow and St. Petersburg than in a taking a cruise which includes several small towns and villages along the rivers and lakes, but as much as I generally prefer not to take packaged tours, I am a bit fearful about travelling in Russia without being part of an organized tour group.

Debbie

Hi Elaine-the Frommers post is headed your way. Like you, my husband and I prefer independent travel vs an organized/escorted trip, however, there are certain places (like Russia) that for a first-time visit believe an organized trip is the most efficient way to go. ENJOY!!

nancy

Hi Debbie, There is a group called "Russia Tours" out of Tampa, Fla.That are completely reliable and do REALLY interesting tours of Russia. I would call them and see what they can offer you. Nancy

D.B.

No info on tours, but if you want some "down home" info on Russia visit: <BR> <BR>http://www.wayan.net/journal <BR> <BR>

rlk

]] <BR>I don't have any personal experiences to share, however am eager to hear about several of these potential Russia - visitors once you do get back. I've gotten some literature from 'Uniworld' (www.uniworldcruises.com) located in California. They offer several Russian River Cruises as well as an intriguing sounding trip from Beijing to Moscow thru Mongolia on the Trans Siberian railroad. <BR> <BR>

Susan Hilla

Dear Debbie, <BR> I have been considering a trip to Moscow and St. Petersburg and read about the info you received from a Frommer's forum about Morris Company. Would you be kind enough to forward a copy to me? I would sincerely appreciate it if you could. <BR> Thanks, <BR> Susan Hilla

Elizabeth

Elaine and Debby.......check out the Russian thread "No Tour Trip Moscow - St. Petersburg" for independent travel.

Debbie

Elizabeth-thanks for the heads up on independent travel to/thru Russia - it was a good read. Russian travel postings seems to be limited, so it's refreshing to read a bit more of it now and then. Happy New Year !!

Barbara

Hi Debbie, have you gone on your trip to Russia? I just started checking out Fodors. We'll I have been on 2 trips with Eastern Tours Consolidated. 1st ib Sept. 2000 & 2nd April 2001. Took the The Land of the Tzars 1st time & The Hermitage the 2nd time & extended it by 4 days. They are a real good & professional company to work with. We had no problems what so ever. I have recommened this company to several of my friends.. & 2 more went with us the 2nd time around.. <BR> <BR>Do it & enjoy.... <BR>Barbara <BR>

Debbie

Hi Barbara-We recently returned from our trip to Russia. The trip was fabulous, and Russia is much more beautiful than I ever imagined. We didn't use Eastern Tours after all, but rather booked with General Tours out of NH-everything went without a hitch. The client services manager was very organized, and the tour guides in both Moscow and St Petersburg couldn't have been better. Wouldn't hesitate to book again with General Tours, although from reading postings from those who've used Eastern Tours, they were pleased with their trips. Both Moscow and St Petersburg are beautiful, in different ways. I do believe we left a piece of our heart in St Petersburg however. It's definitely worth a return visit.

Libbie

Reviving this old string to ask, who's a good and trustworthy guide in St. Petersburg?

Jim R

In July of this year we took the Eastern Tours river cruise from St.Petersberg to Moscow and found it to be excellent. The Ship was recently refurbished and was immaculate. It is a very relaxing way to tour. About thirty Americans were on the same tour and all were very happy with it. If you have any questions E-mail me. <BR>Regards, Jim R.

Marc David Miller

From a recommendation on www.LonelyPlanet.com board I met Olga Stepanova, a guide in St Petersburg, Russia. She can be reached at <BR> <BR>[email protected] <BR> <BR>I used her for several days in St Petersburg and she was the finest guide I ever had--so good that I brought her with me to the Lake Baikal region so <BR>that she could translate for me. <BR> <BR>Several of my friends hired Olga for their tours in St. Petersburg as well <BR>and agree with me. Her prices are very reasonable, and I found her to be a <BR>needed resource, even though this was my third trip to St. Petersburg. I <BR>have had friends show me around, and have taken other guides in Petersburg, <BR>but using Olga was more efficient--I have a great knowledge of Russian <BR>history, and she would arrange for guides from some of the museums to show <BR>me their collections, while she would simultaneously translate for me. For <BR>most of the less-specialized sights (Hermitage, Peterhof, city tours) Olga <BR>is licensed and quite knowledgable.

Andrea

This post is extremely old, but I wanted to post in defense of independent travel in Russia & present a very positive experience to counter the poster who had a "very difficult" time. <BR> <BR>My husband and I went by ourselves in October 2000 to Moscow & St. Petersburg. We made all the arrangements ourselves via phone and Internet, and hired private guides upon arrival (which will save you literally THOUSANDS of dollars). We had honestly NO problems at any time. Russia is one of those "specialty" destinations for which travel companies typically charge a very high premium, since first-time tourists are generally intimidated. DON'T BE!! Unless you are taking a specialized/theme package tour or cruise, a travel agency is (IMO) not worth the VERY high price they will charge for things you can do yourself. <BR> <BR>We booked the hotels by phone and did our visas the same way, and booked travel from Moscow to St. Pete upon arrival. I HIGHLY recommend Rossia hotel in Moscow - at US $100, it's considered a BARGAIN hotel, and it is literally just across the street from St. Basil's Cathedral and the Red Square. Spartan decor, poor service, and a dreadful breakfast buffet, but the location and price MORE than make up for it.