Russia: "Mini" Trip Review Sept 2007-Grand Circle
 

We just returned yesterday from the Grand Circle River cruise of Russia and we rate it EXCELLENT. They strive for excellence in every way. We can't find anything we would change. The hotels were excellent, (4 nights in Moscow and 3 nights in St. Petersburg), meals were TOO GOOD as my scale will tell when I get the courage to weigh myself, and the river cruise was delightful. The 7 day journey on the river was really nice; we thought we'd get stir crazy but just the view of the little villages passing was so wonderful and the daily stops along the way. A visit to an 19th century boot factory was unforgettable. Grand Circle has unique visits to homes and even a grade school visit. Just imagine conversing with 2nd graders. Also visited endless palaces and churches.

We liked Russia but would only have preferred a faster pace. We are now booked with their OAT for Thailand, Australia, Egypt and India. We vacation at home and on vacation we want to have our feet moving! OAT offers a faster paced itin along with only 12-16 in a group.

By all means, book Russia now....with the growth, in a few years the traffic will be even worse...like China!!! Now the cities are bad for driving but the middle class is growing and so are the cars. Avoid summer visits as the lines are endless we were told and we were lucky to visit in the fall.

Russia was a very pleasant surprise! Grand Circle was so accommodating. Their tour guides strive for Excellence as does the company.

Never dreamed I'd be talking about Swan Lake Ballet in St. Petersburg (which was outstanding) or getting lost in one of the best museums in Moscow....hundreds of feet under ground...the METRO, their subway.

Any questions, feel free to write me direct

[email protected]

BEST SURPRISE OF ALL: The food was outstanding; buffet breakfasts daily like any high class hotel in the states and 4 course meals at both lunch and dinner - the whole grain breads were such a hit; dark and healthy! Sure could use a piece of that toast today!!!!

Did you buy the ski hat and music box?

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35064512

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35064766

Glad to hear that you enjoyed the trip; certainly the weather was nice when you were in Moscow (I was there at the same time).

You too were in Moscow at the same time? How interesting.

Yes, it was a fabulous trip; what a culture and so long is their history. Governments who treated it's people so bad for centuries and strangely enough, the people took it~

You were right; the weather was great for travel and no crowds. Loved the metro in Moscow.

Hope you had as great a time. No, though I have a black belt in shopping, I didn't buy a fur hat nor a music box. I have both but wanted one from Russia. Got some beautiful amber instead and blew my budget.

I sure hope others take this tour ASAP!!!!

Thanks for adding to my thread.

Just a note to say how happy I was to answer individual questions regarding this recent and FIRST tour with Grand Circle.

We leave for Thailand next month with OAT; can only hope the trip is as grand.

My email is:

[email protected]

I am putting this address as sometimes I forget to check back on this website. Intentions are good but we all lead busy lives.

Happy Trails!

Katherine:

Thanks for sharing - good information for anyone thinking about this tour.

Sandy