Scandinavia&Russia Cruise vs land tour
 

Would appreciate any input on Scandinavian and Russia Cruise or land tour for summer of 2002.

Dot, what land tour to Scandinavia and Russia did you find? I'm planning on taking one of the cruises, mostly because getting into Russia any other way seems very complicated. Have you found a solution?

We went to Russia in October independently, and although it took some phone calls and waiting in line to get our visa, we had no problems. It wasn't too complicated. <BR><BR>Essentially, you just need to book your hotel at one of the "approved" hotels and have them fax you a special form (they will all know which one), which you then take/mail to the consulate along with your forms, passport, pictures &amp; money. I'm pretty sure it works the same way in most countries.<BR><BR>Dot, do you have any other specific input that would help? As I said, we went independently (no cruise or tour), so I can't help w. that, but would be happy to answer other q's. We divided our time between Moscow &amp; St. Petersburg and absolutely loved it.

Hello:<BR><BR>We're planning a vacation to russia next april.Please recomend hotels, restaurants, sightseeings and any other<BR>activities that's worth time and money<BR>(will planning stay two nights in moscow<BR>and three in Saint Petersburg.Also want to know the posibilities to find military memorablia of russian army like uniforms, hats, medals, knives etc...<BR><BR>Thanks in advance for your further help.<BR><BR>Jaime &amp; Maritza <BR>

Jaime: You will not be disappointed in finding Russian military items for sale......they are everywhere in the street vendor`s kiosks. Everything from hats, full Officer Uniforms, astronaut memorabilia, medals, pins,flags, etc. Judging by the amount of metal insignia, I have to think that they are being made for the tourist industry. As to how you tell if it is authentic......good luck. I was particularly interested in buying a lighter with the hammer/sickle logo.....the lighter was a Zippo (Made in the United States). One of the dealers I spoke to said there are no lighters being made in Russia. They simply add a leather collar with the logo imprinted on it. I thought the clothing could very well be authentic, but, then........??? St. Enjoy your holiday.

In case you are interested in private shore excursions in St. Petersburg, please visit my web site http://www.tourguide.spb.ru There you can learn more about my services, rates, as well as read references of my former clients. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your visit to Russia! <BR> <BR>Dmitri Razmyslovich <BR>Escorted St. Petersburg Tours <BR>http://www.tourguide.spb.ru