Tour to Russia without Cruise
 

We are interested in taking a small-group tour to Russia that does not include a cruise. In addition to Moscow and St. Petersburg, we would like to include some small towns. Do you know anything about the MIRCorp? Any other suggestions?

I'm not clear as to what level of independence you're looking for.

http://waytorussia.net/ is a well regarded organization on this board. You will have to book your own airfare, but they can help with the rest (as little or as much as you need) - including visas, hotels/apartments, train tickets, transfers/taxis, and customized guided tours in English (either by van or on foot).

I looked at waytorussia.net as you suggested. Since there are just the two of us, it will get to be to expensive as their rates are based on a group of four. I think we will have to go with a group tour. Adventures Abroad has a decent one and less expensive than MIRCorp, but their hotels are not terrific. Any other suggestions?

What's your budget?

The Moscow tours at waytorussia.net are $50 for FOUR HOURS for the whole group and they want a MAXIMUM of 4 people. The fact that you are only two people means you are paying $6.25 per person per hour.

The St. Petersburg tours are 400-500 rubles (or $15-$18US) for four hours.

http://www.peterswalk.com/

evenlyn,

I just wanted to emphasize that if you find your own hotel or apartment and arrange your own tours (even if it's only a group of you two), then you will have nicer accomodations in a more central location and the tours can go as slowly or quickly as you like. All for less than any "packaged" tour.

Here's another tour service that's been touted on Fodor's:
http://www.tourservice.sp.ru/

Otherwise, hopefully someone else can comment on Adventures Abroad another company.

I received the information from waytorussia and the city tour prices are:

"The Moscow City tour - $20 per hour (walking)/ $40 per hour (by car)
The Kremlin tour - $25 per hour + 1,500 rubles (about $55) per person (entrance tickets)"

OK then. I guess they need to update the pricing on their website. Thanks for the info.