Some countries are much easier to visit when all the arrangements, visas, translations and plans are done by someone else. A 2 week overview of the Baltic countries gave me a sample of most of the region. I could plan to return for a deeper look at a future time.
I have NEVER taken a tour. I use ships every year to avoid a crippling 10+ hour captivity in a plane seat that is shrinking every year.
Russia requires a Visa. You can obtain one for yourself and use any of the local tour operators or allow the cruise line to issue a temporary visa for you ONLY if you take the cruise line sponsored tours.
Only taking one tour while in Russia I was able to see this amazing church. After an hour long canal boat ride and an ENDLESS visit to a gift shop we had a mere 10 minutes in this amazing building. The crowds were massive.
Our guide knew a great deal about the building but it was impossible to hear her.
I have NEVER taken a tour. I use ships every year to avoid a crippling 10+ hour captivity in a plane seat that is shrinking every year.
A suggestion to Holland America is to correct the time distribution for their tours. They did not add more tours for the open bus and free time walking for passengers (sold out) and told me they were 'not allowed'. Possibly true since Russian has endless restrictions. I was only there a day but it was not a cheery place. Perhaps the grey skies contribute to the overall malaise.
Interesting that you did not think St. Petersburg was not a cheery place. Maybe it was the weather. I was in St. Petersburg for a week and really enjoyed it. I thought the people were nice as well.
ReplyDeletei am very glad to hear this..........i am thinking of returning in may for a moscow to st. P trip. We had limited contact with locals, just the immigration officer and a few street vendors. i HATE tours but in hind site I did miss a lot by not being dragged around on a bus
DeleteI went to Moscow before St. Petersburg. I am glad I went to Moscow 1st. St. Petersburg is easier to navigate by Metro. Moscow is a larger city and there is certainly enough to see. There is a fantastic Museum in Moscow on Russian Art. I thought we were treated quite well. We did it independently. I will be posting a blog at some point. Working my way through all my places bit by bit.
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