Tour: CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EVE IN THE RUSSIAN CAPITALS (CB-10)
Period: December 2007
Message by: Laura Leveson
I am extremely happy to add a small yellow flag for Moscow on my TripAdvisor map on the previously untouched landmass of Russia. The world seems to have suddenly become much smaller, since I visited the largest country. Only 4 hours away by air and 3 hours ahead it’s the perfect short break and still relatively unscathed from the hoards of tourists which saturate Paris, Barcelona and Rome. Entering the city felt slightly like walking into a time warp - back in industrial Manchester in the eighties, everyone wrapped up warm to fight the cold. I was satisfied though and cosy in my thermals, amongst locals head to toe in fur. Clapped out Ladas hooting their horns (and look-a-like Volgas) tall and grey, square architecture - however there was the constant surreal backdrop of at least one of Stalins’ 7 sisters - The obscenely large buildings built by Stalin, with the technology of American Skyscrapers but amazing baroque, gothic, and art-deco in design. Extremely tall Christmas trees lit the city on every main junction with only subtle differences between the Russian festive season and English. In Moscow you can expect to see Grandfather Frost, the Russian version of Father Christmas (who greeted us at our hotel) accompanied by his granddaughter ‘Snegurochka’ and a large rat which I later discovered signifies the year of the Rat. (Chinese astrology is closely followed in Russia due to the long border they share with China) Notoriously New Years Eve is the biggest day for celebration in revolutionary Russia. And fireworks displays are put on across the city, the most notorious at Red Square where we headed. Our pre-New Years Eve site-seeing was arranged by Go Russia, was all in the heart of the city, and we visited the essential sites; The Kremlin, St Basils, The famous Bolshoi theatre, and the Red Square more than once. The underground (Metro) is definitely the best way to get around cheaply and quickly –once you have decoded the map! Lines run vertically bar the (Koltseveya) Legend has it that Stalin slammed his coffee cup down on the proposed map - and this line which circulates the city was born. Multi stop passes are used – it’s cheaper than the London Underground at around £3 for 10 journeys, regardless of distance.
06.04.2008

Tour: TWO CAPITALS OF RUSSIA - PACKAGE TOUR (CB-03)
Period: August, 2007
Message by: Janet Harris
We had a fantastic trip thank you, we really enjoyed it. Everything was fine, we were met at the airport in Moscow and each day for the morning trips. Masha, our guide in Moscow, was really helpful as we wanted to change what we were doing one morning and she accommodated that for us. We liked the format of having morning tours and then free time in the afternoon to do what we wanted. So we found everything excellent, no complaints at all.
11.09.2007

Tour: TREKKING IN ONE OF THE WORLD'S LARGEST BIOSPHERE RESERVATIONS (KK-03)
Period: September, 2007
Message by: Victor Tse
Our guide, interpreter & cook were very energetic and helpful.The food quality during the trek was high and plentiful. The pleasant surprise availability of wooden cabins and UNESCO scientist huts accommodation at some sights. Bear 'flares' and fire crackers were available for use - when we were unescorted by either the ranger or a team member. MI-8 helicopter transfers gave stunning views of the Krontsky area! The bus driver was very willing to stop for photo stops.The Petropavlovsk Hotel staff were very approachable and the atmosphere was good.The trip to the museum and fish market are not to be missed! The Aeroflot service was faultless on both the outbound and inbound flights. Also - the weather was exceptionally good!
10.09.2007

Tour: CLIMBING TO THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN EUROPE - ELBRUS (EL-01)
Period: August, 2007
Message by: Nameed Maan
Hi Zivile, trip was awesome, very satisfying if somewat painful....i think a bit more time acclimatising would be better. toilet could be cleaner. food could be bit more varied, but aprt from that it was amazing, thank you so much.
10.09.2007

Tour: TWO CAPITALS OF RUSSIA - PACKAGE TOUR (CB-03)
Period: August, 2007
Message by: Zeenat Suleman
All of us were extremely enthralled with our stay in Moscow and St Petersburg. The trip was 'a dream come true' and our guide Evgenia Prognova in Moscow and Olga in St Petersberg were remarkable people, who with great dedication, sincerity, courtesy and graciousnes led us through the most interesting art galleries, museums and palaces. We absolutely adored the cathedrals in both cities. The hotels were wonderful and so was the trip to the circus! Everything worked out smoothly except for a small confusion pertaining to our transport to the station in St Petersburg. This was by the Grace of God a most memorable trip and I want to thank you for arranging matters for us in a professinal and thoughtful way.We hope to visit your country again.
09.09.2007

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