Cruise to St Petersburg Russia-land tour or on your own?

walterf

I am use to traveling on my own. However, to get a Visa for St Petersburg appears to be a hassel. Is it worth getting or should I be content with a land tour? Question

ihhello · Posted: Tue Jan 05, 2010 3:09 pm Post subject: It is worth

Hello!

I have been in St. Petersburg several times and it is one of the greates cities in this region. It is definetly wort it.

Be sure to visit Peterhof and Hermitage Museum.

Cheers,
Ivo

lostgalaxy · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 8:14 am Post subject: I'd take a ship!

How about a ship cruise instead? I'd fancy a trip into the famous "white nights" along the Neva river, just the way Peter the Great intended when he founded "Venice of the North".
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dili

It is better to go to St. Petersburg separately from other cities - in this city a lot of attractions that are sure to be seen. In addition there can also make a cruise on the rivers and canals.
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TravelerGwen · Posted: Fri Apr 30, 2010 1:07 pm Post subject: St. Petersburg

It's really tough to see the best highlights of St. Petersburg from a cruise ship. Unless you're on one of the small luxury ships, your port isn't centrally located enough for you to get off to walk and explore on your own. You'll need to arrange private services in advance or take a ship's shore tour.

Visas are not a hassle if you're working with a reputable company.
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jhunter · Chief Steward Joined: 04 Aug 2005 Posts: 158 177 ants

I've received two Russian visas, one tourist and one business. I got the business visa through an outsourcing company, and the tourist with help from a friend in Russia; the business visa was expensive. I didn't have trouble getting either.

I've never been on a package tour, but I think you should consider it if you are not very familiar with Russian culture. Russia is a strange mixture of the familiar and the very strange to this American, and therefore stressful.

Of course, if you enjoy the strange and stressful, channel that enjoyment into getting the visa and go on your own. Russia is wonderful.