ms russ

[Coral]

The architecture at GUM is amazing but the stores are going to be very similar to what we have in the US. It includes a lot of high end stores that we see in our malls here. It is worth going into but I wouldn't plan on spending a lot of time in there.

 

Our Moscow by Night tour was "OK". Due to sunlight - it was almost like Moscow during the day.

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

Papa, yes, we get a Kremlin Tour and a tour of one of the Cathedrals in the Cathedral Square: either Assumption, Archangel or Annunciation. On the way there we get the "panoramic" city tour of all the major sights in Moscow.

 

Thanks Papa and coral for the info on GUM. I'd heard it was quite expensive. My daughter and I will be there more for the experience: people watching, window shopping and seeing the amazing architecture. We'd also like to see a show at the Bolshoi, but don't know if time and budget will allow as our flight doesn't get in until fairly late the night before. I think we'll only have the morning before we catch a transfer to the ship.

 

Does anybody know if drinking water is available on the Russ other than bottled water for purchase? I thought I saw a picture onboard of a water "machine" where we could fill a glass or bottle, but wasn't for sure if it was drinking water or not. I have a feeling much of my "souvenir" money will be spent on water, pop and tips!

[4774Papa]

Papa, yes, we get a Kremlin Tour and a tour of one of the Cathedrals in the Cathedral Square: either Assumption, Archangel or Annunciation. On the way there we get the "panoramic" city tour of all the major sights in Moscow.

 

Thanks Papa and coral for the info on GUM. I'd heard it was quite expensive. My daughter and I will be there more for the experience: people watching, window shopping and seeing the amazing architecture. We'd also like to see a show at the Bolshoi, but don't know if time and budget will allow as our flight doesn't get in until fairly late the night before. I think we'll only have the morning before we catch a transfer to the ship.

 

Does anybody know if drinking water is available on the Russ other than bottled water for purchase? I thought I saw a picture onboard of a water "machine" where we could fill a glass or bottle, but wasn't for sure if it was drinking water or not. I have a feeling much of my "souvenir" money will be spent on water, pop and tips!

Sounds like you missed the Kremlin Armory, which was remarkable.

[Coral]

Sounds like you missed the Kremlin Armory, which was remarkable.

 

I have to agree that the Armory museum is incredible. Probably the best museum in Moscow IMO. It can be quite warm, so dress accordingly.

 

It sort of reminds me of the American History Museum at the Smithsonian with the Soviet/Russian flair (as opposed to American). Here is info on it: http://www.moscow.info/museums/kremlin-armory-museum.aspx

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

The Armory is offered as an optional tour, along with Kostroma or the Circus or Moscow by Night. I guess I didn't mention that before. So much to see and so little time- even with nearly 2 weeks in the country!

[denny girl]

Thanks for the itinerary offer Pixie. Would bemuch appreciated. Sorry for the answer delay.

Bit surprised about up at 6 as some people have complained of boredom and I figured it would at least be restful! Guess you need to get going early to beat the traffic.

As we`re going in the same direction your trip should be identical to ours and until we receive our info we don`t know what to do pretour.

Don`t know whether to visit the Armoury before we board as the hotel is very close to Red Square, or take advantage of the optional extra. Others have also mentioned their optional tour was not available. (Not enough takers) Need to stay flexible! (Which I`m not as I don`t expect to return)

Someone said they boarded at lunchtime and were the first on board so if we board later almost gives us another day in Moscow as opposed to wandering the docks. We`ll definitely be in Moscow at night so probably won`t need that one (or maybe it takes you somewhere interesting?)

Decisions, decisions and it`s still month off.

There`s also a very long thread about the Russ on Tripadvisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g298507-i707-k3948405-River_cruise_ship_MS_Russ-St_Petersburg_Northwestern_District.html#0

Hope this is helpful to other Russers.

Denny

[4774Papa]

Thanks for the itinerary offer Pixie. Would bemuch appreciated. Sorry for the answer delay.

Bit surprised about up at 6 as some people have complained of boredom and I figured it would at least be restful! Guess you need to get going early to beat the traffic.

As we`re going in the same direction your trip should be identical to ours and until we receive our info we don`t know what to do pretour.

Don`t know whether to visit the Armoury before we board as the hotel is very close to Red Square, or take advantage of the optional extra. Others have also mentioned their optional tour was not available. (Not enough takers) Need to stay flexible! (Which I`m not as I don`t expect to return)

Someone said they boarded at lunchtime and were the first on board so if we board later almost gives us another day in Moscow as opposed to wandering the docks. We`ll definitely be in Moscow at night so probably won`t need that one (or maybe it takes you somewhere interesting?)

Decisions, decisions and it`s still month off.

There`s also a very long thread about the Russ on Tripadvisor

http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g298507-i707-k3948405-River_cruise_ship_MS_Russ-St_Petersburg_Northwestern_District.html#0

Hope this is helpful to other Russers.

Denny

The Armory is inside the Kremlin. I am not sure what it takes to get inside. The crowds where quite large and it took some time to get inside. Also, I think there are specific times that tourists are allowed inside the Kremlin and Armory.

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

Here is the schedule that I was given for the Russ. I also have a full menu from one of the cruises last year, if anyone is interested in that.

 

Day 1 - Moscow

Welcome to Russia! After you board your ship, you have the evening free to relax, enjoy dinner onboard, and meet your fellow travelers on this extraordinary adventure across Russia.

 

Day 2 - Moscow

* Moscow city tour

* Excursion of Kremlin and one cathedral

* Optional excursions: Armoury Chamber, national folk show "Kostroma" or circus, and Moscow by night.

 

6:30 Wake up call

6:45-8:30 Breakfast aboard

8:30 Bus city tour (Leningradsky avenue, Tverskaya street, Theatralny passage, Lubyanka, KGB builing, Manez square, Red Square (free time): GUM, Historical museum, Resurrection gate, Kazan church, Intercession cathedral, Lower trade stalls, Kremlin Towers: Saviour, Tsar's, St.Nicolas; Senate, Mausoleum, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (passing by))

12:30 - 14:00 Lunch at the city restaurant

15:00 - 16:30 Kremlin tour - Palace of Congresses, Senate square: Arsenal, Senate buildings; residence of the President of the Russian Federation, Tsar bell and Tsar cannon, Cathedral Square ensemble: Assumption Cathedral, Archangel Cathedral and Annunciation Cathedral with visit to one of them.

18:00 Return aboard for passengers without optional excursions

18:00 OPTIONAL: National folk show "Kostroma" (The performance starts at 19:30) (from the middle of June till the middle of September only!) OPTIONAL: Circus (The performance starts at 19:30)

19:00 -- 20:30 Dinner aboard for passengers without optional excursions

21:30 OPTIONAL: Moscow by night + metro

22:30 Dinner aboard for passengers with evening optional excursions

23:00 Marvelous melodies performed during the musical evening

01:00 Return on board after optional excursion Moscow by night + metro

 

Day 3 - Moscow

Today is free for you to explore Moscow on your own. Ask your guide for site recommendations. You will be offered some options tours on board of the ship on the day of Arrival.

 

In the evening will embark on your ship and sail to St. Petersburg. Your next stop tomorrow will be the town of Uglich.

 

7:15 Wake up call

7:30 -- 9:30 Breakfast aboard

8:30 OPTIONAL: Sergiev Posad

9:00 OPTIONAL: Tretyakov Gallery

9:00 OPTIONAL: New Maidens' Convent

9:00 OPTIONAL: River small boats tour

9:00 OPTIONAL: Transfer to the city center

13:00 Return on board after optional excursions

14:00 Return on board after optional tour to Sergiev Posad

13:30 -- 15:30 Lunch aboard

17:15 All aboard!

You are kindly asked to be onboard in time

17:30 Departure

MS Russ leaves Moscow for Uglich

18:00 Presentation of the crew and of the staff

Captain's Welcome Cocktail.

You are expected to be elegant dressed.

19:00 -- 21:00 Dinner aboard

21:00 Live music in the bar

22:00 Onboard musicians' concert "Let's make friends"!

22:30 Dancing music in the bar

 

Day 4 - Uglich

 

7:30 Wake up call

7:45 Morning exercises

7:45 -- 9:45 Breakfast aboard

9:45 Route information

10:00 Russian language class

11:00 Souvenir Shop lecture (The most interesting about the Traditional Russian crafts)

12:00 Russian songs class

13:30 -- 15:30 Lunch aboard

16:30 - 20:00 UGLICH Walking city tour, territory of Kremlin, Dmitry on the Blood Church, Transfiguration Cathedral (about 90 minutes' walk)

19:45 All aboard! You are kindly asked to be onboard in time

20:00 Departure MS Russ leaves Uglich for Yaroslavl

20:00 -- 21:30 Dinner aboard

22:00 Folk music concert

22:00 Live music in the bar

23:00 Dancing music in the bar

 

Day 5 - Yaroslavl

During your bus city tour you will visit:

 

* The Church of Elijah Prophet

* Interactive tour of former Governor's House (Art Gallery)

* Local food market to buy delicious foods

7:00 Wake up call

7:15 Morning exercises

7:20 -- 9:00 Breakfast aboard

9:00 - 14:00 YAROSLAVL. Bus city tour, local market (free time), Church of St Elijah the Prophet (outside), Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (inside visit), interactive tour to former Governor's House (Art Gallery)

13:45 All aboard! You are kindly asked to be onboard in time

14:00 Departure. MS Russ leaves Yaroslavl for Goritsy

14:00 -- 15:30 Lunch aboard

16:00 Russian bingo

17:00 Russian Tea Ceremony. Enjoy the Russian Tea Culture and learn its history.

18:00 Russian language class

19:30 Russian songs class

20:00 -- 21:30 Dinner aboard

21:30 Live music in the bar

21:30 Nonfictional film about History of Russia

22:30 Dancing music in the bar

 

Day 6 - Goritsy

7:00 Wake up call

7:15 Morning exercises

7:30 -- 9:30 Breakfast aboard

9:30 Route information

9:30 Master Class of Painting Russian doll Matryoshka

11:45 -- 13:00 Lunch aboard

13:00 - 16:00 GORITSY. Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, museum of icons

15:45 All aboard! You are kindly asked to be onboard in time

16:00 Departure. MS Russ leaves Goritsy for Kizhi

16:15 OPTIONAL: Vodka and blini tasting party

18:00 Russian songs class

19:00 -- 21:00 Russian Dinner aboard

21:00 Live music in the bar

21:30 Folk music concert

22:00 Nonfictional film about History of Russia

22:30 Dancing music

 

Day 7 - Kizhi Island

7:30 Wake up call

7:45 Morning exercises

7:45 -- 9:30 Breakfast aboard

9:30 Route information

10:00 Russian language class

11:00 Lecture "Russian Traditional Costume"

12:00 Napkin folding class

13:00 -- 14:40 Lunch aboard

15:00 Captain's bridge tour

16:00 Pirate's game "Looking for treasure"

17:00 - 20:00 (on May 09th - onboard activities) KIZHI. Open-air museum of wooden architecture (Transfiguration Cathedral (outside), visit of Intercession Cathedral, 1 isba (traditional wooden house), sauna) (90 min. walk)

19:45 All aboard! You are kindly asked to be onboard in time

20:00 Departure. MS Russ leaves Kizhi for Mandrogui

20:00 Pirates' dinner

21:30 Live music in the bar

22:00 Evening Show of Variety Actors

23:00 Dancing music in the bar

 

Day 8 - Mandrogi

7:00 Wake up call

7:15 Morning exercises

7:30 -- 9:00 Breakfast aboard

9:00 Route information

9:30 Round Table. Board guides are glad to answer every question you have about the Russian Reality

11:00 - 15:00 MANDROGI. Free time during the stop. The possibility to enjoy the peaceful scenery and picturesque landscape. Visit of the traditional Russian village: outside and interiors of typical wooden houses, numerous crafts exhibitions, Russian pancake and pies houses, Museum of Vodka (fee-paying entrance)

12:30-14:30 «Shish kebab party» in a tent ashore.

14:45 All aboard! You are kindly asked to be onboard in time

15:00 Departure. MS Russ leaves Mandrogui for Saint-Petersburg

15:30 The dress rehearsal of the Talent Show. All the dancers and singers are welcome!

17:30 Film about the cruise

18:45 Captain's Dinner. You are expected to be elegant dressed.

21:00 Talent show - pleasant party performed by our guests and for our guests

23:00 Dancing music in the bar

 

Day 9 - St. Petersburg

* You will have a bus city tour to St. Basil's Island, The Building of Exchange, Rostum Columns, Nevskiy prospect, St. Isaac Cathedral, and Church of Spilled Blood.

* Optional for this evening: opera or ballet at Mariisnky, Mikhailovsky, the Hermitage Theater or Russian Folklore show at Nikolaevsky Palace; Rivers and Canals of St. Petersburg.

(Tickets for ballet and opera should be purchased in advance - ask your Travel Specialist).

 

6:20 Wake up call

6:30 -- 8:00 Breakfast aboard

8:00 Arrival in St. Petersburg

8:00 Bus city tour (Smolny convent, Tavrichesky palace, Summer Garden, Palace embankment, Winter palace, tip of Vasilevsky island (buildings of Exchange, Cabinet of curiosities, Zoo museum), 12 boards, Square of the Decembrists, Bronze Horseman, buildings of the Senate and the Synod, St.Isaac´s cathedral, Nevsky prospekt (Stroganov Palace, Cathedral of our Lady of Kazan, Gostiny Dvor, Catherine II monument))

11:30 -12:30 Lunch at the city restaurant

13:30 Hermitage museum visit - the actual tour order may vary (Egyptian hall, 1812 year gallery, St. George hall, small throne room, Italian art collection (Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Tisian, Michaelangelo), Dutch art (Rembrandt), French art (impressionists), Spanish art (Ribera, Velázquez)). Tour to Peter and Paul Fortress (after the Hermitage) (walking tour of the territory: the boat house, Peter I monument, Commandant´s house, Nevsky gate, St.Peter and Paul´s Cathedral (visit)

17:30 Return aboard

17:30 Live music in the bar

18:00 - 19:30 Dinner aboard

19:00 OPTIONAL: Folk Show

23:30 Return aboard after the evening optional performance

22:30 Dancing music in the bar

 

Day 10 - St. Petersburg

Today is free for you to explore St.Petersburg on your own. Ask your guide for site recommendations. You will be offered some options tours on board of the ship on the day of Arrival.

 

Optional for this evening: Catherine Palace; St. Petersburg by night

 

6:15 Wake up call

6:45 -- 8:45 Breakfast aboard

8:00 OPTIONAL: Pushkin (Catherin's palace and park) + Pavlovsk (Pavel the First Palace + park). Pushkin (Catherine Palace and Park) - Catherine's palace: Grand throne hall and Amber room, walking alone the park (20-30 min.): grotto, Grand pond, Hermitage pavilion. Pavlovsk (Pavel the First Palace and park). Boxed lunch will be provided for those who book this tour.

15:30 Return to ship

12:30 - 13:45 Lunch aboard. Free time

17:00 Live music in the bar

18:00 --19:30 Dinner aboard

19:00 OPTIONAL: Ballet

22:30 Marvelous melodies performed during the musical evening

23:30 Return on board after the optional ballet

23:30 OPTIONAL: St. Petersburg by night

02:30 Return aboard

 

Day 11 - St. Petersburg

With no prepared itinerary for today, it is yours to explore! Wander the ancient streets of St. Petersburg or drift down its canals. You could also take an optional tour to the outskirts of St. Petersburg and see many luxurious palaces. Most notable is Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin).

 

7:45 Wake up call

08:00 -- 9:45 Breakfast aboard

9:45 Peterhof (lower park only) - walking tour: the Grand Cascade with the Samson fountain, Greenhouse, Roman fountains, Cascade "the Chessboard", amusement fountains (oaklet, umbrella, bench), palace Monplezire, view of the Gulf of Finland

14:30 Return aboard

13:30 -- 15:30 Lunch aboard

14:30 OPTIONAL: Rivers and Canals

19:00 Return on board after the optional tour

18:00 Live music in the bar

19:00 -- 21:00 Dinner aboard

21:00 Live music in the bar

22:30 Marvelous melodies performed during the musical evening

 

Day 12 - Cruise Ends

Your voyage has come to an end. It is time to say farewell to this glorious section of the world and your new friends as you leave, taking with you unforgettable memories. Ask your travel specialist about available cruise extensions.

[4774Papa]

Amazing, your optional tour only includes the lower park of Peterhof. Also, Catherine's Palace is optional!

My suggestion is do all the optional tours. The folkshow in St. Petersburg is great, as well as the Ballet.

Much of your tours are optional! This really is a budget trip.

[Coral]

Amazing, your optional tour only includes the lower park of Peterhof. Also, Catherine's Palace is optional!

 

This is what we had on AMA also :(

[denny girl]

That`s a wonderful itinerary thanks Pixie. (Pity you`re not on the earlier sailing with us!)

It`s morning here so will spend the afternoon poring over it.

Am perfectly happy to pay for the optionals and from what I`ve seen the prices were quite reasonable.The overall cost will still be low.

I now have a much better idea of what would be better visited before and after the cruise and what`s included or optional.

Don`t know the reason but Russ is 13 days in this direction.

I assume Gate1 will be identical!

[Swunky]

Pixigirl....Great schedule. Where did you get it? We are on the week before you from SP to Moscow. I would love a schedule like that!

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

Yay! Im glad you can make use of the itinerary.

 

Swunky, I got it through my travel guide at Travel all Russia/Goldenring Cruises. I was thrilled to get it myself. LOL, for less than $2G I wasn't expecting even this much! Get your Pirate Gear ready for Pirate night!:p My guide is a young woman from Russia, so she's been very helpful.

 

When I talked to my Aunt and looked at her pictures from her Viking cruise, I couldn't find much that was different between her upper crust and my budget cruise. You're right, papa, the key is probably in making the most of the optional tours and time on your own. My daughter and I plan to see the GUM store and Gorky Park in Moscow. We're also hoping to take in the ballet at the Bolshoi and maybe see Lenin's tomb. Not sure about the tomb after reading some comments from recent American tourists. In St Pete's we plan to make a 2nd trip to the Hermitage. I'm also trying to get some ideas on how much the optional excursions are going to cost.

 

Looking through the pictures of the Russ and now looking through the detailed itinerary and menu, I feel much more comfortable about the cruise. The Russ is "no-frills", but still has some lovely spaces. I've been calling it my "Best Western" (as opposed to a "Hyatt") cruise, and lets face it, the Best Western can be awesome!

 

I sure wish I was crusing with some of you folks. It would be nice to have some familiar "faces" to look forward to.

 

I know we're all going to have a great time though~ and lots of fun comparing notes!

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

PS~ denny girl, it seems the Moscow to St Pete's cruises are a day longer. Must have to do with upstream/downstream (I'm guessing).

[4774Papa]

Yay! Im glad you can make use of the itinerary.

 

Swunky, I got it through my travel guide at Travel all Russia/Goldenring Cruises. I was thrilled to get it myself. LOL, for less than $2G I wasn't expecting even this much! Get your Pirate Gear ready for Pirate night!:p My guide is a young woman from Russia, so she's been very helpful.

 

When I talked to my Aunt and looked at her pictures from her Viking cruise, I couldn't find much that was different between her upper crust and my budget cruise. You're right, papa, the key is probably in making the most of the optional tours and time on your own. My daughter and I plan to see the GUM store and Gorky Park in Moscow. We're also hoping to take in the ballet at the Bolshoi and maybe see Lenin's tomb. Not sure about the tomb after reading some comments from recent American tourists. In St Pete's we plan to make a 2nd trip to the Hermitage. I'm also trying to get some ideas on how much the optional excursions are going to cost.

 

Looking through the pictures of the Russ and now looking through the detailed itinerary and menu, I feel much more comfortable about the cruise. The Russ is "no-frills", but still has some lovely spaces. I've been calling it my "Best Western" (as opposed to a "Hyatt") cruise, and lets face it, the Best Western can be awesome!

 

I sure wish I was crusing with some of you folks. It would be nice to have some familiar "faces" to look forward to.

 

I know we're all going to have a great time though~ and lots of fun comparing notes!

Vantage is a step up from the budget cruises like Gate1. We had one more day in Moscow and one more day in StP. Also, we had first rate downtown hotels in both cities. Still, I know how much Gate1 charges for its tours, and it is a good deal considering the prices.

I would say from what I have read and heard from people about Viking that it is closer to Gate1 than Vantage.

[Swunky]

I agree with you Pixiegirl...it sure would be nice traveling with some of you folks. I haven't been able to find anyone on our date... June 9 from SP-Moscow. I am going to call Gate 1 to see if they can send me the itinerary. I'm sure most of it is the same but we do not have a full free day in Moscow. No hair dryers huh! I guess I will have to pack one and take a converter. I'll need a converter for my camera battery anyway.

 

It sounds like alot of fun and I think it is what you make it. I can't wait to go!

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

I totally agree, Swunky, this trip (like any) is what we make it. Of course the Russ is the 3 star budget cruise, but while looking at the onboard ship pictures, it really is a nice ship with some charming, lovely, public areas.

 

My daughter and I have been chuckling at the pictures of the lower twin rooms- not the Ritz! I told her to think of our room as camping in a nice, older model trailer- especially with the cramped bathroom/showers! If we go in with a sense of humor about it, then it's all fun.

 

My daughter and I are already talking about "costumes" for Pirate night and what fun thing we can work up for the talent show. It does sound like they try to give you a nice cultural experience on the ship with the language/music/craft/food lessons and entertainment.

 

The main thing is, we'll be in Russia! We're going to see some incredible places and meet interesting people. We'll take advantage of our free time to further explore places of interest (like a 2nd visit to the Hermitage after disembarkation in St Pete's before our flight leaves that evening). It's all good! We're also going to enjoy lengthy pre=post visits to Amsterdam, Paris and London. When you look online, it's really amazing how many wonderful things you can do or see for free or small fees. A person/persons can have a great international experience on a budget.

 

I think we're all going to have a great time!

[4774Papa]

I totally agree, Swunky, this trip (like any) is what we make it. Of course the Russ is the 3 star budget cruise, but while looking at the onboard ship pictures, it really is a nice ship with some charming, lovely, public areas.

 

My daughter and I have been chuckling at the pictures of the lower twin rooms- not the Ritz! I told her to think of our room as camping in a nice, older model trailer- especially with the cramped bathroom/showers! If we go in with a sense of humor about it, then it's all fun.

 

My daughter and I are already talking about "costumes" for Pirate night and what fun thing we can work up for the talent show. It does sound like they try to give you a nice cultural experience on the ship with the language/music/craft/food lessons and entertainment.

 

The main thing is, we'll be in Russia! We're going to see some incredible places and meet interesting people. We'll take advantage of our free time to further explore places of interest (like a 2nd visit to the Hermitage after disembarkation in St Pete's before our flight leaves that evening). It's all good! We're also going to enjoy lengthy pre=post visits to Amsterdam, Paris and London. When you look online, it's really amazing how many wonderful things you can do or see for free or small fees. A person/persons can have a great international experience on a budget.

 

I think we're all going to have a great time!

If you go to the Hermitage on your own, make sure you have a guidebook to assist you find the most important areas, like the Dutch (Rembrandt), Impressionists and other key places.

 

We had the Insight guidebook for St. Petersburg, which I highly recommend.

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

Thanks, Papa! Fortunately, we do get to tour there as part of our itinerary, but I know a few hours won't even scratch the surface. I've been looking at the website and doing some of their online "tours" in anticipation. I'll look into your guidebook too! Naturally, this is probably a once in a lifetime event, so I really want to get the most "bang" for my buck. :) I appreciate the tips and insight.

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

I just got this information from my travel guide. She said not all of the optional tours are listed, but these are the ones that are confirmed so far, along with the prices per person. I know this helps me plan my budget, so wanted to share:

 

Moscow - Optional Excursions

Novodevichy monastery - 2 hrs ($68)

Moscow by night + metro - 3hrs ($66)

Sergiev posad - 2 hrs ($100)

Tretyakov gallery - 1,5 hrs ($75)

Transfer in the city (4 hours) ($38)

 

St. Petersburg - Optional Excursions

Pushkin (Catherine palace +park) - 3 hrs ($104)

Pavlovsk (palace and park) - 3 hrs $100)

Pushkin (palace) + Peteroff (park) - 6 hrs ($140)

Rivers and canals - 1 hr ($72)

Nikolaevsky folklore - 2 parts 45 min each ($108)

Ballet (theatre of musical comedy) - 2.5 hrs ($150)

[4774Papa]

I just got this information from my travel guide. She said not all of the optional tours are listed, but these are the ones that are confirmed so far, along with the prices per person. I know this helps me plan my budget, so wanted to share:

 

Moscow - Optional Excursions

Novodevichy monastery - 2 hrs ($68)

Moscow by night + metro - 3hrs ($66)

Sergiev posad - 2 hrs ($100)

Tretyakov gallery - 1,5 hrs ($75)

Transfer in the city (4 hours) ($38)

 

St. Petersburg - Optional Excursions

Pushkin (Catherine palace +park) - 3 hrs ($104)

Pavlovsk (palace and park) - 3 hrs $100)

Pushkin (palace) + Peteroff (park) - 6 hrs ($140)

Rivers and canals - 1 hr ($72)

Nikolaevsky folklore - 2 parts 45 min each ($108)

Ballet (theatre of musical comedy) - 2.5 hrs ($150)

 

We did all of these on Vantage. Some of these were included in our tour price.

The Tretyakov gallery was good, but if you are short of time, I would skip that one.

Sergiev posad was a full day excursion and took a while just to get there.

Moscow by Night was great.

 

I would put Catherine's palace and Peterhoff at the top of the list including the palace. The folklore show was super as well as the ballet (Swan Lake). The Ballet company was once know as the Kirov Ballet and wonderful.

Pavlovsk is good, but Catherine's and Peterhoff are higher priority, in my opinion.

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

Yeah, I was torn about some of the excursions. The Armory isn't listed there, and I believe that's also supposed to be an option. I've heard good things about the Moscow by Night tour, but I've heard some negatives about doing that in the summer since it doesn't really get dark- especially in June! Sergiev Posad is supposed to be pretty cool. I've seen pictures, but my daughter and I have discussed just taking the ride into town and going to Gorky Park then. We hope to see GUM and maybe go to the Bolshoi the day before the tour. I don't know yet. So many choices...

 

We very much want to see the ballet in St Pete's. I'll take your recommendation of Catherine's Palace and Peterhof. They are both so stunning in pictures, it would be amazing to see them in person.

[denny girl]

Don`t know how much stuff you`ve got Pixie but this site has food and bar menus (among other things) The bar menu is complete with prices so you can do your pop budget!

http://www.justgorussia.co.uk/en/display_tour/russian_river_cruise_cr_02/ship_russ.html

[4774Papa]

Yeah, I was torn about some of the excursions. The Armory isn't listed there, and I believe that's also supposed to be an option. I've heard good things about the Moscow by Night tour, but I've heard some negatives about doing that in the summer since it doesn't really get dark- especially in June! Sergiev Posad is supposed to be pretty cool. I've seen pictures, but my daughter and I have discussed just taking the ride into town and going to Gorky Park then. We hope to see GUM and maybe go to the Bolshoi the day before the tour. I don't know yet. So many choices...

 

We very much want to see the ballet in St Pete's. I'll take your recommendation of Catherine's Palace and Peterhof. They are both so stunning in pictures, it would be amazing to see them in person.

We did a drive by of Gorky Park, which was a bit of a come down. I had read the book "Gorky Park" and was interested in seeing the park.

[pixiegirl-loves-travel]

denny~ Hot diggety! Thanks! I've found a lot, but I haven't found this! It's great to see some new pictures too! And of course the pop budget is VERY important, so anything that can help with my diet pepsi/coke fix is appreciated :D. For my daughter, who will be 20 1/2 on the cruise, she is GREATLY anticipating the fact that she can get a jump-start on her 21st birthday and enjoy some alcoholic beverages! I told her to budget acccordingly, so the prices are good to have.

 

Papa, from what I heard, Gorky Park was getting pretty shady (not in the good way), but underwent a complete make-over in 2011 and has become quite a lovely place once again. It's lost much of it's "theme-park" vibe and is now more of a relaxing, natural space. I hope to let you know for sure in June if this is true! ;)