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Archive for the ‘Russia’ Category
Trip Review: Contiki’s Russia & The Baltic
As told by DIWYY co-founder, Kristina, who traveled with Contiki to Russia, Finland, Estonia and Sweden in June-July 2009.
Tour Operator: Contiki Tours
Trip Name: Russia and The Baltic
Starting/Ending Point: I started in Moscow, Russia but you can choose to extend the trip and begin in Riga, Latvia. The tour ended in Stockholm, Sweden.
Number of Days: 15 days for the extended tour (start in Riga); shave off a few days if you begin in Moscow.
When I went: I took this tour in June-July 2009.
Highlights of trip: I joined the tour in Moscow and enjoyed the sightseeing opportunities of the Russian capital. Contiki offered many optional excursions and most of them were very worthwhile. My favorites included a tour of the Metro (great way to see the city) and a guided tour of the Kremlin. Additionally, we spent time exploring the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Statue Park. In St. Petersburg, the highlights were The Hermitage Museum (home of a vast Faberge egg collection), a night at the Russian ballet and a canal cruise (all were optional excursions).
You have a long day of driving into Finland but it is all worth it when you embark on the beautiful, harbor-front city of Helsinki. The hotel Contiki used for this tour, Scandic Grand Marina Hotel, was great and offered many amenities like computers in the lobby, on-site laundry and free bikes to take out for the day. The city is very safe and easy to navigate. All you need is a daypack and a sense of adventure to explore this city on foot. From here, you can also opt to do an optional excursion to Tallinn, Estonia. The ferry ride is only a few hours each way and the old town of Tallinn is fun to explore.
Lastly, we ventured to Stockholm, Sweden via an overnight ferry. The included accommodations were in a suburb called Bromma. Since it was outside the city center, we used the Metro to get back and forth to the main parts of the town. While you’re here, be sure to explore the Vasa Museum and take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.
What I wish I would have brought with:
-a Russian-English dictionary (English is not readily spoken and it can come in handy in many situations. Rest assured, English is widely spoken in Finland and Sweden).
-More reading material (There are some long bus rides. Bring a few books and magazines and swap with your new friends on the tour).
-A nicer outfit and dressier shoes for the Russian ballet.
-An eye mask to wear for sleeping. Since I was there in the peak of summer, we had almost 20 hours of daylight and hotels without black-out curtains.
Tips for future travelers: The base Contiki price includes the basics like accommodations, transportation and some meals/excursions. On this tour, like most Contiki trips, there will be a lot of optional excursions to choose from. You will get a description and a price list prior to departure so you can budget accordingly. Select the things you really want to do and if there is something that isn’t your cup of tea, don’t be afraid to opt out and spend the day exploring on your own or in a smaller group.
Would you like to write a review of a trip you have taken? Email kristina@diwyy.com.
Been on Contiki’s Russia & The Baltic? Add your tips and suggestions in the comments field.
