Mudhen Posted January 3, 2018 #1 Share Posted January 3, 2018 We're considering a Spirit cruise that has three days in St. Petersburg. We've been there before on Regent, but their excursions included (or took care of) Russian visas. Do the escorted SS excursions take care of that too? Can anyone give me a "ball park" figure of the cost of a typical St. Petersburg excursion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LondonTowner Posted January 3, 2018 #2 Share Posted January 3, 2018 If you read the Northern Europe and Baltics forum you will find loads of info re excursions in SPB As long as you book with a tour op the visa will be included. We did the two day Comfort Tour with Alla, but there are lots of other companies which also get excellent reviews. You could also look at reviews on Tripadvisor. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slug33ukuk Posted January 3, 2018 #3 Share Posted January 3, 2018 I CANgive you the personal email of http://www.redsun-tours.....they are EXTREMELY reasonable....cost us 200 US for 2 days each...ship was DOUBLE THAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted January 3, 2018 #4 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Part of the reason that the cruise lines will only have a maximum of three days in port there is that their passengers do not need to get a Russian visa with that timing. Plus, if they are using a licensed tour operator for St. Petersburg visitings, etc. Getting a Russian visa is a pain. This makes things much easier. In St. Petersburg, ship tours can be limiting. And, S L O W ! ! For the four of us, we had a private tour for the two days and it made such a positive difference. Being able to see what you want at your desired pace offers a major advantage. Considering Moscow? With three days there, that is an option to do and well worth examining for one of those days. Need more reasons why and how? Yes, check the Baltics board!! Do a search there for more on Moscow, St. Petersburg. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio For details and visuals, etc., from our July 1-16, 2010, Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise experience from Copenhagen on the Silver Cloud, check out this posting. This posting is now at 221,504 views. www.boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1227923 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudhen Posted January 3, 2018 Author #5 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thank you all of your responses. I will check out the "Baltic" board.....sounds like the way to go with many good options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daddyo Posted January 3, 2018 #6 Share Posted January 3, 2018 We used TJ Travels for 2 days in SP while we were on the Wind last September. Since we had been there before, we gave them in detail what we wanted to see and do. They were very accommodating made touring SP a breeze. Our guide was Michael who also worked at the Hermitage. Hope this helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare TLCOhio Posted January 3, 2018 #7 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Can anyone give me a "ball park" figure of the cost of a typical St. Petersburg excursion? Don't be shy either here or on the Baltics boards with any added, follow-up questions. On cost, I did not mention any specifics. Things change in costs, currency values, etc., since we have been there. BUT, my key point to you and others is that the "REWARDS" in St. Petersburg and Moscow are spectacular!! Your time is limited there and you want to maximize what you can see, do and experience. That's why a good private guide in a small group is so super valuable here. Prepare and plan accordingly. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Enjoyed a 14-day, Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2014, Sydney to Auckland adventure, getting a big sampling for the wonders of "down under” before and after this cruise. Go to: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1974139 for more info and many pictures of these amazing sights in this great part of the world. Now at 192,318 views for this posting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cardinal Gal Posted January 5, 2018 #8 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Definitely hire a private guide. We were there last fall and used SPB Tours for three days. They were great. We saw and did so much more than those who used the ship’s excursions. No visa issues since they are licensed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tothesunset Posted January 5, 2018 #9 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Definitely hire a private guide. We were there last fall and used SPB Tours for three days. They were great. We saw and did so much more than those who used the ship’s excursions. No visa issues since they are licensed. +1 We thought SPB tours were excellent. $355 for 3 day tour. All important sites visited. If you set up a trip through them they will give 10% discount from their advertised prices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudhen Posted January 5, 2018 Author #10 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Some excellent recommendations! Thank you all! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kjtravels16 Posted January 5, 2018 #11 Share Posted January 5, 2018 Hi Mudhen On the Silver Whisper Baltic cruise a few years ago, we used DenRus and did 3 days of the private tour. There were only 2 of us but we paid for 3 and were able to customize at a group rate. I really wanted to go to the Russian Museum and this afforded us the opportunity to do so. We had a great experience with them throughout the process. Also, did the Silversea eveining concert at the Heritage and it was a trip highlight. Have a great time! Kathy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zenblue100 Posted January 12, 2018 #12 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Hi Mudhen I have not been on the boards for awhile but just booked a SS cruise with 3 days in St Petersburg :D at the end of August. It was good to meet you last year on the Spirit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mudhen Posted January 12, 2018 Author #13 Share Posted January 12, 2018 Hey There! Nice to hear from you. We're still "in flux" as to just what SS cruise we'll be taking. Will check in with a roll call when we make a decision! Would be fun to see you again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rpjarvis Posted January 15, 2018 #14 Share Posted January 15, 2018 (edited) We are on the Silver spirit June 30 and booking private tour and looking for 2 more couples to Join. Alla tours July 4 and 5 in St Petersburg. There site publishes group tour 285 for up to 16 and private tour for 6 at 330 I think I already have another couple so 2 more makes 6. Also difference is group comes with lunch 2 days. Of note a World Cup 1/4 final is in st Petersburg on July 3 so city will be very busy. Edited January 15, 2018 by Rpjarvis correcting paste that didn’t display proper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smile2U Posted May 6, 2018 #15 Share Posted May 6, 2018 We also requested Alla tours first, but booked with another company. You know, in such big companies there are usually problems with personal approach and you just one of the clients, even if you booked a private tour. I sent email to St.Petersburg4U and they replied immediately, our personal manager created ideal itinerary and for 6 persons 17 hours 2-day program was 400 cheaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare drron29 Posted May 6, 2018 #16 Share Posted May 6, 2018 Another who used SPB tours for a private 3 day tour.Excellent service and a great experience being able to fit so much into our visit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herman The Cat Posted May 12, 2018 #17 Share Posted May 12, 2018 We used TJ Travels for 2 days in SP while we were on the Wind last September. Since we had been there before, we gave them in detail what we wanted to see and do. They were very accommodating made touring SP a breeze. Our guide was Michael who also worked at the Hermitage. Hope this helps. We used TJ Travel a few years ago. We were very specific about what we wanted to see, and they were willing to customize our private tour the most. I contacted about 6 different companies and they basically all replied with standard/canned emails listing their excursions, which was not what we wanted. TJ did a great job and were flexible and adaptable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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