Tuesday 13 November 2012

Helen at Cheylesmore

Hello Helen


Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time in Russia - it far exceeded our expectations so thank you for your help and recommendation.


I'm not sure if you want feedback but it may be useful for any future customers. Our first surprise, when being met at Moscow airport, was to find that our group consisted of a total of four people! At first we thought this might be a bit awkward but in fact it turned out to be ideal as we really did feel as though we were being treated to a personal tour. Apparently the most they ever usually have is about ten or twelve people. We have since heard from an acquaintance, who went with Regent Travel and they had over 30 in their group and were transported everywhere by a coach - nightmare!


Both Damara (Tamara), our guide in Moscow, and Tatiana, in St Petersburg, were brilliant. They both spoke excellent English and were so knowledgeable about Russian history and art. We were never rushed and they had obviously put a lot of thought into all the tours, so that we were never overwhelmed by names and dates but really came away with stories that stayed with you. Our drivers were always prompt and courteous and Tatiana kindly arranged last minute tickets and transport for us to see 'Swan Lake' at the Hermitage - certainly one of the highlights!


The Hotel Budapest was modest, perhaps in need of some refurbishment but we did have use of the facilities of the Peter I next door. Staff were courteous and food was very good and plentiful. The location was excellent and we could easily walk up to Red Square to see the sights and there were a vast array of designer shops and malls nearby (for window shopping only!!)


Red Square was amazing, particularly when all lit up at night, and we were both surprised by how safe and relaxed we felt walking about - something I had perhaps been a little apprehensive about. The Kremlin and Armoury tour was another highlight, along with Damara's wonderful introduction to the history of Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery.


The last day in Moscow was perhaps the only day that was lacking. After checking-out from the hotel, we had a visit to the Metro system and we were then taken to the Old Arbart, which we didn't find particularly interesting - unless you wanted more souvenir shopping. So we were then left with a very long afternoon and evening before being collected from the hotel lobby at 10.30pm for our overnight trip on the excellent sleeper train.


The Ambassador, in St Petersburg, was a much better hotel with good facilities and excellent public areas. The buffet breakfasts were really good - the only thing we found a little strange was the lack of choice for our evening meal. It seemed that the 'Intourist group', which had now grown to six, were treated totally differently from other diners, with no choice of menu (although they did find an alternative if, say, you didn't eat fish or whatever). On the last evening the restaurant was being used for a function and we were shown to a table at the back of a side room and offered a choice of spaghetti or spaghetti. Other diners, meanwhile helped themselves to the extensive buffet, which we thought was a bit odd. Still, only a minor blip.


All our tours in St P were excellent. Again, we were given plenty of time and Tatiana was charming and so interesting to talk to, with a real passion for her country. She introduced us to the wonderful pie shops - which became a firm favourite for a lunchtime snack - and took us round beautiful churches and cathedrals and of course the magnificent Catherine's Palace. What a stunning building, made even more impressive by a chill day, with sunshine, blue skies and golden leaves.


The weather, in fact was good throughout. Perhaps one or two grey days with a little rain but a wonderful time to visit. A lack of tourists meant we encountered no queues and had plenty of time and space to wander and take in all the sights.


All in all, a wonderful tour - please do pass on our thanks to Intourist and their wonderful guides.


Add it to your list of places to visit, Helen. You won't be disappointed!



With kind regards



Val and Michael Goldstraw

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