New summer trips to TS

[dmitri]

I agree. You could miss all the other cities in Europe and find more to see by far in wonderful and enchanting St.Petersburg. What a magnificent place it truly is. It is absolutely is superb and incredibly imperial. Vienna, London, Berlin and the rest seem rather small fry by comparison.

[helenazar]

I especially was surprised when I visited Amsterdam, the city the look of which St P was mostly based on. I thought it would be fairly comparable, and was surprised to find that St P is so much more grand, seems so much larger (although Amsterdam is somewhat cleaner)! ;-)

[dmitri]

I would very much like to agree about Amsterdam. Sadly I found it extremely dirty and overcrowded on my last visit earlier this year. I have been there many times previously and it was much lovelier years ago. I can't say I will be in a rush to go back there again in a hurry. There are far more charming places in Europe now.

[granduchessmariska]

I knew I’d end up coming up with more questions! I thank you for all the help all of you have supplied already! I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have a little extra guidance for my travels. I’ve actually been rather lucky and found one package in February (for hotel and roundtrip airfare) for $1,100. The hotel with this is package is the Petro Sport Hotel. I believe that is what it’s called, anyway.

Robert Hall, so, if I was to go during February, would the AP be open to the public for tours? Or do I just need a personal guide to be able to take tours like that? Actually, will any of the palaces be closed off during that time? I know it isn’t the tourist season, so that would understandable, however disappointing!
And as for weather (this is going to sound like utter stupidity), for some reason, I was estimating that it would be spring-like instead of wintery. So February is when the brutal cold sets in?

Yes, I think ATMs won’t really be a problem at all. Usually I get around okay and am able to find them! And thank you for the tip about books…Hehehe, that was actually one of my plans, to buy many, many books.

And one last question, as I know it is very important to get around, how would one go about hiring a guide? Could it be done through a Travel Agency? I understand now that it really is the way to go, especially if they can help get us around!

Dmitri, thank you so much for all your concern! I will of course be reasonable and keep in mind my fundings! If February turns out to not be the appropriate time to go, I’ll look into April, when I also have a break!

Again, thank you to all of you! I really do appreciate your concern and advice. I have travelled out of country before, but never as far as Russia! I am so adamant about getting there this year, and if I do, I will of course let everyone know how it went! I’ll keep up my research and savings for now though!

[vladm]

I knew I’d end up coming up with more questions! I thank you for all the help all of you have supplied already! I can’t tell you how much it means to me to have a little extra guidance for my travels. I’ve actually been rather lucky and found one package in February (for hotel and roundtrip airfare) for $1,100. The hotel with this is package is the Petro Sport Hotel. I believe that is what it’s called, anyway.

I have rather not a good news for you, this hotel located far far away from public transportation, and it will be challenging to get from/to Metro station (6 km distance).
here the MAP http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=59.944867,30.50045&spn=0.12277,0.247879&z=12
distance from 1-e Янино to Ладожский вокз

[susana]

I just have to say that I spent Jan, Feb, and March in both Moscow and St Petersburgh. I was fine with a long Land's End insulated coat and hood, Vasquez hiking booys and ski gloves. I was out doors for hours and comfortable. Travelled alone and was able to use Cyrillic alphabet to compare names of subway and places from guidebook.
I stayed in Russian hotels, found my way around easily, felt safe (I think I looked like an ordinary russian) and I didn't speak English much in public. Used ATMs on streets and in hotels. I did slip on ice and fall several times but was never hurt--thank you Land's End. Go.

[Adlerberg]

hello Guys,
Thankyou for all your travel advise. it is my partners dream to go to St Petersburg in the winter  so we are going early January 2010. We are planning on St Petersburg and Moscow. So any idea's or recommendations on tour guides, and hotels are most welcomed. I have read some where that you can stay close to the Catherine Palace, but can know longer find the info.....so any info would be most appreciated and welcome.
Many thanks
Linus

[Ena]

hello Guys,
Thankyou for all your travel advise. it is my partners dream to go to St Petersburg in the winter  so we are going early January 2010. We are planning on St Petersburg and Moscow. So any idea's or recommendations on tour guides, and hotels are most welcomed. I have read some where that you can stay close to the Catherine Palace, but can know longer find the info.....so any info would be most appreciated and welcome.
Many thanks
Linus

Hotel Ekaterina.  It's within the Catherine Palace complex.

http://www.hotelekaterina.ru/eng/


If you're staying in St. Petersburg, I would look at hotels inside the Fontanka.  That is, anywhere between the Fontanka canal and the Hermitage/Winter Palace.  Ideally, it should be within short walking distance to Nevsky Prospect.   

I can't recommend tour guides as I did my trip independently.  However, should you feel that you want to go any of the palaces, don't have a guide, and feel a bit stuck, head to Gostiny Dvor on the Nevsky Prospect. There are several kiosks offering guided tours at excellent prices.  Your tour may not specifically be conducted in English, but it's a way to get out and see something. 

If you go with a tour guide, do set a block of time aside on your vacation to explore a bit of the city on your own.