I'm planning on doing the ETOB Tallinn, Helsinki, STPB trip, which ends in StPetersburg. I'm thinking about extending my stay for a couple extra days at the end in STPB and looking for suggestions of things to see or do around STPB. I'm not interested in going as far as Moscow, mainly thinking of day trips from STPB.
Novgorod is on my list right now, but I'm looking for some more things.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
Novgorod is worth a visit for a nice look at Old Russia.
But, I would ask ETOB about your plans, because this may change some of the visa requirements.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12315 posts
You don't need a visa for Russia if you are on a paid tour. If you leave the tour, you need a visa.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
Wrong. You need visa for Russia on paid tour and on your own, too.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
You don't need a visa if you are taking a tour, under 72 hours, from a cruise ship. Everyone else must have a visa. For some sobering info about the Russian visa situation check this out: http://tinyurl.com/cmoc8a
Posted by
Chicago, IL
6 posts
My parents took a Baltic cruise last year. They did not need a Russian visa but were not allowed to leave the escorted group while on the ground in St Petersburg because they did not have one. Independent travel would most assuredly require one.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
I think the lesson here is this: the rules for independent travel in Russia are rather Byzantine in their complexity. It is definately possible and worthwhile, but make sure you get someone who knows the ins-and-outs (like a travel agency that specializes in Russia) to make arrangements for you.