We did all our own planning and set our own itinerary. Three nights in MOS, 7 in St. Pete, 2 each in Tallinn and Riga. The hi-speed train from Mos to St.P. was great. The bus from St.P. to Tallinn was so-so but no other decent way to get there.
Moscow: busy, crowded, fascinating. St. Pete: more "northern european", great palaces, the Hermitage, beautiful churches. Both cities relatively easy to get around and we don't speak any Russian. Tallinn and Riga: charming old town squares, neat cities to visit if you can work it in. Be sure to stay in the Old Town areas. We can provide ideas for itineraries, ideas for hotels and intercity travel, "do's and don't's" for each city. These are cities that CAN be visited outside of an organized tour. Would be most happy to offer suggestions or opinions to any specific questions.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Thanks Jim! We're thinking of a similar trip in late Spring but will probably not go to Moscow or St. P. but would like to include Lithuania. We're thinking that we might begin in Helsinki. * Did you feel that 2 nights in Tallinn and Riga were enough? * How did you travel between the two cities? * How did you find the costs (food and accommodations) compared to other European cities?
* Hotel recommendations for Tallin and Riga would be great! Thanks so much! It sounds like your trip was a great adventure!
Posted by
OP
New Berlin, WI, US
156 posts
Two nights (1+ days) is enough if all you want to see are the old town areas. They're not very large and can easily be covered in a day. We flew but a LUX Express bus runs between the cities for about $25. We stayed at the St. Olav Hotel in Tallinn and The Old City Botique. Both ran about $100 a night. They both are old 450 yr old hotels and were great. Tallinn and Riga food costs were a bit higher than the US but not bad. Remember, many countries have a 18-19% VAT. Unless Lithuania holds special interest, don't be frightened off of St. Petersburg and Moscow. Both were fantastic.
Posted by
OP
New Berlin, WI, US
156 posts
PS - The Old City Botique is in Riga.
Posted by
Atlanta
3262 posts
Thanks for the info Jim! We'll stay open-minded about Moscow and St. Petersburg as our plans progress!
Posted by
San Antonio, TX
134 posts
Are ferries available out of St. Petersburg to Tallin and other places?
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
There is relatively new ferry service between St Petersburg and Helsinki and they offer no-visa travel. I forget the name but a google search would find it. I'd also consider Helsinki if you will be in the region and it's only a 90 minute ferry ride to Tallinn. Makes for a good place to fly into-out of.