QUICK OVERVIEW
Date
Aug 31- Sep 9
Arrival Airport
Moscow
Accommodation
3 Star Hotels and Homestays
Duration
8 Nights
Meals
8 Breakfasts
Group size
12-14
SHORT ITINERARY :
EXPERIENCES TO EXPECT
- Train journey through the backcountry
- Suzdal itself is an experience, the town is not allowed to develop to preserve the old soviet look. You will be walking a lot , at least 12 km a day in average . That is the best way to experience a new place.
- Parties that will extent to 5am in the streets of moscow
- We will try Russian cuisine at several places. Modern and old.
- You will learn basic Russian and Cyrillic alphabets as we pass through various beautiful metro stations everyday
- See the 80m deep underground bunker , To feel how seriously prepared for a probable nuclear attack
- What could be more romantic than a walk along the banks of the city's rivers and canals in almost broad daylight, no matter what the time of day? No other major European city can rival this experience nor the atmosphere on the streets of St. Petersburg during the summer months - lively, friendly, romantic and bustling with people throughout the night as well as the day!
DAY 01 : FLY TO ST.PETERSBURG (LED)
Well hello people, Let’s start our trip with a walk in streets after a few hours of nap for those who are jet lagged . If you have read enough of my posts, you know how we give importance to simple things like going out for a night walk . Post which we will also go out to see one of these bridge open up for incoming ships. It’s an event worthwhile watching . 1000s of locals come see this every night and clap when it's all done. Its a 2 am thing, so if you cant stay up until then, you will miss it.
DAY 02 : WALKING TOUR OF THE CITY
We will take a walking tour of the town by 11 am-1pm understanding the history of Russia . After lunch , let’s head to the world’s second largest museum : home to over 3 million art pieces, which means you will stay there for nearly six years if you spend 1 minute by each piece of artwork, not to mention that you'd cover the distance of about 24 km (15 mi) , walking from one exhibit to the other.
Moreover, there are 117 staircases in the Hermitage & more than 18,800 doors! .Yes, you will get lost, multiple times. But you will know where to find me:). Since it is a long day , we will relax sometime , watching a street performance as we wait for others to join us at the Palace square. Find the orange jacket folks. Today we will do a cookout session with others if you are game.
DAY 03 : C 189 SUBMARINE & THE PETERHOF PALACE
Here is a chance to look into the history of Submarines by getting into one. You will see Torpedos, Old communication instruments and even the living quarters of the Submarine staff.
The Guide will be one of the people who actually worked in one of these submarines. (Click here to see)
After lunch, we will head to the Peterhof palace. Peterhof is a town within the Petrodvortsovy district in St. Petersburg, at the shore of the Gulf of Finland, located just 30 kilometers west of St. Petersburg. There’s a popular joke in St Petersburg about how locals wish the island on which the city stands on could drift toward Finland by sea. Or, as it has been told after the Crimea referendum, that St Petersburg should hold its own vote to join Finland once and for all.On the way back , we will also see the europe’s tallest building.
DAY 04 : SAVIOUR OF SPILLED BLOOD & GRAND MAKET
Today we start our day with a Morning visit to the Savior on Spilled Blood. The Church was first built in 1883 to honor the memory of Alexander II, who was responsible for the emancipation of serfs in 1861 that put an end to Russian slavery - five years before the emancipation of slaves in the US. On March 13, 1881, Tsar's carriage was
passing the embankment of Griboedov Canal, where the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood is situated now when a grenade was thrown by an anarchist exploded. The killing attempt had failed as unhurt tsar got out of his carriage and started to remonstrate with the protestor. Although, a minute later a second conspirator threw another bomb killing himself and taking Alexander's II life with him. The site of the attack was marked with a temporary shrine whilst the plans for the more permanent memorial were undertaken. (Click here to see it)
THE GRAND MAKET ROSSIYA
This huge room contains mountains, cities, rivers and lakes, with lots of mechanised action that you can observe while strolling around the perimeter of the varied landscape. Tiny trains shuttle around the countryside, helicopters ascend, and trucks and cars move across bridges, up mountain roads and along industrial sites. The level of detail is staggering, from the spot-on recreations of Soviet-style apartment blocks, to the clothing worn by waiting passengers at the train depot. It's hard not to be charmed by this ambitious, miniaturised work of art.
ST.ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL
More than 100kg of gold leaf was used to cover the 21.8m-high dome alone. One has to overcome more than two hundred steps to get onto St. Isaac's Cathedral colonnade. Truly magnificent views of the Neva River, Isaakiyevskaya and Palace Squares, Admiralty, the Winter Palace, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and other famous sights are seen from this place. Take overnight/ Early morning train to Moscow .
DAY 05 : REACH MOSCOW & HEAD OUT TO EXPLORE THE CITY
We will check in , freshen up and head out for a City walking Tour.
Even those who’ve never been to Moscow recognise the colourful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral,
which sits on Red Square. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin became an exclusive enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked. We will also do a quick visit to Gum shopping complex, which is one of the oldest complexes in the world.
DECLASSIFIED NUCLEAR BUNKER VISIT :
By evening we will head out to a nuclear bunker- 80 metre under earth. It is so well hidden that even when you are standing in front of it, you won’t realise the grand scale of it.We will reach back to Red square at night for its a place to be as they lit up the whole area. (Click here to see)
DAY 06 : VISIT VLADIMIR & SUZDAL
We will head out from Moscow on a morning train to Vladimir. Only carry couple of pairs of clothes as we will only spend a night in Suzdal. We will be commuting by public transport to Suzdal from Vladimir, and back. Out of the the entire Russia trip, you will remember Suzdal the most.
Suzdal is so perfect in fact, that I sensed a touch of design behind it – Soviet design, to be specific.It turns out that the Soviet Union decided to avoid building any modern buildings in Suzdal in order to preserve its tourist appeal, banning buildings over two stories high – except for cathedrals, of course. So today Suzdal has none of the tall apartment blocks that characterize other former Soviet towns and cities, but is instead filled with beautiful churches and wooden houses!
DAY 07 : REACH BACK TO MOSCOW BY EVENING
Today we will come back to Moscow by evening and head out to famous Arbat street , Immerse ourselves in the famous Banya bath and try our hands on electric scooters.
DAY 08 : IZMAILOVO MARKET & TECHNO PARTY
The bazaar is attended by merchants from regions all over Russia and is a favoured shopping destination for locals and tourists alike, brimming with items ranging from books, baskets, retro toys and furniture to Soviet memorabilia, fur hats, nesting dolls, and traditional artwork. We will try to finish off ballet show also before today evening.
Since it's a Friday night , today we head out to a good techno club. You are guaranteed to have a crazy time here.
DAY 09 : ASTRONAUTICS MUSEUM & ATTEND OTHER MUSIC CONCERTS
We will head to the Memorial Museum of Astronautics, it celebrates the history of Russia’s 20th-century space travel achievements, with around 85,000 items on space technology, astronomy, and space travel.
A 5 min walk will take us to the Park where will see these mass street performances.
DAY 10 : FLY BACK FROM MOSCOW
Book any flight today back home. There is nothing planned for today even if your flight is in the evening. Feel free to explore the city or do some last minute shopping. I usually get some vodka and Cheese cake for friends.
Russia through my eyes : https://bit.ly/33vqnU6
RUSSIA SPECIFIC FAQs
1) What is the payment schedule if I want to book this trip?
ANS: Bookings close by June 15.
2) What would be the group size and approximate age group of co-travelers?
ANS: We will be about 12 people aged from 20-38 ( 8 slots left )
3) Would you help to book flights at discounted prices courtesy your tie-ups with any travel agent partners or group bookings? If yes, what would be the approximate round trip ticket cost?
ANS: I can’t promise this. But do ping me before bookings. I might have a deal for you 🙂
4) Would we need to submit the passport for visa ?
ANS: No. We will get the visas done on your behalf.
5) How much do you think would be the approximate food expense for the entire trip in Russia?
ANS: It very subjective. You can of course cook in the hostel which is what most people would do. Then cost would not be more than 18k for food. But if you are eating outside all the day , it would reach 25k. With a mix of both , we can get it down to 20k.
6 ) What are the chances of my visa rejection ?
ANS: 95% of the time It usually doesn’t get rejected considering our relation with Russia.
SLOTS AVAILABLE :
GROUP TRIP DATES:
FLIGHTS CONSIDERATION :
Onwards : Aug 31
Outwards : Sep 9
COST ( excluding 5% GST )
1200 USD /Pax (Before June 15)
1300 USD /Pax (After June 5)
You are loosing Rs.500 by not referring this trip to your friend ( Refer to 2 friends who might join you & all of you gets Rs.500 off each while you book together )
HOW TO BLOCK A SLOT ?
Step 1 : Block the slot
You can block the slot by paying a token amount of 10,499 INR for this trip either by UPI , credit card/ EMI or by Bank transfer.
Be Proud Of You. A Trip Is Gift To Self. When Was The Last Time You Gifted Yourself ?
Step 2 : Refer 2 people to get a Discount
You are loosing Rs.500 by not referring this trip to your friend ( Refer to 2 friends who might join you & all of you gets Rs.500 off each while you book together )
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR RUSSIA
1. Homestay/Lodging
2. Russia E visa
3. All land transport : Train and transfers
4. Breakfast Bed tea/ coffee with “Wake uuuuup guys” call from me
5. Permits
6. Entrance fees to all scenic spots listed in the itinerary, unless specified in the exclusions.
7. A Trained Outdoor leader to keep you safe. I Promise 🙂
8. Nuclear bunker visit
9. Banya Bath
10. Shooting guns
1. Lunch and dinner
2. All Flights
3. Any expenses due to deviation from itinerary
4. Cabs for Dinner and clubs
5. 5 % GST
Before 45 days of trip, there will be 10% cancellation charge
Before 30 days and within 44 days of arrival, there will be 25% cancellation charge
Before 15 days and within 29 days of arrival ,there will be 50% cancellation charge
Within 14 days of trip there will be 100% cancellation charges
Note that the cancellation charge is on the trip amount. All this been said if you or me can find a replacement for the slot. I will be happy to refund the entire amount. 🙂
- *Mandatory : Original ID Proof
- You need to bring your voters ID / Passport (with at least 6 months validity remaining) for getting the permit along with 2 passport size photographs.
- Clothes : 2 Fleece jacket , 3 Synthetic / cotton pants ,4 Full sleeves tees , Sunhat , Woollen head-scarf/ muffler ,Towel , 2 pair of thermals , 1 down jacket ( zero degree equivalent ), Water proof jacket or poncho.
- Shoes & socks: High ankle shoes , cotton socks
- Skin care essentials : Sunglasses with UV protection ,Lip balm Cold cream, Sunscreen lotioniv)Other accessories : LED Torch/ headlamps (If already bought)
Most people come alone for my trips. About 25% of the people bring a friend or partner.Honestly It really doesn't matter. I have seen on all the batches I have lead. Most people really gel with everyone, even the ones who thought wouldn't gel up, surprise themselves always with the way they got comfortable with everyone.
Each trek/ trip is rated according to the number of days we spend outdoors . If you aren't sure where to start, go with an easy trip or trek.
For trips,
I dreamed of trips where we could go out hike , get exhausted , come back to hotel and have a great evening. This is exactly why some of my trips have Day hikes in it. It is a perfect chance for people who have never hiked in their entire life. Don't worry, We are there :).
For treks,
you can start with Sandhakphu or Chandrashila . You can also benchmark yourself for the treks.
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3-3.5 km , then you can go ahead with an easy trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 3.5-4 km , then you can go ahead with an moderate trek
- If you can run for 30 mins and cover around 4-5 km , then you can go ahead with an difficult trek
If you have never done a high altitude trek, then start with a easy or Easy- moderate trek. That way you will understand how your body reacts to high altitude and you can check you cardio strength too.
Usually, most batch sizes are between 12-20 people who are aged between 16-38. Most people come alone or with a friend. The trip would feel like you are travelling more with college friends than strangers. We tend to do more outdoorsy things than regular trips .
For example : If we find a very pretty waterfall/ a beautiful sunset / Rainbow on the way. We would stop the vehicle right away to catch the beauty of it.
We usually sleep very late on these trips as we play a lot of group games and most people feel they will miss the precious time with the group members and decides to stay awake.
Here are few places you can read more about the brand and trips
