• > Why go to Russia with Djoser?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > What are the hotels like in Russia?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > Is it possible to combine this trip with the Trans-Siberian-Express?
• > How will you arrange the visa for Russia?
• > Do I have permission to take photographs in Russia?
• > What is the best time to travel?
• > Will Djoser be able to arrange for tickets for the Bolshoi Theater?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

Why go to Russia with Djoser?

A Dutch travel guide will accompany you. The modern hotels are centrally located at walking distance from the center. During our trip outside of the two big cities we will be using a private bus. We will visit the entire ‘Golden Ring,’ so called because of the many gold covered church domes. Aside from Moscow we will also visit Suzdal, Jaroslavl and Sergijev Posad. After the ‘Golden Ring’ we will drive via Tver and Novgorod to Saint Petersburg, where we will have ample time to visit this magnificent city. We will visit the metropoles as well as small villages where time seems to have stood still.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be the only North American traveler on the this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times, particularly at the beginning of the trip. But as the group gets to know each other, socializing gets easier. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typically experienced travelers, more independent type travelers or those who are comfortable with English being the second language on the trip.

What are the hotels like in Russia?

The hotels in Russia are good tourist-class hotels and are mostly centrally located. In general they are large complexes built in typical straight lined Soviet style. The spacious rooms all have private baths and showers. The imposing hotel ‘Hotel Rossia’, situated on Red Square in Moscow, is a good example of the hotels utilized by Djoser. All hotels will serve a good breakfast.

Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

Is it possible to combine this trip with the Trans-Siberian-Express?

Of course, in this case you will first go on the trip through Russia and directly after you will travel by night train from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, where you will meet the fellow travelers in the hotel. You will want to book the land package for the trip through Russia and the full price for the Trans Siberian Express. Look for these prices at the specific country on this website.

How will you arrange the visa for Russia?

Because of the “red tape” involved for Russian visas, we require that you go through our visa service It’s Easy Passports, on the web at http://www.itseasypassport.com. You will receive more information about this upon booking. It’s Easy honors a 10% discount for Djoser customers off the service portion of the fee.

Do I have permission to take photographs in Russia?

Taking pictures is usually no problem in Russia, except for military and strategically important objects. Furthermore an additional amount is taken on top of the normal entrance fees at many sights for cameras. Inside churches you will often be asked not to take photographs. However, in many museums you will be allowed to take pictures albeit mostly without flash.

What is the best time to travel?

Russia has a climate with dry and warm summers. From May on you may enjoy pleasant temperatures with beautiful bright days. During summer there will be an occasional refreshing rainfall. Due to its northern location you will also enjoy long days in the summer months. For example in June there will be daylight until midnight in Saint Petersburg.

Will Djoser be able to arrange for tickets for the Bolshoi Theater?

Djoser will not be able to order tickets for shows of the Bolshoi Theater. However you may be able to make reservations for this theater on their website on-line at www.bolshoi.ru. The local representative of Djoser will be able to take care of tickets for the various theater performances during the trip. Also, there are box offices in Moscow as well as in Saint Petersburg, where you yourself or the tour guide may buy tickets. You may choose from ballet, opera or a performance of the circus, which is of extremely high quality in Russia.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels or airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.