Q: Do I need a Visa to travel to Russia and if so how long does it take?

A: If you are the USA citizen you need a visa in order to enter the Russian Federation. You also need to have a passport valid at least six months after the dates of your travel. Then you need to apply to the consulate for the visa. Visa processing to Russia takes about 2 weeks for standard processing, but you can pay extra money to have it ready even the same business day. Add time for mailing the documents to the Consulate and back.  They accept express delivery, including FedEx next day, and can send you the documents back the same way if you provide prepaid waybill. You can go in person to a Russian Consulate in New York, San Francisco or Seattle and get the visa the same day.

Q: Do you handle group travel?

A: Yes. Please call our office with group travel inquiries. We will assist you in booking the best price for your group. Group leaders receive travel benefits. Call at 1-866-475-7023.

Q: Do you have an specific travel tips for traveling to Russia?

A: Snap Shot:  The main attractions of Russia include art, magnificent (and newly restored) cathedrals and monasteries, treasures of the Czars, the performance arts, (the Bolshoi!) health spas, river cruises, historical attractions, spectacular scenery, museums, Siberia, Moscow's Kremlin and much more.  Russian cuisine is hearty, but

do be aware that the cuisine is not one of the country's attractions.  Breads, ice cream and pastries are quite good.  Do try to learn a few Russian words.  Your efforts will be much appreciated.



Packing Tips:  Spring and fall are quite pleasant, light layers and a jacket will suffice for traveling through most of Russia.  Summertime can get warm during the day.



Electricity:  Electricity in Russia is 220 volts, 50 cycle AC, as compared to 110 volts, 60 cycle AV in the U.S. When taking along electrical appliances, a converter and a

plug adapter are needed to operator them.



Money Matters:  The currency in Russia is the rouble.  Check current rates before traveling. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted throughout

the country.  Changing traveler's checks can be an adventure, so its best to carry a variety of payment options.  Currency exchange agents are located in the major cities and tourist areas.  ATM machines are located at all major banks, but may be limited to bank hours and possibly closed on weekends.



Passport & Visas:  A valid passport is required by all foreign visitors to Russia.  All visitors require a visa.



Water:  Water quality varies widely in Russia.  Your best bet is to drink and brush your teeth only with bottled water.



Taxis: In Russia, taxi fees are usually negotiated with the driver ahead of time. Do not use gypsy cabs or accept rides in cabs that already have a rider.



Tipping: Tipping is increasingly expected at restaurants. Tip 10-15% depending on service.

Q: Do you offer travel insurance with your packages?

A: Each supplier offers travel insurance with their itineraries. We also offer separate coverage through outside companies offering a broad range of protection for situations such as medical emergencies, weather, luggage loss or delays, and other coverage. Both options will be discussed with you prior to booking to see which would provide the best coverage, at the best price.

Q: How do I check pricing & availability of a package listed on the site?

A: To check availability & pricing, simply call 1-800-942-3301.  Agents are available from Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. year round, and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. January through May. If you prefer, you can email your request to tours@atlastravelweb.com.

Q: How far in advance should I make my travel plans?

A: Reservations including airfare must be made at least 21 days prior to travel. Land only bookings can be made up to 10 days prior to travel.  Because the peak travel season is limited, tours sell out quickly, so we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 months in advance.

Q: How safe is it in Russia?

A: It is quite safe in Russia if you know where to go and what to do.  It might be somewhat dangerous if you are lost and you are on your own.  If you stay away from unsafe neighborhoods, don't flash your cash and follow just the basic safety rules, you are going to be ok. We feel that most first-timers would be happiest seeing Russia on some type of escorted tour.  Even though going on an escorted tour will not ensure a hassle-free trip, if there are any issues, at least the tour guide will be dealing with the various problems encountered along the way. River cruising is also an excellent way to see much of Russia without having to unpack more than once. A preset itinerary (FIT) would be our next choice. Travelers choosing this options will save time since the itinerary has been pre-set for them.

Q: Is the transportation included between the airport and hotels?

A: In most instances if the airfare is booked with the package transfers are complimentary. If you make your own air arrangements, there may be a charge incurred to use the group transfers.

Q: Travel Insurance for Spain Trips:

Q: What are some of the things I can expect to see when visiting Russia?

A: Moscow:

Big, bustling and picturesque, Moscow is a fascinating city that demands a visit of at least three to four nights if your schedule permits.  The best place to start is to head for Red Square, in the very center of Moscow.  There you'll find two of the most enduring symbols in Russia:  onion-domed St. Basil's Cathedral which has a stunning interior, and the Kremlin, the centuries-old seat of Russian rulers.  There are many exhibits on display at the Kremlin at any one time; the one not to miss is the permanent collection of the treasures of the Czars (Faberge eggs, Peter the Great's throne, Catherine the Great's carriage and more.)  On Tverskaya Street, just off Red Square, you'll find a mix of Russian and foreign stores and shops including Christian Dior, Estee Lauder and even Pizza Hut. Tverskaya leads to Pushkin Square.  Don't miss a ride on the Moscow subway (Metro), a marvel of efficiency and design.  Moscow University is one of the largest buildings in the world.  Are lover will enjoy the Tretyakov Museum and the magnificent Rushkin Museum which has one of the world's largest collections of works by leading painters, graphic artists and sculptors.  In the evening, the Moscow Circus, the Bolshoi and concerts at the Moscow Conservatory on Gersten Street are the best bets.  Ballet and symphonies are often held at the 6,000 seat Palace of Congresses inside the Kremlin.  Join the intermission stampede to the top floor for caviar, champagne and an incredible view of the golden cupolas of the Kremlin churches.



Novgorod:

Located between St. Petersburg and Moscow, Novgorod is over 1,000 years old and at one time competed with Moscow for domination of Old Russia.  Today it is primarily modern and industrial, but still retains a well-preserved Kremlin and old city center.  See St. Sofia Cathedral (1045) with its six domes, and the city's other ancient churches concentrated in the Yaroslav Estate across the river from the Kremlin.



St. Petersburg:

Newly-renamed St. Petersburg, on the banks of the swift-flowing Neva River, is the most beautiful city in Russia and should not be missed.  Although it's lovely at any time of year, late June is great during the famed White Nights, when sunset and sunrise are virtually indistinguishable, and the city seems to never sleep. Designed and built by Peter the Great as Russia's "Window on the West" in 1703.  The Hermitage is a museum that ranks with the Louvre, Prado, British Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Stroll the Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main street for shopping and restaurants, and St. Isaac's Cathedral which is also home to the Pushkin Theatre, the Gorky Drama Theatre and the St. Petersburg Philharmonic.  Other points of interest include the Winter palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress on the Neva near the Palace Bridge and downtown.  The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the 1st building constructed in the city, and was home to many unwilling guests such as Dostoyevsky, Nechayev and Princess Tarakanova.  The dungeons of the fortress are where Peter the Great killed his son and Catherine the Great buried he enemies alive. If at all possible, book tickets in advance to see the St. Petersburg Circus, offering some unusual and exciting acts.  Numerous museums, statues and parks throughout St. Petersburg are nice if time permits. Nearby excursions include Russia's first naval base at Kronstadt (there's a lovely church there as well,) and nearby royal palaces such as Petrodvorets, Pushkin and Pavlovsk.  Petrodvorets which is west of St. Petersburg is a lovely 18th century palace with marvelous fountains, sculptures and interior.  Pushkin is the home of the Catherine Palace.  This palace has amazing parquet floors, gold painted rooms and one of the largest lapis lazuli table tops in the world. The 18th century Pavlovsk Palace is know for its fountains, gilded statues and artificial ponds.



Siberia & the Far East:

Siberia stretches across northern Russia between the Ural Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.  The name conjures up images of bleak, snowy wilderness, but that terrain is

only part of the picture.  Siberia also contains the world's largest forest, its deepest lake (Lake Baikal) and cultures that are somewhat reminiscent of Native American Indians.  Horseback riding, river cruises and hiking are some of the activities that can be enjoyed there.  Several major cruise lines offer itineraries from Alaska to Siberia.



Volga River:

Europe longest river, the Volga, winds through the western section of Russian and offers boat passengers a unique perspective of the industrial urban and scenic rural parts of this vast country.  The river has its beginning south of St. Petersburg and ends in the Caspian Sea.  Several tours cruise the Volga, most about seven to nine days long.

Q: What are the best items to shop for while in Russia?

A: Shop for fur caps, caviar, vodka, wall plaques & tiles, wood & metal sculpture, hand-painted lacquer ware, balalaikas and other musical instruments.  Good souvenirs can be purchased less expensively on the street that in stores.  In Moscow, shop the Navy Arbat, a pedestrian mall lined with hawkers of matroshkas (nesting dolls,) scarves, palekh boxes, T-shirts and Soviet Army memorabilia. Serious shoppers can spend Saturday or Sunday morning at Moscow's Izmailovski Stadium, a giant open-air flea market with souvenirs, arts and crafts and antiques.

Q: What are the Tour Directors like?

A: Tour Directors come from a variety of backgrounds and include former teachers, sales managers and lecturers who all share the passion for travel. They have a minimum of five years experience as Tour Directors behind them, and have all been thoroughly trained, making them the best of the world’s elite travel professionals.

Q: What is the currency to the country I'm visiting?

Q: What is the difference between the different tour types?

A: Make the most of your money & purchase a tour package for your next vacation. We are pleased to offer a variety of tours to fit all budgets & desires. The tour companies we work with have tours that range from the budget category with basic sightseeing and some meals, to luxury tours where everything is included. Escorted tours offer better rates than if you were to travel on your own, and the local guides with years of experiences help you discover more sights and understand the culture more than you could by traveling on your own.



The list continues through companies that will include nearly every conceivable activity as preplanned and prepaid. The deluxe tours which feature unique itineraries, most meals and sightseeing. We offer tours with a specialty focus such as hiking, biking, cruising, Oktoberfest, Christmas Markets and tours for the 18 - 35 year old. Each of the tour types have their own unique features and benefits and each meets the needs of a variety of travelers.



Budget Tours

The budget tours are offered by the large tour companies: Each company offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. The budget tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have a good basic introduction to travel in Europe but who also wishes to have option of selecting some of the sights to see while traveling. A budget tour will include basic sightseeing, some meals and hotels which are Tourist or Superior Tourist class, with rooms that offer private baths.



Please note that hotels in Europe are normally smaller than U.S. hotels. Hotel locations will not always be in the center of the major cities you will be seeing. Buses normally carry over 55 passengers on sold out tours. There is no wash room on-board the busses, but the tour makes frequent stops.



Budget tours appeal to all age ranges & are a great way for single travelers who are willing to share a room to not have to pay a single supplement. These tours allow you to see the real Europe for a down to earth price. The itineraries are similar to, but do not come in the extensive variety that the first class tours come in. A list of optional tours are included with your documents so that you will know what is offered and the cost in advance to traveling.



Budget tours typically run from $95 to $135 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.



First Class Tours

The first class tours are offered by the sister companies of the budget tours. Each of these companies offers slightly different itineraries, but the general features are the same. First call operators travel to more than 70 countries, with escorted tours, independent hotel packages and leisure style vacations.



The first class tour is best suited to the traveler who wishes to have more of the activities preplanned and prepaid and includes more meals in the tour cost. The host hotels for the first class tours will have more features & be more similar to U.S.-style lodging.



These tours still allow for free time to explore on your own but allow the semi-adventurous traveler to see a great deal of Europe. In many of the cities your regular tour guide will be joined by a local guide who will bring the specialized knowledge that only a local can have.



Quite often the first class tours include two night stays at many locations to allow for maximum time in the location. While Globus offers perhaps the widest variety of tours, Trafalgar and Insight offer popular tours with different dates and stops. Hotel accommodations are always first class. The buses feature less passengers than the budget tours, to provide more comfort for the traveler. Washroom facilities are located on the busses. First class tours include more meals, normally providing buffet breakfast daily and 3 course dinners on selected nights. Optional excursions are available on these tours as listed in the individual itineraries. A comprehensive list of these tours are provided with your tour documents. Travel bags are given as part of package.



First class tours typically run from $165 to $275 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.



Deluxe Tours

The deluxe tours offer the discerning traveler the opportunity to partake of an escorted tour that is not your usual tour. Deluxe tours offer smaller, quaint lodging that has modern features, including most if not all meals at fine restaurants. Deluxe tours offer inclusive sightseeing and features that are not available on the first class tour. On a deluxe tour you will experience a tour like you imagine in your dreams.



These tours include entertainment such as folklore shows, concerts & special events, no need for tipping and a good balance of unscheduled leisure time. These tours feature the concept of "lifeseeing," which focuses on the lifestyles and culture of Europe.



You will see the famous and sought after destinations, but also experience the delights of the small inn, quaint restaurant and culture of Europe. Dollar for dollar these tours will provide an excellent return on your purchase. These tours are for the travel lover, helping to make special memories to savor before the next experience. Even more than the first class tours, the deluxe tour will offer a variety of modes of transportation, including mountain railroads and river cruises to supplement the first-class motor-coach travel.



Deluxe tours typically run from $375 to $575 per person, per day for the land portion of the tour.



Young Adult Travel

For the young adult (ages 18 - 35) who wishes to travel with others. These tours are an alternative to the Eurail/Youth Hostel travel and feature many unique stops and activities.



For those in that age range we can also recommend a variety of other tours, should a specific itinerary be of interest. Do not feel that you will be surrounded by older people on many of those tours. The young adult tours appeal to those who want the piece of mind not possible with a youth hostel style trip. These tours stay in special villages and hotels as well as modest inns and pensions. Most of the rooms are twin rooms but occasionally there will be four to a room. These tours feature all breakfasts and about half of the dinners. Optional excursions, similar to those available on the other tours (like folklore dinners and lake cruises), are available as well as a few options of interest to young adults like white water rafting.



These tours typically run from $105 to $195 per person, per day for the land portion of the trip.



No matter which style or length of tour you wish to use, a tour specialist will provide you with information so that you are best prepared to make the right choices for your travel. Airfare is always available for tours and we will research all avenues to find the lowest available fare from your chosen city to your destination.

Q: What should I pack?

A: This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings. Please note that some churches/places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.

Q: When & how will I receive my travel documents for my trip?

A: Your travel documents will arrive approximately two weeks prior to your departure date via FedEx or Airborne Express.

Q: When is the best time to travel to Russia?

A: In general, the best time to go is May through September, when the day temperatures are in the 70's to 90's F with nights in the 50's to 70's F.  Spring and early fall, however, are unpredictable; snow flurries and temperatures in the mid 20's F are possible in May and September.  Be sure to take waterproof shoes for spring or fall visits - there can be mud in certain areas.  There are even a few reasons someone might want to go during the winter:  In Moscow and St. Petersburg, the leaves have fallen and the striking architecture can be seen much more clearly; it's also easier to get tickets to see the Bolshoi, and there are no crowds at other tourist attractions.  Winter offers a romantic view of Russia, a chance to actually wear the fur hat you buy, and ice-skating in Moscow's Gorky Park.  Anyone visiting in the winter will want to take their warmest clothes, boots and hats; it's bitterly cold and quite dry.

Q: Will I be traveling with people from other countries?

A: We sell tours to more than 38 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to find 6-10 different nationalities on any one tour. You'll forge new friendships with other guests from Australia, America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, UK etc.