“Russia is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma,” Winston Churchill famously said. And so it remained for decades, as Cold War politics effectively rendered the country off-limits for Western travelers. Thanks in part to Mikhail Gorbachev and his policies of glasnost (“openness”) and perestroika (“restructuring”), however, Russia opened its doors again in the late ‘80s—and curious American travelers have been clamoring to visit ever since.
Grand Circle travelers are among those who’ve found Russia’s culture and history intriguing—and today, I’m pleased to share emails from Pat V., Nancy R., and Patricia P. about their experiences on our Russia Revealed: Moscow to St. Petersburg River Cruise ...
Harriet,
My husband and I always consider our last trip with Grand Circle to be our favorite—and since we’ve traveled with you many times, that means we’ve had lots of favorites!
We particularly enjoyed your Russian river cruise. As we sailed from Moscow to St. Petersburg in the summer, we were able to sit on the deck and enjoy the thick forests slashed with white birch trees, broken by the occasional village complete with its onion-domed wooden church. The “White Nights” allowed us to enjoy these scenes up until midnight. That way we could enjoy our wonderful crew, all musicians, playing their unique Russian instruments and singing ballads after dinner, and still go up on deck for conversation with fellow travelers as we marveled at these Russian sights. The river was also dotted with families roasting their “catch” for the day and waving the offering for us to join them for fish. And THIS was just on the boat.
Our excursions to the marvelous sights of Russia included tiny villages with gorgeous Russian Orthodox churches, chances to buy Russian scarves (tablecloth-size) and amber jewelry. And who could ever forget the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg or Moscow’s Red Square?
Nancy R.
10-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Baton Rouge, LA
My husband, Rod, and I returned from your fabulous Russian River Cruise tour of St. Petersburg and Moscow at the end of July. All of our Program Directors were fabulous … so knowledgeable, and they spoke English like native-born Americans with such wonderful senses of humor while teaching us about their country.
We enjoyed the ballet, the circus, and wonderful singing performances: It means so much to be involved in a country’s music and art. We have certainly changed our minds and opinions about Russia and its people for the BETTER. We also loved the M/S Rossia, our ship, and of course the crew was most cordial and accommodating to all our whims.
We can’t wait for our next Grand Circle trip, which will take us to Egypt!
Pat V.
11-time traveler & Vacation Ambassador
Quechee, VT
Dear Harriet,
My Grand Circle trips are the highlight of my life! My Russia visit was one of these incredible trips. We saw so much of such a vast country.
The Kremlin was outstandingly beautiful. (I’d thought it might be a little drab, but on the contrary, it was very colorful and pristinely clean.) Any traveler to Moscow must see the city's subways, which are very different from those in the U.S. St. Petersburg was simply beautiful—truly the “Venice of the North.” The tour to the Hermitage was an experience we’ll never forget, along with the river cruise, and all the wonderful cathedrals we visited. The Program Directors were fabulous and so knowledgeable. All in all, it was an outstanding trip.
Thank you for offering trips that are so well planned and organized. Our future trips will certainly be with Grand Circle!
Patricia P.
5-time traveler
Valley Stream, NY
Pat, Nancy, and Patricia, I’m truly delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your Russia experience. And I must admit, your enthusiasm for the country is so apparent—and contagious!—it’s inspired me to start thinking about planning a Russia visit of my own in the not-too-distant future.
– Harriet