Travel All RussiaReviews of travelallrussia.com

Before I booked this trip I called the company. When I travel, I generally read in depth about the country I will visit including histories and contemporary and classic literature. I explained this and asked if the guides had in depth knowledge of Russia. I was assured that they did. Much to my disappointment, 2 our of the 3 guides didn't. For the 2 poor guides, their English was only OK, so even simple questions elicited incorrect answers. More importantly they had memorized dates and facts, but had no understanding underlying historic or philosophical trends. You couldn't ask "why" because they couldn't discuss "why". The third guide in St Petersburg, Konstantin, was excellent - smart, well read, personable, and extremely knowledgeable. Many days we either spent close to half a day in transit or with time off. For example on two days in St Peterburg, the day started at about 10 and was over by 3. I do not consider this a full-day tour. I took initiative and my husband and I went off to museums not included in the tour on these afternoons. The tour company makes no effort to provide you with information about what is happening in the cities being visited that is not included in the tour, but which could be interesting. We attended the ballet and an a concert that I found myself. I realize I'm an outlier because of all the reading I do prior to traveling, I just wish they had been up-front with me.

Firstly, I was flabbergasted in Russia's history, rich culture, profligate and ornate designs of the palace's interior, vibrant cities of both Moscow and St Petersburg, spectacular Russian orthodox churches. I was impressed on the travel agent in St. Petersburg only including the drivers (for both cities) except for the tour guide in Moscow. The Moscow tour guide was unprofessional showing up late for both days 20 mins and 1 hour. Your kind and friendly driver has to pick me up alone from my hotel. (when it states in the itinerary to pick me at the hotel lobby (really baffling). Also what I was really upset about was two things: 1) lunch on the first day which I had to foot the bill for 2241 ruble s (35USD++) she said that we share, but I paid it in full on my credit card (would really appreciate if there are any chances of retrieving the half of it?). Of course , i didn't argue nor complain as I don't want to ruin my trip and I might be left alone in Moscow. (She always mentioned that some of the tour groups have attitude and she didn't like it, so I am completely blank on how to behave as I am in a foreign land). Also she was always catching her breathe, we always need to sit down or she let me tour on my own (lols)... furthermore, the constant insistence of eating at this Georgian restaurant (that cost me 2241 rubles and vegetarian, which I am not). anyway, i will NOT recommend her and she has ruined my perception of Moscow. 2) she skipped the Diamonds Fund.. which I paid for?! or was included in the itinerary but we didn't go to.. Not even sure if this company will compensate me for this.. sigh.. I never dared complain nor argue when I am in a foreign land as I do not want to get in trouble. On the other hand, Misha, Nikolai and the St.Petersburg tour guide were a delight. They have entertained me and was very friendly all throughout the tour. She was very passionate and explained in depth Russia. I didnt even have to read history beforehand. Nikolai gave me some berries and apples, also used his harmonica to play tunes. (Very talented). Lastly, Misha is very innovative, using his google translate to communicate with me effectively. They have treated me with utmost respect and warm Russian hospitality. The 3 should be elevated in your team ( highly recommending them)

Moscow and St Petersburg are wonderful cities but our experience was compromised by unfortunate very cold and wet weather. Olga, our Moscow guide, tried valiantly in spite of clearly being unwell. She went out of her way to be welcoming but spending protracted time visiting countless underground stations (which are amazing) to keep out of the rain was tedious. Alternative museums or galleries would have been a preferred option. She,however, was head and shoulders above our St. Petersburg guide. Humourless but with an encyclopaedic knowledge delivered in a monotone, only to hit the "pause" button, mid - sentence when his 'phone rang was poor. Far too much "free time" without suggestions or guidance as to places to explore on one's own, or suggestions where to eat.Minimal knowledge of the published itinerary upon arrival or what was scheduled next day and inability or lack of interest to learn guests' names or origins.The Winter Palace (Hermitage) being rushed through with massive crowds is not what we paid for in a Private Tour. Other options, when less crowded, are available and offered by other companies. Peterhof's wonderful gardens were dampened by the weather but not including a visit inside the Palace was very poor when many other companies offer this.Joining lines or queues to obtain tickets is perhaps the norm for Russia - maybe there is a better system!! Michail,our guide in the amazing Faberge Museum was very good,introducing us to many of the treasures in that collection with courtesy and knowledge.Even so, the pre-booked time was not available necessitating more waiting. While we are keen to re-visit these wonderful cities we will be trying to find companies able to deliver what they claim to in their promotional information.Regrettably, Travel All Russia failed to deliver.

The bare minimum was provided. I expected to be part of a small group but the eight of us did not even know each other's names until the end of the third day. We were not given a chance for any cohesion or to be part of a group. It felt like we were provided with a knowledgeable guide capable of rattling off facts about structures that we barely had time to absorb. The guided days were very short, 10am-3pm. The hotels were well chosen in location.

We took the three baltic capitals tour and we were very dissapointed due to a bad prize/quality rate.The acommodations were under average and these hotels were not the ones that were listed at the time of booking.The guides and transfers were correct.Regarding russia treasures tour we are satisfied with the experience in moscow (hotel, guide and excursions) and also with the connection to san petersburg by train.but we had a bad experience with the guide who showed a lack of knowledge and expertise.The acommodation was wery good. We are still waiting for any response to our complaints.