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Autumn Getaways with more

2-night stays from $349 #.

Book by April 30, 2024.

T&C's apply.

Intrepid Australia Sale Now On

From the Northern Territory to South Australia and beyond, now is the time to explore your own backyard, with savings of up to 25%* on selected Australia small group adventures with Intrepid .

Hurry, sale ends 30 April, 2024 *T&Cs apply.

Princess Cruises On Sale Now.

For a limited time, save up to 40%* off launch fares. Upgrade to Princess Plus and get Wi-Fi, drinks, room service and more included, plus up to $600* onboard spending money per stateroom. 

RACV Members save more. Hurry, sale ends 13 June 2024.

*T&Cs apply.

Latest offers as advertised

Arnhem Land & Kakadu Explorer with Outback Spirit

Journey through the world’s oldest surviving culture on a small group 4WD adventure.

Kakadu National Park 30-minute scenic flight.

Includes meals, beverages and accommodation.

RACV Member price from $7,358*.

8 days from $7,745* per person.

Revelations of Japan with Oceania Cruises

Departs Tokyo 13 April 2025 onboard Rivierd in a Veranda Stateroom.

Free pre-cruise overnight stay, USD $600 shore excursion credit, gourmet speciality dining, beverages including champagne and wine, unlimited WiFi and more*.

RACV Member price from $12,460*.

12 nights from $12,910* per person.

*T&Cs apply. 

Small Ship Luxury with Oceania Cruises

Set sail with Oceania Cruises and enjoy:

• FREE shore excursion credit*
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• FREE gourmet specialty dining*
• FREE pre-cruise hotel^ on selected sailings.

^Offer ends 31 May 2024.

The Ghan: Red Centre Spectacular

3 nights onboard The Ghan, 5 night small-group Outback Spirit tour, plus 2 nights in Alice Springs.

Includes regionally-inspired meals, fine wines and beverages.

RACV Member price from $8,460*.

11 days from $8,905* per person.

New Zealand with Grand Pacific Tours

Explore New Zealand by coach with Grand Pacific Tours on their luxurious Ultimate small group tours, boasting a Business Class level of comfort (max 20 guests), and Signature Mid-Size group tours for those after Premium Economy comfort (max 32 guests).

Flights valid departing Melbourne (Economy class) and include prepaid taxes.

Rockies Odyssey & Alaska Cruise with APT

Luxury tour from Victoria to Vancouver.

GoldLeaf Service on the Rocky Mountaineer, tow nights at the Fairmount Chateau, Lake Louise.

7-night cruise through the Inside Passage in a Verandah Stateroom.

RACV Member price from $14,600*.

22 days from $15,295* per person.

Greek Isles Cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line

Departs Venice (Trieste on 2 July 2025) on board Norwegian Pearl in a Balcony Stateroom.

Includes Free Beverage package+- Free Specialty Dining Package+- Free US$50 Shore Excursions Credit Per Port+ and Free Wifi Package+ .

RACV Member price from $4,994*

10 nights from $5,194* per person.

Treasures of the Mekong with Scenic

This luxury tour includes 9 nights onboard 5-star Scenic Spirit with butler service, all onboard meals and complimentary beverages. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, War Museum and Reunification Palace.

PLUS, indulge in an exclusive gala dinner under the shadows of an Angkor temple.

RACV Member price from $6,836*.

15 days from $7,195* per person. Offer ends 30 April 2024.

Spectacular South of France with Scenic

Luxury river cruise onboard a 5-star Scenic Space-Ship from Lyon.

Includes meals, premium beverages, Bulter service and 28 Freechoice activities.

RACV Member price from $7,026*.

11 days from $7,395* per person.

Italy’s Best with COSMOS

Explore Rome, Venice, Sorrento Coast, Pompeii and more.

Special departures – Christmas in Rome and New Years Eve in Venice available^.

RACV Member price from $4,047*.

14 days from $4,259* per person.

Britain & Ireland in Depth with GLOBUS

Explore England, Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Special departure 5 August 2025. More dates available.

RACV Member price from $11,419 *.

24 days from $12,019* per person.

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No matter what type of experience you’re after, our trusted travel partners have a trip to suit your style and budget. Get exclusive savings across the world, with group or custom tours.

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Experience some of Australia and New Zealand’s top attractions for less, with exclusive savings for RACV Members.

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Save 15%* on daily rates when you hire a car with SIXT in Australia and New Zealand. Choose from SUVs, Compacts, electric cars, trucks, vans and more.

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Whether you’re driving to Tullamarine or you’re looking for airport transfers, RACV Members can save up to 10%*.

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International driving permit

If you’re planning on driving while you’re away, you might need an International Driving Permit. Good news - we’re the official provider in Victoria, and it’s easy to apply.

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Pet boarding

Located minutes away from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, Hanrob Pet Hotel is your pet's boarding home away from home. RACV Members save 10%.

Inspiration and tips for your next holiday

The best day trips from Melbourne

Planning a day trip out of the city? Hit the road and escape to one of these must-see day trip destinations, all within three hour’s drive from Melbourne.

The ultimate guide to Kryal Castle

Experience a day in a medieval fantasy land at Kryal Castle in the Ballarat region. Here’s what you need to know about Kyral Castle for the best day out.

The ultimate guide to Cairns

The best things to do, see and eat in Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia.

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*Valid for new bookings 15 March to 30 April 2024. To receive the pay in full offer, bookings must be paid for in full within 7 days of confirmation to receive the pay in full offer. Not combinable with Early Bird discount. Contact our travel consultants for full details.

Intrepid Australia Sale

1. Australia Sale offers apply to new bookings made and deposited between 12:01am AEDT 21 March 2024 to 11:59pm AEDT 30 April 2024. Offer applies to select Australia trips departing between 21 March 2024 – 31 March 2025 unless otherwise specified. 2. The following discounts apply to trips departing between 21 March 2024 – 14 December 2024: • 25% off the following trip codes: PZSE, PZSA, PZRK, PZRC. • 15% off the following trip codes: PVON, PZSB, PZKS, PZKK, PZSR, PZKR, PZKNC, PZSK, PZFK, PZFR, POKR, PZKA, PZKBC, PZKM. 3. The following discounts apply to trips departing between 21 March 2024 – 31 March 2025: • 10% off the following trip codes: POPR, PVBCC, PVOB, PVOD, PVOSC, PVSCD, PZSC, PZSD, PZSPC, PZSUC, PZSVC, PZKQ, PZKAC, PZXR, PZSI, PZXS, PZSJC, PZST, PZKT, PZKU, PZKVC, PUST, PTXC, PUKH, PUKT, PUKTC, PZPT, PZSG, PJXB, PJXE, PJXF, PJXG, PJXI, PJXK, PJXN, PJXO, PJXP, PJXR, PJT, PJXV, PJXL, PJXM, PJXW. 4. The following exclusions apply: • Trips operated by Kimberly Wild Expeditions: PKBB-B, PKBB-O, PKBL-B, PKBL-O, PKOW-O, PKOL-B, PKOL-O, PKOW-B, PKRB, PKRC, PKFK; • Trips operated by Adventure Tours Australia: PP10, PB10, PBD10, PDB10, PBP10; • Short-Break Adventures; • Tailor-Made Experiences; • Urban Adventures. 5. All offers apply to the trip price only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount. 6. A black-out travel period of 14 December 2024 – 14 January 2025 applies. 7. Credit Holders can use any valid discounts or promotions, except where we are honouring their original price. For more information about how to redeem your credit visit our Credit Redemption page. 8. All offers apply to land element of trip only and cannot be redeemed against flights, additional accommodation, transfers, travel insurance or local payments/kittys. 9. This sale is applicable to residents of Australia & New Zealand only in AUD & NZD. 10. Our trips are subject to availability and confirmation by Intrepid Travel at time of booking. 11. If you wish to cancel and rebook your trip or change dates outside the promotional period, you will be required to pay the full cost towards the new trip. 12. Except as set out expressly above, Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions apply. Ask your consultant for details. 13. Travel documents & vaccination requirements are the responsibility of the individual traveller.  

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Must quote RACV Membership number at the time of booking and collection. 15% discount applies on daily rental rates at SIXT Australia and New Zealand locations only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion, special offer or coupon. For full auto club terms and conditions please visit https://www.sixt.com.au/auto-clubs/#/. ​ All rentals with SIXT are subject to Rental terms and conditions. https://www.sixt.com.au/terms-conditions/#/

*Travel Insurance Terms & Conditions 

The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations . For copies, visit racv.com.au. Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) Ltd AR 001243563 is an authorised representative of the issuer and receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. RACV Travel Insurance issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548. Terms & conditions apply, refer to the PDS.

# Autumn getaways with more terms & conditions Subject to availability. Minimum night stay applies. Restrictions and blackout dates may apply – check with resort directly for details. Surcharges apply – check with resort directly for details. Full payment required at time of reservation. Not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Book by 30 April 24. From rate is based on 2 guests in a lead in room type at RACV Goldfields Resort. Refer to individual resort offers for full terms & conditions.

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International travel insurance 

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Adventure overseas confidently with award-winning travel insurance

There's nothing quite like embarking on an international adventure. Absorbing the sights and sounds of new cities, immersing yourself in a different culture, forgetting your daily routine – overseas travel is exciting. With RACQ International Travel Insurance, you can explore the world while feeling the safety of home.

• 15% policy discount for RACQ members
• Coverage for overseas medical expenses (including limited COVID-19 cover on our Premium International plan)#
• Coverage for loss, theft or damage of your luggage and unexpected cancellation fees#
• All plans cover up to two adults and your dependents
• 24-hour overseas emergency assistance hotline

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What does my RACQ International Travel Insurance cover?

For full details of what’s included in RACQ Travel Insurance see our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS .

Unlimited** overseas medical and hospital cover Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

Cancellation fees and lost deposits for travel and accommodation arrangements if your trip is cancelled or cut short due to unforeseen circumstances (limit varies per cover option; see table below).

Loss, theft or damage of your luggage (limit varies per cover option; see table below).

International travel insurance cover options

Compare your international travel insurance options and get the policy that’s right for your trip.  Before purchasing any travel products, we recommend reviewing the RACQ Travel Insurance  Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)  and the  Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  that apply to these products.

• Premium (Includes COVID benefits)
• Annual Multi-Trip

Why choose RACQ International Travel Insurance?

No matter what time it is, we’re there for you.

Change of plans? Not a worry.

Some cover is provided to your dependents.

We’ll provide options so you can choose the right cover for your trip.

Enjoy better holidays with RACQ member benefits~~

Manage your insurance

International travel insurance faqs.

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# Limits (including sub-limits), conditions and exclusions apply. This insurance is issued by Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd (Tokio Marine & Nichido) ABN 80 000 438 291, AFSL 246548. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and any applicable Supplementary PDS before making a decision about this product and read the Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  before determining whether this product is suitable for your circumstances.

^^ $Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit.

** Unlimited means that generally there is no cap on the maximum dollar amount which may be paid out for this benefit, subject to the specific terms and conditions, sub-limits and exclusions that apply to this benefit. This benefit covers reasonable overseas medical and hospital costs as a result of an injury (including that arising from a Terrorist Act) or illness occurring which first shows itself during Your Period of Insurance. Benefits may be paid up to 12 months from the time You received treatment for the injury or illness, but only for Reasonable Expenses incurred during that time. Medical treatments must be provided by a legally qualified medical practitioner. You must notify us as soon as practicable of Your admittance to hospital.

* This cover is per person listed in Your Policy.

^ This cover is per policy

+This Sub Limit is a subset of this overall policy benefit section

Offer is subject to change/withdrawal without notice.

Specific terms and conditions, limits (including sub-limits) and exclusions apply to each of our policies and the different benefits. Please read the ' RACQ Travel Insurance- Combined Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statement ' for full details.

RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS)  and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs)  that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMD’s outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMD’s also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMD’s for each travel product can be found  here .

Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents  for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.

Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.

~~ Terms and conditions apply to all offers. View the individual offer for full details. Offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

• Cruise Finder
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Southern australia explorer - 7 night cruise only - melbourne return (pri40376).

Enjoy a voyage to Southern Australia on this 7 Night Cruise aboard Diamond Princess from Melbourne.

North Pacific Crossing - 13 Night Cruise only - Vancouver to Yokohama (Tokyo) (HAL40784)

Leave Fremantle (Perth) to Sydney for an Australia Circumnavigation experience on this 13 night cruise aboard Westerdam.

North Pacific Crossing - 13 Night Cruise only - Vancouver to Yokohama (Tokyo) (HAL40785)

France intensive voyage - 7 night cruise only - barcelona to monte carlo (aza44816).

• 7 night cruise from Barcelona to Monte Carlo aboard  Azamara Onward
• Explore the beauty of picturesque France filled with colorful markets, fabulous wine and food and sights.
• Visit: Port Vendres, Provence, Sanary Sur Mer & More!

BOOK NOW & RECEIVE UP TO US$500^ ONBOARD CREDIT PER STATEROOM, TWIN SHARE

Valid until 30 May 2024, unless sold prior.

Enigmatic Japan - 14 Night Cruise Only - Tokyo return (SIL42500)

Discover Tokyo on Silver Nova and enjoy the scenery on this 14 Night Voyage.

Hawaii, Tahiti & South Pacific - 25 Night Cruise & Stay PACKAGE - Honolulu to Sydney (PRI40340)

• 23 night cruise from Honolulu to Sydney aboard  Royal Princess
• PLUS 2 night pre-cruise stay in premium hotel in Honolulu with transfers!
• Visit: Maui, Tahiti, Moorea, Pago Pago, Auckland & more!

HURRY SELLING FAST!

RECEIVE ONBOARD CREDIT UP TO US$385^ PER STATEROOM.

VALID UNTIL 1 JUNE 2024, UNLESS SOLD PRIOR.

Conditions apply.

Discover New Zealand - 19 Night Cruise Only - Adelaide return (PRI40377)

Enjoy a voyage to New Zealand on this 19 Night Cruise aboard Diamond Princess from Adelaide.

Enchanting East Mediterranean - 7 Night Cruise Only - Venice (Marghera) return (MSC43934)

Take this amazing 7 night Cruise and discover the Mediterranean aboard MSC Sinfonia from Venice (Marghera).

Mediterranean Hidden Gems - 7 Night Cruise only - Civitavecchia (Rome) return (MSC43932)

Take this amazing 7 night Cruise and discover the Mediterranean aboard MSC Seaview from Rome.

Mediterranean Adventure - 11 Nights Cruise only - Genoa (Portofino) return (MSC43933)

Take this amazing 11 night Cruise and discover the Mediterranean aboard MSC Poesoa from Genoa.

Melbourne to Fremantle (Perth) - 20 Night Cruise Only (CUN39965)

Join this 20 Night Voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth and experience the salt white sands on Airlie Beach.

Sydney to Fremantle (Perth) - 18 Night Cruise only (CUN39967)

Enjoy an 18 Night Voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth and explore Australia and Bali.

Australian Circumnavigation - 30 Night Cruise Only - Sydney Return (CUN39968)

Take this 30 Night Australia Circumnavigation voyage aboard Queen Elizabeth and discover exquisite Airlie Beach, Cairns & more.

Brisbane Cruise - 2 Night Cruise Only - Sydney to Brisbane (DIS43623)

Disney Cruise Line new season is sailing Down Under to Australia with a 2 night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane.

Open Water Cruise - 3 Night Cruise Only - Brisbane return (DIS41676)

Disney Cruise Line new season is sailing Down Under to Australia with a 3 night cruise from Brisbane return.

South Pacific Crossing - 23 Night Cruise Only - Seattle to Sydney (HAL40697)

Leave Seattle for South Pacific islands. Experience Hawaii’s lava landscapes, and Fiji’s lush gardens on this 23 night cruise aboard Westerdam.

Open Water Cruise - 3 Night Cruise Only - Brisbane return (DIS43628)

Round australia - 28 night cruise only - sydney return (pri40349).

Explore the beauty of Australia on this 28 night cruise from Sydney Return aboard Crown Princess.

Explore Fiji & South Pacific - 13 Night Cruise only - Sydney return (PRI40341)

Discover Fiji & South Pacific aboard the beautiful Royal Princess on this amazing 13 Night Cruise only from Sydney.

Melbourne Cruise - 4 Night Cruise only - Brisbane to Melbourne (DIS43618)

Disney Cruise Line new season is sailing Down Under to Australia with a 4 night cruise from Brisbane to Melbourne.

Greek Isles and Italy - 10 Night Cruise only - Rome (Civitavecchia) return (NCL44584)

Join Norwegian Prima for 10 incredible nights of cruising The Greek Isles & Italy from Civitavecchia (Rome) return.

Melbourne Cruise - 7 Night Cruise Only - Melbourne return (DIS41675)

Disney Cruise Line new season is sailing Down Under to Australia with a 7 night cruise from Melbourne return.

Northern Explorer - 17 Night Cruise Only - Fremantle (Perth) to Sydney (PRI40350)

Enjoy a Cruise and discover Northern Australia when you cruise 17 nights aboard Crown Princess when departing from Fremantle (Perth) to Sydney.

Getaway Cruise at Sea - 3 Night Cruise only - Sydney to Brisbane (CAR44153)

Getaway for 3 nights aboard Carnival Luminosa from Sydney to Brisbane.

Open water Cruise - 3 Night Cruise Only - Melbourne return (DIS43632)

Disney Cruise Line new season is sailing Down Under to Australia with a 3 night cruise from Melbourne return.

Discover New Zealand - 21 Night Cruise Only - Adelaide return (PRI40378)

Enjoy a voyage to New Zealand on this 21 Night Cruise aboard Diamond Princess from Adelaide.

Hobart Cruise - 4 Night Cruise Only - Melbourne return (DIS43639)

Disney Cruise Line new season is sailing Down Under to Australia with a 4 night cruise from Melbourne return.

Sunshine State Sun-Soaker - 8 Night Cruise only - Sydney return (RCI44006)

Sail 8 Nights aboard Ovation of the Seas to North Queensland from Brisbane.

Discovering The 7Th Continent - 10 Nights Cruise & Stay - Ushuaia Return (QUA44071)

Discover the world of the Antarctic on this 9 Night Cruise from Ushuaia return aboard World Explorer.

Discover New Zealand - 14 Nights Cruise Only - Sydney return (PRI40342)

Discover New Zealand aboard the beautiful Royal Princess on this amazing 14 Night Cruise only from Sydney.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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