I used roubles when I was there about 10 years ago but I hear that dollars and euros are often accepted too.

You will need euros to pay for any optional excursions, so you might be best off taking euros. You could change some into roubles when you get there, as there may be a few moments when you will need them.

Bear in mind that roubles are hard to exchange in the UK, so make sure you spend or exchange them before you come home.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

I was told that I should take US dollars to Russia but I see your advice is euros & roubles. Have I been misled?

Thanks

Thank you so much for all the helpful information with regards to the trip to Moscow and St Petersburg. It's much appriecated.

Kind Regards

CJ

Hi CJ

I don't have up-to-date information about this year's tour but I've copied below the details from the 2010 version of this holiday. Bear in mind that some details may have changed since then. You will receive details of this year's programme of excursions around three months before you travel.

Kind regards

Olly, your editor

***

2010 ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS

In addition to the included excursions, there will be time to join other optional trips and activities during the tour. These will be offered subject to availability and are available to book through your Just You Tour Manager once in Russia. Payment must be made in Euro cash and we suggest that you allow approximately 400.00 Euro per person if you wish to participate in all of these extra activities. Please find below some examples out of a range of additional, optional excursions, which are normally available. The prices will depend on the number of participants and are approximate.

Your Tour Manager will provide you with full details and price-information.

FROM MOSCOW

• ARMOURY - A tour of the museum inside the Kremlin, containing a vast array of artefacts relating to local history throughout the centuries and personal items belonging to former Tsars, such as Coronation robes, magnificently decorated carriages and jewellery. This visit is only available as an extension to the Kremlin excursion and as the exhibits are labelled in Russian only, a tour with our guide is highly recommended. Approximate price per person - 40.00 Euro

• MOSCOW METRO & THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR (½ day) - An opportunity to see some of the ornate metro stations for which Moscow is famous. This is followed by a visit to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which has been rebuilt since being blown up on Stalin’s orders in 1934. Approximate price per person - 40.00 Euro

• EVENING EVENT - A visit to the *circus, ballet or opera will normally be available. Prices range from 45.00 Euro to 120.00 Euro per person, depending on the event and availability of tickets. *Please note that the Moscow Circus sometimes use animals as part of the performance.

FROM ST PETERSBURG:

• HERMITAGE - It is said that you would need a whole year to see all of the exhibits within the Hermitage, but our half day tour will take you through the main rooms to see some of the most outstanding exhibits. Approximate price per person - 40.00 Euro

• PUSHKIN - A visit to Catherine the Great’s beautiful Summer Palace in the town of Pushkin, formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo, 25km outside St Petersburg. Approximate price per person - 45.00 Euro

CURRENCY INFORMATION

Roubles can be obtained in Russia from banks and exchange bureaux, these can also be purchased in the UK however, you may need to order them in advance. We recommend you take around £100 of Roubles with you.

We ask you to take any cash in Euros or Roubles. Payment for optional excursions is in Euros. Sterling is not widely accepted. Notes should be in good condition, not damaged. You may be required to produce your passport when changing currency. If you choose to take travellers cheques with you, please be aware that they are very difficult to exchange and you will incur additional charges.

We can also recommend you withdraw cash as required. Cash machines are widely available in Moscow & St. Petersburg. The machines will ask you what form of currency you require. Please note you will require your PIN for withdrawing cash at these machines. Your bank or card supplier should be able to give you more information on using cash machines in Russia. We also recommend that you inform your bank/card company of your trip to Russia, in order to avoid any problems when withdrawing cash; as a security method on your behalf, banks occasionally stop withdrawals in the event that they are being used fraudulently abroad.

I don't have up-to-date information about this year's tour but I've copied below the details from the 2010 version of this holiday. Bear in mind that some details may have changed since then. You will receive details of this year's programme of excursions around three months before you travel.

Kind regards

Olly, your editor

***

2010 ADDITIONAL EXCURSIONS

In addition to the included excursions, there will be time to join other optional trips and activities during the tour. These will be offered subject to availability and are available to book through your Just You Tour Manager once in Russia. Payment must be made in Euro cash and we suggest that you allow approximately 400.00 Euro per person if you wish to participate in all of these extra activities. Please find below some examples out of a range of additional, optional excursions, which are normally available. The prices will depend on the number of participants and are approximate.

Your Tour Manager will provide you with full details and price-information.

FROM MOSCOW

• ARMOURY - A tour of the museum inside the Kremlin, containing a vast array of artefacts relating to local history throughout the centuries and personal items belonging to former Tsars, such as Coronation robes, magnificently decorated carriages and jewellery. This visit is only available as an extension to the Kremlin excursion and as the exhibits are labelled in Russian only, a tour with our guide is highly recommended. Approximate price per person - 40.00 Euro

• MOSCOW METRO & THE CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR (½ day) - An opportunity to see some of the ornate metro stations for which Moscow is famous. This is followed by a visit to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, which has been rebuilt since being blown up on Stalin’s orders in 1934. Approximate price per person - 40.00 Euro

• EVENING EVENT - A visit to the *circus, ballet or opera will normally be available. Prices range from 45.00 Euro to 120.00 Euro per person, depending on the event and availability of tickets. *Please note that the Moscow Circus sometimes use animals as part of the performance.

FROM ST PETERSBURG:

• HERMITAGE - It is said that you would need a whole year to see all of the exhibits within the Hermitage, but our half day tour will take you through the main rooms to see some of the most outstanding exhibits. Approximate price per person - 40.00 Euro

• PUSHKIN - A visit to Catherine the Great’s beautiful Summer Palace in the town of Pushkin, formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo, 25km outside St Petersburg. Approximate price per person - 45.00 Euro

CURRENCY INFORMATION

Roubles can be obtained in Russia from banks and exchange bureaux, these can also be purchased in the UK however, you may need to order them in advance. We recommend you take around £100 of Roubles with you.

We ask you to take any cash in Euros or Roubles. Payment for optional excursions is in Euros. Sterling is not widely accepted. Notes should be in good condition, not damaged. You may be required to produce your passport when changing currency. If you choose to take travellers cheques with you, please be aware that they are very difficult to exchange and you will incur additional charges.

We can also recommend you withdraw cash as required. Cash machines are widely available in Moscow & St. Petersburg. The machines will ask you what form of currency you require. Please note you will require your PIN for withdrawing cash at these machines. Your bank or card supplier should be able to give you more information on using cash machines in Russia. We also recommend that you inform your bank/card company of your trip to Russia, in order to avoid any problems when withdrawing cash; as a security method on your behalf, banks occasionally stop withdrawals in the event that they are being used fraudulently abroad.

Don't worry, we can take up to 35 people on this trip so you should be OK to hold off until you know more about your family event.

Kind regards,

Olly, your editor

It's CJ again with further questions about this trip. Can you give me some idea of the cost of the optional trips and will be able to pay for them with a debit card or a credit card or even good old fashion cash and if so which domination.

Many thanks for all your assistance.

CJ

Hi CJ

So far we have 18 booked for this holiday.

It's likely to be on the cold side but not freezing. Certainly nothing like China in January but you should definitely take a warm coat and some jumpers.

Like a lot of countries in eastern Europe, Russia isn't terribly vegetarian-friendly but you should be able to find enough dishes that suit you. I was there a few years ago and remember having some very nice potato and other salads. I found this link on the internet, which gives a good idea of what's available:

http://www.sras.org/vegetarian_in_moscow 

Kind regards

Olly, your editor

Hi Olly

Thanks for all the infomation regarding the trip. I have now booked! Really looking forward to going in October.

Kind Regards

CJ

I am seriously thinking of going on this trip too but cannot commit just yet due to family events..

How many people do you take as I see you said already 18??

I dont want to miss out...

thanks

Tricia

So far we have 18 booked for this holiday.

It's likely to be on the cold side but not freezing. Certainly nothing like China in January but you should definitely take a warm coat and some jumpers.

Like a lot of countries in eastern Europe, Russia isn't terribly vegetarian-friendly but you should be able to find enough dishes that suit you. I was there a few years ago and remember having some very nice potato and other salads. I found this link on the internet, which gives a good idea of what's available:

http://www.sras.org/vegetarian_in_moscow 

Kind regards

Olly, your editor

I'm thinking of booking Moscow and St Petersburg this October. I understand it will be quiet cold but have been to China in January! So hopefully not as cold as that.

How many people are booked on this trip so far?

I'm vegeterian just wondering if I will have lots of problems with the food?

Many thanks

CJ