This is the Australian website
Our system has detected that you may be browsing from Australia. So that we can give you the correct information please choose from the following:
Click here to view the Australia website (www.exploreworldwide.com.au)
If we guessed wrong please select your location from the list below:
* By setting your location you will see prices in an appropriate currency, and may see content customised to your location.
 |
0845 291 4541 | ||
 |
Speak to us online | ||
 |
E-mail us |
Your short list is empty 
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topPlease note that at most sites in Russia an additional camera or video charge of up to £7 per site may be payable.
Back to top
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
Back to top
Back to top
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
Back to topLocal Staff: Accordingly you should allow approx €30 for tips.
Back to top
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
Back to top
Local Currency: Russia: Rouble.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: We suggest you take most of your spending money in cash (in small denominations). US Dollars and Euros are more easily converted than Pounds Sterling. N.B. US$ notes should be in good condition (not torn or marked). Notes prior to 1990 (of any currency) are often not accepted.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: Cash can be drawn from ATM’s in all major towns.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants and shops.
Travellers Cheques: Are very difficult to cash on this tour.
Camera, video and cloakroom fees: Please note that most sites and museums charge £2 to allow photography and store clothing.
Back to top
Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
Back to top
| UK | Russia | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £2.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.50 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.50 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £3.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £20.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £30.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £15.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 | £6.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to top
Russia: An entry visa is required for Russia by all nationalities. We recommend you obtain this through the Explore Visa Service in the UK; Visa Swift at http://www.visaswift.com/explore.aspx and by overseas clients through their Explore agent. Bookings must be received at least one month prior to departure to enable the processing of a Russian visa.
Please note: The Russian embassy in the UK will only accept their own visa forms. You will need to visit the website http://www.rusemblon.org where you must fill in the application online which can then be downloaded.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio and diphtheria. Consult your travel clinic for further advice. tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topSummers in European Russia are generally hot and sunny and less humid than in Central Europe, with temperatures reaching 30oC. In fact, the early autumn period is often to be compared with a true Indian Summer, dry and sunny. The first snows usually start in November. Late August, early September can, however, be quite cold. Additional information and climate charts can be accessed at http://www.explore.co.uk/ weather. Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. Up-to-date information on the weather worldwide can be found by following the BBC weather link on this page.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and a daysac for personal items. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Remember that you’ll have to carry your own luggage, so don’t overload yourself.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topTake a lightweight rain jacket. Ladies should take a headscarf for entering churches.
Back to topComfortable shoes and sandals.
Back to topTake some insect repellent for the Golden Ring and St. Petersburg. A money belt is essential, especially in Russia. A swimsuit for saunas may also be taken.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to top
