Question 1

Do you organise tours only in Russia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Presently, we are focused only on Russia. In future Yulia Travels may consider tours to other former Soviet states too. But always we will offer only select dream destinations wherever they are.

Question 2

Why is the focus only on Russia?

Accepted Answer

Russia has always fascinated travellers worldwide. Many outside Russia, even in far-off continents, long to visit this country. Moreover, being the world's largest countr,y Russia has a lot to offer for tourists. In fact, it is one country, many worlds! Should we divert our attention elsewhere?

Question 3

Do you offer only private tours?

Accepted Answer

No. Though we offer primarily private tailor-made tours to Russia we also arrange small group tours. We try to limit the number of people in a group often to six. A group undertaking a tour with us mostly comprises members of families, same organisations or friends rather than strangers.

Question 4

Will you organise tour for one person?

Accepted Answer

Of course! We are eager to host solo travellers. Approach us for private, customised tours for singles, couples, friends or families. We assure safe, comfortable travel and stay while you are in Russia.

Question 5

Will I get a tour guide who knows my language?

Accepted Answer

We will try to arrange one. Most of our guides are native Russians who can speak English well. Those speaking French, Spanish or German too can be arranged.

Question 6

Aren't private tours expensive?

Accepted Answer

Private tours definitely cost more than group tours but we try to cut down the price by creating travel plans that provide value for money. For instance, we try to include overnight train rides in the itinerary so that tourists save time and money. Doesn't less number of nights at hotels during your tour bring down the overall expenses?

Question 7

What is the typical duration of a tour booked with Yulia Travels?

Accepted Answer

The tour duration varies. Often, private tours last at least a week or two or more. You may book for longer duration, say three or four weeks, but always the number of days is based on the validity of tourist visa. Organised group tours last a few days to a week mostly. Day tours too for a hurried sightseeing are also conducted.

Question 8

What is the procedure to book a tour?

Accepted Answer

The booking process for a private tour with us is explained below:
 
A. As you decide on the dates please book the tour by paying $500 as a token amount. (This helps to avoid frivolous bookings that prevent us from from focusing on genuine clients). 
Also provide us with the following information:
* the month you intend the tour and the number of days you want to spend;
* the places/cities you want to visit 
* any specific activity/wish other than sightseeing or city tour you intend to do 
* the number of people with you 
* the total budget you can allocate. (Optional)
* transaction reference number.

Please use the trip planner on the Book A Tour page on the website to provide the above information.
 
B. Subsequently, we prepare the travel plan and send it to you.
C. Finalisation of the travel plan after including the changes, if any, suggested by you.
D. Final quote from the travel company after adjusting the advance amount. The email with the link for payment will be sent to you.
E. Payment. 
F. Despatch of invitation letter by the tour company.

Question 9

Do I need a visa?

Accepted Answer

The requirement of visa depends on your nationality. Please check if your country has a visa-free arrangement with the Russian Federation. Electronic visa can be applied by nationals of a few countries. This can be obtained in a few days after applying online. You need to wait for about 10 working days to obtain the regular visa which is stamped on the passport.

Question 10

When should I apply for the tourist visa?

Accepted Answer

You may apply for visa soon after receiving the invitation letter.

Question 11

When should I book the flight tickets?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, after you receive the visa. But if you bought it much earlier please let us know so that the itinerary can be prepared accordingly. The formal itinerary issued by the travel company is necessary to apply for visa if your tour exceeds a certain number of days.

Question 12

What all does the tour price usually cover?

Accepted Answer

* Hotel accommodation often at three- or four-star hotels or depending on the availability or the choice of the client.
* Breakfast 
* Entry tickets to tourist centres, museums etc.
* Cab/metro train rides for sightseeing.
* Tain/airfare if part of the pre-decided tour programme within Russia.
* Cab/van transfer to and from hotel/airport.

Question 13

What are not included in the tour price?

Accepted Answer

* Flight tickets (from your country and back). Flights can be booked on request after paying the fare in advance. 
* Visa application cost.
* Travel insurance
* Personal expenses
* Shopping 
* Tips to guides, drivers, hotel staff.
* Lunch and dinner.
* All that is not included in the pre-stated inclusions.

Question 14

What are the expense heads for my overseas tour?

Accepted Answer

The major expenses generally include:

A. Payment of tour price to the travel company.

B. Flight tickets, visa charges (depending on the category), travel medical insurance (rates vary with age, number of days, insurance company).

C. Expenses on personal purchases, shopping, tips, lunch and dinner (if not included as per your request.)

Question 15

When is the best time to visit Russia?

Accepted Answer

Summer; the warm June to August period is the peak tourist season. Expect pleasant weather in September and November though some places will be cold by now. If you like the winter chill, sub-zero temperatures and snowfall, then you may book a tour for any month from December to February. Please note December and January have extremely low temperatures.

Question 16

Is Russia safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With CCTV cameras almost everywhere at public places in cities, both big and small, tourists need not fear street crime, especially during day. Those who are part of guided group tours rarely face any trouble. Those on private tours too need not fear as they are also accompanied by licensed guides. 
If venturing out alone, please be alert to frauds, tricksters and pickpockets. Avoid desolate, unlit streets late night. Always, never let your guard down and keep an eye on your wallet and other belongings. 
In short, the possibility of crime in areas visited by tourists is much less than  elsewhere. 
Significantly,  popular tourist places in Russia are away from any conflict zones.

Question 17

What would be the approximate total expenses, including tour price, for a week's programme?

Accepted Answer

For small group tours (not private ones) for a week to, say Moscow or St Petersburg, the overall expenses for one person could be about $4,000 (or Euro 3,800 or Indian Rupee 325,000 to 400,000) even after accounting for basic shopping and personal expenses as well as airfare. In fact, the price you pay to the tour company would not be even one-third of this amount if airfare is excluded. The overall costs would be lower than this estimate if you are arriving from Europe, West/Central Asia or China as the airfare would be much lower than from any other overseas region.

(The estimate is based on October 2023 prices and forex rates.)

Question 18

How much should I tip?

Accepted Answer

Tour guides and drivers will welcome tips but are unlikely to demand or suggest you to pay. It would be a nice gesture on your part if you tip them a decent amount. Give at least Roubles 500 for their service for half a day and twice that for a full day.  Leave about 10% tip at restaurants, cafes and bars. More too if the service was exceptional. Tipping is your choice.

Question 19

How much should I earmark for daily personal expenses?

Accepted Answer

Personal expenses depend on one's lifestyle, habits and financial resources. As per the late 2023 prices of goods and services in Russia an overseas tourist may incur at least 3,000 to 5,000 Roubles per day. This much would be required for sundry shopping as well as lunch and dinner at decent hotels. You may budget at least 50,000 Roubles for a week for personal expenses while you are in Russia. The expenses go up with a couple of cab rides, visits to bars and fine-dining restaurants, purchase of branded goods.

Question 20

What about the tour cancellation norms?

Accepted Answer

The cancellation norms are as per travel industry standards. We partner with native tour conductors, guides and drivers. Their services can be availed with prompt payment; hence any unavoidable cancellations entail deduction of partial or full payment made by the client. The exact norms will be conveyed in the receipt for the payment received.

Question 21

Should I carry cash or use cards for transactions while in Russia?

Accepted Answer

Cash is the popular mode of payment across Russia. You need to pay in Roubles. Payment in other currencies is illegal. Since mid-2022 only debit and credit cards issued in Russia can be used. A limited duration debit card can be purchased by travellers visiting Russia from abroad.

Question 22

I am a vegetarian. Will I have a hard time while visiting Russia?

Accepted Answer

You can order the food of your choice. It is true exclusive vegetarian restaurants are very few. In big cities like Moscow and St Petersburg there a few Indian vegetarian restaurants. Often, the breakfast buffet spread at hotels have a significant vegetarian share. Please select what you want.

Question 23

I have mobility issues. Will you help me arrange a convenient tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please inform at the time of booking your condition and your requirement. We will do all that is possible to organise a satisfactory trip. Just land in Russia! The rest we will look after.

Question 24

How will be a typical tour day like?

Accepted Answer

We try to stick to the itinerary. Please keep a copy of the itinerary with you. The guided tours, both group and private ones, are often conducted in the first half of the day. You will be free by noon or around late afternoon. Use your free time for rest, shopping or long walk to explore the place.

FAQs

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