|
|
|
Cadet
Group: Forum member
Last Login: 12 November 2009 07:24
Posts: 6,
Visits: 13
|
|
| We will be virgin cruisers when we travel on the Arcadia to the Baltics J003 in May 2010. We are particularly keen to see the Imperial Russian Porcelain Museum which has examples of Lomonosov and Gzsel porcelain on show. I believe the collection was moved last year but cannot find out in which of the Hermitage or State Museums it is housed, and whether the excursions would take in this porcelain collection. It seems that the Hermitage Museum excursion takes in art and sculpture. Has anyone visited the Porcelain Museum or knows where it is or which company do a trip there. We are not keen to obtain personal visas and go off on our own. Can anyone help please?
|
|
|
|
|
Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Today @ 08:29
Posts: 1,714,
Visits: 3,353
|
|
I am not aware of any of the P&O excursions that will specifically include the Porcelain Museum and if it has been moved to the Hermitage then it is unlikely that you would see it on an organised tour, if at all.
I would suggest that you explore the possibility of using a private guide in St Petersburg if you are intent on seeing the Porcelain Museum. If you have a private guide you do not need to get a visa as they will organise a tourist visa for. I accept that the cost will be significantly greater than with P&O but it does mean that you will see more and you will see what you want to see.
Also it is possible, with a private guide, to "make up" a group which will reduce the cost per person but this may be difficult with such a specific requirement.
David
Remember: You only know what you know and-
You do not know what you do not know!
|
|
|
|
|
Cadet
Group: Forum member
Last Login: 12 November 2009 07:24
Posts: 6,
Visits: 13
|
|
| Thanks for your reply - it has given us plenty to think about. I have done lots of investigations online and have come across Red October (didn't have to hunt for them either!) and I understand as they are a Russian company and have local guides, one can go 'off-road' in the Hermatige to see what one wants to see and meet up again at a specific time. Happy Cruising. Wickie
|
|
|
|
|
Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Today @ 08:29
Posts: 1,714,
Visits: 3,353
|
|
From what I have read, and my understanding, technically the Russian guide must be with you at all times (it is something to do with the type of visa I think) so going off and doing your own thing in the Hermitage may not be possible.
David
Remember: You only know what you know and-
You do not know what you do not know!
|
|
|
|
|
Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: 2 days ago @ 14:24
Posts: 3,506,
Visits: 9,867
|
|
| Wickie, I was part of a group of 9 passengers from this ship who did a 2 day programme with Red October in the summer and would thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We had 2 couples from other ships also in at the same time as us - the company did ask if we were happy to have additional companions on the tour and it saved us approximately $40 each by doing this. One of the couples who were with us for the 2 days were in port for 3 days and they spent the 3rd day with RO as well. You can also ask for any destination to be included or removed from their proposed itinerary - we chose to add the hydrofoil from the Peterhof to the centre of the city and didn't add in the Gold Room as it would have left us having to eat on the hydrofoil rather than having a planned lunch stop. I am sure they will offer a quote for including the Porcelain Museum - if it is open to the public. If you want the contact email for Red October let me know and I will forward it to you. Feebee_71
http://picasaweb.google.com/Feebee71
|
|
|
|
|
Senior Captain
Group: Members
Last Login: 01 November 2009 13:09
Posts: 185,
Visits: 375
|
|
| You might also try Alla Tours. The other recommended tourist company is Denruss, but they "do" for P&O and will not take your booking. Whatever you do, don't try to do things on your own. You really need a guide! Very few 'burgers speak English, all the signs are in Russian Cyrillic script and there are apparently plenty of people who will want to take you for a ride.
|
|
|
|
|
Cadet
Group: Forum member
Last Login: 12 November 2009 07:24
Posts: 6,
Visits: 13
|
|
| Thanks FeeBee_71 Lots more for us to think about and consider. You people have a wealth of information and I do appreciate you sharing it with us. I would be grateful for the email address of Red October (I understand from another source that I should contact the Russian office and not the office in USA?) so I can obtain the exact tour information details and prices from them. Many thanks for all your help. Wickie
|
|
|
|
|
Cadet
Group: Forum member
Last Login: 12 November 2009 07:24
Posts: 6,
Visits: 13
|
|
| Hi David Many thanks for your advice. There is so much to find out so it is good there are so many seasoned cruisers willing to help us cadets! Cheers! Wickie
|
|
|
|
|
Commodore
Group: Members
Last Login: Today @ 08:29
Posts: 1,714,
Visits: 3,353
|
|
Wickie - If I were you I would not limit myself to just one tour guide. Do a Google search and email three or four. I have found that although they are basically offering the same they do have slight differences in their offerings and the way that they operate. One thing that I will say is that they are all professional.
Try any/all of the following:
Red October - shoreexcursions@redoctober.ru
OPTIMA - tours@travelinrussia.com
Alla Tours - info@alla-tour.com
Anastasia Travel - info@anastasiaworld.com
David
Remember: You only know what you know and-
You do not know what you do not know!
|
|