Way to Russia Talk Lounge

TM · Frequent Guest Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 11

I have the infomation:
"A toulist cannot visit Kremlin and Lenin Mausoleum individually. If one wants to visit there, he/she must visit with an authorized guide."
Is it true?
If an individual traveller wants to visit there, does he/she have to join in Moscow city tours organized by travel agencies?
I also want to tell me the places that one must visit with an authrized guide, except for the places above.

SolneshKa · Frequent Guest Joined: 20 Sep 2004 Posts: 12

I think this is partially correct. A visit to the Kremlin MUST be guided. Take care, because the prices for a guide vary a lot (especially Russian guides vs. English or French speaking ones.) About the mausoleum: you have to enter in group (15-20persons) but that doesn't mean that you need a guide. Just walk up to the right entrance of the Red Square (the other side of Zhukov) - perhaps already some people are waiting for other tourists to turn up. That's how I managed to get in a while ago.

TM · Frequent Guest Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 11

Thanks!
It seems that I should participate in Moscow city tour organized by travel agencies.
Do anyone know the kind of city tour?
Please tell me some infomation!

deskware7 · Frequent Guest Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 67

Capital Tours and Patriarshy Dom Tours are two that come to mind. A Google search for 'Moscow Tours' will show many companies to choose from.

ktg1986 · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 10:51 am Post subject:

A couple years ago, I entered the Kremlin without a guide no problem, though there were many touting their services around the ticket office at Kutafiya Tower. I realize times may have changed. However, the official Kremlin website (www.kremlin.museum.ru) mentions nothing about such a policy. In fact, one section it states "if you want to visit the Kremlin and its musuems on your own you can purchase tickets in the ticket offices located at the Kutafiya Tower...". I hope this is still the case as I prefer a good guidebook instead and enjoy taking lots of time, going back and forth, shooting tons of photos and other things that would press most guides' patience and make me feel a bit awkward. Could it be that the guides themselves are saying this in order to increase business? Would like to hear from anyone who has been there very recently with the intent of getting in on their own.

blaked · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 2:44 pm Post subject:

A friend of mine was dating a Chuvash prostitute named Sveta a while back. They were drunk and gallavanting down Red Square at 2 in the morning (this was when the weather was amenable to such things) and told the guard "mui hochem smotret Lenina" - the guard gave them a private tour for a 500 ruble bribe. Isn't that great?

TM · Frequent Guest Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 11

I also see the official Kremlin site.
Judging from the way to sell the tickets, individual visit seems to be no problem.
I want more certain tales of experience in Moscow.
Please give much more information.

WayToRussia · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:59 am Post subject:

The Lenin mausoleum will be closed from 14 February until 18 April 2005 -- they will be looking after Lenin's body (this happens every year).

You don't need a tour guide to go into the mausoleum, there's just a long queue and if you manage to stand there, you'll get in. Alternatively, you can use an offer of some street guides who can bring you round the queue for a fee (that's 300-500 Rubles = $10-$20), but be careful that they don't run away with your money.

TM · Frequent Guest Joined: 12 Jan 2005 Posts: 11

Thanks.
It's a pity that I can't visit the Lenin mausoleum: I'm planning to visit moscow in March.