Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Juergen · Guest

Hi! I plan to Novgorod and The Golden Ring in August this year as individual traveller together with a Russian friend and I have two questions: Is it advisable to book hotels in advance? I would like to avoid reservation in order to stay flexible Where can I find reliable information about rail connection to this region? Thanks a lot for your advise!

Sandra · Just Starting Joined: 24 Mar 2003 Posts: 3

HI: We're also struggling with putting together a trip to the Golden Ring in June. Since our schedule is tight (only six days there), we finally threw in the towel and searched for a person who would make reservations at little places for us in Suzdal (Pokrovskaya), Rostov-Veliky (Dom na Pogrebakh), and Sergiev-Posad (Russian Court Yard).

I still think, however, that one OUGHT to be able to travel loose and not make reservations if you are not fussy and are flexible. This is our favored way of travel, and this is the first time we've violated our own principles. It is my feeling that organized visits to these cities are done either as day trips out of Moscow or on the boat -- neither of which requires hotel rooms. Someone with more knowledge than I should guide you, however.

If you think you might want to make reservations, check with Andrey Yaraev at andrey@optima-worldwide.com Andrey is in New York, but he also works with Olga who is in Moscow and can put you in touch with her if necessary. Andrey is a real find because he is interested in working on OUR itinerary and not what he thinks we should do. He is also prompt with replies and takes initiative. I'm very happy I found him.

We visited Novgorod several years ago and had no difficulty getting a room on site, but it was late September and the entire town was empty. Wonderful town, however.

The best train site I've found is run by the Germans. Although you can't book for trips in Russia, it's a great planning tool. http://bahn.hafas.de/bin/query.exe/en

The only bus schedule we've been able to find is on the Way to Russia web site. Since their hotel contact information has proved less than reliable, I'm not sure how much I trust the bus schedules. Ah, flexibility. It's a start, however.

I am now in the process of writing out in cyrillic requests and questions for each train and bus connection we'll need to make along the way. Let's hope it works.

Sandra