Cossack Explorer ~ July 2013 ~ Saki

Tour Director: Goran Pilipovic 

Driver Artur

Day 1 - July 19

Not a good start - a layover in Toronto (Air Canada) and after 5 hours of layover it was announced that the airport is closed due to bad weather (thounder and lightning). 3 hours later we boarded the plane to be informed that we need to deboard because the crew would exceed their hours if they fly to Europe!!! Luggage will stay on the plane but our flight will take off only at 8 am next morning. Now it was 10 pm and Air Canada could not provide us with hotels!!! Only a $10 voucher for food. What is a person suppose to do when they are stuck at the aiport for over 8 hours? Find a space on the floor to make a very uncomfortable bed for the night. Yes, this is how my tour started. 

I was lucky to be able to contact the TD (whom I knew from a previous tour) and explain what happened. He reassured me that he will wait for me in the hotel lobby when I will arrive since there are 20 of us on this flight. We took off next morning and exhausted we arrived at 11 pm in Copenhagen. True to his word, Goran was waiting for us, however, we did miss a whole day in Copenhage due to what happened in Toronto. ,

The hotel was Bella Sky Cormwell, a beautiful modern building easy to spot in the skyline. The room on 12th floor nice, clean, modern, queen size bed. I was happy to see a real bed!

Day 3 - July 21

Breakfast at 7 am - wonderful buffet variety of bread, cold cuts, cereals, salads, fruit, cheese etc. 

First was an optional North Zealand riviera and castle tour that left at 8 am. We had a city guide who was very good. We drove through the country side, lovely houses, coast line, people swimming, riding bikes and jogging everywhere. We stopped at Frederiksborg Castle which is still being used by the Royal family. On the way back to the hotel we stopped in a small village and had a choice to get something to eat for lunch. Since it was a Sunday, not every shop was open. We stopped at a bakery and bought lovely sandwiches for lunch.

Back to the hotel to collect all the people who did not do the optional and go on a City tour. The weather was nice and warm. One stop at the Royal Palace which grounds are open to the public. We watch the change of guards and had a photo op. From there we drove to see the Little Mermaid statue. Had some time to walk around the town center by the canal, had ice cream and enjoy a lovely day. 

Back to the hotel at 3 pm for a 2 hour nap. Refreshed, and dressed for dinner ready for another optional - Danish traditions and Tivoli Gardens. We drove to a small cute fisherman's village and walked to a restaurant on the water front. Very nice dinner: fried fish, pork, chicken, salad and beer. 

After dinner, a drive to Tivoli Gardens for a stroll. Beautiful gardens, flowers, rides and many restaurants. We had about 1 hour to wonder, it was still light outside since it does not get dark before 10 pm. Return to the hotel at 10:30 pm.

Day 4 - July 22

Today was an early start - wake up at 6 am, bags outside the room at 6:30 and after breakfast, on the coach at 7:30. Breakfast, as yesterday, very good. 

We drove to the port and boarded a ferry to cross to Sweden. The crossing only 20 minutes. 

We drove through the country side towards Stockholm and stopped on the way at a lake front restaurant for bathrooms and lunch. Had Swidish meatballs, potatoes and salad - $12.50

During the long ride, Goran gave us a history lesson about Sweden. Very inetersting and informative. 

We arrived at our hotel - Park Inn Solna which was located inside a shopping mall. Interesting location but hotel very nice however, no air condition in the rooms. 

At 6:30 we drove to the TV tower which gives you a 360 degree view of the city from the 30th floor. From there - to dinner. A very unique restaurant, old and in the family for a few generations. Looks like a wooden doll house. We had a nice choice of meatballs or salmon. First we had mushroom soup, salmon, potatoes and ice cream, wine included. Very nice meal. Back to the hotel at 10 pm.

Day 5 - July 23

After a great breakfast of variety of food, we left the hotel at 8:30 for a short cruise to Finland. We had to pack a small bag for overnight on the ship.

Before taking the cruise, we did a city tour with a city guide. We drove through different parts of old city, through different islands, city hall and Royal Palace. We stopped at the City Hall where Nobel Prize winners have their dinner and ballroom. The dinner is held in a gold plated room, gold mossiacs and beautifully decorated.

From there we took an optional to Vasa Museum. It is dedicated to the Vasa ship that sunk in Stockholm harbour in the 17th century and was recovered in perfect condition after 333 years at the bottom of the sea. Amazing site to see and a short movie showing the recovery. The city guide gave us a very good explanation and stories related to the Vasa. 

After the museum we returned to the coach. The weather turned gray, windy and cold. We were dropped off in the town center for free time to shop and wonder. We had 1-1/2 hours but since we were not so interested in shopping, some of us sat down in a coffee shop for some hot coffee. 

At 3:30 we drove to the harbour to board our cruise liner to Finland. The ship is very big (about 3000 people)and it sailed at 5 pm. The cabin is small, no TV, no window. Our dinner on the cruise was at 5:15 - huge buffet dinner with a nice vriety of seafood, meats, salads, deserts, drinks etc. Excellent food, great company at the dinner table. After dinner not much to do on the ship. A few shops to wonder through and at 8 pm I went to the cabin. 

Day 6 - July 24

Had a good night sleep and woke up at 6 am, breakfast buffet at 7. Again food great and big variety. We waited to debark at 9 am. 

Back on the coach with a city guide to drive through Helsinki. Not a very exciting city. The weather was cool and gray but good for walking. A stop at a park where there was a statue to the composur Sibelus. Around noon we had free time in the town center - open market, gifts, food, farmers market. Great place to buy gifts and eat. We had lunch at one of the booth: Moose susage, Raindeer meatballs, potatoes & beer - 12 Euros. 

Back on the coach to the hotel with a stop at a picnic area. This area is where women come to wash their carpets in the sea water. We gathered for a treat from Goran - Finish liquor and chocolate candy. Goran was very generous, and in each country he treated us to special chocolate or candy special to the area. 

After a stop at the hotel - Radisson Blu Espoo - great hotel outside city limit in a forest, we took an optional tour to Hvittrask. It is a house built by 2 famous Finish architects in 1904. Everything is still authentic including running water. We had a tour and explanation of the history of the house. At the end of the tour, we were invited to coffee/tea and cinnabon snack in the house's big dinning room. 

Back at the hotel at 6:30. Some people had dinner at the hotel but I was not hungry and went to bed early. Tomorrow very early wake-up.

Day 7 - July 25

Wake up at 5:30, bags outside at 6 and breakfast 6:30. We left the hotel at 7 for a long drive to St. Petersburg, Russia. During the drive, Goran gave us a history lesson. One stop before the boarder for sandwiches and water (you can't drink tap water in Russia). The boarder crossing went smoothly and not long. Passports stamped, some money exchange to Rubles and we drove to Russia. It was a long drive (about 6 hours) we met a city guide who took us around the city. Amazingly beautiful city, reminds me of Venice or Budapest on rivers and bridges, most beautiful churches and palaces. 

We arrived at the hotel at 5 pm., rested a little and 6:30 buffet dinner in the hotel. Food was O.K., salads, mash potatoes, rice, chicken, meatballs, fish, vegetables, soup and desert. 

After dinner - optional : a river cruise on Neva and its canals - 1 hour. It was amazing to see such a beautiful city, very unexpected site. Goran was serving champagne, vodka or O.J. and fruit. What a wonderful way to end the day but we were very tired and back at the hotel at 10:30.

Day 8 - July 26

Wake up at 6:30 and a good breakfast. We left at 7:30 on the way to a palace museum. It was the Tsar's winter palace, also to Nevcsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and statue of Peter the Great. We stopped at a shop to buy the Russian dolls some call "Babushka". Many choices but later found out that the prices were too high and probably Trafalgar had a cut in this shopping spree. If I knew, I would have waited to buy the dolls in other stores cheaper. Some of us were not happy with this store.

From there we went on an optional to the Hermitage Museum, one of the best museums in the world, collection of famous art work of the greatest artists. There was not much time for lunch so some of us stopped at Mc"Donalds for a quick bite. After lunch, another optional to Rasputin & Romanov Palace. Opulent splendour of a home for Russians noble family, unbelievable beauty. 

Back to the hotel at 5 pm for a quick shower and get ready for an evening out (Optional). I chose to go to the Ballet with 2 other couples. The rest of the group went to see a Russian Folk Show. The ballet was Swan Lake performed in a beautiful theater. We had best seats in the house, right beneath the Royal Box, center front. Very enjoyable evening, picked up by Goran and back at the hotel at 11 pm. Very long day!

Day 9 - July 27

Today was a late departure - 9:30 am starting with an optional - Imperial Summer Residence (must see). It was the Romanovs summer retreat, outstanding architecture and splendid parks. Rooms made of gold and a room made of Amber.

Then we drove outside of town, about 1 hr to the most magnificient Palace I have seen, possibly nicer than Versailles. The Palace is huge, blue, white and gold exterior with amazing gardens, beautiful fountains that work without pumps, gold statues etc. It is in the town of Petrodvorets and just overwhelming beauty. We walked for about 2 hours through the gardens and palace. The weather was very nice, sunny. We had a quick lunch in the gardens of crepes with mushrooms & chicken plus beer - about $9.

Back to the coach for a drive to Novgorod, about 3 hours drive. We arrived at Park Inn Veliky hotel, big hotel but very simple, good Spa, and swimming facilities. Bring bathing suit if you have time to enjoy the spa.

We had a buffet dinner at the hotel and back on the coach for a visit to Novgorod Kremlin, just a walk outside. Everyone very tired and returned to the hotel at 9:15.

Day 10 - July 2

Early morning wake up at 6 and at 7:30 long drive to Moscow. Goran gave us a history lesson on Russian history which made the drive a little easier. We made 3 stops, second one for lunch which was included in the price. We stopped at a nice hotel on the way and had a buffet lunch. Continued with the drive through small villages, poor wooden houses, no running water and very bad living conditions. The traffic is bad and slow and it was a good time to take a few naps.

We arrived at our hotel - Holiday Inn, very nice. Had very little time for dinner so we grabbed something at the hotel dinning room and at 7 pm took an optional to see the Metro station and Red Square at night. At the Metro station we were given instructions how to use the trains in order not to get lost or miss a stop. A little intimidating but we all mannaged to make it without a problem. We had a local guide who took good care of us and because it was a Sunday night, the Metro was not very crowded. Each station was like an art museum, beautiful artwork on the walls and ceilings, and each station a different style decor.

From the Metro we drove to the famous Red Square. It was dusk, just getting dark and the impression you get as you walk into the square is beyond words. So beautiful, huge and amazing. On one side is the most expensive and big department store Gum, lit up and decorated like on Christmas time. At the other end of the square, the famous Russian Churches with their colorful onion domes. Just a gorgeous site. We were told that it was our good luck that there were no events in the square that night and therefore we were able to wonder around without a problem. Many time there are thousands of people in the square and it is difficult to enjoy your time or if there is a planned event, the square could be closed for visitors.

Back to the hotel at 10:30 - again a very long day.

Day 11 - July 2

Wake up at 6:30 and a very good breakfast. At 7:30 start a city tour or Moscow. The weather cool and windy but great for touring. The city is full of wonderful architecture and monuments. A local guide showed us the city, Moscow University, churches, the Kremlin walls, the domed St. Basil's Cathedral. We arrived at the Red Square to visit during day time, walk around and visit the St. Basil's Cathedral. Some of us went for a cup of coffee at Gum's Dept. store. At the end of the visit to Red Square, Goran open Champagne bottles and toasted our visit. 

Back on the coach to a visit to the famous Graveyard where all Russian's famous politicians and important people are buried. An interesting site and we were showen many important graves.

From there, a visit to the Armory which is a museum for the treasures of the Kremlin and the Russian Tsars. Beautiful clothes, gowns of Catherine the Great, crowns and Faberge eggs, jewels of the throne and priceless items of the Romanov. Very interesting collection. 

Back on the coach and no time to rest because we all went on another optional to Moscow Circus. We had about 1/2 hour for a quick dinner at a Burger King next to the Circus. It was an enjoyable, fun and funny end of the day to a very packed schedule. 

Back at the hotel at 10:30, ready for a good night's sleep.

Day 12 - July 30

Wake up at 6 am and leave at 7:30. Again a long drive to Minsk, Belarus. There is not other way but to drive these long distances if you want to visit all the cities on the tour. We made a few stops on the way and for lunch, a stop at a hotel where lunch was included. Lunch was: a salad, soup, schnitzel and potatoes, tea and desert.

On the road, Goran was again a treasure of information and we also relaxed while watching a movie of Russian dancers through the history of Russia. We made a quick stop in a town called Gagarin after the Russian astronaut Uri Gagarin.

We arrived in Minsk at about 5 pm. The first impression of the city, very nice, wide roads, big houses and monuments, clean, a real surprise.

We arrived at our hotel - Jubileynaya (Planet), it is an old hotel, no A/C but for 1 night, it was O.K. It was located by a big park, near a lake, safe and nice for a walk after dinner. Dinner was at the hotel at 7:30, salad with chicken, chicken Kiev and potaotes, good pastry, Vodka and champagne. Early to bed.

Day 13 - July 31

Wake up at 6:15 and a usual buffet breakfast. Again on the coach for a long drive to Poland. So far the weather was wonderful but today it started raining and pouring while driving to Poland. We were lucky that we were on the coach and it stopped raining before noon when we had to make a stop. We had some fun time on the coach and played Bingo. I was lucky to win 2nd place - a big box of Russian chocolate (first place was a bottle of Vodka).

A lunch stop at a hotel in the city of Bresk and a drive to the boarder of Belarus & Poland. We were told to expect a long check point at the boarder so we were not surprised that it took 2 hours for 4 different check points before entering Poland. Passports were checked, stamped, sniffing dog on the coach and security check. 

We arrived in Warsaw and our hotel - Novotel Centrum, right in the center of town, very nice, big room on the 22nd floor. Now it was already 7 pm and everyone went for a walk and free time to have dinner. Many restaurants everywhere, and a 15 minute walk to a street full of young people and coffee shops, restaurants and fun atmosphere. Some of us had dinner around the corner from the hotel and a Tri-tip steak plus beer was about $25. We took a walk and had ice cream and back to the hotel at 9:30.

Day 14 - August 1

Woke up at 7:30 and after a very nice breakfast, left at 9 am on a City tour. We had a city guide who showed us the sites of Warsaw: The Jewish Ghetto and old town. We stopped at a memorial monument to the Jewish in the Ghetto and in the old town square we were given free time to wonder and shop. We went to buy Amber jewelry which is Poland's stone. After some time in the old town's square, we returned to the hotel. We had an option to stay in the city or return with the coach. Some of us chose to return to the hotel. We had a nice lunch in a restaurant around the corner from our hotel - $10 for a big salad and coke.

I had time to relax in my room and rest till about 6 pm when we went on an optional Polish Folkore and dinner. The restaurant was located in a nice park and was decorated with old knick-nacks and wood decor. Unfortunately, it was very hot and A/C did not do much to cool us off. Still we had fun. 4 Polish dancers entertained us and a few muscians. Dinner was: Pierogie & sausage, soup, duck and potatoes and coleslow. Desert - apple cake, beer, vodka and drinks as much as we wanted. We all had fun and returned to the hotel at 9:15.

Day 15 - August 2

After a good breakfast we left on another long drive to Berlin. We did make 3 stops in Poland including a sandwich for lunch at a gas station stop. . The weather was getting very hot, but on the coach, nice and cool. Goran put a movie for us which was related to Poland during the war. The movie was "The Pianist", excellent and sad. 

It was a long drive to Berlin and we arrived at the Holiday Inn at 5 pm. The room was very nice, big and clean. Dinner was at the hotel, a buffet and very good.

Early to bed.

Day 16 - August 3

A hot day in Berlin and I decided that I would rather spend it indoors than going on a city tour. It was not my first time in Berlin so I decided to skip the tour and the optional to Potsdam therefore, I was in my room most of the day. Just enjoyed some time alone, reading, watching TV, getting my suitcase organized for tomorrow's flight back home, and getting some more sleep.

In the evening we had our Farewell dinner optional (which everyone went). It was in the city center of Berlin at a great grill restaurant. The place was fun, entertainment, music, singing and great food. We had a choice of a menu and I had leg of lamb which was excellent. Drinks were free and plenty, champagne, vodka, beer etc. We were all sad to say our goodbyes and had a list of e-mail addresses to keep in touch if wanted. 

Tomorrow is early wake up at 5 am for a transfer to the airport. I was able to join another lady who paid for her transfer at the same time and it cost me only 30 Euros. 

The tour was fantastic. Anyone who is thinking of visitng Russia should be comfortable about doing so. It is a great experience, safe, surprising, overwhelming and amazing. The tour is in part very busy (especially if you take all the optionals) but other days, long drives which can not be avoided. Hotel are very good and even though they are not near the city center, it does not matter., There is no free time to wonder on your own and at the end of the day, you are so tired that you have no desire to go anywhere. The food, most of the time was very good but that is a question of taste. I had no problems finding something to eat.

Our TD was fantastic, very personable, caring, attentive, helpful and knowledgable. You will be lucky to have him on any tour. Our Driver, Artur was the nicest and best driver. We felt safe, and well taken care of. Always on time to take us everywhere, helping us when leaving the coach, and taking good care of our luggage.

There were 46 of us on the tour. Mostly couples, a large group of family members, and 4 solo (3 females and 1 male) from USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and S. Africa. What a great group of people.