Russia Winter Drive
Moscow to St. Petersburg: Ice & Spice Road Trip
Moscow – Lake Seliger – V. Novgorod – Upper Mandrogi – Petrozavodsk – Kizhi Island – Sortavala – Ruskeala Mountain Park – St. PetersburgWe have included a bunch of fabulous winter experiences in this tour, such as dog-sledding, horse-sledding and delightful tubing down ice slides. We’ll play snowballs, try skating and cross-country skiing. Route: From Moscow to St. Petersburg, 1700km.
11 days / 10 nights
Russian winter shows up early; the cold first strikes in November and ends by April at best. Typical scenery is knee-deep snow, land, rivers and lakes shackled with frost and ice, trees coated with snow, and white-patterned windows. Essential requirements include warm clothing and shoes, thick mittens, wool scarves, lots of hot beverages and hearty food. When outside, fair amount of motion is recommended as well to keep warm.
Rest assured, the wonderful Tank 300 (500) is perfectly suited for such tough conditions, specifically designed to endure difficult roads and weather. The driving demands certain skills on the driver’s part.
Our experienced crew will certainly be there to assist you on every challenging patch (be it highway or winding off-road trails in the woods) to ensure safety and comfort.
The program works both for people familiar with real winter and guests who have never seen snow before. We have included a bunch of fabulous winter experiences in this tour, such as dog-sledding, horse-sledding and delightful tubing down ice slides. We’ll play snowballs, try skating and cross-country skiing. Make sure to participate in ice-fishing or, maybe, even a dive in the immensely cold water?? It will definitely be a journey full of adventures, as some pleasant surprises remain to be revealed.
Another awesome encounter in winter is traditional architecture, which is why Kizhi Island with its unique open-air collection of wooden churches is also a point on our route. Ethnic shows with customary food treats, songs and dance are on the list as well.
Immerse yourselves in a real winter fairy tale!
11 Days, 10 Nights, Endless Memories
- Duration: 11 days / 10 nights, Driving distance: 1700 km
- Types of driving: 60% paved roads, 40% backroads and forest trails
- Type of tour: Self driving tour, Group size: from 6 to 20 persons
- Vehicles: Great Wall Motor Tank
- Accommodation: Best hotels on the route. 5* hotels in Moscow and Saint Petersburg
- Meals: Full board + coffee-breaks
- Ruskeala Mountain Park, Karjala Park complex is a unique tourist base
- Kizhi Museum Reserve, Upper Mandrogi, Moscow city
- St.Petersburg - the City of Tsars,
- Lake Seliger
- Khivus/hovercraft riding,
- Snow activities
- Snowmobiling
- Cross-country skiing
- Dog sledding, Horse sledding,
Itinerary
Arrival to Moscow. Pick-up at airport arrivals hall. Transfer to the hotel, check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
We suggest an orientation walk around Moscow city center (2 hrs): Red Square and vicinity, followed by a short introduction to Moscow metro. You will see the Kremlin wall, St.Basil’s cathedral (exterior), GUM mall, Lenin’s Tomb, Kazan church, State History Museum.
In the mood for more sightseeing in Moscow? We are happy to offer you some ideas.
Option 1: Guided tour of the most iconic streets and architecture with a private vehicle (3-3,5 hrs). Highlights: Red Square and St.Basil's Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre and the Alexander Garden, the State Duma and Russian Govt buildings, Lubyanka Square with KGB HQ, the Russian State Library, Sparrow Hills vantage point, Moscow-City business district, Poklonnaya Hill, Victory Park, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.
Option 2: Moscow River Cruise on the amazing Radisson yacht (2,5 hrs).
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: - / - /-)
Hands-on introduction to the cars, and then we set off on our journey! We head north/north-west to Tver and Novgorod Regions and end up at Seliger Lake, which in fact includes a chain of natural reservoirs formed after the ice age. Hundreds of large and small lakes and islands surrounded by gorgeous coniferous forests create an amazing landscape covered by snow and ice.
The view from your car window will change from peaceful villages hidden between the lakes to the elegant Orthodox churches on the hilltops to the winter wilderness scenery – surely, a novel experience for some. Some forest trail driving across the hilly terrain and walks in the woods are definitely in store. In the evening, we will check into a cozy hotel on the shore of the lake.
You are welcome to go for a walk around the area or experience ice sledding on the lake.
Accommodation in cottages (Meals: B/L/D)
Our goal for the day is Veliky Novgorod, founded in 859, a mighty stronghold of the medieval era.
Before leaving Seliger, we pay a visit to Nilo-Stolbenskaya Pustyn (Nilova Pustyn), located on Stolobny Island. Founded in 1594, it was once one of the largest and wealthiest Russian Orthodox monasteries, and still is one of the most impressive ensembles of Neoclassical architecture in Eastern Europe.
We continue our drive along the beautiful Valday Upland, admiring the wonderful views and forest roads. One of the day’s highlights is the source of the Volga River – the longest and decidedly the most renowned river in Russia. We make a short stop and take a walk to the source amidst the pure white snow to appreciate the splendid view of the surroundings.
Finally, we reach Veliky (Russian for “great”) Novgorod, once a vital participant of the Hanseatic League.
Ethnic dance and song show that leaves no one indifferent is planned for the evening.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
After breakfast we pay a visit to the Novgorod Kremlin nestled along the Volkhov River – the oldest of the extant fortresses in Russia. Then we head on to Upper Mandrogi. We’ll pass Old Ladoga, the oldest inhabited area in the Leningrad Region. According to many chronicles, this was the original capital of Northern Russia of the 800-900s. A fortress dating back to the 1100s, ancient churches, monasteries, barrows and caves make for a significant accumulation of ancient monuments here.
We reach Upper Mandrogi, the most fabulous Russian village on our route, home to dozens of craftsmen who create traditional clothing, pottery, toys and lacework to this day. Hand-forged metal souvenirs, Matryoshka dolls, Christmas decorations, linen, felts – too many to name them all. Some will argue that the most important part is the famous local ‘pirozhki’, the characteristic Russian small pasties filled with meat, fish, cabbage or berries.
We stay in one of the whimsical wooden houses painted in a multitude of colours for the night. Accommodation in cottages (Meals: B/L/D)
You get to enjoy horse-sledding in the morning, and will also have an opportunity to visit the souvenir shop and take home something made by local artisans.
We head on to Petrozavodsk, with some off-road and forest pathways definitely in store for the day.
The capital of Karelia region, Petrozavodsk is by no means the gritty, industrial city its name (‘Peter’s factory’) would suggest. Its neoclassical facades, a large student population and a well-established connection with Finland all make for a distinct comfy atmosphere, and the appealing lakefront promenade invites for a stroll.
Apart from being a cargo port, it is also the launching point for visits to one of the region's biggest cultural attraction: Kizhi Island. We check-in to one of city’s best hotels by evening.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
We will head to the shore of Lake Onega after breakfast to board a ‘khivus’ (hovercraft) for a slide along the smooth ice surface to Kizhi Island. This ride takes about 1.5 hours.
Wooden architecture can be found throughout Russia, but Kizhi Island boasts some of the nation's most famous and most intricate pieces. These structures from various times (the oldest one is believed to date back to 1300s), were carefully collected and transported to the island to be preserved and displayed for the public. Masterpieces of church architecture, iconography and household items created in Karelian, Veps and Russian villages over the centuries are all to be found here.
After a fascinating tour of the museum grounds, we will have a picnic with kebabs and baked vegetables.
We return to Petrozavodsk to spend another great evening and enjoy dinner served in one of the city’s coziest cafes.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
This morning we leave the enchanting Petrozavodsk and head to Sortavala.
One of the adventures planned for the day is getting acquainted with the Siberian Huskies. We stop at a fabulous place hidden on a river bank in thick Karelian woods, where the playful energetic dogs are waiting for us. Learn how to harness a sled and experience how amazingly fast the team of these dogs can go. The ride is very exciting for both children and adults, and meeting the Huskies, known to be the kindest dogs in the world, is an absolute delight.
We will have lunch around a fireplace in a traditional Northern chum (tent) and enjoy a local band playing ethnic instruments.
Our day trip finishes in Sortavala, and we spend the night in a hotel on the shore of a little charming lake.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
Ruskeala Nature Reserve – a definitive must-see location we visit after breakfast.
The marble extracted in the Ruskeala quarry since the 1600s was widely used for decoration of palaces, churches and even some metro stations in St.Petersburg. The quarry was closed in 1985 and later officially recognized as a cultural heritage site. Operated by a private travel company since 2005, the Ruskeala Mountain Park is a tourist attraction not to miss.
We take a walk around the artificial lakes of the flooded quarry, see the monuments of industrial architecture, enjoy the magnificent winter scenery with a coffee from a neat kiosk.
And then we enter the mystical underground tunnels and passages for a guided tour of the quarries history and million year old rock formations. The winter ice sculpture festival in the canyon is another fairytale spectacle when the canyon and sculptures are lit with a variety of colours. Absolutely recommended for mountain admirers.
After the relaxing lunch in the local cozy canteen, we head back to the hotel for the night.
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
We are now on our last driving day!
Getting closer to Saint Petersburg, we cruise along the enormous Ladoga first, enjoying the wonderful views. Should the snow conditions permit, we might drive into the woods down to the sandy bank and even step on the ice try how solid it is. Ladoga lake is the largest lake in Europe – and is second only to Lake Baikal as far as Russia is concerned. The lake played a very significant role in World War II, when it was the main supply route for the besieged Leningrad.
We head on towards the Finland Gulf on the Baltic Sea, approaching St. Petersburg.
Astonishment is the emotion you must be prepared for, when we finally enter the majestic Imperial Capital of Russia by evening!
Accommodation in a hotel (Meals: B/L/D)
The whole day is spent exploring the most significant landmarks of Russia’s Northern Capital. Take a stroll along Nevsky Prospekt with our shrewd guide who shares some entertaining details of the city's history and present-day life.
The 2.5 mile avenue is adorned with Russian History. Time to make the multiple iconic photos in front of the gorgeous Winter Palace, admire the breath-taking bridges and impressive St.Isaac’s and Kazan Cathedrals, view the whimsical Zinger Building, marvel at the extravagant Church on the Spilled Blood… The Russian Museum, the Admiralty, the elegant Spit of Vasilyevsky Island, the formidable Peter and Paul Fortress – Saint Petersburg surely has it all to blow the guests away!
OPTION: Visit the Hermitage (up to 2 hours). You can be absorbed by Hermitage ‘s treasures for days and still come out wanting more. The enormous collection (over three million items, only a fraction of which are on display in 360 rooms) almost amounts to a comprehensive history of Western European art.
Accommodation in a 5* hotel (Meals: B/-/-)
Departure. End of program. In the morning, your transfer takes you to the airport for departure home.
Today the journey ends with a warm goodbye at Pulkovo airport!
Should you need additional services in StPetersburg, we’ll be glad to arrange transfers, accommodation or guided tours.
🌍 What’s Included in Your Journey
- Transfer from/to the airport
- Support team with an English speaking guide.
- Tank 300 (500) vehicle specially designed for driving tours.
- One vehicle for 2-4 people
- Support car with all the necessary equipment
- Mechanic- instructor
- English-speaking guide
- Payment for fuel and toll roads
- Accommodation in the hotels on Twin Sharing Basis: Moscow and SPB in the City Center, and the best hotels on the road (the list of hotels is sent when booking the program)
- Meals 3 times a day according to the program
- Route preparations
- Sight Seeing tours and active programs according to the program
- Souvenirs and memory gifts from the company
🚫 What’s Not Part of the Package
- Single supplement
- Early check in
- Meal not indicated in the program
- Additional program and services
- Strong drinks, alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- International flights and Personal insurance
- Visa fees
- International Driving Licence
- Refundable car deposit
- Fees for entertainment not included in the program
Everything You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about the roads, Russian traffic police, rules and requirements.
The road system and traffic rules in Russia aren’t dramatically different from other European countries. Still, driving in Russia can be a frustrating experience, with drivers having to comply with lengthy traffic jams, poor road maintenance and random police inspections.
Who can drive in Russia?
If you stay in Russia for less than six months, you can use your foreign driver’s license with a Russian translation. When driving, you must present an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your foreign license, or another officially certified Russian translation.
According to Federal Law No. 196-FZ of 10.12.1995“On Road Traffic Safety”, Article 25:Clause 14 states that foreigners are allowed to drive in Russia using an international driver’s license together with their national driver’s license.Clause 15 specifies that foreign licenses not meeting Russia’s international treaty requirements (e.g., licenses from countries like India and China, which have not joined the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of 08.11.1968) are valid only with a certified Russian translation or if the license is already in Russian.
Therefore, licenses from countries not party to the Vienna Convention must have an official Russian translation to be valid in Russia.
You also need to meet the minimum legal driving ages as set out by Russian road law: 18 for cars and 16 for motorcycles. You won’t be able to start driving in Russia below this age, even if you have a foreign license already.
Requirements for driving in Russia
The State Inspection for the Safety of Road Traffic (GIBDD) is Russia’s traffic police division, although many people still call it by its old name – the GAI. When driving in Russia, random vehicle stops are common for checking that you’re carrying the appropriate documents and that they’re up to date.
Russia operates a zero-tolerance for drinking policy. Alcohol checks are most common on weekends and Monday mornings; if you fail a test, you’ll need to give a blood sample. You are required by law to carry the following items at all times:
- Warning triangle: compulsory on board all motor vehicles.
- Headlight beam deflectors: depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually.
- First aid kit and fire extinguisher: compulsory in all motor vehicles.
- Spare light bulbs
- Motorcyclists: helmets are compulsory when riding on a scooter or a motorcycle
You should also carry your Russian driving licence or international driving permit, proof of auto insurance in Russia, passport and proof of vehicle ownership. If you fail to carry these items you could face a fine.
Traffic rules in Russia
Some of the key things you need to know:
- You must drive on the right-hand side of the road, overtake on the left.
- Using your mobile when driving is illegal (without a hands-free kit).
- Turning right at a red light is only allowed if separate arrow-shaped green light permits it.
- It is prohibited to turn left in large towns other than at crossings with lights.
- Crossing a solid double white line is illegal.
- It’s illegal to drive a dirty car.
- Priority: traffic coming from the right has priority at roundabouts, unless otherwise signposted. Priority must be given to convoys of vehicles and to emergency vehicles using flashing lights. Trams and buses also have right of way.
- Towing: It is advisable to draw up an inventory of the contents of a trailer or caravan, although not required.
- Seat belts: mandatory for the driver and any passengers.
- Only use the horn in towns if there is immediate danger.
- Travelling with children: it is prohibited to carry a child less than 12 years of age in the front seat of a car when there is no special child restraint. It is also prohibited to carry a child less than 12 years of age on the rear seat of a motorcycle.
- Driving is on the right side of the road
- The minimum age to drive a car is 18
- Wearing of seat belts is mandatory in both front and back seats
- Speaking on a mobile phone while driving (without a handsfree device) is a serious offence
- Crossing a solid double white line is forbidden
- Turning right at a red light is not allowed when there is no special green arrow traffic light
- It is illegal for children under the age of 12 to travel in the front seat
- Picking up hitchhikers is illegal
- Dipped headlights must be used during the day
- It is illegal to drive a dirty car, especially with mud on the licence plates fines for this range from R.800 to R.2,000
- A minimum of third-party insurance is compulsory
General speed limits in Russia
Speed limits vary depending on the vehicle you’re driving in Russia and the area you’re driving in.
For motorcycles and cars under 3.5 tonnes, the limits are generally 60km/h in built-up areas, 90km/h on highways and 110km/h on expressways and other roads.
Larger vehicles and those with trailers, however, can only drive at up to 90km/h on expressways and 70km/h on other roads.
In some residential areas, there is a 20 km/h speed limit for all vehicles. This should be clearly signposted.
Anti-radar equipment which interferes with specific radio frequencies to jam police signals is prohibited.
Types of Visas
Electronic Visa – Key Information
According to Federal Law No. 114-FZ dated 15.08.1996 “On the procedure of exit and entry into the Russian Federation”, Article 25.16-1:
- The Unified Electronic Visa (E-Visa) grants the right to enter and stay in the Russian Federation for the purposes of a guest or business visit, as well as for tourism.
- The E-Visa is issued to citizens of foreign countries whose list is determined by the Government of the Russian Federation.
- Foreign citizens must apply for the E-Visa through a specialized website of the federal executive authority responsible for foreign affairs, accessible via the Internet.
- The processing time for the E-Visa does not exceed four calendar days from the date of application submission.
- The E-Visa is a single-entry visa valid for 120 calendar days from the date of issue, allowing a maximum stay of 30 days in Russia from the date of entry.
The E-Visa is issued to citizens of certain countries, including India and China, according to Government Decree No. 2571-r dated 06.10.2020 “On the list of foreign states whose citizens are issued the Unified Electronic Visa.”
Applying for a Russian Electronic Visa for Foreign Tourists:
- Quick and simple application: Filling out the online form via the official federal website takes only a few minutes with an intuitive interface.
- Requirements: Valid foreign passport with at least 6 months validity and one blank page, digital passport-sized photo, valid bank card for the consular fee, active email address for notifications.
- Process: Submit personal details and trip information (including accommodation address), upload documents, pay the fee, and send the application.
- Processing time: 4–7 days; occasionally longer if additional checks are needed.
- Maximum stay: Up to 30 days (including arrival and departure days).
- Purpose of visa: Tourism, business, and humanitarian activities (scientific, cultural, sociopolitical, sports).
- Entry points: Major airports (Sheremetyevo – SVO, Pulkovo – LED, Vnukovo – VKO), selected seaports, and land border crossings.
Recommendations:
- Apply as soon as the trip is confirmed.
- Regularly check email for visa status updates.
- Present the electronic visa together with the passport upon arrival.
For most travellers a tourist visa (single- or double-entry, valid for a maximum of 30 days) will be sufficient. If you plan to stay longer than a month, you can apply for a business visa or – if you are a US citizen – a three-year multi-entry visa.
Tourist Visas
These are the most straightforward Russian visas available, but they are also the most inflexible. They allow a stay of up to 30 days in the country, with one or two entries within that time period. It is not possible to extend a tourist visa.
Russian Tourist Visa
- Your original passport with at least 2 blank visa-designated pages (passport must be valid for at least 6 months after intended departure date from Russia).
- Two copies of Russian visa application form, completed and signed.
- ONE passport-size photo signed on the back.
- If Tour Group or Cruise Passenger: Letter from tour company or cruise line confirming itinerary and including a copy of the confirmation from authorized Russian travel company which shows the reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
- If Individual Travel: Confirmation of hotel arrangements from authorized Russian travel company, or directly from the Russian hotel, showing reference number and confirmation number for the visa.
Note that Russian consulates also reserve the right to see your return ticket or some other proof of onward travel, but this is rarely requested.
Business Visas
Available for three months, six months or one year (or three years in the US), and as single entry, double entry or multiple entry visas, business visas are valid for up to 90 days of travel within any 180-day period. You don’t actually need to be on business to apply for these visas. In fact, they’re great for independent tourists with longer travel itineraries and flexible schedules. But you must have a letter of invitation from a registered Russian company or organization and a covering letter stating the purpose of your trip. Some applicants are also asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their visit.
Russian Business Single, Double and Multiple-Entry Visa
Transit Visas
For transit by air, a transit visa is usually valid for up to three days. For a nonstop Trans- Siberian Railway journey, it’s valid for 10 days, giving westbound passengers a few days in Moscow; those heading east, however, are not allowed to linger in Moscow. Note that transit visas for train journeys are tricky to secure and are usually exactly the same price as a single entry tourist visa.
Invitation
To obtain a visa, everyone needs an invitation, also known as ‘visa support’ – this can be done through our travel company. The invitation is given only when booking a tour in Drive To Russia company.
Application
Invitation voucher in hand, you can then apply for a visa. Wherever in the world you are applying you can start by entering details in the online form of the Consular Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (https://visa.kdmid.ru/PetitionChoice.aspx).
Take care in answering the questions accurately on this form, including listing all the countries you have visited in the last 10 years and the dates of the visits – stamps in your passport will be checked against this information and if there are anomalies you will likely have to restart the process. Keep a note of the unique identity number provided for your submitted form – if you have to make changes later, you will need this to access it without having to fill the form in from scratch again.
Registration
Every visitor to Russia is obligated to have their visa registered within seven business days of arrival. If you are in Moscow for less than seven business days, you are exempt. If you leave Moscow, you must register again in any city where you stay seven days or longer. The obligation to register is with the accommodating party – your hotel or hostel, or landlord, friend or family if you’re staying in a private residence.
When you check in at a hotel or hostel, you surrender your passport and visa so the hotel can register you with the local visa office. You’ll get your documents back the next day. It is unlikely but possible that police officers may request to see your proof of registration, so keep all documentation and transportation tickets.
Frequently asked questions about a visa and how to get it
What is tourist invitation letter?
It is a document stating that you are officially invited to Russia by a Russian travel company or a hotel that is accredited by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.
What is the difference between a tourist invitation letter and a Russian visa?
The Tourist Invitation Letter is a document that must be presented along with your visa application. It is not an actual visa, but a document that the Russian government requires for you to apply for an actual visa.
Does the invitation letter guarantee that a visa will be issued?
No, it is merely a document that allows you to apply for the actual visa. The approval of your visa will be at the discretion of the Russian government.
Can I travel to Russia with only my invitation, without a visa?
No, it is not possible. You will need a Russian Visa and the Tourist Invitation Letter allows you to apply for it.
What do i need to do after I receive the invitation letter?
After you have received you invitation, you need to go to the Russian embassy to have your interview. Before doing so, you need to find out which documents you need. We recommend you give the embassy a call before you go. After the interview, the embassy will issue your Russia visa if approved.
To enter the territory of the Russian Federation in 2020, citizens of many countries of the world need a visa. Some countries have a visa-free regime. For more information about visas, see our table. The table is being updated in accordance with changes
Cancellation Policy
*If you are an individual and have already booked a place in our fix- date program, you need to read the terms of cancellation and refund.
- 10% is non-refundable deposit, that guarantees a place in the tour. If the tour is canceled by Drive to Russia or the minimum number of people in the group is not reached, this deposit will be returned in full.
- 30% of the tour cost will be charged if the booking is cancelled at least 60 days before the start of the program.
- 50% of the tour cost will be charged if the booking is cancelled at least 30 days before the start of the program.
- 75% of the tour cost will be charged if the booking is cancelled at least 14 days before the start of the program.
- 100% of the tour cost will be charged if the booking is cancelled within less than 7 days before the start of the program. You can find the program’s booking conditions in the Booking Terms section
- If you are a tour operator or have your own individual group of at least 6 people the cancellation and refund conditions will be subject of the agreement.
- If you are an agent and sell our standard programs or fix-date programs, the cancellation and refund conditions for the groups will be subject of the agreement, the cancellation and refund conditions for individuals will be as mentioned above.
- Cancellation and refund conditions for overland tours outside of Russia are specified additionally, and are based on the rules and mandatory payments of these countries.
REFUND POLICY
- In case of cancellation, the refund will be made in 07-10 working days as per the cancellation policy, taking into account the company’s costs and bank fees incurred
- The refund will be made to the same account/mode through which transfers have been received.
- 90 days before the start of the program – 10% of the tour price (non-refundable Deposit)
- 89-75 days before the start of the program – 25% of the tour price
- 74-60 days before the start of the program – 50% of the tour price
- 59-45 days before the start of the program – 75% of the tour price
- Less than 45 days before the start of the program – 100% of the tour price
You can find the Сancellation terms and conditions in the Cancellation policy and Refund policy section
Drivers must be at least 21 years old. We expect you to be a confident and competent driver with driving experience. It is important to understand that our tours and expeditions include sections on gravel or dirt roads. Some tours even include off-road driving, but these are usually safe areas that can not damage your car, it is more for fan.
We expect our expedition members to always be prepared for the possibility that things may not go according to the plan, so you must be flexible and able to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, as well as be a good team player. We do also except you to impeccably comply with the request of the head of the expedition and listen to his advice. Remember that an expedition is always a challenge and any unexpected situations can happen on the way, which can never be predicted in advance, so you need self-control, a sense of humor and no matter what position you take in life, remember that the main leader of the group is the Head of the expedition!
our passport should have at least six months of validity after the end of your chosen tour or expedition with enough pages for stamps in it. You need to get visa in advance. If you are going to take part in one of our expeditions that pass through several countries, you should obtain the visas to these countries as well.
One of the main conditions for admitting you to a tour or expedition: you have comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for driving a vehicle of the appropriate engine size. If you cannot prove that you have insurance, you will not be allowed on an expedition. You must ensure that you have a policy designed for adventure travel that will cover you for personal accident, medical and repatriation costs, loss, damage and theft of personal belongings and for cancellation or curtailment.
As mentioned above, one of the main conditions for your admission to the tour or expedition: you have comprehensive travel insurance, including coverage for driving a vehicle of the appropriate engine size. If you cannot prove that you have insurance, you will not be allowed on an expedition. You must ensure that you have a policy designed for adventure travel that will cover personal accident, medical and repatriation costs, loss, damage and theft of personal belongings and for cancellation or curtailment.
We advise you to obtain travel insurance immediately when booking a tour or expedition, to insure you in case you cancel your trip beforehand as well. Please remember that part of your Deposit is non- refundable, and Drive to Russia will not refund cancellation fees if you were unable to obtain travel insurance or if you canceled your trip due to an incident not covered by your insurance.
You should also make sure that you are satisfied with the amount of insurance coverage provided for cancellation or reduction, since many cheaper policies only provide insurance coverage for significantly less amount than the cost of your trip. In such cases, you should seriously consider increasing your cancellation coverage limit by paying an additional fee.
You should also keep in mind that if you have to shorten your trip for any reason, travel insurance will not cover the additional costs incurred in bringing your car home if you are traveling in your own car, and these additional costs will fall on you.
Finally, since many policies only cover medical expenses abroad, you should also consider your insurance to cover future indirect losses that you may incur in case of a serious accident or illness (for example, loss of earnings, disability, medical care, etc.).
Drive to Russia provides vehicles for all tours and expeditions that we organize, and this service is already included in the price of the tour or expedition.
We choose the best hotels along the route for all our tours and expeditions. Even although it is obviously impossible to find suitable hotels in some places, we try to design the route taking into consideration a possibility of good and comfortable accommodation. All our reservations are based on double occupancy rooms with breakfast included. If you need a single room, you should inform us in advance, as there are not enough rooms available everywhere, and the earlier we make reservations, the more guarantees that you will get what you expect.
The hotels we use on routes vary in facilities depending on their location, but in most cases are good mid-level hotels that include bathrooms and other necessary amenities. The key components are vehicle safety, cleanliness, safety, comfort and location. Sometimes we choose isolated areas of recreation centers, or cottages, in apartments or in cozy modern hotels. However, you should understand that the standards of hotels in Russia and most of the countries through which we plan our expeditions are not equivalent to the standards of Western Europe and North America.
In some cases, we use tent camps during our expeditions. In this situation, we will organize a tent camp with a minimum set of amenities; you will have a personal tent for one or two people. Shower and toilet are for general use. Dining tent provides you with simple food. But in this case, you need to have a sleeping bag and a mat. Sometimes, if allowed, we use clamshells.
We pay special attention to nutrition during the trip. But you must help us and let us know your preferences in advance. If, for example, you are a vegetarian or have some kind of intolerance, you must specify this in the application. Our program Manager pays great attention to nutrition and therefore will work out an individual menu for each such case. In recent years, we have started to practice the “buffet” approach more often, which allows each guest to choose what they prefer and enjoy their meal. But “buffet” is not possible everywhere and in this case we order food individually, paying attention to all the details and your individual preferences. Of course, when traveling to different countries, we pay great attention to the national cuisine, we try to order a variety of food, so that you can fully immerse yourself in the food culture.
Yes. Children can participate in almost all of our programs. Some short programs are designed so that they will be interesting for both children and adults. Children up to 12 years are offered discounts and we provide you with child seat, if you travel with children in our vehicles
Road Map
