I will be going to Samara, Russia in July for three/four weeks. The main reason for the trip is to meet my fiance's family, but the trip will also double as my vacation. My first idea for the trip was to stay in Russia about a week and half with her family and then travel around Italy with her, but she insists that I see Russia. Now I have no objection to this other then she isn't helping me with ideas of things to do. Other then going to Moscow and Saint Petersburg for a few days each, the significant other can't think of anything to do. Now being the largest nation in the world, I would have to think that something else must exist. The only thing that I really want to do is see the Bolshoi. Beyond that I'm totally open to suggestions. I'm bad at reading maps, and I have been reminded that my fiance gets lost in her own city so renting a car and just driving around isn't really a option, so where ever we go would be on a train. I understand and speak a bit of Russian, I can read a few words but that's it (I've got ten months to study, so I hope they'll change). My fiance love's the beach, but I cant stand it, is there a good resort that will offer a compromise (she gets tan, I get tanked?). Thanks alot! Scott
It's not quite Russia but if you are after an amazing party place / beach not far from where you'll be then I would suggest Odessa in the Ukraine. Be prepared that your fiance gets very jealous. It's as if a giant Miss Universe show was in town...
Russian trains are a tad special. You can also visit typical Stalin era built "new" cities like Kharkov. Picturesque in its own way.
Going to Samara??? We just got back from there. Also visited Kazan, St. Petrsbrg and Moscow. I am happy to get back home, to USA.. July is a vacation/high prices time and taking trains is not a good idea. Better to fly around. Very affordable airline (if you book early) is http://www.s7.ru/ and there are a few nice specials on aeroflot.ru Check Fodor's or tripadviser for suggestions where to go and what to see..
Thanks for the advice folks. I think I may have convinced her to go to Maranello for one week . With this side trip and finding out how many people I "have" to meet, I doubt that we'll have more then a few free days anyway, so I'm not so concerned about filling up my time. Something that I really want to know is what restaurants are on the not to miss list in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, I am aware that Russia isn't known for fine dining, but there has to be a place or two. Thanks! Scott
Odessa is a good idea. And you can go to Krim (Crimea) as well. But in high season, book hotels early enough. Go by plane and do a stopover in Kiev. Visit the City, it is impressing. Then you can fly to italy and hire a car to go to Maranello (and maybe St. Agata - home of Lamborgini, it is only 50 inutes away). We had a private factory-visist at Lamborgini two weeks ago, absolutly impossible in Ferrari-factory. For more information, send me a PM.
Go to Moscow,visit Infiniti and Night Flight. Two of the most beautiful night clubs in Moscow without a comparison. Moscow is a city with gorgeous nightlife. Enjoy!
