May I go ashore without a Russian visa in St. Petersburg?

Yes, if you are a part of a tour, organized and operated by a local company approved by the Russian Immigration Service. Alex's Tours & Travel is such an approved company. You would need a Russian visa if you want to stay in the city alone (without a guide) or to overnight ashore.

Why should I book with Alex's Tours & Travel?

Alex's Tours & Travel prides itself on our quality of personalized service, privacy, comfort, freedom from crowds, flexibility and your free choice to change your program at anytime. You will be able to visit sights, restaurants and stores "off the beaten path". We would be following not ours but YOUR wishes and interests, presenting St. Petersburg the way we see and love it, accenting quality instead of volume. Give us a try and we will make your "St. Pete's memories" unforgettable!

How and when could I book your shore excursions?

Every cruise season keeps us very busy, but we will arrange your shore excursions even if you give us short notice. However, if you get a chance PLEASE try to give us as much advanced notice as possible. "Rush" has never helped any business (except perhaps the Gold Rush). It is very simple to book our shore excursions, just send us an e-mail with the following information: o Arrival/departure dates and times o The size of your party/group o Your special requests

Cruise Line warns that I can not disembark unless I book shore excursion with them. What should I do?

This is their attempt to have you book with them and it is not true. You are free to book your own private shore excursion and disembark in St.Petersburg. If there is a gate for private tours through the ship, the line may be moving very slowly, please do not waste your time. There are no special lines, you are free to take any gate, Alex's Tours will be waiting for you to whisk you away in comfort for your personalized tour of St.Petersburg. We have been in the cruise shore excursion business for more than 7 years and we know how to save your time and treat you properly.

What kind of currency should I have to use in St. Petersburg? What about credit cards?

The official Russian currency is RUBLES, accepted everywhere in Russia. Most of the big stores and restaurants accept major credit cards. Only souvenir stores and markets accept foreign currency. If you need RUBLES, there are many ATM machines to give you cash. Please remember: your private guide can assist you with everything you may need in St.Petersburg.

Is St. Petersburg a safe city?

Yes, it is! Actually, St. Petersburg is safer than most big European cities such as London or Paris. Of course nothing and nobody is perfect so you should take the precautions you would in any large city. Please do not keep your wallets, cash, cards, passports, etc. in the back pockets of your pants, front pockets of your coats or in your bags. Try to keep all your valuables inside zippered pockets or when not using, you may leave them in your car/van/bus. Another warning: this one is about traffic. (This is where we may lose in the competition with London or Paris) Never expect a car to stop if you start crossing the street. Please do it only when the light is green or very carefully in places without traffic lights. Of course, your personal guide and driver will be "watching your backs", but it would be even better if you helped them a little.