Podcast conversation with Gregory Tepper.
It’s important to note that at the present time I don’t suggest a trip to Russia. As with most of our shows, we make the schedule months in advance and things in the world are always changing. Today we hope to share with you the beauty and highlights of Russia, but it will be a while before we visit.
When you think of Russia – what comes to mind? For many it’s politics, vodka, the symphony, opera, chess, the ballet and famous writers.
There are so many intriguing reasons to visit Russia. A few more ideas:
MOSCOW
- Kremlin
- Moscow River
- Boshoi Theater – ballet
- Red Square UNESCO
- Shopping at GUM (stay away from touristy Arbat Street)
- Moscow Metro
- Gorky Park
- Lenin’s Mausoleum – Lenin’s embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he’s sleeping.
- WW2 museum
ST PETERSBURG
- Palace Square
- View of Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood [PHOTO]
- Nevsky Avenue
- State Hermitage Museum-a museum so large, it is literally impossible to see it all in one day
- Greg’s favorite palace is Pavlovsk- it’s stunning yet tasteful
- MUST SEE – The Peterhof Palace Complex requires a day trip out of town
- The canals
- Aurora – a retired Russian naval ship with an armored deck
CULINARY
- 7 Michelin * restaurants
FASCINATING PEOPLE/EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
- Retired KGB officer
- Gorbachev’s interpreter
- Ballerinas before performance or lessons with your child
FAVORITE HOTELS
St Petersburg:
- Four Seasons
- Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria – Hitler expected to have his victory dinner here in WWII – he even had invitations printed
Moscow
- Four Seasons – location is “mind blowingly spectacular!” Near Red Square. If there is an event going on your windows will be blocked!
- Ararat Park Hyatt
- Metropol
NEW HOTELS
TAKEAWAY TIPS
- Visa – it’s quite long and Greg says it’s because of reciprocity – it asks every question we ask Russians who want to come to the USA
- Suggest get in/out 3 year visa
- Best time to visit-spring/fall
- In summer there is 22+ hours of day light, theaters close, cruise ships arrive, not all buildings have a/c, bring your eyeshades
- Hard NO on photo of Lenin tomb
Book recommended by Greg:
- Gentleman in Moscow