Russia and Scandinavia This Summer?

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With Russia resurrected in the public consciousness by hype about "collusion," it seems droves of people now want to check it out for themselves. 

Taboo when we were children, Russia no longer requires you to sneak through its borders like James Bond. 

You can easily visit as a vacationer, and booking excursions through your cruise line or tour company will cut through the red tape of getting visas. 

Most will choose a cruise that visits beautiful St. Petersburg, a wonderful introduction to the best of Russia. 

My family loved our Princess Scandinavia/Russia cruise a decade back, and not just because of Russia. 

 The countries of the region, some of which were formerly behind the Iron Curtain and others which remained free in the face of it, all have fascinating stories to tell.

 We started in Copenhagen, a wonderful destination city in its own right, and there are also great transatlantic cruises that begin or end there, if that's your bag.

 With a traditional line like Princess, you can tailor shore excursion choices to suit your tastes, and with the exception of Russia itself, you can even wander off the ship to explore on your own. 

 If you want a more comprehensive experience, there are cruise lines that include shore excursions, including Viking Ocean, for whom this region is their homeland. Viking includes an excursion in each port as well as local beer and wine with lunch and dinner, just like their river cruises.  Of course, the more amenities included, the higher the price will tend to be.

 Perhaps you want to focus on Russia exclusively.  Did you know there are river cruises and tours through Russia, allowing you to see more of this country that has been so influential in world affairs despite currently having a gross national product less than that of Texas? 

 Which is right for you?

 If you would really rather be sipping a beer on a beach in Mexico like Kenny Chesney, this trip obviously wouldn't work at all.

 There are a lot that will! 

Just let me know where you want to go, and I will be happy to help you get the most of your trip. 

"Better service leads to better trips!"