How long have you been doing the guided tours?
- We organized the first Golden Ring of Russia
bike tour in 1996. We have been doing tours annually since 2001. See our photo reports.
Where are your participants from?
- From all over the world. In every tour we usually have people from 4 and more countries
including Russia which makes our tour very interesting and multicultural. Some people took part in more than one tour. If you like, we’ll put you in
contact with some of our past riders who have a similar cycling background as
yourself and you can talk to them directly and openly about our tours.
How many participants are usually in the group? - Usually from 10 to 20.
What if you do not have minimum of participants for the tour? - For the time we accept a deposit we have already decided about the tour but we very rare cancel the tours.
Can I take children with me?
- According to the Russian Traffic Code only people 14 and older are allowed on
the roads by bicycle. But we usually use quiet roads and that is responsibility
of parents if they are able to cycle necessary distance. All children under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian.
Can my "Non-riding" spouse or friend come with me? - Yes. You should describe it in your application form.
Do you have
references from past participants?
- See our testimonial page. You can
contact some of our past participants by email.
Require us about that.
What is the terrain of your routes? - Our route are mostly in the Central Russia, which is mostly flat but there is some rolling terrain. (see itineraries).
What is the surface of the roads? - All roads are asphalt except a few short parts. Pay attention that Russian asphalt is not always smooth. We do not recommend tires less than 32 mm wide.
What is the traffic? - We try to choose only quiet roads.
What is your
pace? Should we all be in a pack?
- We usually cycle 15 - 20 km per hour in average (10 - 12 ml/h).
But we are not in one pack (except cycling in cities). You can keep your own pace. We gather all group in the turn points where our
support car waits for you each 25-30 km.
What will happen if I am tired? - A support car is always ready to give you a lift.
Unfortunately your schedule does not suit me. - Subscribe our tour newsletter - we will inform you about our plans and changes. We also can organize a self-guided or customized tour.
When and how should I pay for the tour? - You should pay a deposit after our confirmation (usually in February - March) by a credit card or bank transfer. The balance you should pay 1 month before tour starts. See terms and conditions
What is the best
way to bring money to Russia?
- You may use your credit card (ATM
machines are available in big cities)
and bring cash (preferably US dollars or Euros but do not
bring worn-out notes or with inscriptions on them - they are not accepted by Russian banks). We do not
recommend using travelers checks. It is a time-consuming procedure and
some types of travelers checks are not accepted by Russian banks. See
important information before you go
How can I get a
visa to Russia?
- For some countries
E-Visa for 16 days is
available. Otherwise we will support you with an invitation. A tourist visa
can be up to 30 days. US citizens may get a tourist visa up to 3 years.
More about visa to Russia
What type of bike is better for the tour in Russia? - Your can ride any type. We recommend road or hybrid bikes with 28" (700 mm) wheels (32 - 40 mm wide). They are available for rent.
Can I use tandem or recumbent bicycle for the tour? - Yes.
Can I rent a bike for the tour? - Yes. We have hybrid (city) bikes for rent. They are equipped with a rack and bottle cage. You may bring your own saddle and pedals (if you use special like SPD). Tandems and electric bikes are also available upon request. More information about rental bikes
What if my bike is broken during the tour? - Our guides will help you does not matter if it is your bike or rented. But in case of your own bike we can not guarantee full maintenance.
Can I use Internet during the tour in Russia? - Wi-Fi is available in most hotels.
Can I use mobile (cell) phone in Russia? - It is 900/1800 MHz GSM frequency in Russia like in Europe, Asia, Australia. Roaming is expensive but if your phone is unlocked you may buy Russian provider’s SIM card (around 7 Euro for a month).
How can I
get to the hotel from airport?
- You may take comfortable
express train
from any Moscow airport. Then you need to change to
Metro. You need Partizanskaya
station (blue line). You may pay by card for your ticket. You may order airport
transfer from us. We do not recommend to take a taxi at the airport, but you may
book it in the Internet.
I want to stay in Russia longer. - No problem. We may book accommodation for you either you come earlier or leave later than tour dates. For your visa we support with an invitation up to 30 days.
I would prefer
Golden Ring of Russia bike tour but want to see St. Petersburg
during my visit to Russia.
- There are many trains between Moscow and
St. Petersburg: fast day trains (4 hours)
and night trains (8 hours with comfortable sleeping compartments). We can help you to organize a train
trip to St. Petersburg on your own after the tour. We may buy train tickets in
advance and book a hotel for you.
Important information before you go
If you did not find the answer ask your question