rottnest express adventure tour

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Rottnest Island tours

Rottnest Express Round-Trip Tickets: Rottnest Island to/from Perth or Fremantle with Optional Bike Hire

• A 30-min ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle and you arrive in paradise: Rottnest Island. Enjoy a day off the coast of Western Australia with return ferry transfers.
• No need to be a morning person! The ferry departs on a flexible schedule, plus ditch the baggage claim – store your luggage on the ferry and chill.
• The Rottnest ferry isn't just a ride, it's a wildlife adventure! Keep your eyes peeled for New Zealand's fur seals, seabirds, humpback whales, and dolphins!
• Feel the wind on your face and discover more corners of the island than you can on foot. Upgrade your ticket for a bike and cycle your way around the island.
• Channel your inner Indiana Jones and explore hidden coves. Explore shipwreck sites and say hi to furry quokkas that have been selfie-snapped with the likes of Margot Robbie.
• Round-trip ferry transfers to Perth/Fremantle
• Luggage storage
• Entry to Rottnest Island
• Bike hire (optional)
• Tip: You may spot long-nosed fur seals basking and playing in the water from the viewing platforms at Cathedral Rocks and Cape Vlamingh.
• Facilities: Luggage storage, pram/stroller accessible
• Guide dogs are allowed onboard. However, as Rottnest Island is an A-Class reserve you should contact the rangers there for further advice on service dog allowance.
• Single pieces of luggage up to 22kg and no larger than 800mm x 500mm x 400mm can be stowed in the vessels’ luggage crates.
• Single carry-on items must be no larger than 600mm x 400mm x 300mm.
• 1 piece of luggage is permitted per person. Additional luggage will incur an excess luggage charge.
• No ‘piggy-backing’ of luggage is permitted (eg: attaching a sleeping bag to a suitcase).
• You can see the ferry time-table here
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Guided Tour of Rottnest Island with Round-Trip Ferry Transfer

• Craving a tour packed with sunshine, scenery, and the cutest marsupials on earth? Go for the Rottnest Island guided trip, complete with ferry transfers from Perth or Fremantle.
• Hop on a comfy, AC bus for a 90-min tour while your guide regales you with the tales of Rottnest's indigenous history, military past, and unique flora and fauna.
• As you circle the island, admire views of the Wadjemup Lighthouse. Breathe in the fresh ocean air and soak up the vastness of the Indian Ocean.
• Stop by West End and take a quick stroll down the boardwalk to meet adorable quokkas with their permanent grins, offering a chance for a once-in-a-lifetime photo.
• 90-minute guided island tour
• Round-trip ferry transfer to Perth/Fermentle
• English-speaking guide
• Snorkel equipment
• Bike rental
• Tip: Make sure to bring your swimsuit and dive into the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.
• Lockers are available for hire at the back of the Visitor Centre should you need to store luggage or bags during your visit.
• This experience is pram/stroller accessible.

Full-Day Tour of Rottnest Island with Bicycle Hire from Perth

• A short ferry ride along the Swan River from Perth and you arrive in paradise: Rottnest Island. Gear up for a full-day cycling tour exploring this idyllic escape!
• Pack a nice lunch, then choose from the incredible bays and beaches. Your other task for the day is to spot a quokka— a small marsupial only found on the island.
• Pedal towards the rugged West End and explore the beauty of Rottnest with a scenic walk along the boardwalk. Get ready for some insane coastal panoramas!
• Upgrade your ticket for a snorkel experience and explore one of Western Australia's best coral reefs with all the equipment you need.
• Spot turtles, encounter pods of dolphins, and with a bit of luck, witness humpback whales during their annual migration.
• Day tour of Rottnest Island
• Self-guided tour
• Return ferry transfers to Rottnest Island from Perth
• Bike hire with helmet and security lock
• Snorkel equipment (optional)
• Tip: If you like a touch of mystery with your underwater explorations, grab your mask, snorkel, and head straight to Henrietta Rocks.
• Guests under the age of 4 are restricted from participating in this experience.
• Bikes with baby seats can be requested and are subject to availability.
• Children's bikes are suitable for children between the ages of 4 to 7. Children aged 7 or older can usually use adult-sized bikes.

• Rottnest Island Guided Segway Tour with Round-Trip Ferry Transfer
• Glide through 7000-year-old Rottnest Island on a Segway tour with a knowledgeable local guide and convenient return ferry transfers.
• Discover the island's military history at Bickley Battery and Jubilee Lookout, unveiling Rottnest's strategic role in World War II.
• Soak in the beauty of this nature reserve with its pristine beaches and bays, boasting vibrant marine life and stunning landscapes.
• Make your tour unforgettable by capturing an endearing quokka selfie, and explore other photo spots to snap up lifelong memories.
• Choose your ferry departure from Fremantle or Perth for a smooth and convenient island getaway.
• Rottnest Island Segway Tour
• Local guide
• Round-trip ferry transfers from Perth (optional)
• Round-trip ferry transfers from Fremantle (optional)
• Protective helmets
• Food and drinks

From Fremantle

• 9:00am: Ferry departs B Shed, Fremantle
• 9:30am: Arrive at Rottnest Island and make your way to The Settlement (Behind Dome Cafe)
• 12:30pm: 1.5-hour Fortress Adventure Segway commences from The Settlement.
• 2:00pm: Tour concludes back at The Settlement - Free time
• 4:00pm: Ferry departs Rottnest Island
• 4:30pm: Ferry arrives at B Shed, Fremantle
• 8:30am: Ferry departs Pier 3, Barrack Street Jetty
• 10:00am: Arrive at Rottnest Island and make your way to The Settlement (Behind Dome Cafe)
• 4:15pm: Ferry departs Rottnest Island
• Tip: Maintain a respectful distance with quokkas, let them approach you, and resist the urge to feed them.
• Children under 12 and guests weighing below 45kg are not permitted to participate in this tour.
• This tour is not recommended for pregnant women.
• The tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.
• Pets are not allowed on this tour.
• Guests can bring one carry-on item on board per person.

• Rottnest Island Day Tour with Adventure Boat Tour
• A quick ferry ride from Perth or Fremantle whisks you off to Rottnest Island, a paradise waiting to be explored. With the return ferry included, enjoy a day on the Western Australian coast.
• On your scenic cruise down the Swan River from Perth, listen to onboard commentary about the local history, hidden gems, and fascinating attractions.
• Your ticket includes a 90-minute Eco Express boat tour to the island’s wild side where you can see the rugged coastline and see New Zealand Fur Seal Colony out at Cathedral Rocks.
• Unwind as the turquoise waters of Basin and Parakeet Bay lull you into serenity and take a broadwalk to meet the island's absolutely cuddly residents–quokkas.
• Keep your eyes peeled for turtles, playful pods of dolphins, and, if you're lucky, majestic humpback whales on their annual migration.
• Return ferry transfers to Fremantle/Perth
• Rottnest Island admission fee
• 90-min Eco Express boat tour
• Guided tour
• Hotel drop-off
• Tip: Pack a delicious picnic and find a scenic spot overlooking the ocean or nestled among the island's picturesque landscapes.
• Guests under 4 are restricted from participating in this experience.
• Guests under 4 cannot participate in this experience.

Top things to do in Perth

Weekend getaway at Rottnest Island

An ancient island surrounded by turquoise waters, Rottnest Island is a tiny strip of land that offers many adventures! Sign up for tours on boats, segways, and bicycles to explore the island’s native wildlife, unspoiled beaches, historic streets, and more. We unpack this unique Australian getaway, sharing everything you need to know before you book your Rottnest Island tour! 

Why visit Rottnest Island?

• Sun and sand: Made up of sandy beaches and rocky bays that open out to turquoise and deep blue waters, Rottenest Island is perfect for a day of swimming and sunning. 
• Adventure island: Rottnest Island tours offer you fun ways to explore the island. There are segway, boat and bicycle tours. You can also spend time here snorkelling, fishing, diving and hiking. 
• Quokka encounters: Roaming freely all around the island, the quokkas are small, marsupials that make for an adorable sight. 
• History on segways: Discover the 7000-year history, Aboriginal ties and World War II structures of the island as you zip around on segways. 
• Catch a shipwreck: Over 13 ships have met an unfortunate demise around Rottenest Island and some like the Shark, near Henrietta Rocks, and Uribes, near Philip Point, are easily accessible.               
• Salt lakes: Discover 12 salt lakes that are even saltier than the sea and feature rich bird and plant life.

What Rottnest Island tour should I pick?

If you’re with kids

Go For: Fast ferry tickets Duration: Flexible Transfers: Yes Guide: No 

• Offering flexible timings, the fast ferry will give you quick access to Rottnest Island so you can make the most of your trip. 
• Get a comfortable experience with pick-ups from hotels in Perth and Fremantle. 

Recommended tours: 

• Rottnest Fast Ferries Round-Trip Tickets: Rottnest Island to/from Perth or Fremantle with optional Bike Hire

If you are an adventurer

Go For: Adventure boat tour Duration: Full-day tour Transfers: Yes Guide: No

• Cycle the length and breadth of the historical island discovering sandy beaches, salt lakes, and shipwrecks. 
• If you prefer to roam the waters instead, sign up for the Adventure Boat Tour - a 90-minute ride that takes you through the gorgeous waters around the island. 
• Full Day Tour of Rottnest Island with Bicycle Hire from Perth

If you are a history buff

Go For: Guided tours Duration: Full-day tour Transfers: Yes Guide: Yes

• Walk through the streets of the island learning about the history of the place, admiring its abundant natural beauty and meeting up with quokkas. 
• If you want an extra dose of thrill, you can also sign up for tours on segways. 
• Guided Tour of Rottnest Island with Round-trip Ferry Transfer

Cancellation policy 

• Most Rottnest Island tours allow you to cancel the tickets 24 hours before the start of the tour. Check your tickets while booking for accurate cancellation information.

Rottnest Island highlights

Segway tours

Strap on your helmet,  hop on your segway and glide past sand dunes and historic streets to explore Rottnest. On these unique, eco-friendly adventures, stop by Thompson Bay thronged by beach bums, grab a pint at one of the island’s OG bars and swing by military landmarks like Bickley Battery and Jubliee Lookout that were part of the World War II efforts.

Hiking trails

Leave the sunny beaches behind and take any of the five marked-out hiking trails on the 45 kilometres of roads on the island. Choose from a variety of trails like Gabbi Karniny Bidi that introduces you to the intrinsic lake system or the short Karlinyah Bidi that takes you to the northern coasts. Ngank Wen Bidi that loops through Narrow Neck and Ngank Yira Bidi talks about the history of the island, including its naval gun bases.

Rottnest’s gorgeous waters lapping against jagged, limestone bays and fine-sand beaches bring in swimmers, snorkelers and divers. Explore the popular Basin, Geordie Bay and Pinky Beach. For a more serene outing, head to Parakee Beach, Fish Hook Bay and Mary Cove. The waters are home to 400 different species of fish, green turtles, and western rock lobsters that make their way through piles of seaweed and coral.

Twelve, large salt lakes dot the north-eastern bit of Rottnest Island. Even though they are highly saline, the lakes boast unique plant life and a wetland ecosystem that nurtures life. Walk on cleverly constructed boardwalks that give you the feeling like you are walking on water. In summer, many of these lakes transform into pink and white salt pans that are worth stopping by especially if you have a weakness for spectacular sunsets.

As if a standing testament to its rich naval history, the coasts of Rottnest Island are populated with shipwrecks that can be easily explored by snorkelers. At Henrietta Rocks, swim along with tiny schools of fish to make your way to the seaweed-laden ‘Shark’ shipwreck that is a short swim from the shore. Another easily accessible wreck site is Uribes that stands close to the beachfront at Philip Point.

A protected wildlife sanctuary, Wadjemup - the Aboriginal name for Rottnest Island - is home to diverse creatures including the quokkas, bats, and migratory birds. Chief among these are the quokkas - that look like smaller versions of kangaroos - and populate the island. At Rottnest, these creatures roam freely and you can get close enough to get an adorable picture. However, touching or petting the animals can attract huge fines so steer clear!

Navigating Rottnest Island

Rottnest Island is a 19 km island that is just off the coast of Perth. It is surrounded by the Indian Ocean. There are many ways to get to the island from Perth, including ferry, air taxis, and boats.

Find it on Maps

Closest ferry stop: Rottnest Island

• Perth: Barrack Street Jetty (90 minutes to Rottnest Island)
• Fremantle: Victoria Quay (25 minutes to Rottnest Island) 
• North Fremantle: Rous Head (25 minutes)
• Hillarys Boat Harbour: (45 minutes)

To get the most value for your money, we recommend you sign up for a Rottnest Island tour that includes ferry rides. 

For those of you looking to arrive in style, there are several flight options to Rottnest Island.

Rottnest Air-Taxi: This is a 10-minute flight available every day from Perth. 

Corsaire Aviation: Take a thrilling helicopter ride that gives you the chance to look out at Rottnest Island’s spectacular landscape from above. Daily departures from Jandakot Airport, Crown Towers, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour are available. 

Air Charters West: These luxurious private charters take off from Bunbury Airport. The short, 30-minute flight includes a champagne breakfast. 

Swan River Seaplanes: These are seasonal sightseeing planes available from Perth. The 20-minute flights offer sweeping views of Perth and the expansive sea before landing in Rottnest Island.

Private Boats are allowed to travel to Rottnest Island and dock at several points. However, they do attract larger fees. Do check out the Rottnest Island Authority website for detailed information. 

Rottnest Island is primarily a car-free island. There are few asphalt roads and connectivity on the island is mostly on foot, segways, bikes and buses. There is no road that leads directly to the island either, so you will be unable to access Rottnest Island by car.

Since Rottnest Island is car-free, visitors rely on other modes of transport to make their way around the island. You can pick from:

Bikes:   Once you get off the jetty, you can head to Pedal & Flipper Hire to hire out bikes. They have a range of bikes. However, we recommend you hire out an e-bike as it simplifies navigating the island’s rugged terrain. 

Quokka coaches: These are hop-on and hop-off buses that stop at around 19 points in the island. You can get your tickets at the Main Bus Stop between 8:30 AM and 3 PM and can stop by the island’s key landmarks including Henrietta Rocks, the Lighthouse, and Cape Vlamingh. 

Quokka hopper:  If you prefer private transfers, you can hire the Quokka Hopper - electric carts - that drives through Thomsan Bay, Kingstown and Geordie Bay. They operate between 8 AM and 10 PM every day and we recommend you make a booking in advance if you want to avoid delays.

Plan your Rottnest Island tour

The Island is open throughout the year and on all days of the year.

If you are taking a Rottnest Express Ferry from nearby points, you should know that the first from Perth (towards Rottnest) is at 8:45 AM and the last ferry towards Perth is at 7:30 PM. From Fremantle, the ferries start at 7:30 AM and the last ferry back is at 8:15 PM. 

Best time to visit

To experience the best beach life, head to Rottnest Island during the summers (November to January) or even Autumn (March to May). These are the best months to soak in the warm sun and sign up for the long line-up of beach activities. However, prices tend to be on the higher side during these times, especially during summer, and you can expect sizeable crowds even on weekdays. While the wetter and colder months (June to August) are less crowded, the rains and the cold weather might mean that you are stuck indoors.

Restrooms: Available at the Settlement, Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.

Showers: Located at the Settlement, Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.

Changing rooms: Henderson Avenue and Thomson Bay

Water refill stations: The Settlement, Army Jetty, Kingstown Barracks, The Basin, Vlamingh Lookout and Geordie Bay.

Baby changing facilities: Thomson Bay and Geordie Bay

Barbecue facilities: Thomson and Geordie Bays

• Ferries: All ferry services are wheelchair accessible. 
• Beaches: Most beaches and bays are fitted with ramps and wheelchair-friendly pathways. 
• Toilets: Accessible toilets are available at Visitor Centre, Thomson Bay, Stay Rottnest Campground, The Basin, Geordie Bay, Parker Point, Stark Bay, West End
• Showers: Bedford Avenue and Thomson Bay are equipped with accessible showers. 
• Guide dogs: Service dogs are permitted but the local rangers have to be informed in advance since this is a Class A Reserve. 
• Accommodation: Discovery Resorts - an island accommodation - offers accessible tents. 
• Coaches: Quokka Coaches - the shuttle service around the island - offers wheelchair accessibility.

Dome Cafe : A breezy, pretty-looking cafe by Thomson Bay serving up soups, sandwiches, all-day breakfasts and desserts along with chilled beer and wine. 

Lontara: Upscale dining option, near The Settlement, serving Asian flavours and delectable cocktails.

Isola Bar e Cibo: Traditional Italian dishes made from fresh local ingredients, this seaside place is best known for its jumbo prawns, succulent lamb and fresh pasta. 

Geordie’s Cafe and Art Gallery : Located near the busy Geordie Bay, this is a laidback cafe with outdoor seating, serving up hefty burgers, fresh salads, and loaded milkshakes.

• Alcohol consumption: Street drinking is not permitted on the island. 
• Camping: Camping is only allowed in designated spots. 
• BBQ: Barbecuing is not allowed except in the designated areas. 
• Pets: Domestic pets are not allowed on the island. 
• Wildlife interactions: Touching wildlife and swimming with long-nosed fur seals is not permitted and attracts heavy fines.

Visitor’s Tips

• Beach properties: Longreach Beach is closer to the island’s hotels and accommodations if you are looking for a property close to a beach. 
• Photo point: The West End is the western-most point of the island and we recommend a stop by for dramatic views of the blue waves crashing against the rocky coves that line the shore. 
• Quokka alert:  The island’s cutest inhabitants - the quokkas - are in the habit of grabbing food and things that are kept on the floor or at a low level so make sure you keep everything out of reach! 
• Day at the museum: The Wadjemup Museum pays moving tribute to the island’s history - tracing the lives of the Aboriginals who were imprisoned and buried on Rottenest, highlighting its military tunnels and its WWII gun battery. It is a must for history buffs! 
• Seal spotting: Hop on to the Eco Express Boat Tour that jets through the clear, turquoise waters and also packs in an encounter with long-nosed fur seals. 
• Whale watching: If you’re visiting the Island between August and December, then head to the Cathedral Rocks or Cape Vlamingh, peel your eyes on the waters and wait for the whales to come by!

Frequently Asked Questions about Rottnest Island Tours

The prices of tours to Rottnest Island depend on the experience you are signing up for. Rottenest Island ferry tickets start off at about AU$ 78. And experiences like the bike , segway and boat tours are slotted between AU$ 137 and 208.

Rottnest Island tours can easily be booked online. There are also multiple options including bike, segway and boat tours .

Rottnest Island tours are best booked online for their various advantages, such as, - Advanced planning: Rottnest Island is ideal for a day trip or a weekend getaway and having your bookings in place helps you plan in advance and flesh out the details of your trip.  - Avoid Disappointment: Accessible from Perth, Fremantle and Hillarys Boat Harbour, the tickets to Rottnest Island can sell out fast on weekends. This is because Rottnest Island ferries are the most popular way to access the island and other tour tickets are limited. - Convenience: Many of the Rottnest Island ferries and tours offer you the flexibility of fully refundable cancellations up to 24 hours.

The inclusions under the Rottnest Island ticket depend on what you have signed up for. Usually, Rottnest Island ferry tickets will bring you back and forth from the island. However, tour tickets often include to-and-fro ferry rides, pickups from CBD hotels, and specific tour experiences. There are also guided tour options available.

Rottnest Island is a very popular getaway and discounts may not be available. However, Rottnest Island tours often offer great value for money, packing in ferry trips, unique experiences, pick-ups and drops and guided tours in one ticket. You may also enjoy some online discounts while booking that you may not get in offline bookings.

Yes, there are! Guided Tours include a tour of the island and an introduction to its history and encounters with its wildlife. There are also guided segway tours that stop by the island’s best-known landmarks.

A handful of the tours offer cancellations up to 24 hours of the experience. However, the guided tours cannot be cancelled once booked.

Rottnest Island is open throughout the year and around the clock. However, if you are accessing it from Perth, the first ferry leaves after 8 AM and the last ferry back is at 7:30 PM. From Fremantle, the first ferry is at 7:30 AM and the last ferry back is at 8:15 PM.

Rottnest Island is easily accessible by ferries from Perth, Fremantle, and Hillarys Boat Harbour through ferries, and boats. There are also scenic flights available for slightly higher prices. However, there is no car access to the island.

Absolutely! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway, Rottnest Island is a small but breathtaking island, just off Perth. It offers visitors the chance to dive into its turquoise and blue waters, explore underwater caves and shipwrecks, discover unique wildlife and chill out on sandy beaches.

Tour Rottnest Express

Tourism Western Australia acknowledges Aboriginal peoples as the traditional custodians of Western Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We celebrate the diversity of Aboriginal West Australians and honour their continuing connection to Country, culture and community. We recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions made by First Nations peoples across many generations in shaping Western Australia as a premier destination.

Rottnest Express Adventure Boat – Rottnest Islands Boat Trips

We were shocked to discover that Rottnest Island has more than just Quokkas running around. In total Rottnest Island has 63 beaches, 20 bays and 5 coves. We have always explored via bike around the island so we decided to explore in a new way, by one of Rottnest Islands boat trips! The Rottnest Express Adventure Boat Tour is a nature based tour which gives you a brilliant insight to the islands history and wildlife. On our tour we were able to see New Zealand Fur seals, Dolphins 🐬, Australian Sea-lions and Osprey Eagles 🦅.  

*This post might contain our  affiliate links.   This is at no extra cost to you, but you would be doing us a solid if you did use them. It shows us your appreciation after we have written this amazing travel guide for you 😏*

What to expect on Rottnest Express Adventure Tour

Expect to see lots of wildlife and learn a great deal about the history of the island. This tour is on an extremely safe boat which seats around 25-30 passengers. With 900 Horsepower, this vessel can get around the island in no time at all. Weather permitted, this tour goes all around the island, focusing on the West End where the New Zealand fur seals have permanent residency. On our tour the swell was very big so we did fly through the air, and I did scream a few times. That being said, we felt very safe the whole time.

If you mange to get Dez the tour guide then you are very lucky. He made our tour hilarious and knows so much about the island as he is also a permanent resident on Rottnest Island.

Between September and November, Whale Watching season is in full swing. Get up close and personal with the planets largest creatures.

How much is the Rottnest Express Adventure Tour?

$67 Per Person is how much this tour will set you back. You can purchase your ferry ticket + this trip for a total of $136. All price enquires can be found here.

Looking for other ideas around Rottnest Island? Read our Rotto’s Best Bits here.

What do I need to bring on the boat?

When getting on the vessel you are given a long rain poncho to stop you getting wet 🧥. You are likely to get wet on this tour so we advice you not bring anything expensive which can be damaged. The tour guide will give you the option to leave any bags in a safe area on the doc while you are on the trip. The boat does travel at high speeds and we got very cold while we were travelling between stops so we recommend a jumper.  

If you get seasick then we advice you wear the travel sickness wrist bands or have a supply of ginger biscuits! During our tour we stopped to watch a huge pod of dolphins and the boat did rock enough to make a few people sick.  

Things to know before you go

Departs daily at 11.15am between mid-September and late April, except Christmas Day.

Departure Location

Berth 0, Main Jetty on Rottnest Island

Tour runs for 90 minutes.

Our personal opinion on Rottnest Island Boat Trips

Having lived on the island for a few months, we can safely say we would highly recommend this boat trip on Rottnest Island. It was the perfect balance of adventure, information and encounters with wild animals. We absolutely loved being so close to the seals and then suddenly being surrounded by a pod of Dolphins. It was an amazing day and a great way to see the island’s coastline. The guides made us feel safe, even if Milly was terrified during parts. However, they kept us at ease that we were perfectly safe. Dez was hilarious and we highly recommend doing the trip if he is working!

Want to know more about Rottnest Island? Read our Rotto 101 here.

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THE PLACE TO BE FOR ALL YOUR ADVENTURES IN AUSTRALIA

$ 125.50 p.p. (Adult)

What's Included:

Rottnest Island lies just off of Perth in the Indian Ocean and it is a little piece of paradise. Rottnest (or Rotto as referred to by locals) is a popular day trip where you can cycle around the island (no vehicles allowed), enjoy the beautiful bays, snorkel the reefs close to shore in the bays and of course keep a lookout for the quokkas!

This ticket includes return transfers on the high-speed ferry from Fremantle and a 45 minute thrill ride on the Eco Express. The Eco Express will not only get you heart pumping but will also give you the opportunity to explore Rotto's rugged coastline and witness the beauty of its abundant marine wildlife up close, including the migrating humpback whales (Sept-Nov). This is the ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers.

In the afternoon enjoy free time to explore the car-free island at your leisure. 

You will return with the ferry on the same day. 

Please arrive at the ferry terminal at least 20 minutes prior to the departure time to ensure a comfortable boarding.

Please note:

This ticket does not include bike hire. You will need to bring your own or add the bike hire on directly with Rottnest Express.

Cancellation policy:

All cancellations must be done in person at Rottnest Express terminal or by phone at least 30 minutes prior to the departure time. A credit note for the full amount of paid-for Rottnest Express products and services will be given.

Credit notes will be available for one year.

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Rottnest Express Adventure Tour

Ferry out to Rottnest, then continue the nautical theme with a tour on the Eco Express Adventure Boat!

Description

The purpose-built, high-powered Eco Express completes a full 90-minute circumnavigation of Rottnest Island (weather dependent), giving passengers an unforgettable up-close encounter with the island's wild side. Look forward to craggy coastline, a visit to the New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks and the chance to spy majestic humpback whales, which migrate through Rottnest’s waters between September and November. It’s the ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers, with expert commentary along the way. Please note that this tour is NOT suitable for children under 4 years of age, expectant mothers, passengers with a pre-existing back injury or passengers confined to a wheelchair.

B Shed,Victoria Quay & Northport, North Fremantle & Barrack Street Jetty, Perth

It's always great to know what others think. So here's some comments from those with experience here.

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Guest Ratings

Great fun - whale spotting was a bonus, great value and awesome day, rottnest is a must, you may also like.

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Rottnest Island Day Tour including Adventure Boat Tour Departing From Perth

Highlights & inclusions, select travellers & date, what you can expect.

Prepare to discover a side of Rottnest Island that few get to see on this great value tour. Explore Rottnest Island's remote and wonderful coastline, secluded bays and beaches, encounters with rarely-seen wildlife, and much more on this full day tour from Perth! Hop aboard the Eco Express for a 90 minute journey to the Island's wild side, with full circumnavigation of Rottnest Island this offers you an unforgettable, entertaining and informative experience.

The waters off Rottnest Island are brimming with wildlife, including the majestic Humpback Whales from September to November and, closer to home, watch the delightful antics of the New Zealand Fur Seal Colony out at Cathedral Rocks. You will also be taken on a journey through the island's rich history including the Aboriginal, colonial, military and social heritage. This tour doesn't include snorkel equipment, bike hire or meals, however it does include hotel pickup from most metropolitan hotels in Perth CBD. Tours depart at 8:45am from Perth return at 5pm to Perth.

What you need to know

• Please note this is a seasonal tour operating from mid September - late April only
• Return ferry transfers to Rottnest Island from Perth
• Rottnest Island Admission Fee
• Hotel pickup from most Perth CBD hotels
• 90 minute Adventure Boat tour
• Snorkel equipment
• 90 minute high powered adventure journey to the island's wild side
• Explore Rottnest's rugged coastline
• Witness abundant wildlife up close
• Ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers
• Enjoy the array of wildlife that inhabits Rottnest
• The vast natural playground has over 63 beaches and 20 bays
• Rottnest Island has a large range of activities to keep the family entertained for hours
• Splash and slide on the floating aqua park in Thomson Bay located just a short walking distance from the main settlement is the family fun park
• Rottnest boasts an incredibly rich heritage. Take a tour up to Oliver Hill on the Captain Hussey, view relics to the Rottnest Museum, Lomas Cottage and Pilot Boat House
• This tour operates from mid September - late April
• Closed Christmas Day (25 December)
• Ferries depart from Barrack St Jetty, Perth at 8.45am and return from Rottnest Island at 5pm
• If you have booked a hotel: Prior to completing your purchase, enter your hotel name in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
• If you have not yet booked a hotel: Enter the words 'hotel not known' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your hotel pick up time
• If you do not require a hotel pick up and will be meeting the tour at the tour departure point: Enter the words 'pick up not required' in the 'Add Booking Notes' section of the shopping cart. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation tour voucher with complete tour operator details. You will be required to contact the tour operator a minimum of 48hrs prior to your day of travel to reconfirm your tour and the tour departure point
• Please note that this tour is NOT suitable for children under 4years of age, expectant mothers, passengers with pre-existing back injury or passengers confined to a wheelchair
• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements

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Penguin island cruise from perth, perth swim with dolphins cruise.

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Adventure Rottnest

Ferry out to rottnest island, then continue the nautical theme with a tour on the eco express adventure boat., operates september - april.

The purpose-built, high-powered Eco Express completes a full 90-minute circumnavigation of Rottnest Island (weather dependent), giving passengers an unforgettable up-close encounter with the island’s wild side. Look forward to rugged coastline, a visit to the New Zealand fur seals at Cathedral Rocks, and if you’re lucky spotting a dolphin, osprey, or some of the other wildlife that call Rottnest home.  It’s the ultimate thrill ride for nature lovers, with expert commentary along the way.

Discover the island’s wild side on this 90-minute adventure boat tour in the morning or experience our 45-minute thrill ride in the afternoon aboard our purpose built, high powered vessel, the eco express!

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• Scenic return ferry ride to Rottnest Island, from either Fremantle or Perth
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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Adventure Tour in Moscow: Off-roading & Caving in 2019

Why take the adventure tour, • you will wander along in the ramified network of wild catacombs. it is much more adventurous than visiting them in paris big brother will not find you there :), • you will drive (and even self-drive) our soviet military uaz 452, a unique off-road van be ready for knee-deep mud, close-standing trees and meter-deep rivers., • you will enjoy a campfire and a barbecue party with a craft russian beer and delicious meat as a break., • unique experience even for russians, vladimir and suzdal tour for $288, sergiev posad tour for $188, adventure tour for $208.

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Perhaps you already know, but there is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other towns and cities in Russia. Visiting the countryside is a great opportunity to travel the real Russia and to see the common life of ordinary people. The best choice for a one-day Russian countryside experience is the Vladimir and Suzdal tour.

Vladimir and Suzdal are small towns that are famous worldwide because of their great history and picturesque architecture with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 12th century. Aside from golden cupolas of stunning churches and monasteries, you will experience a very rural real Russian outlook with bubbling streams and grassy meadows, chickens and livestock, and interesting and authentic local residents. All are a common sight on the streets, some of which remain unpaved. Be ready for a full-day trip and many unforgettable experiences during your Russian holidays!

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best of Moscow by high speed train

By shuguley , February 15, 2014 in Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.

Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?

My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

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If you are considering this on the 2015 June Baltic cruise on Voyager; my suggestion is don't. There is so much to do in St. Petersburg and although a train is one of my favorite ways to travel the time would be far better spent in St. P.

Thanks for the advice. Yes, this would be on the Voyager during the 2015 season but not yet sure exactly which cruise.

We did the Moscow excursion "on a different luxury line", but from your brief description it sounds very much like the same trip, so I will operate on that assumption. It is a VERY long day! We left the ship at 5:30 AM and returned at 12:30 AM. The highspeed train trip is comfortable, and while they call it "Business Class" it does not compare well to the equivalent class on say Rail Europe. When we did it in 2011, we did have highspeed both ways, and the trip back seemed much longer as the adrenaline and excitement had worn off!:D

Moscow itself is not that terribly different from any other big city in the world, but this Cold War kid never thought he would ever stand in Red Square, never mind walk the grounds of The Kremlin, or tour The Kremlin Palace, or see (but not visit) Lenin's Tomb, or visit The Armoury. But he did, and he loved every minute of it! Yes, it is a long day, and you barely scratch a scratch on the surface, but it is worth it. There is a tremendous amount to see in St. Petersburg, but every Baltic cruise goes to St. Petersburg, so you can go back if you choose to. Not every cruiseline offers you the chance to see Moscow.

I have not personally done this tour, but our last time in St Petersburg, the private guide that we hired for a day was leading the regent tour to Moscow on the high speed train the next day. He said it was way better than the previous alternative, which was flying to Moscow and back. He said that you actually got to Moscow faster because you didn't have to deal with airline checkin etc. it did seem like a very long day to me, and there is so much to see and do in st. Petersburg that I didn't consider doing it.

countflorida

We toured to Moscow from St. Petersburg via the hi-speed SAPSAN train last September, from a Baltic cruise on the Oceania Marina. You need to have a two-night, three day port call in St. Petersburg to take this tour because the tour typically leaves the ship around 5:00 - 5:30 AM and doesn't return until after midnight the next day. We didn't take the ship's tour; we made private arrangements with TravelAllRussia for three days of touring, the first and third days in St. Petersburg and the second day the tour to Moscow by train. Our cost for the private tour for three days was about the same as what the ship charged for the excursion to Moscow alone. There are a number of private tour agencies that operate in St. Petersburg and offer the Moscow train tours; we would strongly recommend them over the ship's tours.

All three days had private guides with car and driver. The second day, the driver picked us up at the ship and took us to the train, but we were alone on the train, and met in Moscow by the guide on the station platform. After our tour and dinner, we were brought back to the train and after the return train trip met by the driver and taken back to the ship. Because you are alone on the train you must have your own Russian visas.

If this is your first visit to St. Petersburg, I would agree there is much more to see there. We found Moscow somewhat a disappointment, particularly Red Square. The Kremlin and the cathedral in Red Square were also worth seeing. But the best thing we saw was the Moscow subway! I worked for the Washington Metro system back in the 1980s as it grew from 40 to 80 miles and although I was in the computer area, I learned a lot about the challenges of running a subway system. We used the Moscow system to get across the city from where we had dinner to the train station, and I was amazed at the cleanliness', speed of operation, the short headways maintained, and the courtesy of everyone involved. A very impressive experience!

We had been to St. Petersburg before, and so had the time to take a day and go to Moscow. Also, I really like trains, and the SAPSAN is a German train set running on Russian rails. Seats are like first class domestic air, spacious but not too plush or comfortable, but with enough room. Not too much recline, and almost 8 hours on the train in two shots is a lot for an old man. They come through and sell drinks, candy, etc. but the sellers don't speak English and no one around us helped, so we had just poor coffee once coming, and brought stuff with us for the trip back. Not too much to see from the train either, particularly on the return when it is night the whole way.

If you decide to go, take a private tour and avoid the overly expensive ship's tour. I'm glad we did it, but wouldn't bother to repeat the tour; we've seen Moscow.

Thanks so much to all of you for the thorough and thought insight. Yhe information you have provided is most helpful.

countflorida: Your detailed post is very helpful. We are not quite ready for a Baltic cruise but should do so within a year. Time enough to do our pre travel research, bookings and visa gathering.:) Thank you!

Emperor Norton

Sure would appreciate someone who has taken "Best of Moscow by high speed train" from St. Petersburg could please share their impressions of this shore excursion. From the description this sounds like a very long day.   Wondering how the 4 hour train trip was in terms of accommodations, etc. Also what time did you leave the ship and what time at night did you return? Were both legs of the trip on the high speed rail (I read that slower trains also travel the same tracks)?   My wife and I are considering this excursion. We thought that if we are making all the effort to go to Russia then how could we pass up going to Moscow, walking in Red Square, seeing St. Basil, etc.

I did this on Seabourn. IMO DONT. Take Aeroflop (er Aeroflot). The train has non folding seats where you are literally knee to knee with your fellow passenger (facing each other). Further they don't believe in air conditioning. It's also the worlds slowed bullet train. I think I would have found more enjoyment wandering around the St. Petersburg and Moscow airports.

Countflorida,

This is a little off topic,, however we had planned a river cruise in Russia but decided we would rather stay on land and have booked about two weeks with Travel-All-Russia using the private guide and driver. I'm curious as to how you found them as a tour company.

The guides they provided were fine. We had a different guide each of the days in St. Petersburg, but both were flexible, pleasant, knowledgeable and spoke English very well, as did the guide in Moscow, incidentally. She was a bit aloof, distant, not too friendly, but otherwise fine. In fact, she was the one who suggested taking the Metro, which unexpectedly became one of the highlights of the Moscow excursion. If I have a complaint with AllTravelRussia, it is with their plan and its execution (more later).

I had requested emphasis on World War II (in Russia, the Great Patriotic War) sites and info. In scheduling us, they weren't careful about dates and a couple of the sites we wanted to see were scheduled on the third day, after we'd been to Moscow. But both sites were closed that day of the week, and that info was readily available, right on web sites describing them. Also, the included meals (lunches in St. Pete, dinner in Moscow) were not what we asked for: light meals with some choices, so we could avoid things we didn't like and choose things we did like. My request was ignored; we were given full Russian meals with a fixed menu, no choice. On the first day, a fish dish was the entre, but I am allergic to fish. Fortunately, I had the e-mail I'd sent with me and showed it to the guide, and she was able to change my entre to chicken, which was very good actually. But we didn't want a 3-4 course lunches or dinner (in Moscow). We had the guide drop the lunch the third day, although we never got any credit or refund. But, particularly in contrast to the ship's tours, the prices were so reasonable we didn't worry too much about it.

The people who were on the ship's tour to Moscow saw us boarding the same train for which they were forced to queue up and wait on the way back, and asked us what we had done. I was candid and open so they were not happy when I explained what we had arranged and particularly what it had cost. Also, when we returned to the ship, we found they had laid on a late supper for those who had gone to Moscow, so up we went and had something. Well, it turns out the late supper was supposed to be just for those on the ship's tour, but we and others on 'independent' tours, there were a dozen or more of us, crashed the party, actually got there first, and they didn't realize it until the larger group arrived and there weren't enough tables/places set. By that time, the 'independents' had all gotten served and were eating; what could they do?

A couple from the larger group sat down with us and asked us about our tour, and they were the ones I told about our arrangement and its cost. They turned to others who’d been with them and announced the details, loudly enough so the whole room heard, which started a lot of bitching and complaining. I gathered they weren't very happy with the ship's tour to begin with, and this was the straw that broke the camel's back. We finished up and beat it out of there, but overheard later that one of the excursion staff came to check on something and ran into a real mess. I caught a cold on the trip, which forced me to bed the second day following in Tallinn, so by the time we reappeared we heard about the contretemps' but apparently no one recalled who started it, thankfully.

Because of what happened to us, I would probably not use AllTravelRussia if I were to go again, or if I did, I would be sure to get confirmation of every detail of the tour. They do have good reviews generally, and we were certainly helped by their visa department and liked the guides and drivers. Their weakness, I say now with full 20:20 hindsight, is that once the sales person who plans the tour, sells it to you and collects your money, he (or she) transfers the plan to their Russia office for implementation; there is no follow-up to make sure it gets done right. And that is where our problems arose; we paid for a custom tour but got a standard package with a few destinations switched, and no one checked them out, even to see when they were open the day we were scheduled to go. If you check every detail that’s important to you, it should be OK, but that’s a hell of a way to have to do business, in my opinion.

Thank you for the 20/20 hindsight observation on your Russian tour operator, and better priced than the ship's excursion cost.

Thanks very much for the feedback.

We had the same experience as you so far as price. We originally booked a Viking Cruise but, hearing some things about the river cruises that made us unhappy, looked into other options. T-A-R cost the same or less than a cruise and had us in hotels for 11 days. We opted for the private tour. They have three tour levels, based on hotels. We originally opted for the four star as it did not cost much more than the three star hotels. Finally we decided to throw it all in and upgraded to five star. In Moscow we will be at the newly opened Kempinsky which is two blocks from Red Square. In St. Petersburg it is the Grand Hotel Europe, one of the most vaunted luxury hotels in Russia. Location is important for us as the tours use up only part of the day so being in the center of everything for our independent touring is important. As with many other cities, the less you pay, the farther out of the center of town you are.

We have been working with our salesman in D.C. and he seems to get back to us with the changes we want. He recently returned from Russia so is up on everything. When I asked they said they paid the full TA commission if I wanted so I got my usual TA on board so he is watching our back and giving us that extra level of comfort. He also set up our air, which I know pays him little or nothing, and got us business class for much less than T-A-R wanted for economy, though it took working for a while with a consolidator. He's happy to get his 10 percent on this trip without having booked it. He also took care of the trip insurance. We've been doing a lot of research on the CC sister site Trip Advisor and will write a report there. We will, I guess, become a source of info for CC members after having spent 5 days in Moscow and 6 in SP.

• 4 months later...

scubacruiserx2

Anybody considering a day trip to Moscow from St. Petersburg on the Sapsan may want to look at our travelogue filled with pictures.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1927687

Very informative. Thanks dor sharing. Jeff

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• Art, History and Gardens in Japan
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Moscow and St. Petersburg Art Adventure

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• The Silk Road with Art Tours with Amy Osaki | Willamette International Travel on Silk Road of China: Art, History & Archaeology

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THIS TRIP IS NOT CURRENTLY SCHEDULED Over the years, Amy has developed and operated trips to a variety of destinations including this one, but not all trips are offered every year. If you are interested in joining a scheduled departure of this trip in the future, please send us an email and let us know. Click to send us an email or use the form at the bottom of this page.

We can organize and operate this trip as a private group departure with a minimum group size of 8 persons. Start organizing your private Russia art adventure here .

Best time to travel: June for the “White Nights” Best gateway city: Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia Moscow and St. Petersburg Slide Show

Experience the art treasures of Moscow and St. Petersburg with guide, Amy Osaki. Begin in Moscow, continental Europe’s largest city, the seat of the government of Russia, and now home to over twenty billionaires! View iconic sites such as the Kremlin (which began as a fortress in the eleventh century), Red Square, and the sixteenth century St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then explore the art masterpieces at the Tretyakov Gallery, the National Museum of Russian Fine Art encompassing works from the eleventh to the twentieth century. Visit the Armory at the Kremlin filled with Imperial treasures including Faberge eggs once exchanged by the tsar and tsarina at Easter. Conclude your Moscow experience at the quiet seventeenth century Novodevichy Convent, one of many World Heritage sites included in the trip.

After a short flight, continue the trip with five days in St. Petersburg where you’ll be immersed in the opulence of Imperial Russia. Established by Tsar Peter I in 1703, St. Petersburg (known as Petrograd and Leningrad for most of the twentieth century) was the capital of the Russian empire for over two hundred years until the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Hermitage—said to be the largest art museum in the world with a collection of over three million objects housed in four main buildings—rivals the Louvre in Paris for both the quantity and quality of its treasures. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and open to the pubic for over two hundred years the museum is so vast that we’ll spread our visit out over several days and organize it by different themes. Also on the schedule is a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress—the original citadel above the river founded in 1703—as well as some of the Imperial palaces in and around St. Petersburg such as Peterhof, a World Heritage Site. Peter I hired French architects to work on his many palaces, including Jean Baptiste Le Blond who worked with Andre Le Notre at Versailles. Consider enhancing your Russian experience by purchasing tickets to a performance—perhaps a ballet at St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre (also known as the Kirov).

Day 1 Overnight in Moscow Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your centrally-located hotel, your base for the next two nights. Enjoy an afternoon and early evening walk through Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) past St. Basil’s Cathedral, and GUM department store all of which are back-dropped by the walls of the Kremlin fortress. Remember that we are here during the fabled “White Nights” when the summer days linger with light-filled evenings.

Day 2 Overnight in Moscow Within the walls of the Kremlin fortress, visit the Armoury Museum, one of Moscow’s oldest museums established at the start of the nineteenth century. The Kremlin Armoury was the royal arsenal; it produced and stored the weapons, jewelry and other regalia of the tsars. The museum’s collection encompasses four thousand items of applied art from Russia and elsewhere dating from the early fourth century to the twentieth century. Later in the day, visit the collection of masterpieces of the renowned Tretyakov Gallery. The Tretyakov collections were begun by the philanthropist Tretyakov brothers in the early nineteenth century. The gallery is recognized by many as a key repository of Russian art spanning the nation’s artistic tradition from early Orthodox icons to art nouveau, impressionist, and avant-garde works.

Day 3 Overnight in St Petersburg Enjoy a morning visit to the sixteenth century Novodevichy Convent named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004. The convent’s name is sometimes translated as “New Maidens’ Monastery” to differentiate is from the convent within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin. Surrounded by white crenellated walls, this complex of churches has remained essentially intact since the seventeenth century. Here you’ll find the five-domed Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk with its spectacular iconostasis and the tall, red and white Gate Church of the Transfiguration which is often cited as a fine example of “Moscow Baroque” architecture. The neighboring Novodevichy Cemetery is the final resting place of the likes of Anton Chekhov, Sergei Prokofiev, Dmitri Shostakovich, and Boris Yeltsin. This afternoon fly to St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city situated on the banks of the Neva River where it empties into the Gulf of Finland.

Day 4 Overnight in St Petersburg Start of your exploration of St. Petersburg with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the original citadel of St. Petersburg. The fortress was built to the designs of the Swiss Italian architect Domenico Trezzini in the early eighteenth century. Trezzini’s Peter and Paul Cathedral dominates the fortress grounds and its iconic golden spire punctuates into the Baltic sky. Later visit the Yusupov Palace on the Moika, acclaimed as an “encyclopedia of St. Petersburg aristocratic interior design.” The palace was the home of the Yusupov family from 1830 and 1917 and was the place where Grigori Rasputin, a spiritual mentor to Tsar Nicholas II and the Royal Family in the early 20th century, was assassinated. A visit to the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood built between 1883 and 1907 rounds out the day. The church was built in “Russian Revivalist” architectural style by Tsar Alexander III in commemoration of his father, Alexander II. The church occupies a conspicuous location on St. Petersburg’s Griboedov Canal and contains 7,500 square meters of mosaics; the interior walls and ceilings are completely covered by mosaics.

Day 5 Overnight in St Petersburg Seeing St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum in a day would be like trying to see the Smithsonian in a day! Rather than a forced march through the galleries at a rapid pace, we will slow down and savor the masterpieces. Remember, there are nearly seven miles worth of exhibitions! Today we focus on “Imperial Russia,” touring the rooms decorated for members of the Russian Imperial Family and viewing the art they commissioned and collected. This is the art that influenced the style of the grand palaces of the era. View the Grand Suite of rooms, Peter I’s collection of gold, and the jewelers art owned by the Russian Imperial Family (including Fabergé eggs, gold and diamonds). Here, too, are the rooms of Catherine II and her son Paul I with their fifteenth to eighteenth century French paintings and sculpture (Poussin, Watteau, Fragonard, Chardin, and Houdon).

Day 6 Overnight in St Petersburg Return for a second dose of the Hermitage! Today is dedicated to the famous European masterpieces exhibited at the Hermitage. Feast your eyes on memorable works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto, Tiepolo, Velazquez, and El Greco. At the Hermitage, you can revel in Rembrandt; there are twenty of his works in the museum’s collection. After lunch, enjoy the eighteenth to twentieth century masterpieces of Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Rodin, Picasso, Matisse and Kandinsky. Digest the art and reflect on this unique collection of human creations. Consider an evening performance, possibly at the Mariinsky Theatre.

Day 7 Overnight in St Petersburg Journey by hydrofoil across the Gulf of Finland to experience Peter I’s palace at Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens that evoke comparisons with Versailles which Peter visited in 1715. Begun in 1714 with the construction of the Monplaisir palace and expanded by later Imperial generations who added Rococo and Neo-classical elements, Peterhof is now a World Heritage Site. The creative mastery of architects, engineers, artists and craftsmen from throughout Europe is on display here and all is choreographed to celebrate water in homage to Peter, the maritime emperor.

Day 8 Overnight in St Petersburg Go behind the scenes with an excursion to the Hermitage Museum’s Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Center on the right back of the Neva River north of Kamenny Island. This vast treasure house is only accessible by private tour. Later, travel to Vasilvesky Island across the river from the Hermitage to visit Menishkov Palace completed in 1721 and now the oldest stone building in St. Petersburg. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening.

About your guide : Amy Osaki holds a master’s degree from the Winterthur Museum. She studied art at the Louvre Museum in Paris and worked as a museum curator for over a decade including six years at the Portland Art Museum. She is an award-winning art educator who has led art trips around the world for the last fifteen years with Walking Softly Adventures. Many of these trips were offered for graduate credit from Portland State University where she is an Adjunct Professor.

Resources for Further Learning

• Preview part of the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery at its website.
• Learn more about the Moscow Kremlin .
• Prepare yourself to experience the Hermitage . You can even shop on-line at the museum’s on-line museum store!

We're looking forward to hearing from you! You may contact us by telephone at 503-788-9017, by e-mail ([email protected]) or by completing and submitting the form below. Please enter any questions or comments in the "Message" box. PLEASE BE SURE TO MENTION THE TRIP IN WHICH YOU'RE INTERESTED. You must enter a valid email address in order to submit this form successfully. When you're finished entering information, enter the CAPTCHA code where indicated and click the "Submit" button at the bottom of this page. Art Tours by Amy does not release any of the information you provide us to any third party without your express permission.