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Reviews 4.9.

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Anna of TRAVELMANIA 10 stars 💥💥💥

Anna Papaphotis of TRAVELMANIA 5 stars are not enough. I missed my flight because of a small error on my “travel form”. Ok my fault….However. In this digital faceless robotic tec world of impersonal form filling red tape mayhem, she helped me through and stuck with me on my phone like a guardian angel and made sure I was safely booked on the next flight with all the correct paperwork. Patiently and with a typical understanding Libran demeanour (I’m one of those also) she navigated through the on line jungle and managed to sort me out. Thankyou Anna I owe you a Covid free cuddle and a double shot of Zivania. 10 stars 👍👍👍🏆🏆🏆💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

Date of experience : 07 October 2021

Reply from Travelmania Holidays

Thank you for this 5* review Mr T I'm happy to hear that I was able to help you! and you were able to get onto the next flight to Cyprus stress free! we look forward to hearing from you soon when yo plan your next trip away ✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

This travel agency is one you can bank on

Our first trip with Travelmania was easy 30 years ago. Everything positive you read about this company is correct and their attention to detail making sure every detail matches your requirements and expectations are a real pleasure. I don't need to say anything part from thank you and true to their word, Fingers crossed as soon as this situation is resolved I'll be back to book my holidays with Andrew.

Date of experience : 14 January 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write such a wonderful review, we value all your feedback, one of our key values is to stay connected with all our clients it's so nice to hear that we have met all your expectations! we hope to hear from you soon once the pandemic is over ✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Thank you Travelmania…

Travel Mania has seen us through several great holidays including South Africa and most recently Cyprus.We will return to them again when the time is right and would not hesitate to recommend them. Having been let down by a previous Travel Agent we decided to try an independent company, Travel Mania fit the bill. They tailor every detail of your holiday so it feels unique, no detail is overlooked.

Date of experience : 17 January 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice 5* review, we are grateful that you have been able to share this and touch on the "Independent Company" our aim is to treat every single client individually and offer them a one to one service this is what we thrive on! we hope to hear from you soon once the pandemic is over. Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

My entire family have used Travelmania…

My entire family have used Travelmania for over 15 years - and here's why: - Their incredible knowledge and experience - Their dedication to helping us when we need it - Their kindness, warmth and consideration Recently, with all that has happened with travel and Covid-19, you cannot beat this company for their help and persistence when dealing with some of these big companies. They are brilliant and I wouldn't use any one else. My business use them too. Tina and Tony Romano

Date of experience : 21 January 2021

This is absolutely fantastic 😊 " I wouldn't use anyone else" this is great to hear and so encouraging, thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough and in dept review we value all your feedback and our aim is to stay connected, It's lovely to hear that we have met all your travel expectations and all your kind words about Travelmania we will continue to offer 100% service to all our clients and treat them all individually, we look forward to hearing from all and all your family once the pandemic is over, here's to many more holidays in the sun! ✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Professionals with experts delivering

Dealing with Travelmania and Anna is always a pleasure. The knowledgeable team listen to what you want, advise accordingly and make extremely helpful suggestions.. They never push you to spend more money and always offer a five star experience. Nothing is too much trouble and the companies and hoteliers they use in other countries are of a consistently high standard. If I could rate them higher than a 5* I would . Keep up the good work guys . Dee Chara

What a lovely review! Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience when booking a holiday through Travelmania, " Higher than a 5 Star" that's so lovely to hear and I thank you personally for all your wonderful comments about myself and the Travelmania team we are all extremely grateful 😁 Our aim is to give our clients 100% service and treat each and everyone of them individually, we hope to hear from you soon once the pandemic is over ✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Star Team at Travelmania

We have had consistently brilliant service from the Travelmania team for nearly thirty years. It is a bespoke and personal service - they get to know you and know what you like and what you need. Their insider knowledge also beats the internet for value, both for full holidays and for long distance flight only trips when we visit relatives. Plus they (especially Anna) love our dog. So don't login, walk in!

30 years! well that's absolutely fabulous here's to another 30! Thank you so much for your lovely review we appreciate all your comments and look forward to seeing you in our offices when you book your next holiday, Anna Davies will be happy to see your dog too! ✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

I can thoroughly recommend Travelmania

I can thoroughly recommend Travelmania. I have been using Travelmania for years and each time they have delivered. I have found all their team particularly John and Andrew to be very accommodating. They go over and beyond to ensure your requirements are met. They are also pro active as in when my flight was cancelled due to an airline going into liquidation they ensured that I got my money returned without fuss. There service is simply outstanding.

Thank you for taking the time to write this 5* review we value all the feedback and your lovely comments, it's nice to hear that John & Andrew were able to meet all your expectations and assist with retrieving all your money back with no fuss! We will continue to give all our clients that personal service this is what separates us from the rest! We hope to hear from you soon once this pandemic is over ✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Book with confidence

We have been using Anna and the team for 10+ years and always received a professional, personal and friendly approach to our holiday requirements. They are always on hand for advice and nothing is too much trouble for them. Excellent value for money. So pleased to feel part of the Travelmania family. Looking forward to planning more trips in the future. Steve & Julie Burge.

Date of experience : 09 February 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write this lovely review, we are grateful that you have been able to share this 😁 we are also happy to hear that you feel part of our "Travelmania Family" we look forward to booking many more of your holidays! ✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Go to the professionals

We've been using Travelmania to book our holidays for many years now. It's so nice in this day and age to be able to walk into a shop and explain what you're looking for. They care enough to spend time listening and explaining options for you - and you just can't get that over the internet. They know so many places directly and can always give you really good advice on choosing the right resort and the right accommodation. And one time when Gatwick South Terminal was closed while we were in it, they managed to save our holiday by finding us another option in record time. Go to the professionals, I say!

Date of experience : 19 March 2021

Thank you so much for this fabulous 5 star review, we value all the feedback and are always here to give all our clients a 5 star service, we thrive on a one to one approach and it's so nice to hear how much you appreciate popping into our shop and booking your holiday rather than "online" we hope to hear from you very soon to book your next trip away✈✈✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

The best travel agent I have ever used

Travelmania have organised a number of excellent holidays for us - Durban (South Africa), Cyprus, Sweden, Denmark and Berlin. Nothing was too much trouble. They bring a wealth of knowledge and make really helpful suggestions when you book. Every aspect of the holidays was well organised and relaxed. It’s a pleasure booking with them.

Lovely to hear that we have been able to book so many fantastic holidays for you and we thank you for sharing this great 5* review we value all your feedback and look forwarding to hearing from you once you are able to travel again. Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Andrew at Travelmania booked my amazing…

Andrew at Travelmania booked my amazing holiday to New York. Talk about going the extra mile! He was so patient with me while I made my decision on which hotel to choose, as a solo traveller I have to know I'm safe and location is so important. Everything turned out perfect! Thank you Travelmania for always providing that personal touch!

This is fabulous! Thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough and in-depth review, we value your feedback, lovely to hear that Andrew went the extra mile! we are grateful that you have been able to share this, we hope to hear from you soon! ✈✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Anna at Travelmania is an absolute…

Anna at Travelmania is an absolute dream to work with - she is to put it simply, AMAZING. She goes above and beyond to accommodate your every need. She is always so reassuring and an absolute pleasure to work with. I can’t thank her enough for her 5* services and I look forward to many years ahead of working together. Anna and the Travelmania team are second to none and I cannot recommend them enough — truly the best of the best. Angela X

Date of experience : 18 January 2021

This is absolutely fantastic, thank you so much for this uplifting 5 star review 😁 We are grateful that you have been able to share this, It's nice to hear that I personally have been able to meet all you expectations this is very encouraging and so nice to hear! one of our key values is to stay connected with all our clients especially during the pandemic, once again thank you very much for all your kind words we look forward to hearing from you once you are able to travel again ✈✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

I have been to many places with…

I have been to many places with Travelmania. They are a company with helpful friendly staff especially John. Last year I went to Thailand. I stayed in Bangkok for 3 days. Good Hotel with swimming Pool. And 7 days in Pukett. Visited the main Islands lik P p islands . Had a wonderful time. Beautiful beaches delicious food . Lovely Hotels with big beautiful gardens. I always get good deals from Travelmania. I have been to Jordan Tunsia San Francisco with Travelmania. As well as short trips like Hamburg and Dublin. Looking forward to booking my holiday soon with Travelmania.

Your trip to Thailand sounded awesome! so glad you had a great time and thank you for taking the time to write such a thorough and detailed review, we are grateful that you have been able to share your holiday experience and award a 5 star rating! Lovely to hear that John was able to meet all your expectations we hope to see you soon in our office once the pandemic is over where you can start booking many more trips. Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Have been using Travelmania for over 15…

Have been using Travelmania for over 15 years. Family holidays, weekend getaways etc. Service and knowledge is brilliant from the whole team. Can’t wait guys to call you once all this is over to send us away on another memorable holiday.

Date of experience : 28 January 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write such a great review, we value all feedback and it's great to hear that we have booked all your wonderful holidays, thank you for putting your trust in Travelmania 😊 we look forward to hearing from you in the very near future and here's to many more holidays ✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Wow what a great service

Wow what a great service Never been so pleased when booking a holiday. Cristal clear options explained and a wealth of knowledge about the resorts. Alway an enjoyable experience when booking with Travelmania and always a fantastic holiday. Thanks again Anna and the team.

Date of experience : 25 February 2021

Thank you so much for this 5* review, we value all the feedback and are happy to hear that we were able to meet all your travel expectations! We look forward to booking many more holidays for family Oratis in the very near future 😊 ✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

My wife and I wish you all the best for…

My wife and I wish you all the best for 2021 and the year ahead. We both highly recommend Travelmania as we received outstanding service,we booked to go to South Africa in December 2019 the trip was amazing,having visited our daughter at Hoedspruit outside the Kruger Park and we were able to see the big 5. We will always book with Travelmania. Love to all,Annette Lee and Derek.

Date of experience : 15 January 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write this fabulous review, and happy new year to you both! It's so nice to hear that you will always book with Travelmania 😊 this is extremely encouraging. Your Trip sounded superb! we value all your feedback and we are grateful that you have been able to share this. We hope to hear from you soon and here's to many more holidays with Travelmania. Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Outstanding service

Since my retirement from the travel industry (after 35 years), this is the travel company I have chosen to take care of all my travel/holiday arrangements – and I have not been disappointed! They are profoundly efficient, knowledgeable, friendly, and incredibly helpful. They will always go the extra mile. I just love these Travelmaniacs, can't recommend them enough.

Date of experience : 01 April 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write a review and for the 5* 😊 so glad to hear that we were able to reach all your expectations especially as you were also once in the travel industry! #TeamTravelmaniacs all the way, we look forward to hearing from you once the pandemic is over ✈✈✈✈✈✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Best Travel Agents Ever!

With a wealth of knowledge and experience there’s not a destination the Travelmaniacs can’t help you get to. They never fail to come up with an itinerary to suit you and your budget. We have used Travelmania since they first opened and can’t wait to be able to use them again. Your travel memories begin when you get in touch!

Thank you for taking the time to write a review, you are indeed a "Travelmaniac Member" Lovely to hear that we have been able to meet all your holiday requirements, no doubt we will be hearing from you once this pandemic is over! 😎✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Fantastic company with great service

I always have a seamless experience booking with TravelMania - the team are friendly, knowledgeable and go above and beyond. I’ve booked my holidays with them for the past 5 years or so, and can’t wait for the pandemic to be over so I can do so again. On that note, they handled my cancelled holiday last summer so well, it was completely stress-free for me. That’s where booking with an agent is 1000x more beneficial than booking online!!

What a fabulous review thank you so much for sharing this, one of our key values is to stay "connected" with our clients from start to finish, we look forward to hearing from you once you are able to travel! 😎 Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

Travelmania are a really great company

Travelmania are a really great company. As a family, we have used them from our large family holidays to booking business flights at short notice. Friendly and helpful with honest advice about your holiday choices.

Date of experience : 20 January 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lovely review, we value all your feedback and nice comments, we look forward to hearing from you soon to plan your next trip away ✈✈✈ Anna Papaphotis Sales & Marketing Director

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Karen Gershowitz is officially a travel addict—one with more than ninety countries under her belt. In these engaging stories, she brings readers along as her companions as she explores, laughs, and marvels at the richness of other cultures.

Whether she’s picking through the worst meal ever in the wilds of Tanzania, eating a transcendent strudel in Vienna, meeting the locals in an isolated opal mining hamlet in Australia’s outback, or learning to make noodles in a Chinese village, she invites you to share in her experiences.

Since leaving home for Europe alone at age seventeen, Karen Gershowitz has traveled to more than ninety countries.

In pursuit of her passion for travel, she lost and gained friends and lovers and made a radical career change. She learned courage and risk taking and succeeded at things she didn’t think she could do: She climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. She visited remote areas of Indonesia on her own and became a translator, though only fluent in English. She conquered her fear of falling while on an elephant trek in Thailand. And she made friends across the globe, including a Japanese family who taught her to make sushi and a West Berliner who gave her an insider’s look at the city shortly after the wall came down.

An example that will inspire armchair travelers to become explorers and embolden everyone to be more courageous,  Travel Mania  is a vivid story of how one woman found her strength, power, and passion.

Travel is Karen’s addiction—and she doesn’t want treatment.

Listen to Karen's stories on this podcast from World Footprints:

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I was 17 years old, traveling alone, when I boarded a plane to Europe. Living in a different culture I experienced the world in new and surprising ways and discovered myself. My love of travel was born. I didn’t return to the US for three years.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Travel Mania

Karen gershowitz.

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Published July 13, 2021

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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ She Writes Press (July 13, 2021)
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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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