mystery tour trips

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7 Travel Companies That Plan Mystery Vacations

Meet the newest trend in full-service trip planning: surprise travel. You won't find out where you're going until it's time to go.

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For most people, the joy of traveling isn’t the researching or booking—it’s that moment you step off the airplane in a place you’ve never been. So why not skip the planning and let someone else chart your next adventure for you, including choosing the destination? Besides, who cares where you go when you’ve got expert travel agents finalizing every last detail for you?

Introducing the latest trend in travel: surprise trips to places that won’t be revealed to you until it’s go time.

Jubel , a tech-enabled travel company founded in 2015 in California, offers customized multi-destination getaways and route planning. It can also save you more than 55 percent in travel costs compared with booking a trip yourself, thanks to insider travel deals. Jubel also offers surprise trips .

Fill out its survey with your preferred dates, budget, and travel style, and it’ll send you a trip proposal. You can be completely surprised by the destination or learn the continent or country ahead of time. Once you’ve booked, you’ll get sealed envelopes to open along your journey, plus details on what to pack and when to show up at the airport. International trips start at around $1,000 per person per week.

Pack Up and Go

Want a weekend getaway in the U.S. without any hassle of planning it? Enter Pack Up and Go , founded in 2016 in Pittsburgh. Give the company your dates and budget, and complete a quick survey (sample question: Do you want action, relaxation, or culture?), and it will do the rest for you. Prior to your trip, you’ll get a packing list, flight information, and a weather forecast. Days before you leave, an envelope with your destination and itinerary will arrive in the mail. Open it at the airport. Trips start at $400 per person.

The Vacation Hunt

Whether you have three days or two weeks, the expert travelers at the Vacation Hunt , started in 2017 by a husband and wife in Washington, D.C., will plan a trip for you. Tell the reps what you’re looking for (spas or zoos? bars or museums?) and they’ll start sending you clues as to where you’re going. Packaged trips in the U.S. start at $750 per person; international trips start at $950. They also offer gift certificates if you want to give someone else a surprise trip.

Magical Mystery Tours

With Magical Mystery Tours , you won’t know where you’re going until you show up at the airport. First, enter your preferences: Do you want a foreign trip? Do you dislike the cold or the beach? Would you prefer heading to the desert or someplace tropical? Then input your dates, budget, and who you’re traveling with. The company will take care of the details. Magical Mystery Tours has been booking destination vacations to locations all over the globe since 2009. Cost depends on the length of the trip, whether it’s international or domestic travel, and the kind of accommodations you want. Weekend trips for two start at $1,500.

Surprise Me Trips

Choose between quick road trips from your hometown or far-flung destinations via airplane. You’ll get details about what to bring and where to be just before your departure. For its weekend road trips, tell the company where you want to start, and it will plan a surprise itinerary around your region, including a few nights in different locales and major landmarks and activities to check out along the way. Despite this travel company’s name, it will also arrange trips that don’t come as a surprise, if that’s more your thing. Surprise Me Trips was launched by three well-traveled friends in Texas in 2016. Weekend regional road trips start at $375.

Black Tomato

In 2017, high-end travel company Black Tomato  debuted its  Get Lost service, which creates adventurous tailor-made expeditions to wilderness destinations like Mongolia or the Arctic that are kept entirely a secret from you. Here’s how it works: select a polar, jungle, coastal, desert, or mountain trip—or have Black Tomato choose that, too—and book at least six months in advance to give you time to train and prepare. When you arrive at your location, you’ll be outfitted with all the gear you need, plus a private transfer from the airport to your starting point and a satellite phone for emergencies. Chart your way through a series of mapped-out checkpoints using navigational technology and your own two feet. The journey ends at a luxury retreat. Average Get Lost trips cost around $15,000 per person—but there are shorter, less expensive options, too.

Rustic Pathways

Designed for high school students looking for an exciting summer group trip, student-travel company Rustic Pathways offers a mystery trip to an unknown international destination. Before departure you’ll get a Patagonia duffel bag sent to you that’s filled with clues and a few essentials. Then arrive at the designated airport and spend the next two weeks exploring foreign cities and remote villages with other intrepid students as a guide leads the way. As of press time, there were still a few spots left on an upcoming trip in late June. It costs $5,995, not including airfare.

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Desperate to travel anywhere? Mystery trips will make it happen

May 12, 2021 • 5 min read

Ready for a surprise? © Hello World/Getty Images

Mystery trips - where you pay an agency to organize your vacation and don’t find out the destination until the last minute - have been a niche section of the travel industry for a number of years. With travel gradually returning to some countries, they’re betting on people wanting to shake up their routine and embrace spontaneity after many months of staying at home.

Lonely Planet reader Markus Wittich from Germany is a very frequent traveler, racking up 18 trips in 2019 alone. After more than a year of staying at home, the idea of holiday where he doesn't know the destination is extra-appealing to him right now.

“That Groundhog Day feeling is real! We've been stuck at home for over a year and it feels like every day has been kind of the same. Since there haven't been many - or any - pleasant surprises throughout the pandemic, a surprise trip could be a fun idea to visit places that haven't been on your radar before.”

For river cruise company Uniworld, that bet is already paying off. A 10-day Mystery River Cruise in June quickly sold out and a September voyage is on the horizon. CEO Ellen Bettridge confirmed to Lonely Planet the original idea actually came from their customers.

“Our guests communicated that they’re willing to travel anywhere to get back out there and explore the world again as vaccines began rolling out and the light at the end of the tunnel finally neared. We created the Mystery Cruise with that sentiment in mind, to spoil our guests and provide them with a surprise trip of a lifetime with all details and decisions taken care of.”

But after so long being careful, are travelers ready to hand over the reins to someone else, especially when safety is still such a top priority? A quick poll of Lonely Planet readers revealed a mixed bag; 21% said they would be more likely to take a mystery trip now but 27% of people said they would be less likely, expressing concerns of safety or the possibility of being exposed to COVID variants despite being vaccinated. But others were tempted by the novelty. Rachel Van Raan-Welch, a reader from New York City is torn.

“I LOVE the idea of a mystery trip, and especially after being more or less on lockdown for the past year, I'm totally up for traveling anywhere right now. But that's in a hypothetical world in which COVID suddenly totally disappeared. In reality, it's hard to know when ‘after the pandemic’ may be. I wouldn't be comfortable taking a trip without knowing where I'm going or what I'm doing, and I think I'll probably feel that way for a long time.”

Safety and reassurance are priorities of any travel company right now and established surprise travel agencies have been quietly changing up their offerings. Netherlands-based Srprs.me expanded their themed vacation packages to include self-guided road trips in 2020. As travel slowly returns to Europe, spokesperson Anneke told Lonely Planet that road trips remain the top choice for their customers.

“We only send our travelers to safe destinations, so there's no need to stay updated on the travel advice to decide where to go; we do that for them. I think that people definitely still have an appetite for the mystery [and] spontaneous element, but under the current circumstances they prefer the more 'safer mysteries', such as our road trips closer to home.”

Of course, there’s another big reason why many seasoned travelers want to try out a mystery trip and it has nothing to do with the pandemic. “I sometimes plan out my trips too much by researching all the restaurants, museums and sights that I absolutely want to visit,” Markus says. “This can sometimes eliminate the opportunity to being spontaneous. Not knowing the destination before you arrive at the airport forces you to keep an open mind and to go with the flow.”

“Please sign me up!” he adds.

5 mystery trips you can book right now

Pack up + go.

A surprise travel agency specializing in domestic US vacation packages. After a personalized survey, they’ll send you to a mid-size US city with a list of curated recommendations. Since COVID, they also have a Staycation option to explore closer to home. 

Guess Where Trips

Embracing the hyper-local, this Canadian company specializes in creating itineraries around Ontario. They are all self-guided which means it’s a great budget option when you really want someone else to do all the planning for you. They are expanding their offerings to trips starting from Vancouver soon. 

Uniworld Mystery River Cruise

A 10-day river cruising experience, the first voyage in June this year has already sold out and a second date added in September due to popular demand. Everything is included in the price and you’ll be sent a detailed recommended packing list beforehand, One thing you’ll need for definite is your passport. 

With departure airports in Europe, this company specializes in city breaks and has a few different themes that you can choose from or you can specifically request them to send you somewhere new. Self-guided road trip itineraries are also available from the UK, Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands. 

Departing from the UK, Spain, Germany and more, this is a straightforward surprise platform where they will set you up with a flight and a hotel. There is no option to customise with your interests though you can veto a few places during your booking process. 

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Redefining Road Trips

STEP-BY-STEP

How does it work?

Our itineraries include a 'Before You Go' package and four surprise stops. Each stop is packed with a new destination, specific recommendations, maps, travel tips and fun facts.

Select your trip style.

Select a day trip based on your location, interests, and travel preferences OR take our quiz to help narrow down options.

Get your package.

Choose between receiving a beautifully crafted package in the mail OR a PDF (digital version) of the trip which gets sent right to your inbox.

Pack your car.

Each package includes a ‘Before You Go’ booklet that will give you just enough information without spoiling the surprise destinations on your road trip.

Choose Your Starting Location

Our Trip Map

Our interactive map allows you to search for a trip's ending destination. Simply type in your city or address to see the closest trips to you.

Our carefully crafted itineraries feature four surprise stops, each one packed with unique suggestions, maps, insider tips, and fascinating facts that make exploring your local area a breeze.

Your trip package includes a ‘Before You Go’ guide and a series of envelopes that will lead you to several surprise destinations on your road trip.

Need help choosing a trip?

Why this makes a great gift

Perfect for the avid adventurer or the person who has it all, let them choose their own path with the help of Guess Where Trips. With each envelope comes a new exciting destination and locale to explore with none of the long hours of planning.

CAN'T DECIDE?

Take our road trip quiz!

Enter your departing address, select your interests, and preferred driving duration to find the best trip for you.

TESTIMONIALS

What People are Saying...

Each stop was so well thought out, perfectly timed, and so much fun. Like the rest of the world, my wife and I have been stuck inside during the pandemic, but Guess Where Trips introduced us to some hidden gems, and reminded us of how much fun it is to get out and discover new spots (and took away the stress of planning!). It was the perfect getaway. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

OMG! I did the Funky Florals trip yesterday with my mom and some friend and wow! The spots were absolutely amazing. The first stop was my favourite. If that was the only one it still would have been worth it! The rapids are insane! Doing the surprise trip next weekend and cannot wait! Thank you! Can't wait to see what's coming for the winter.

I cannot thank you enough for this! We went on our adventures trip and it exceeded our expectations! My kids were very excited to open the envelopes after each stop to see where we were going next. I took my mom as well, and she enjoyed every minute of it. The third stop was stunning! We stayed at the patio of the vineyard and enjoyed the beautiful view while we ate and sipped on some wine. Oh and the donkey sanctuary...cutest thing ever. Today has been one of the most memorable days yet!

My mom turns 60 this week and she always says she doesn't 'NEED' anything. So, I decided to get her a Guess Where Trip so that she could spend an entire day with her family doing something fun. She LOVED it!!! She said it was such a great idea and wants to go on another one with me ASAP! Thanks so much for an amazing day!

Ah! I just have to let you guys know, you're amazing at putting together fantastic road trips! We started out on the Hops & History tour, and ended up in the CUTEST beach town (you guys weren't lying).

Went on our third Guess Where Trips today, and like the others, it exceeded our expectations! Never know where we are headed until the day we go on our trip. Very well planned out road trips. They have taken me to many places I've never been to.

Not to be dramatic, but I went on one of your trips last weekend and it was the best day of my life.

My girlfriend and I went on your Weird and Wonderful trip on Saturday and we just wanted to say that it was such an amazing experience! From the moment we opened our first envelope it was clear that your team is dedicated to creating a very memorable experience for each of the stops! My girlfriend and I want to say thank you for helping us create some amazing memories and can't wait to do more trips in the future!

Absolutely LOVED our surprise adventure from @guesswheretrips! We visited so many beautiful and interesting places that we never would have stopped at otherwise. Also, the roadside food stops were 10/10. I highly recommend checking them out if you're looking for an amazing action-packed day!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We're here to help

What is guess where trips.

At Guess Where Trips®, we specialize in self-guided one-day surprise road trips . Leave the stress of planning to us! We design each road trips around a general theme, so you will have an idea of what you might get up to during the day, but you won’t know where we’re sending you! We love finding new small businesses, hidden gems, cute cafes, and picturesque towns. 

Need us to take even more stress off of the planning and help you choose a trip? 

Fill out our quiz here to help you decide on a trip!

What will I receive in the mail?

Our mailed road trips ($65) include a well-curated itinerary for the day with a focus on scenic routes, hidden gems, unique businesses, photo ops and a lot more. We pack the itineraries with travel tips, fun facts and stories about the places you’ll be visiting. Our trips come in five envelopes, which are tied with a bow and placed into a folder to keep everything neat and tidy. The digital version ($39) of the trip comes as a pdf.

Note: If you choose the PDF option, there are no surprise stop envelopes. All of the stops will be sent digitally to your email in one file , so scrolling through the entire document will reveal the surprise stops.

What's not included:  Food, drinks, gas, and admission (if there is a fee!) are not included in the price of our trips.

How long will my order take to ship? How much does shipping cost?

For orders over $50, we will ship your package for  free .

Shipping within Canada

We use Canada Post for all shipping within Canada. Our (free) expedited option takes 5-7 business days.

If you need your order quicker, there is an Xpresspost option at checkout for $12.

Shipping to the USA

We use UPS for shipping to the United States. The free shipping option takes 4-8 business days, while the $15 paid option takes 1-3 business days.

Do you have any overnight trips?

Although we cannot book hotels on your behalf, we do recommend extending the adventure by turning your one day road day trip into an overnight getaway (especially if you choose one more than 4 hours round-trip from home!) Keep an eye out for your confirmation email! In it, we will send you a list of our favourite hotels in the end destination if you would like to extend your trip.

How long are your trips?

Each trip takes roughly 6-8 hours to complete - this includes time spent at the recommendation and driving. Under the FAQ section of each trip page, you will find more detailed information about the round-trip driving distance from nearby cities. This will give you a better idea of how much time you can expect to spend in the car, based on your departure location.

How do I redeem my gift card?

After choosing a trip, please enter your 16-character code on the checkout page in the field under ‘Have a Gift Card?.’ This will then take your order to a zero balance.

Are your trips kid-friendly and dog-friendly?

Kid-friendly: Yes! Almost all of our trips are kid-friendly. Click here for our kid-friendly trips. (This will show you all of our kid-friendly trips both in Canada and the US). We recommend choosing trips shorter in driving distance to ensure it’s a pleasant drive for everyone.

Dog-friendly: Many of our trips are dog-friendly or some what dog-friendly! Click here for our dog-friendly trips (This will show you all of our dog-friendly trips both in Canada and the US). The trip page itself will also let you know if it is okay to bring your pup or not. Note: most restaurants and stores do not allow dogs inside, so most of your day will be spent outdoors if you bring a furry friend along.

Are your trips wheelchair accessible or good for people with low mobility?

Yes! Many of our trips are wheelchair accessible and good for low mobility. On the trip page, we list if the trip is wheelchair accessible. Click here for a list of all our most wheelchair accessible trips. (This will show you all of our wheelchair accessible trips both in Canada and the US).

Does the cost of the package include the entrance to any activities?

Most of the activities and attractions we recommend are free or have a minimal entrance cost (under $10/per person). We note the approximate costs per person in each trip package. If there is a higher entrance fee, we will recommend a free nearby alternative.

What's Included:

A ‘Before You Go’ guide with a packing list, approximate driving distances and more tips to plan for your day ahead.

A series of four stops that will make up your day’s itinerary with recommended roadside stops along the way.

Restaurant, attractions and activity recommendations based on your trip style.

Mailed version: includes 5 printed booklets (a Before You Go and 4 surprise stops) and shipping.

What's Not Included:

Transportation and gas.

Entrances and parking fees for some of recommended attractions (the majority of stops are free).

Food, beverages and gratuities.

PDF version: does not include printed booklets, itinerary is emailed

What we're up to

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Upcoming Trips

Your next big adventure is just right around the corner.

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Mysterious Adventures Tours

Mysterious Adventures Tours offers multi-day tour packages around the world, while embracing its history, culture, legends, myths, and folklore in the most breath-taking destinations around the world. Together, we will guide you to discover, explore, and redefine these magical places, while rekindling their history, folklore, and culture in a most unforgettable and mystical experience.

The Breathtaking

Be stunned by ancient beauties unknown to you, treasured in these far-away lands for thousands of years.

The History

Century-old of paths will be under your feet as you explore the culture and passions of these foreign lands.

The Culture

With each person we meet and every step we take we will be gifted a cultural lesson that fortifies their legends.

The Mystical

Each of our discoveries will bring distinct energies creating intense wonder while stirring your soul.

A Victorious & Ethereal Journey to Peru with Victor Paruta

Join Mysterious Adventures Tours as Internationally known and respected, Victor Paruta joins us to follow the magical Inca trails through the mystical peaks and valleys of Peru, including one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. Metaphysically guided by Victor, be part of a spiritual journey that will certainly offer life-changing experiences.

Embark on a captivating journey with renowned Paranormal Investigator Grant Wilson and internationally acclaimed Greek Psychic Medium Kathrine Sorilos . Join them as they take you to a world ruled by ancient deities and haunted by phantoms. Explore the enchanting cities and legendary islands of Greece and the Mediterranean, delving into the mystical allure of this ancient land. Brace yourself for a mesmerizing adventure on this unforgettable Mystical Odyssey.

Here are hand-picked travel experiences that are organized by ambassadors and guides that are passionate about mystical explorations.

Czech Republic

A New England Halloween Tour: Witches, Vampires & Phantoms (ft. Salem)

Experience a spine-chilling Halloween in scenic New England on this ten-day tour centered around Salem, Massachusetts. Encounter tales of witchcraft, explore historic sites, and delve into the supernatural. Led by international supernatural leaders Frightfully Good and Neil Storey , you’ll embark on paranormal investigations armed with the latest ghost-hunting equipment. Uncover secrets as you communicate with spectral residents in iconic locations where legends meet reality.

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The main service we provide here at Magical Mystery Tours is… well… mystery tours! Basically, we take all the research out of travel planning and add some surprise! You give us your desired travel dates, desired travel budget, and fill out a survey giving us as many (or as few) additional parameters as you feel comfortable with (for example: you hate places with sand, loathe camping, adore Montana, etc.)

From that information, we will tailor make a vacation for you, trying to keep in mind as many of your preferences as possible. From there, we will let you know a rough time and date you need to be at your travel hub (airport, bus station, etc.).

We email you a weather report for your destination a week before you leave.  Then, a few days before your departure you will get a packet of information via mail. Try not to open the packet though!  Ideally, you can wait until you’re at the airport and can get the maximum surprise from opening your packet there. Once you actually open the packet when at your travel hub, you will reveal details about your getaway, such as destination name, reservation information, and things to do near where you are staying.

A mystery traveler with a trip packet. (She has no idea where she’ll be going in a few days!)

In a time when most things can be examined and scrutinized through a little bit of internet research, this is an opportunity to insert some genuine surprise into your life!

Please click on the button below to fill out our Destination Questionnaire and submit it to our office. Once we receive your questionnaire, we will follow up with you regarding the next steps to send you on your mystery tour!

Interested, but have more questions?  See our FAQ.

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GoNOMAD Travel

Inspiration and links to plan your trip.

Mystery Trips: Going No One Knows Where

Mystery Trips: All the Fun, None of the Hard Work, No Idea Where You’re Going

By Samantha Butts

Oftentimes planning a trip is the most grueling part. You have to research places to stay, eat, and visit.

This part isn’t always bad, but sometimes it would be nice to not have to worry about all the details of your trip. Planning a vacation has become a long and often difficult process to do alone.

Travel agencies and tour companies are great for organizing trips with ease. However, there is a more exciting option that requires almost no planning on your part: mystery trips.

Mystery trips are not only planned for you, but they also create a sort of suspense for the traveler. For the journey to their location, the traveler never knows where they are going.

New England Coach Mystery Trips

New England Coach offers a variety of tours that suit your needs. They offer retail tours which are open to the public and private pre-formed tours for groups. The tours can be one-day trips or multi-day trips .

One tour, in particular, stands out against the rest. New England Coach’s mystery trips are its fastest and most popular tours according to Belinda Grace-Leonard, Vice President and co-owner of the company.

“Honestly, it’s something that would never sell on a piece of paper,” said Grace-Leonard. “It’s something that people have never heard about or have never done.”

The mystery trips give New England Coach the opportunity to give people an experience that they wouldn’t normally know about. The company wants to give people unique experiences that they may not sign up for on their own.

Keeping it a Secret

“It’s all about the surprise,” said Grace-Leonard. “We don’t tell them anything about the tour until we’re on tour.”

If you’re concerned about what to pack, don’t be. For the mystery trips, New England Coach makes sure to send you a packet of information that does not reveal too much about the tour. The packet informs you of what the temperatures are going to be and gives slight clothing suggestions.

The tour company may give some clues and hints, but only once on the road, and you are never going to know more than one stop ahead. Some people attempt to trick information out of the tour leaders, but they never give in.

What is included?

What you pay, which varies for each trip, includes a few amenities.

Your transportation is always included. Along with breakfast and oftentimes lunch and dinner. All attractions and hotels are included. Tour managers and sometimes guides are also included in the upfront cost.

What to expect on a Mystery Trip?

Everything with New England Coach revolves around group travel, so you can always expect to be with other travelers excited to discover something new. The tour managers work to get everyone involved and make sure everyone is enjoying their trip.

Grace-Leonard, who both plans and creates the itineraries for the mystery trips, tries to stay away from heights or anything that might cause motion sickness.

This means that she usually steers clear from boats. She doesn’t want to have to give anything away to travelers, so tries not to book tours that would require special warnings.

With its trips, New England Coach’s goal “is putting together a great product and seeing the enjoyment that it brings to other people’s lives,” said Grace-Leonard.

Learning en Route

When going on mystery trips with New England Coach, you are sure to learn something new from your travels, whether it’s a fact from a museum you stopped at or something you learned from a local.

In the past, the mystery trips have taken travelers to a wolf sanctuary in Eastern Massachusetts, the American Banjo Museum in Oklahoma, alpaca farms in Amish country, and so many more fun and exciting places that take you off the beaten road.

For Grace-Leonard, one of her favorite places she has ever taken a group was Custer State Park in South Dakota .

During the day, the tour group rented jeeps which they rode through the range allowing them to see the regrowing Bison population up-close.

Afterward, they retreated to a ranch in the park and got on a hay wagon along with a singing cowboy who serenaded them through the park. It was an experience you would not find anywhere else.

“The next tour is always my favorite tour,” said Grace-Leonard. “I truly never get tired of taking people to new places, even if I’ve been there multiple times.”

Christian Tours

Christian Tours is a tour company that offers trips from one day to twenty-four days. The company offers international tours, cruises, and motorcoach tours.

All of the motorcoach tours depart from North or South Carolina, where the touring company is based.

Like New England Coach, Christian Tours offers mystery trips.

Grand Reunion Mystery Tour

Christian Tours has been offering the Grand Reunion Mystery Tour since the late 80s. The trips occur in November and usually last six to eight days.

“We try to keep it different and unique and not the same as our normal catalog tours or normal offerings,” said Heather Paul the customer service and personnel director for Christian Tours.

Paul said they try to have fun with their travelers on these trips, even the coach drivers get in on the fun. They might take a wrong turn somewhere or wait till the last moment to switch lanes to make the journey more exciting for the travelers.

In advance of the trip, Christian Tours gives their customers clothing suggestions and tells them the average temperature but that is all.

What is included and what to expect

“We normally feed them really well,” said Paul. Travel is often known for feeding people, Christian Tours’ mystery trip includes two meals a day that you would not want to miss.

The tour company’s annual trip also includes attractions, luggage handling, and the services of the driver and tour director.

During the mystery trip, you can expect to be up and out by 8 a.m. and usually done for the day around 6 p.m. with dinner following shortly after. Some nights there may be evening entertainment.

Christian Tours is family-friendly and aims to make people feel safe, but the company also wants people to experience something new that they cannot get from the usual catalog.

During last year’s reunion tour, Paul recounts that they did the Grafton Skytour , which took them on a gondola ride up to the top of a small mountain. They were able to have a unique dinner on top of the mountain at Aerie’s Resort in Grafton, Illinois .

Mystery trips are a new and exciting way to travel. They offer the best of traveling and exploring without the hassle of having to plan the trip yourself.

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The Pink Bus

Mystery trips, the pink bus mystery trips.

We are excited to announce our " 2023 Trip Schedule ". We have some great trips planned and cannot wait for the adventures to begin. Check them out under future trips.  We finally joined the technology age.  New this year is Online Registration and Payments.  All you have to do is click the button “Book Now” and it will bring you to the online registration.  When making your deposit, if you use the ACH method of payment there is no charge.  There is a charge for using credit cards.  If you have any questions while registering, please let us know either by Contacting Us or calling 701-866-7319.   

The Pink Bus Mystery Trips provides getaway trips for women . The Pink Bus Mystery Trips are for women of all ages and of all walks of life. Women tend to be the caregivers, household organizers and hard workers both in and outside the home. It is important for women to take time out for themselves to reconnect with friends and family and at the same time have fun and relax! The bus departs from Fargo, ND (*unless noted differently). If you fill the bus up with your own group, we can pick you up at your location (minimum of 45 passengers).

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2,5 absolutely FREE DAILY walking tour in Moscow. We're TOP-rated company according to TA reviews! Book now and get meeting points details!

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Just 45 € - the best price for the best kremlin tour in moscow book now, ...also in petersburg.

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• DAILY tours. Moscow Free Tour is the only company in the city offering 5 daily tours, including the Kremlin, regardless of the weather, day of the week and group size!
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Moscow Free Tour: Every day, 10:45 AM

Since 2011 Moscow Free Tour has been rated number 1 among all the Moscow tour companies (according to TripAdvisor.com, the world's largest travel site). Our Free Tour covers the most important and interesting attractions of the city: St. Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, Lenin's mausoleum, etc.

WHY DO WE RUN THIS TOUR FOR FREE?

• We love our city and we want to share it with guests, regardless of their budget. We want to change foreign tourists' perception of Moscow and show a beautiful, modern, open-minded and friendly city. You might like our Free Tour so much that you will decide to join our paid tours.

Just make a booking, and our guides will eagerly take you for an amazing walk through our magical city!

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Moscow kremlin tour: 2.30 pm, except thursday.

The Moscow Kremlin is a must-see attraction in Russia, a beautiful fortress in the heart of the city full of history and legends. It used to be a residence of Russian tsars and communist leaders and now it's a working place of the president of Russia. Behind medieval walls you will discover the oldest square of Moscow and amazing cathedrals where Russian rulers used to get married, crowned and buried. You will see once the largest cannon and church bell in the world. 8 hundred years of Russian history in one place. Don't miss this experience with Moscow Free tour. No prepayment and no cancelation fee.

PLEASE PAY YOUR ATTENTION: PREPAYMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR KREMLIN TOUR

Moscow Kremlin Introduction Tour: Every day 3PM, except Thursday

This tour is definitely useful and beneficial for tourists who visit the Kremlin for the first time. The guide will meet you in front of the Monument to Marshal Zhukov nearby the Four Seasons Hotel and take you on a 45-minute introduction tour about the Kremlin in English. You’ll receive the most important information about the Kremlin as well as other city center highlights. Behind medieval walls you will discover the oldest square of Moscow and amazing cathedrals, where Russian rulers used to get married, crowned and buried.

Moscow Metro Tour: Every day 2PM, except Friday at 12:30PM

Take our Moscow Metro Tour and discover why our subway is recognized as the most beautiful in the world!

Booking is not essential! Just come and join the tour!

Communist Moscow Tour: Every day, 5:30 PM

For more than 70 years Moscow was the capital of the huge Soviet empire. The streets of the city are still full of remnants of the communist regime and the Cold War, and the fearsome Soviet strongholds still guard the young democracy in Russia.

Alternative Moscow Tour, 6:00 PM.

• St. John's hill, a quiet place in the city center with a pre-revolutionary spirit
• Khokhlovka, Russian hipsters and street art
• Khitrovka, the most terrifying neighborhood of Moscow in the nineteenth century: criminals, brothels and alcohol
• Zamoskvorechie, beautiful streets and lanes full of legends and love stories.

Booking is essential!

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Bunker-42: A Secret Stalin's Times Bunker in the Center of Moscow

Hit the secret nuclear bunker of the the Cold War times in the center of Moscow!

• walk with a guide across all levels of the secret Bunker-42
• visit the Museum of the Cold War and get a crash course on the history of the war
• as a little bonus, you will "survive" a nuclear attack and launch a ballistic missile!

Please note that tour happens not every day and the schedule may vary. If you booked the tour online, please wait until our administrator will contact you to confirm the date and time of the tour. Or contact us +7 495 222 34 66.

Utopian Soviet Buildings

• The Palace of the Soviets instead of the Cathedral of the Christ the Saviour. It could have become one of the highest buildings in the world with a 100 m Lenin statue on the top.
• The eighth Stalinist skyscraper instead of the Zaryadye Park. It was supposed to be the tallest of all the Sisters.
• The Narkomtiazhprom (the People’s Commissariat of Heavy Industry) building instead of the GUM. How would the Red Square look like with three skyscrapers or gigantic staircases going all the way up to the 16th floor?
• The Palace of Labour instead of the Moskva Hotel. What was it, kind of a fantastic beast lying on the square or an ultimate Constructivist manifesto?
• The alternative Lenin’s Mausoleum, the “Leningradskaya Pravda” buildings and many others.
• Moscow Free Tour
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• 177 reviews of Moscow Free Tour in Moscow

Testimonial

"A very enjoybale day in Moscow. We had a very nice and knowledgeable guide Anastasia.(Nastia) She was very passionate about the City and we learnt so much in our brief four hours walk with her! Certainly this walking tour added a lot of value to our Moscow Holiday. A great idea to educate visitors about Russia and Moscow. The group was intimate enough to ask questions and stop for snacks etc..we thoriughly enjoyed it and would highly reccomend it.Carry on doing a great job!"

"I really enjoyed the tour, it was a great experience, very informative and fun. I will definitely tell everybody about that tour, keep it it is a fantastic idea!"

"Sorry I do not remember the names :( ... They were very talkative and very into everything. I think they both really love the city, and they made me feel like this to. They knew much about History, which was very informative! Great guides!!!"

"We partook of the fantastic Petersburg Free Tour. Due to our timing during the low season (shockingly not everyone is flocking to Moscow while the average temperature is 15F), it ended up being just us and Sonia, the afore-mentioned super-guide. She quickly ascertained the limited scope of our wanderings.."

Moscow Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 63 most popular moscow trips. compare tour itineraries from 45 tour companies. 308 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating., popular moscow tours.

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Winter

• Explore the majestic St Petersburg & Moscow on private city tours
• Admire the rich Russian history, art and architecture
• Travel to Moscow on a highspeed train
• Enjoy the local cuisine in stylish restaurants

Golden Ring of Russia

Lower Volga Voyage

• Visit magnificent Red Square and Kremlin and examine the collection at theKremlin’s State Armory.
• Experience Russia’s diverse musical traditions at lively folk music performances
• Explore Volgograd, the site of the decisive battle of World War II’s eastern front

Best of Russia

Volga Dream Russian River Cruise

Highlights of Russia

St Petersburg & Moscow in Style - Summer

White Russian - 7 days

• Discover Moscow's UNESCO-listed Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum and the historic GUM Department store
• Explore the grounds of Moscow's mighty Kremlin, with its numerous governmentbuildings, gold-domed cathedrals and the giant tsar bell
• Celebrate New Year's Eve in Moscow!
• Take in the highlights of St Petersburg including a guided tour of the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the remarkable Hermitage Museum at the Winter Palace

All Moscow , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Moscow

Small Group Moscow Tours

Vodka Shot - 6 days

• Explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg, including the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt
• Marvel at the dazzling array of art and exhibits in the world-famous Hermitage Museum, at the Winter Palace in St Petersburg
• Discover a lavish residence of the tsars on a day trip to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo (winter: mid-October to April) or Peterhof Palace and gardens (summer: May to mid-October)
• Take in the highlights of the capital on a walking tour, visiting Moscow's famous Red Square, home to the historic GUM Department Store, Lenin’s Mausoleum and spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral
• Take a guided tour of the Moscow Kremlin, Russia’s political power house. Stroll around the grounds of this fortified complex, visit the Kremlin's cathedrals and see the mighty Tsar Bell

Route of the Romanovs - 10 days

• Learn about the last days of the Romanovs in Yekaterinburg, visiting the sites where Tsar Nicolas II and his family were assassinated and buried
• Straddle two continents at the famous obelisk Europe/Asia border marker in Yekaterinburg
• Experience the Trans-Siberian railway on an overnight train journey from Moscow to Yekaterinburg

New Year's in Moscow - 9 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo on Christmas Day and marvel at the incredible Amber Room
• Spend a night in Novgorod, an ancient city by the Volkhov River - explore the kremlin, cathedral and other sights and enjoy a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

Back in the USSR - 7 days

Russian Revolution - 9 days

• Visit historic Novgorod, an ancient city which straddles the Volkhov River. Explore the attractive riverside kremlin and experience a traditional Russian banya (sauna)

The Snowball - 6 days

• Visit Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo and marvel at the incredible Amber Room

Mood for Moscow - 4 days

• Head underground to visit a Stalinist-era Soviet Bunker on an optional excursion
• Stroll to the vibrant Izmailovo Market, which lies behind the walls of an ancient Kremlin, and shop for an array of souvenirs

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Moscow reviews & ratings, capitals of the north.

some hotels could have been better

It was jam packed with every place I wanted to go and see. I especially love my photo of us setting out on the night time river cruise in St Petersburg and the Peter...

I really did not buy much and what I did buy was small gifts for others .

Johanna-Marie

Good hotels, some better than others. Interesting itinerary

Too rushed. Optional tour rather too short

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Moscow Vacation Packages

Moscow vacations are always a great idea when it comes to traveling in Russia. Plan your trip to Moscow with a leading tour operator for Russia and enjoy the ease and pleasure that comes from it. You will stay at the centrally-located hotels, enjoy guided tours to Moscow's best sights with charming local guides, and, most importantly, feel relaxed and immersed in the Russian culture at all times. Wondering what the ideal way to see the best of Moscow is? Well, with a private tour to Moscow, of course! We will listen to your travel preferences and prepare a custom Moscow itinerary just for you. Let's start talking about your upcoming vacation to the gorgeous capital city of Russia.

Moscow Tour Highlights

Explore the capital of the largest country in the world, Russia.

Learn about the most visited sights in Moscow that are worth adding to your Russian itinerary. Create a fantastic tour to Moscow with a destination, choosing your wished activities.

• Moscow walking tour
• The Red Square
• St Basil's Cathedral
• Moscow Subway ride
• Tretyakov Gallery
• The Red Square in Moscow
• The Bolshoi Theater
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Moscow's Kremlin exploration
• 'Seven Sisters' Skyscrapers

Tips for Moscow Travel

Take a look at the good-to-know tips before visiting Moscow and have a fantastic time in the capital.

What to pack

Make sure to check the weather prognosis before your trip and pack accordingly.

When to travel

Moscow is beautiful all around the year. Choose traveling time according to preferred activities.

We suggest to always have some cash with you. You will need Rubles (RUB) for Russia.

How much to tip

Tipping is not required in Russia, but it's considered good etiquette, tip 10%-15% of your bill.

The average summer temperature is approx 18°C (64°F), and winter is around -6°C (22°F).

Some of the most popular souvenirs from Moscow are caviar, Krasnaya Moska perfume.

Best Moscow Sights

One of the highest points in Moscow and one of its most breathtaking places - the Sparrow Hills.

See the 344-feet Cathedral of Christ the Savior - the tallest Orthodox church in the world.

Enjoy masterpieces of Russian opera and ballet in Moscow's legendary Bolshoi Theater.

Being the most recognizable symbol of Russia in the world, Red Square is an absolute must see when in Moscow. 

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

I am very satisfied.

I have been using the Firebirds (Travel All Russia) services for a while. I am very satisfied.

WOW. From the choice of hotels to...

WOW. From the choice of hotels, an itinerary that ran to plan, the amazing Guides and drivers, and of course the stunning cities of Moscow and St Petersburg. No long queues for entry to museums, churches, and palaces.  I would gladly recommend using Firebird Tours (Travel All Russia) to anyone.

THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

I must say from the day I started to book my tip till the day I got home I had one GREAT trip and experience I always felt safe and cared for help was seconds away not that I needed any I will defiantly highly recommend your company to any traveler to Russia WELL DONE to the Whole team THANK YOU for making this happen for me !!!

We enjoyed the whole trip a lot

Overall we enjoyed the whole trip a lot. Moscow is beautiful and clean. Thank you very much for your patience and excellent organization of this tour. Everything ran very smoothly and according to schedule. The guides met us on time at hotels or at our train carriage on arrival. They all spoke good English, had a good local knowledge and were very kind and helpful.

The tour lived up to all expectations

I’m most pleased with Travel All Russia in arranging our ‘Volga Dream’ Russia tour, I would recommend using your services again as every aspect of our tour went off without a hitch. The communication between our tour representative was excellent as we required additional days on both ends of our tour. The visa process and the logistics were flawlessly implemented.

We had a great time in Moscow!

Everything was perfect and we are very satisfied with services and accommodations.

Loved my time in Russia

The trip was great. Especially want to mention the guides I had on the extra days were exceptional. Both guides and drivers worked out well. Thanks again for all your help and attention. Loved my time in Russia, and still haven’t stopped talking about it.

Exploring Magnificent Russian Capitals, June 2017

Just want to say that our guide in St Petersburg was really outstanding. You really felt like someone was looking after you. Very observant - knowledgeable. We really enjoyed time spent with her.

Exploring Vibrant Moscow, June 2017

The experience was great!!! We had an excellent guide. The hotel was fabulous.

Thank you for your help !!! was an unforgettable trip.

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Mystery Skulls - "forever" 10th Anniversary Tour 2024 (New Orleans) | The Parish At House of Blues New Orleans

Get ready to groove at the Mystery Skulls - "forever" 10th Anniversary Tour happening at The Parish At House of Blues New Orleans on July 18, 2024. The venue, located at 225 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, will be pulsating with hits like "One of Us," "Money," "Paralyzed," and more. This concert is a celebration of a decade of musical magic by Mystery Skulls, featuring a lineup of unforgettable tunes that will surely captivate the audience. The show kicks off at 8:00 PM, so mark your calendars and secure your tickets starting from March 15, 2024, at 3:00 PM until July 19, 2024, at 2:00 AM. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience the electrifying energy of Mystery Skulls live on stage. Purchase your tickets early to guarantee your spot at this momentous event.

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Home » Travel Guides » Russia » 15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow

Moscow, the sprawling Russian capital, is a city that’s both full of history and contemporary culture.

This is the centre of the Russian world, a city that armies have invaded, where nations have clashed and where revolutions have played out through the centuries.

It’s a city on the fringe of Europe, but a place that is very much at the heart of European history and politics, and for visitors, it can be a complex and enthralling destination to visit.

As much as there is to see and to do in the city itself, there is just as much to experience on day trips from Moscow too.

While Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country, and many of the better-known cities such as St Petersburg or Volgograd are hundreds and hundreds of miles away, there are many more unknown and unusual destinations to visit within a few hours’ drive of the capital.

Immerse yourself in the Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields and the lavish estates of the former Russian nobility. There are rural villages, grand Orthodox Monasteries and the chance to see Russian life outside of the city first-hand.

Here are the best day trips from Moscow.

Located just an hour north of the Moscow city centre, Korolev is an area that is almost a suburb of the expansive capital, but has retained its own unique identity. During the Soviet era, this was one of the most important industrial areas in the country, because this was the base for Soviet Space Exploration.

During World War II, the factories here produced anti-tank guns that helped keep the Soviet Union in the fight. After Germany was defeated, the factories and research centres began to focus on space.

The city became a ‘Science City’ as skilled workers from across the Union came here to settle and to launch the space programme. It became one of the more affluent areas in the country, and today, that distinction can still be seen on the streets and in the buildings.

When the Soviet Union collapsed, Korolev remained the headquarters of Russian space travel and still hosts Russian Mission Control.

2. Borodino

A two-hour drive to the west of Moscow is the battlefield of Borodino. This is a place that is revered in Russian history, and which perhaps should be much more well-known in wider European history too, because this is where the infamous French General Napolean Bonaparte fought the Russians during his invasion in 1812.

Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went on to capture Moscow, this was the beginning of the end for Napolean, as he went on to be ravaged by the Russian Winter and was forced to retreat soon after.

Just outside the small village of Borodino is the green and grassy field where the battle was fought. On top of a substantial hill is a lasting monument to the important event.

Located to the south-east of Moscow is the city of Kolomna, which in comparison to the Russian capital is very much a small-town escape.

This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region and there is a long and intriguing history to be discovered in the museums and monasteries.

Interestingly, the city was off-limits for much its tenure under the Soviet Union, because it was the site of important weapons factories. It was only in 1994 that the city was opened up and even now it is still very much unknown to tourists.

Kolomna makes for a great day trip, and you can explore the restored medieval walls, and the city’s very own Kremlin, a huge fortress which dates back to the 16th century.

4. Zvenigorod

Zvenigorod is as little as an hour’s drive away from Moscow city centre, and the small town makes for a pleasant break from the capital.

Zvenigorod is an old and historic place, with a history dating back almost a thousand years.

There are some beautiful monasteries to visit as well as the unusual Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can sample and explore this aspect of the local culinary culture.

Zvenigorod was also a town where the world-renowned Anton Checkov once lived, and you can visit a museum here that’s dedicated to his life.

5. Sergiyev Posad

North of the capital is the city of Sergiyev Posad, which is one of the few well-known tourist destinations in the surrounding region.

You will find this as a suggested stop on most travel itineraries to Moscow, and many tour companies include this as part of their excursions around the city because this city is home to the famous Trinity Lavra of St Sergius.

This is a huge Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, and continues to be run by monks who look after the revered tomb of St Sergius, who was laid to rest here.

It’s an important pilgrimage place for Orthodox Christians and an important stop for tourists.

6. Kubinka Tank Museum

Outside Moscow, you can find an unusual museum which will give you a truly ‘Russian’ experience.

The Kubinka Tank Museum was once the location of a Red Army tank testing ground. Now, it’s been turned into a huge museum that showcases every conceivable type of armoured vehicle.

7. Arkhangelskoye Estate

The Arkhangelskoye Estate was built on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th century when it was constructed by a Rusian aristocratic family.

For over a century, it was the domain of the nobility, until of course, the Russian Revolution and the advent of Communism swept the family that owned the estate out of the country.

The estate was opened to the public by the Communists and turned into a museum, which it remains today.

Restoration work after the fall of the Soviet Union saved the Arkhangelskoye Estate from falling into disrepair and kept the grounds and the grand palace as a lavish example of pre-Revolution Russia.

8. Yaroslavl

Yaroslavl is found a few hours to the north of Moscow and makes for a long day trip from the city. It’s worth the journey to experience one of the region’s most popular tourist destinations.

Yaroslavl is found on the banks of the River Volga and has been a historically important city throughout Russian history. The city has even been the capital of the country at various points.

You can explore the many museums and monasteries to learn more about this intriguing destination.

9. Rostov Veliky

Just south of Yaroslavl is the small but culturally rich town of Rostov Veliky.

This is another important site in Russian history, as the town can date its origins back to early Slavic settlement around Moscow.

Lake Nero is a beautiful and expansive lake near the town, fringed on one side by an ancient fortress, giving Rostov Veliky a wonderful atmosphere to experience.

10. Vladimir

Two hours east of Moscow is another historic Russian city that is very much on the regional tourist trail.

It makes for a great day trip from the capital because Vladimir dates back to the 12th century and is full of Russian history and culture.

This was one of the first Russian capitals and it still contains many beautiful medieval buildings that are hundreds of years old.

The small town of Suzdal is just a few kilometres north of the city of Vladimir.

The town is part of a fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the historic sites from both Suzdal and Vladimir.

The town was founded in medieval times and also acted for a time as an early capital for Russian kingdoms in the region.

Klin is a fairly unassuming town to the north-west of Moscow, but it’s worth visiting to see one particular sight, the house of Tchaikovsky.

The famous 19th-century composer spent his final days here and wrote his very last piece of work in the house in Klin. It is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

It’s a grand estate and an interesting insight into pre-Soviet, Russian culture.

13. Melikova

A short trip past the Moscow suburbs will bring you to another famous estate, the house of renowned Russian writer and playwright Anton Checkov.

By the town of Checkov, which was renamed in his honour, the museum of Melikova will take you on a journey through his life and indeed, what the lives of many of his contemporary fellow Russians would have been like too.

14. Gorki Leninskie

On the southern edge of Moscow is Gorki Leniniskie.

This grand estate was once the realm of Russian nobles, but after the Russian Revolution it was personally taken over by Vladimir Lenin who turned it into his own home.

He spent much of his last years here, and after his death, the estate became a shrine to his life and legacy.

Today it still remains an interesting museum, and is still in many ways a shrine to communism.

15. Losiny Ostrov National Park

Losiny Ostrov National Park is a huge area of protected land that is found right on the edge of Moscow and is even surrounded on several sides by suburbs of the city.

It’s unusual to find such a large national park so close to a capital and it’s easy to spend the day exploring this veritable wilderness of beautiful scenery and plentiful wildlife.

15 Best Day Trips from Moscow:

• Sergiyev Posad
• Kubinka Tank Museum
• Arkhangelskoye Estate
• Rostov Veliky
• Gorki Leninskie
• Losiny Ostrov National Park