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Russia, TransSiberian, Belarus and Ukraine sticky

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Thanks to Ruth (Everbrite), Gene (TravelsWise) and Louise (lo... more »

Double entry visa. Do you have to exit Russia?

Hi,

I am just about to apply for my letter of invitation. I will be entering Vladivostok on the 26 January 2010. Crossing over from Blagoveshchensk into China on the 4 February. Back into Russia at Blagoveshchensk on the 6 of February 2010 and finally departing Russia from Vladivostok on the 16 February 2010.

If my plans change, or I indeed change my mind do I have to leave Russia and go into China? Or can I stay in Russia the entire time and not cross into China even though I have a double entry visa.

I am using trains to get around and I have pretty much worked out trains, times and days. However I do know that the plans can change.

Many thanks in advance.
Barry

berlin to poland??

hi just trying to get my girlfriend from berlin to well ideally krakow but need a cheap mode of transport, found trains but cant find prices, cant find any coaches and flights?? can anyone advise me how to help her PLEASE!!

Thanks guys xx

Bus travel times in Turkey

I am interested in the travel times via bus between:

Bodrum and Pamukkale
Bodrum and Izmir
Kusadasi and Selcuk
Bodrum and Selcuk

Many thanks.

Kiev to Istanbul

Hello Everybody!

Me and a bunch of friends a planning to do a two-weeks trip round the western shore of the Black Sea in march and april 2010.
We are thinking of taking a train from Vienna (where we all live) to Kiev, Ukraine. Has anyone ever gone from Vienna to Kiev by train? Is there anything we should know about it?
In some thread I picked up it would be cheaper to buy train tickets in Bratislava, Slovakia then buying them in Vienna, Austria. Is that right? In case it is: What's the difference?

From Kiev we want to head to Odessa. Is there a bus service on E-95/M-05 road?

What is the best way of getting to Romania from Odessa? I heard about difficulties with the Moldovan border authorities at the Reni-Galati crossing. Is there a direct bus Odessa to some place in Romania, maybe to Constanta?

Thanks, Thomas

Krakow- the less well trodden path

Hi

I am going to Krakow for four days, but did a much longer trip round Poland a couple of years ago. I have wondered round the main square and Jewish quater, as well as visiting Auswitch; and the salt mines. We did not get tickets to Wawel castle, so just wondered around the free bits.

Can anyone suggest anything else that is definetely worth a see or a great experience? Having wondered aimlessly round western Europe, I know some of there's always some really great things that don't make the main tourist drag. Due to the short time we would prefer to stay within the city centre, but would be willing to do a day trip. We don't speak or read any polish worth mentioning, so it would need to be accessible by English speakers. We had thought of a tour around Nova Huta. We thought that we would only really get anything out of this area by going on an arranged tour, but that'... more »

your favourite polish books?

hello,

my brother-in-law is from Poland (and has been living in Gemany for many years now), he's in this thirties.
I'm looking for a Christmas surprise now, i.e. a Polish book that he wouldn't expect from me.
I tried to research about what has been published in Poland lately and got good reviews, but since I do not speak any Polish it's rather difficult to find out ...
I'm not very sure about his taste, I think he would prefer something "intellectual", maybe historical or political non-fiction, or a biography or even a good fiction book. Is there any modern Polish "must have" literature?
Or could you recommend a special book that you personally find exceptional?
I would be very grateful for any suggestions (and ít would help me a lot if you could explain in one or two sentences what your suggested book is about).

Thanks in advance :) Cheers from Hamburg
Christine more »

Free train ticket Kapikule (Turkey/Hungary border) to Budapest 2pax

I have a free train ticket for two people from the Turkish border at Kapikule to Budapest. We travelled from Budapest to Istanbul by train, and the ticket to the border was cheaper to get a return than one way (go figure!) so we have an unused return trip left over if anyone wants it. Buy a ticket from Istanbul to Kapikule and you have a complete journey to Budapest (or Belgrade or Sofia which are along the way). I'm staying in Istanbul until the 28th Nov.