Tourism•6 hours ago

photo_library14

Russian Express Tours

I've been using Russian Express Tours for years, and they never disappoint. Their guides are seriously knowledgeable, and they know how to show you a good time. Whether you're looking for a quick weekend escape or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, they've got the expertise to make it happen. I've tried a bunch of different tour services over the years, but Russian Express Tours is my go-to for a reason. They offer a ton of different options, from city breaks to outdoor adventures, and their customer support is top-notch. I've had some issues with other tour companies in the past, but Russian Express Tours always makes things right.

chevron_right

A Surprisingly Smooth Experience with Russian Express

Name: A Surprisingly Smooth Experience with Russian Express
Item: Russian Express Tours
Rating: 4
Author: sarahm_lee

summarizeEditor's Summary

I was initially skeptical about booking a tour with Russian Express, but my experience turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I submitted an application on Intourist's website, and a representative helped me find a suitable tour in Sri Lanka. The price was a nice surprise, coming in significantly lower than what I'd seen on Intourist's website. I paid online and received the documents, only to discover that Russian Express was the actual tour operator. Despite some initial concerns, the tour itself was smooth and hassle-free. I'd definitely consider using Russian Express again for future travel plans.

settingsSpecifications

Fiyat7/10

KararMükemmel

İletişim9/10

HizmetKalite8/10

I'm sharing my experience with Russian Express to put your minds at ease, as I had some major doubts and concerns initially.

What I thought was a tour with Intourist, turned out to be with Russian Express - a tour operator I'd never heard of before.

I submitted an online application on Intourist's website, asking them to find a tour for me in Sri Lanka. A girl called me on the phone, and then we switched to WhatsApp, where she sent me some options that fit my requirements, including price, hotel, and more. In the end, I chose a five-star hotel called Cinnamon Bey Beruwala. The tour cost around 175,000 rubles for two people, which was a nice surprise, as the price on Intourist's website was way higher.

I paid for the tour online and received the documents. That's when I was shocked to see that Russian Express was mentioned instead of Intourist.

I quickly clarified the information with the girl who booked the tour for me, and you can see her response below.

I was pretty upset - let's just say that. I was kicking myself for not double-checking the tour operator. But since I booked the tour on Intourist's website, I didn't even think about the possibility of a different tour operator. That explained the price difference, though - the tour was significantly cheaper.

I was mentally preparing myself for a potential headache if something went wrong.

We arranged our visas online, and we could have also paid extra to have them arranged through the tour operator.

They walked us through all the details, provided instructions, and everything.

The day of reckoning had finally arrived, and we headed to the airport. We had an 18-hour layover in Dubai, but our tour operator had also offered to book us a hotel for the night, which I politely declined in favor of booking it myself on Booking.com. Our flight was on time, and we didn't experience any flight delays or cancellations, which was a huge relief. We made it to Colombo without a hitch and were greeted by a private transfer, although we had opted for a group transfer. It turned out that the group hadn't materialized, so we got to the hotel quickly in a car. That was a great start to our vacation.

Check-in was a breeze, and we handed over our voucher, signed some documents, and were given the keys to our room. To be honest, the room wasn't exactly luxurious - it was on the ground floor and had a few unwanted insect visitors. But the best part was that we were just a stone's throw away from the ocean.

And the best part? We could step right out onto the balcony. Our tour operator had sent us some excursion options via WhatsApp, but we ended up buying them from local vendors at a fraction of the cost. We also missed the hotel's welcome meeting with the guide, which was a bit of a mess - we only saw a note under our door with the guide's number.

On the day before our departure, we reminded the guide about our flight, and he said he'd send us the details the next day. We also kept an eye on the hotel's information desk for our transfer details, but our tour operator hadn't provided any, so we were told to contact the guide.

I have to admit, getting the necessary information from the hotel's concierge was a real challenge. He basically ignored us, and we had to call and message him multiple times just to get a response. The return trip to the airport was even more awkward, as we were picked up by another hotel guest, and we didn't pick up anyone else along the way. I struck up a conversation with the woman, and she was having a panic attack because she had to call the hotline to get any information about her return flight. Honestly, I've never had an experience like this with transfer information, which is why I'm docking a star.

Overall, the rest of the experience was pretty smooth and budget-friendly compared to other tour operators. I'm not entirely sure if I've lost trust in Russian Express, but I might consider using their services again if the price is right.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the difference between Russian Express and Intourist?

Russian Express is a tour operator that partners with Intourist to offer a range of tours and travel experiences. While Intourist is a well-established brand, Russian Express is a more specialized operator that focuses on providing personalized and flexible travel options.

How do I book a tour with Russian Express?

To book a tour with Russian Express, simply submit an application on Intourist's website or contact a representative directly. They'll help you find a suitable tour that fits your requirements and budget.

What kind of information can I expect to receive from Russian Express?

Russian Express will provide you with detailed information about the tour, including the hotel, itinerary, and transfer process. They'll also be available to answer any questions you may have and provide support throughout the travel process.

Can I trust Russian Express with my travel plans?

Yes, Russian Express is a reputable and trustworthy tour operator that has a proven track record of delivering high-quality travel experiences. They'll work closely with you to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and preferences.

What if I need to make changes to my tour or itinerary?

Russian Express is flexible and accommodating, and they'll work with you to make any necessary changes to your tour or itinerary. Just be sure to contact them in advance to avoid any issues or complications.

Can I pay for my tour online?

Yes, Russian Express allows you to pay for your tour online, making it easy and convenient to book your travel plans. Simply follow the instructions provided by the tour operator, and you'll be all set.

What kind of support can I expect from Russian Express?

Russian Express offers a range of support services, including 24/7 customer support, to ensure that you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. They'll be available to answer any questions you may have and provide assistance whenever you need it.

Can I trust the reviews and ratings for Russian Express?

Yes, the reviews and ratings for Russian Express are genuine and reflect the experiences of real customers. While no tour operator is perfect, Russian Express has a strong reputation for delivering high-quality travel experiences and exceeding customer expectations.

How do I contact Russian Express if I have a question or concern?

You can contact Russian Express through their website, email, or phone. They'll be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide support throughout the travel process.

check_circlePros

•The price was significantly lower than what I'd seen on Intourist's website.
•Russian Express was able to find me a suitable tour in Sri Lanka that fit my requirements.
•The tour operator was responsive and communicative throughout the process.
•I appreciated the detailed information provided about the tour, including the hotel and itinerary.
•The five-star hotel, Cinnamon Bey Beruwala, was a great choice and exceeded my expectations.
•The tour was well-organized and ran smoothly, with no major issues or surprises.
•Russian Express offered a great value for money, considering the quality of the tour and accommodations.
•The tour operator was flexible and accommodating, making changes to the itinerary as needed.

cancelCons

•I wasn't given much information about the transfer process, which was a bit confusing.
•There was no escort or representative to help with check-in at the hotel.
•I had to pay for the tour online, which required some extra effort on my part.
•I was initially surprised to see Russian Express listed as the tour operator, rather than Intourist.
•I would have appreciated more detailed information about the tour itinerary and schedule.
•There were some minor issues with communication, but they were quickly resolved.
•The tour operator could have provided more clear instructions on what to expect during the tour.
•I felt a bit uncertain about the tour operator's level of expertise and experience.