Product Description
Find those exceptional places to stay and eat, and avoid those that aren't. Used by thousands around the world. Completely revised and greatly expanded. Now with 96 pages and over 500 selections, frank reviews and prices. Published by the National Historic Route 66 Federation to enhance your Route 66 trip. Objectively compiled by Federation members. Covers all 8 states including several major alignments. Particularly valuable in all those small towns. Easy to use. Heavy, durable stock. 3 3/4 x 8 1/2 glove box format.
Customer Reviews:
helpful.......2007-09-19
I am going to be traveling cross country in a couple of weeks and I will be referring to this quite often.
Helpful for finding food and lodging but I question the ratings.......2007-09-15
The book was helpful for finding food and lodging but I disagree on some of the ratings. Some motels listed as excellent were worse than some rated as good. The food ratings and recommendations I found to be more reliable. We stopped at many of the recommended food places and were not disappointed. The addresses listed in the book were helpful for navigating route 66 and determining what towns would be good for stopping.
Indispensable .......2007-08-23
We bought this book in anticipation of a Route 66 trip we are taking in a couple of weeks. The book is small but packed with information that we believe will prove very valuable. Each entry has ratings, exceptional places are marked with a star. There is information on which credit cards each place accepts or whether they only accept cash, a must know when hundreds of miles from home! I would purchase it again.
Not quite what I thought.......2007-08-07
I'm getting ready to take my first full trip down Route 66. I bought this guide to direct me to authentic 66 dining and lodging. I was disappointed to find that a lot of the places listed are chains and places that didnt exist on the original 66. However, it does mention if an establishment is a supporter of Route 66. In general, it is a good guide, if you don't care about the authenticity of the place.
Recent Vacation.......2007-07-10
We used this book extensively on our recent trip out west. We drove on Route 66 as much as possible and came upon the diners that were listed in this book. The author was right on with the descriptions. If ever in Flagstaff, AZ, try Miz Zip's. It was the best dining experince we had.
Book Description
Complete with photographs and drawings from Russia's Rocket & Space Corporation Energia, this Pocket Space Guide, #8 in the series, is a condensed history of the Russian Space Program from 1946 to the present day. Fifteen years after the founding of the program, in April 1961, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to fly in space, and the race was on. Fabulous spacecraft photos and facts illustrate and authenticate this authoritative history.
Customer Reviews:
Great Guide!.......2007-01-21
Editor Robert Godwin has done a fantastic job in telling the story of Russian space technoligies. You would think that in this 50th year since sputnik was launched that such a book would be HUGE and cost a great deal- but Godwin has put it all together so well with photos and diagrams- many that even I haven't seen before, that people of all ages and interests will get alot out of this pocketbook.
A good place to start!.......2006-12-14
This book is a great start to familiarize oneself with the Soviet/Russian space program, a program embedded in secrecy and with little information available in English. It's info-packed with drawings/illustrations and photographs. Again, one has to congratulate the author Robert Godwin, which has again shown the quality of his work.
Great details, cool pictures!.......2006-10-11
Apogee has done it again with this marvelous pocket guide to the Russian space program. From the Soviet-era moonships (with great cutaway artwork) to the mighty boosters and the trailblazing space stations, it's all here in one authoritative, well-illustrated volume. What a neat book!
-- Andrew Chaikin, author of "A Man on the Moon"
Book Description
This lavishly illustrated book tells the epic 300- story of St. Petersburg through its architecture, literature, music and art, from the city's origins and its earliest buildings through to the present day.
Book Description
century, Benjamin of Tudela, to create the first all-encompassing guide to Jewish Russia and Ukraine.
Until Communism fell, the Jews of Russia and Ukraine had been suppressed and denied human and religious rights. Today, not only are they reborn, but they are rebuilding a new, vibrant community for the twenty-first century. Frank explores this rebirth and guides both first-time and experienced travelers to Jewish and historical sites. He profiles synagogues, monuments, and schools that can be found in such cities as St. Petersburg, Moscow, Kiev, Odessa, and even Kishinev in Moldava.
Approximately 120 years ago, the majority of the world's Jews lived in what was called the "Pale of Settlement" in the Russian Empire. Most American Jews today trace their ancestry to Russia and the surrounding territories, especially Ukraine.
A Travel Guide to Jewish Russia & Ukraine will aid those visiting places where relatives once lived, as well as those simply in search of history.
Customer Reviews:
A ***correction*** to misinformation by "daryoush".......2003-12-06
This is a response to an earlier review that contained a major, major Big Lie.
Specifically, "daryoush" from Seattle, in the course of commenting upon this book and expressing interest in a book about "recent Jewish history" in Lebanon, West bank and the Gaza strip, says the following:
"I like to better understand the Israeli massacres in the refugee camps."
He/she also goes on to make several other specious statements including usage of the term "concentration camps."
Daryoush's statement is a Big Lie masquerading as a review. I have serious reservations about his/her agenda, but setting that aside for a second, the deaths in the refugee camps (that I assume he refers to, related to the 1982 war in Lebanon) were not "Israeli massacres." They were carried out, by all credible accounts, by Lebanese militiamen arguably under Israel's influence. This is not to excuse the killings, nor even Sharon's alleged negligence or complicity, but even in the worst case terming them "Israeli massacres" is simply inaccurate.
One has to wonder about the mindset of someone who would use such a term.
The need to respond to such garbage is a sad commentary upon the state of discourse on Israel and our times generally.
- Ezra in Minnesota
Nice, but incomplete series.......2002-09-10
I just got back from Russia and found this book. I wish I had found this earlier. It was hard to find English speaking guides in Russia as most excursions are in Russian. It would have been nice to read about the Jewish influences in the Russian history before the travel.
I also liked the writing style, very clear and captivating.
For completeness sake, I have one request from the authors....I am planning a visit to Lebanon, West bank and Gaza soon. I hope a brave soul would write about recent Jewish history in these areas before I go there. I like to better understand the Israeli massacres in the refugee camps, the villages and cities that they destroyed, the prisons and concentration camps that Israelis operated in southern Lebanon, and the occupied territories, etc. Such a book would be a valuable tool in understanding the current Middle East.
Terrific travel guide to Russian & Ukrainian Jewish history........2000-04-04
Approximately 120 years ago the majority of the world's Jews lived in what was called the "Pale of Settlement" in the Russian Empire of the Czar. Most American Jews today trace their ancestry to Russia, the Ukraine, and the surrounding territories and provinces of the old empire. Until Communism fell, the Jews of Russia and Ukraine had been suppressed and denied human and religious rights. With the collapse of the Communists, Judaism has emerged from centuries old persecution and pogrom and the synagogues, monuments, schools and other Jewish historical sites are available and accessible to the western visitor. Ben Frank's A Travel Guide To Jewish Russia & Ukraine is an invaluable, highly recommended travel guide for planning and implementing a trip in search of their family heritage and religious roots throughout Russian and the Ukraine.
It made me drop my chalupah and turn the page.......1999-10-31
Not only informative but terrific reading. It will keep you on the edge of your seat. A travel log that's enjoyable to read whether you visit the places or not. Put on your seatbelt because this is a journey well worth taking!
Book Description
Culture Smart! is a new series of travel guides written for the traveler on the go. Each volume is a quick, accurate guide to customs and etiquette.
Outstanding features of CULTURE SMART! * All the essential cultural and etiquette points are covered, making you confident in a variety of situations. * You will know what to expect in each particular culture. * You will learn how to behave in specific social and business situations. * Essential attitudes and values are clearly explained. * You will find each topic a quick, easy read due to the concise writing style. * Laid out in a clear and easy-to-read format. * Each book has the same look, page count, and organization for reference use. * Small and light, it tucks into your pocket or purse for on-the-go use. * Your Culture Smart! books are written by a staff of experts consult on world travel as a profession.
Be smart! Take Culture Smart! along when you travel abroad!
Customer Reviews:
Must Read!.......2007-09-23
This is a great book to read before traveling to Russia. It clues you into basic cultural patterns and behaviors, letting you know what to expect and how to act yourself.
Book Description
Insight Guides, the world's largest visual travel guide series, in association with Discovery Channel, the world's premier source of nonfiction entertainment, provides more insight than ever. From the most popular resort cities to the most exotic villages, Insight Guides capture the unique character of each culture with an insider's perspective. Inside every Insight Guide you'll find: .Evocative, full-colour photography on every page .Cross-referenced, full-colour maps throughout .A brief introduction including a historical timeline .Lively essays by local writers on the culture, history, and people .Expert evaluations on the sights really worth seeing .Special features spotlighting particular topics of interest .A comprehensive Travel Tips section with listings of the best restaurants, hotels, and attractions, as well as practical information on getting around and advice for travel with children
Customer Reviews:
Insight Guide: Russia........2007-01-05
This book gives ou a nice overview of the region, and incredible specific tips for visiting Russia.
A Fine Overview on Russia, but not Ukraine or Belarus.......2001-05-07
As usual for the Insight series, this book provides a great deal of practical information on the history, cultures, life, and tourism, especially for the visitor to the great cities of the Russian Federation, along many spectacular photographs. However, I thought the chapter on Lake Baikal was disproportionately long at the expense of other parts of rural Russia. Perhaps the book's greatest deficiency is the skimpy treatment of Ukraine (and Belarus, for that matter), which should now appear in their own full guides. Less than 60 pages of photos and text just doesn't cut it for these two countries combined. A charming photograph of a bunch of Ukrainian schoolkids posing for the camera more or less seems to ask the reader, "What about us?" Simply put, they should have an Insight Guide book of their own next time around.
Insight Guide Russia Insightful But Not Complete.......2000-04-19
Insight Guide Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine covers a goegraphically vast expanse of the three countries. It offers a comprehensive history of the regions, and an overview guide to slavic and eurasian culture; including music, art, theater, literature, and food. The large section dedicated to cities and towns of the three countries is excellent for a tourist who wants a brief overview of the architectural and cultural highlights of each location. The street, country, and metro maps are excellent. The small list of lodging and restaurants in each city is adequate, but not spectacular, and most listings are on the pricey side. This book did have one deficiency; while it listed the locations of each city and landmark on maps, the writers did provided limited insight as to how to reach these locations from a central point such as the larger cities in each region. There is no mention of specific bus or train routes connecting the cities, and little information about reaching outlying monasteries and resorts, other than a goegraphical direction. I recommend this book as an aid to a tourist on a an organized trip of Russia. It is also an excellent source for the independent traveller who speaks Russian well enough to arrange their own travel between cities by inquiring at train stations or tourist centers. Other useful tools are the language guide, tips on local customs, and the communication information pages, which offer telephone, mail, internet, and wiring information.
Book Description
As the symbolic heart of Russia, Moscow, which recently celebrated its 850th anniversary, has enjoyed a renaissance as one of the world's great cities. The capital's once somber streets now buzz 24 hours a day with purposeful activity, and joint ventures between east and west have already opened plush new hotels, internationally-stocked shops, and well over 1,000 eating establishments. Her sister-city, St. Petersburg, host of Russia's Golden Age and cradle of revolution, and surely Russia's soul, celebrates its 300th anniversary in 2003. One of the most graceful and well-proportioned cities in the world, filled with baroque and classical architecture, intersected by canals, it is easy to see how St. Petersburg became the inspiration for musicians, artists and writers such as Rimsky-Korsakov, Pushkin and Dostoevsky.
This book contains a wealth of information on the two cities and the regions surrounding them: fully updated histories and cultural connections of the cities, information on finding accommodation, shopping and restaurants, details of museums, architectural landmarks and theatre and comprehensive tours of each city. Also included is an indispensable guide to the Golden Ring, a series of ancient Russian towns set in the stunning countryside around Moscow.
• Second edition of a best-selling guide with detailed cultural, historical, religious and political studies of these fascinating cities • An itinerary to the Golden Ring of ancient Russian towns surrounding Moscow • Indispensable facts and practical information for the traveler • Literary excerpts from writers such as Alexandre Dumas, Alexander Pushkin and Fyodor Dostoevsky • Special topics include essays on the Russian Circus, the Trans-Siberian Railroad, Catherine the Great and the Siege of Leningrad • This edition coincides with the 300th anniversary celebrations of the founding of St. Petersburg • 126 color photos • 16 easy-to-use maps and plans
Customer Reviews:
So-so.......2006-05-22
This book is a mixed bag.
The color photos are amazing and the historical stuff great.
As a travel guide though it has little on the basics (food, hotel, etc), and pretty crummy maps.
Also there are NUMEROUS mistakes in the spelling of Russian things. Clearly whoever DID edit it, didn't bother to check the Russian stuff AT ALL. Like page 61 and obmen valyutOO, and page 65 suggesting women look for bathrooms labeled 'Sch'. The Russian for women is ZHENschina not SCHENschina.
The author writes for Russian Life magazine, these sorts of errors are pathetic.
Not Hiding.......2005-04-21
My experiences with Nordbye's book were uniformly positive, and I found the book both useful and informative. It's a useful addition to anyone's collection of travel books, especially if you're contemplating a trip to Russia. Lots and lots of data, and friends who've used the book have come back and thanked me for giving it to them.
I'm not using a pseudonym or alias to write this.
Don't Leave Home Without This Book .......2005-04-21
One of the most fascinating travel books I have ever read. Ms. Nordbye takes us to every corner of Moscow and St. Petersburg, from the early history of the Tsars to modern-day politics, to the Moscow Circus to hotels, Russian bathouses, restaurants, and dos and don'ts of being a tourist. I loved this book!
How many facts were checked?.......2005-03-09
I seem to be alone with this 1-star rating when previous voters have all awarded fives, all of which were voted "helpful" by all previous readers. While it's not the worst guidebook I've read, it is however often flawed.
I know that keeping a guidebook up to date is a challenge - especially in a place like Moscow - but Ms. Nordbye still could have done a much better job. My edition is 2003, so there are few excuses for her description of the Central Lenin Museum - complete with opening hours etc. The museum was closed right after the coup of 1993. It opened up again for the first time in early 2005 as a venue for an art show, but no longer functions as a Lenin showcase.
Yes, there are some interesting historical details in the book - but there are plenty of questionable claims too - example - Russian soldiers in WWII used their daily 100ml vodka rations to make Molotov cocktails to throw at the enemy. [???]
Well, it might have happened a few of times - but anyone who knows anything about Russian drinking habits, or the unsuitability of ethyl alcohol to make an effective molotov cocktail - is likely to start being sceptical about the rest of Ms Nordbye's colourful historical titbits.
Ha! A brick to warm the armchair traveller........2004-08-03
I did originally choose this book because of the great reviews, and because it was one of the most recent publications. It is a fine tome to read for those who are planning a trip. Long term planning, I mean -- read it six months before you go, because that's how long it takes to read and digest all the information. Or even better -- read it and don't bother to go. This book has so many photographs that you barely need to see the stuff for yourself. It weighs about six kilos, so don't plan on taking it anywhere with you.
Otherwise -- a good review of history and valuable detail. It was worth poring through before I moved to Moscow, but a smaller, handier travel guide would be a better reference while traipsing through the city's well-kept secrets.
Amazon.com
Mark Taplin went to Russia in 1984, a junior-level diplomat sent deep into Cold War land. He tells of the map he studied, colored green for the few cities where foreigners were allowed, and omnipresent red for "Stay Away." In 1992 Taplin returned. Russia and the U.S. had signed an "Open Lands" agreement allowing free travel, and Taplin wanted to explore the lands that taunted and haunted him from the map eight years before. The result is a book you can't put down, an informed look at a complex country. Russia requires more than a casual eye and pen to sort through the contradictions, and Taplin excels in both.
Book Description
"An extraordinary and beautifully written chronicle that combines the best of different genres: travel writing, journalism, and history . . . A modern classic tale of a foreigner’s travels through Russia."--Kirkus Reviews
VAST FORBIDDEN AREAS, once marked in red on official maps of the Soviet Union, were suddenly thrown open for travel in 1992 when the United States and Russia signed the "Open Lands" agreement which allowed free travel throughout both countries. For nearly 75 years whole cities and regions, roads, rail lines, and rivers, had been colored crimson on the maps, hidden from the prying eyes of foreigners by the secretive Soviet government.
Taplin interpreted the Open Lands agreement as an invitation to hit the road, visiting seven cities and regions – from the Arctic to the Caucasus, from Gorky in the west to Kamchatka in the far east – which had been barred to foreigners for decades. Taplin’s report of what he found, Open Lands, is an exhilarating, rugged journey into the world of ordinary Russians.
"While Open Lands does not pretend to be a scholarly work," wrote the Moscow Times, "there is enough research here to satisfy the historian. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read . . . a heartfelt evocation of lands and peoples struggling to come to grips with their past and their future."
Customer Reviews:
A recommendation........2007-03-10
I agree that this is very well-written, and would definitely recommend it others. Also, for a similar look, but a different time period, look at George Kennan's Tent Life in Siberia: An Incredible Account of Siberian Adventure, Travel, and Survival - it's terrific.
Well-done indeed........2004-07-14
As an American who has lived in Russia at various times over 4 decades, over 40 years, both under Communism and in the decade since the fall of the Communist regime, I can say "Open Lands" really resonates. The author has done an excellent job of conveying the feel of the place - the look, climate, atmosphere. Beyond that, he's done a very good job indeed weaving the larger political and historical context into the work, so that places are set in time and space. Beautifully written, sensitive, accurate, telling account with great eye for detail. Fascinating, and worth buying.
Open Lands, Closed Mind?.......2004-01-12
This is basically a time-warp report which punishes Russia about past tragedies, human suffering, and sly politics; written with a sort of morose satisfaction. It's not about the Russian spirit successfully striving to leapfrog from the 19th century Russian culture into the 21st century global culture. Readers will either rub their hands with glee at the sullen, false representation of Russia's lost century as still extant, or they will admire the spirit, creativity and willpower of a people strong enough to bounce from a 3rd world country to a fledgling 1st world country...in just ten years!
For the savvy reader, the book does provide a remarkable opportunity to read between the lines and compare new news with old history. The trap for the unwary reader is to take the author's second-hand descriptions of old Russian tragedies and past injustices as a blanket picture of present day. He lovingly describes the infrastructure conditions left over from an oppressive era; cracked buildings, ex gulag-prisoners' memories, hidden mass graves, cold trains, sheep's-head dinners, 1940-truck repairs, out-dated clothing, smuggling, mud, vodka, no bitumen, and so on.
All seems hopeless and the read can be a bit of a downer unless one slaps himself awake to realize that Russia is not starting from the bottom. It's not an apathetic, fly-blown, poverty stricken bog that can't feed itself. In reality, there is no-one starving, the trains are clean and do run on time. They have industry, science, medicine, atomic energy, universities, space travel, literature, art, agriculture, creative spirit, smiles and hope.
Otto von Bismark, the Prussian chancellor, once commented, "The Russians may take a long time to saddle their horses, but when they ride, they ride!"
I give the book three stars for reporting, with seeming relish, only the unsavory.There's an opportunity for the author to redeem his objectivity and do the trip again in present time for Volume Two. It would make a very interesting read. Except next time, interview the people who are remaking the country; shave, bathe and leave the back-pack at home.
Great read.......2003-10-18
A former member of the US embassy staff in the old Soviet Union, Taplin is able to walk you through the booze fueled transistion from communism to democracy.
It's not a blow by blow historical read but a time stamp of someone who was there when these events happened and chronicles the reactions of the average Yuri on the street to the countries tectonics.
The title is a reference to the agreement (the Open Lands agreement) signed between the US and Russia that allowed each others citizens unimpeded access to the areas of the respective countries. When Nikita Kruschev came to America he was irate at not being allowed to visit LA. It was closed. With the new open lands agreement Taplin journeys to the previously unvisited (by Americans) towns of Russia.
A great job.
Worth a read - SLANTED, but worth a read.......2002-08-23
A good effort, and most of it is interesting and entertaining. His description of the mood and conditions are quite accurate and illuminating.
Which is the rub - his bias gives the book a feel of one written at the height of the Reagan era, and not by a typical American travelling Russia in the 90s. An 'Information Officer' in the U.S. embassy, son of a spook... 'nuff ced. His description of Russian trains clearly show he's NEVER ridden on Amtrak, and his condemnation of 'soulless monumental Stalinist architecture' makes me wonder WHERE in Washington D.C. he was living.
The main annoyance with the book is his constant references to some mysterious pre-revolutionary golden age in Russia. Basically, he seems to feel that everything SINCE the Revolution was bad, and everything BEFORE automatically good (perhaps coming up with spin for the State Dept. has made it easy for him to ignore the pre-revolutionary 90% illiteracy, NO health care, serfdom, etc. - he doesn't seem to recall that the schoolkids he talks to wouldn't have BEEN schoolkids under old Nicky II).
As I said, a good read, but it has a definite Reagan-era feel to it. A good companion to Jeffrey Tayler's OUTSTANDING 'Siberian Dawn', or Colin Thubron's "Lost Heart of Asia', and 'In Siberia'.
Average customer rating:
- Belarus, huh?
- Don't be paranoid!
- Big Russia
- A Guide for the 17,000,000 square kilometers of Russia
|
Lonely Planet Russia & Belarus, Third Edition
Richmond Simon ,
Mark Elliott ,
Patrick Horton ,
Steve Kokker ,
Baty Landis ,
Wendy Taylor , and
Mara Vorhees
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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| Belarus & Ukraine
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Similar Items:
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Russian: Lonely Planet Phrasebook
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Moscow (Lonely Planet City Guides)
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Trans-Siberian Railway (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
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Ukraine (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)
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St. Petersburg (Lonely Planet City Guides)
ASIN: 1740592654 |
Book Description
Cosmopolitan cities, bubbling volcanoes, spectacular mountains and breathtaking art - Russia is as diverse as it is dramatic, while Belarus satisfies those in search of a Soviet experience. Untangle the conspiracy theories and immerse yourself in the rich heritage - from Minsk to Moscow, Siberia to Kamchatka, make sure you're carrying this best-selling guide to the world's most enigmatic destination.
CULTURAL CONTEXT - in-depth background information brings you up to date on Belarusian politics and Tuvan throat-singing
DISCERNING REVIEWS - hand-picked listings from our team of expert authors reveal Moscow's swankiest clubs and Siberia's finest adventure tours
140+ MAPS - detailed, grid-referenced maps throughout
COMPREHENSIVE LANGUAGE CHAPTER - includes Cyrillic script
Customer Reviews:
Belarus, huh?.......2006-10-15
What to say about Belarus? Well, we spent the day the White Russkis commemmorate the end of WWII there, so I've seen it in all of its "grandeur". Not much to recommend it, go and see Belarus if you missed out on the post WWII East European dictatorships, because Belarus is the last of its kind. A genuine personality cult around the president runs politics, and you can get a feel for what it was like in 1970's E. Europe. Guess what- you will not like it. Take some pics of Minsk & move on to Moscow. And if you can find a decent hotel in Minsk, you've done better than my wife and I did.
Don't be paranoid!.......2006-10-04
There is a wealth of information in this book but some of the information is way off. For example the restaurant Lechaim is said to be "excellent" and the cooking is "served in hearty portions". I got a small portion of fish, two soups and salad for an outrageous price of $50. LP warns that prices change but the book is only a few months old. Also the authors are overly sensitive about fitting in by suggesting that you use a plastic bag like the locals instead of a backpack to carry your things. First of all what is wrong with looking like a foreigner? Are they suggesting that Russians don't like foreigners? Anyway many locals use back packs. I also didn't get stopped by police outside the Moscow railway station. The book sanctions some level of paranoia possibly to protect themselves. Maps are accurate and so are many of the museum schedules. I would suggest trying some of the restaurants not mentioned in the book. You can find some good food that way.
Big Russia.......2005-08-19
The only problem with this book is that if you're planning to travel just to an area of Russia, you won't need as much information of others. Russia is huge so the place you're travelling to, probably just will have a couple of paragraphs....
A Guide for the 17,000,000 square kilometers of Russia.......2004-01-06
So you have already seen the present (Moscow) and former (St. Petersburg) capital, and now you would like to see the "real Russia", or you have an airplane conference to attend in Kazan, or you have adopted a child from Murmansk, or you are meeting a prospective bride from Magadan (don't laugh--whenever I answer questions from people who are traveling to regions outside of Moscow/St. Petersburg, 80% are going for adoption or marriage!). There are almost no current guidebooks to regions such as Perm, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Volgograd, Crimea, Minsk, and the Far East. The 'Lonely Planet Russia and Ukraine' has the largest area coverage of any guide currently published in English.
It is also ideal for those taking a river cruise between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The coverage of the famed Trans-Siberian route is ok, although I think the 'Trans-Siberian Handbook' and 'Siberian Bam Guide : Rail, Rivers & Road' do a better job for those particular regions.
The Moscow/St. Petersburg sections are ok as well, although anyone spending more than a few days in each of those cities should look into guides that cover only those cities.
Restaurant, hotel and travel information are good, although could use more details. The history sections are adequate considering the scope of the book. Also, the twice-yearly updates at Lonely Planet's web site, although lacking in breadth and depth, provide some more timely information than what appears in the book.
Marc David Miller, Discovering Russia, New York
Customer Reviews:
Rick is Better on PBS........2001-12-17
We felt like we wasted our money on this guide. The authors tried to cover too much ground in one book -- in doing so, the reader is left with a feeling that the info is incomplete and inadequate. We did not visit Latvia or Lithania, but we did see some of Moscow and St. Petersburg before taking the Finnish Sibelius train to Helsinki. We also visited Tallinn, Estonia by Silja's wonderful "Super Seacat IV" ferry. (The two of us traveled on our own -- avoiding the tour groups.) Russia/Finland/Estonia is a wonderful trip to for younger and older adults (leave the small kids at home). The title of the book is somewhat misleading, as the authors focus on and cram Helsinki, Tallinn, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Vilnius, and Riga into 138 pages. Page 42, "Eating in Helsinki" only received 2/3 of a page (five short paragraphs). The chapter on Tallinn, Estonia is only 15 pages and is sadly incomplete -- as we walked around Tallinn, we wondered if Rick Steves had actually ever visited Estonia.
..., its an utter waste of money........2000-05-05
Simply stated, this book borders on useless. If you buy this book and are planning to go to the Baltics, I hope you only want to see the capital cities. There is no mention of the beautiful seaside resort towns, eco-tourism spots which are very popular there, or even the major cities other than Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn. Similarly, with Russia, don't plan on learning any useful info beyond what's written on Moscow & St. Petes. Even the info which *is* presented is so minimalistic that you it would not aide anyone. Advice such as "ask a native speaker to help you get a taxi" isnt exactly helpful, is it? No, and neither are the handdrawn maps. One saving grace with this book: it has good bus information (but the most recent info given is for 1997!). Want a good guide on the Baltics? Check out the "Lonely Planet" guide for this region, which I would give at least 4 out of 5 stars. I hope Amazon lets me "return" Rick Steve's book.
Concise and perfect.......1998-11-07
This book covers the gateway that you'll probably use (in my case Helsinki), the cities you'll probably go to (Moscow and St. Petersburg), and the Baltics. Steves separated the wheat from the chaff, and this tiny guide was all I needed for 2 weeks in Russia and the Baltics. Others may be bigger, but they will have you working overtime to determine where to go, and what to do. This tiny little guide covered everything needed for the independent traveler. The only thing I have to criticize is: whenever possible use trains, not buses.
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- The Dead of Winter: How Battlefield Investigators, WWII Veterans, and Forensic Scientists Solved the
- Paris With Kids 2nd Edition
- The Demand for Money: Theoretical and Empirical Approaches
- Landmark Papers in Economic Fluctuations, Economic Policy and Related Subjects
- Ratner's Star
Here It Is! The Route 66 Map Series
Route 66: EZ66 Guide for Travelers
Route 66 Adventure Handbook: Updated and Expanded Third Edition (Route 66 Series)
Route 66: Traveler's Guide and Roadside Companion
Route 66: The Mother Road 75th Anniversary Edition
