Marathon in St. Petersburg End of June 2014

[Lastdance]

Does anyone have any information regarding the marathon that is being run the last Sunday in June, 2014?:confused: It looks like the race starts in the square by the Hermitage. Has anyone experienced a tour during this type of situation? Any information that you can add would be very helpful. Personally, I don't want to pay for a private two-day tour if our favorite sights are going to be closed. I heard that the closures happen a few days before the event.

Thanking you in advance! :eek::eek:

[MeHeartCruising]

Does anyone have any information regarding the marathon that is being run the last Sunday in June, 2014?:confused: It looks like the race starts in the square by the Hermitage. Has anyone experienced a tour during this type of situation? Any information that you can add would be very helpful. Personally, I don't want to pay for a private two-day tour if our favorite sights are going to be closed. I heard that the closures happen a few days before the event.

Thanking you in advance! :eek::eek:

 

I don't have any current information. However, in June of 2008, I was in St. Petersburg on a 2-day stop. I set up a pre-packaged group tour with Denrus. There were about 25 of us on the bus. On Day 1, we unfortunately were the victim of some form of race event happening. I honestly don't recall if it was a foot race, bike race, or what. But the result was that numerous streets were blocked off in the areas of town that we needed to be in to see the package sites. Unfortunately, it seems the Denrus driver and guide were not aware in advance that the race was taking place. We ended up driving around quite a bit thru the morning to find a path to get us to the various stops -- sometimes unsuccessfully going down a street only to find it also was blocked. We also encountered stopped traffic at least once when there was a traffic backup due to the race and no option to turn around. Once it was obvious what was happening, the guide tried her best to rearrange site visits based on our delays, our route adjustments, etc. We eventually did see everything, however, I felt slightly rushed to maintain the schedule due to the traffic delays. This was especially volatile while we sat motionless for about 20 minutes at one point. Over the course of the 2 days, however, we did see everything and by the end, I had pretty much forgotten the ill feelings I had on the morning of Day 1. But I do still feel that Denrus should have known about this in advance and made some sort of plan in advance. We felt like we were winging it the entire morning. Knowing what you know, I would be sure to make sure that whichever company you choose to go with also knows that the day you are booking is Race Day, so they can plan accordingly.

Edited November 7, 2013 by MeHeartCruising

[Lastdance]

I don't have any current information. However, in June of 2008, I was in St. Petersburg on a 2-day stop. I set up a pre-packaged group tour with Denrus. There were about 25 of us on the bus. On Day 1, we unfortunately were the victim of some form of race event happening. I honestly don't recall if it was a foot race, bike race, or what. But the result was that numerous streets were blocked off in the areas of town that we needed to be in to see the package sites. Unfortunately, it seems the Denrus driver and guide were not aware in advance that the race was taking place. We ended up driving around quite a bit thru the morning to find a path to get us to the various stops -- sometimes unsuccessfully going down a street only to find it also was blocked. We also encountered stopped traffic at least once when there was a traffic backup due to the race and no option to turn around. Once it was obvious what was happening, the guide tried her best to rearrange site visits based on our delays, our route adjustments, etc. We eventually did see everything, however, I felt slightly rushed to maintain the schedule due to the traffic delays. This was especially volatile while we sat motionless for about 20 minutes at one point. Over the course of the 2 days, however, we did see everything and by the end, I had pretty much forgotten the ill feelings I had on the morning of Day 1. But I do still feel that Denrus should have known about this in advance and made some sort of plan in advance. We felt like we were winging it the entire morning. Knowing what you know, I would be sure to make sure that whichever company you choose to go with also knows that the day you are booking is Race Day, so they can plan accordingly.

 

 

Thank you for your information. I have contacted SPB and they are arranging my 2 day tour to fit around the marathon; city places on Saturday, and outside the city on Sunday. They said because it is only two of us, we could still see everything we wanted to see in those two days. I did not want to miss the Hermitage etc. I guess I can expect lots of traffic, and a little craziness. I am so glad that you were able to see everything!

Edited November 7, 2013 by Lastdance

[MeHeartCruising]

Being in such a small, private tour, I'm sure you'll be well served. Have a great time. It's a great city that I hope to revisit some day.

[Lastdance]

Being in such a small, private tour, I'm sure you'll be well served. Have a great time. It's a great city that I hope to revisit some day.

 

Thank you! I do hope that you can visit someday soon, and enjoy all the St. Petersburg has to offer except a marathon!:)