The tour gives helpful hints, such as to survive on public transport during rush hour. Ryumochnaya (kind of bar in Russia) establishments appeared in St. Petersburg in the 19th century ...

(Travelers on ship tours don’t need visas ... Westerdam’s 8 1/2 -hour expedition, “Grand St. Petersburg.” Don: Our adventure in Russia started at 9 a.m., when we walked down the gangplank.

Despite all these efforts, many in the industry say Russia still faces an acute shortage of tourists. "It's not like it used to be," said Maria Khilkova, a tour guide in Saint Petersburg.