nacta travel

Latest News

ACI Europe reports near full recovery in Q1 air traffic for 2024

Last-minute packing tips for busy travelers

Wego introduces WegoBeds, a hotel bedbank connecting Middle East hotels with Wego’s global partner network

LOT Polish Airlines to add three Embraer E195-E2s

Ariva Luxury Residences unveils new serviced apartments in Las Vegas

1000MTG unveils revolutionary travel booking platform: 1000Access

Booking.com reports surge in family travel bookings for Summer 2024

Experience Abu Dhabi scoops Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at the 31st edition of ATM

CHTA presents Caribbean Travel Forum 2024: Visioning a new tourism landscape for the region

The three best steps to retain tenants as a landlord

NACTA’s new consumer website connecting travelers with travel consultants

Users currently can search for a travel consultant based on location. Within the next 30 days, they also will be able to find a consultant based on destination and specialty.

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The National Association of Career Travel Agents (NACTA) is bridging the gap between consumers looking for professional advice on travel planning and NACTA members eager to help them make the right purchase decision for the ultimate travel experience. By launching FindATravelConsultant.com NACTA is helping consumers understand the value of using the services of a professional travel consultant.  

This new consumer website benefits both consumers and NACTA members by first garnering the interest of consumers travel desires then showcasing the experience and niche specialties of NACTA members through their individual travel profiles called the NACTA “One Sheet”. For those consumers unsure of How or Why to use a professional travel consultant, the website provides information to clearly educate the traveler on why doing it alone might not be in their best interest. Users currently can search for a travel consultant based on location. Within the next 30 days, they also will be able to find a consultant based on destination and specialty. “Announcing this new member benefit at our annual conference this fall was received with welcome applause as NACTA is able to source new business for its valued members” said NACTA President Ann van Leeuwen . “Helping NACTA travel consultants profile their expertise and introducing new clients that value their expertise is a win-win for both travel consultants and suppliers looking to grow their business.”    

The new consumer website is already being seen by NACTA members as a valuable tool. Kelly Bergin, vice president of OASIS, called it “another great benefit from NACTA” and a great way for consultants to receive sales leads. “The new FindATravelConsultant.com website not only showcases NACTA agents, it helps consumers understand how and why to use a professional and the short video clip is engaging as it sends the correct message to consumers,” said Bergin.

NACTA members who have not yet completed their profiles to be visible to the traveling public, or who need to update their profiles, should log in to the Members Only section of NACTA.com and complete the NACTA “One Sheet” to take advantage of this new tool. Lorene Romero , owner of Sharp Tongued Consulting says “It’s an easy way to source new business and promote your expertise publically.”

Theodore Koumelis

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.

• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ ACI Europe reports near full recovery in Q1 air traffic for 2024
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ LOT Polish Airlines to add three Embraer E195-E2s
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ 1000MTG unveils revolutionary travel booking platform: 1000Access
• Theodore Koumelis https://www.traveldailynews.com/author/theodore-koumelis/ Experience Abu Dhabi scoops Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) at the 31st edition of ATM

Related posts

Asta, itn productions launch ‘travel agents taking off’ news program, asta asks disney cruise line to reconsider commission cap, travel agents help consumers save under new airline pricing structure, pleasant holidays and journese enhance travel agent reward program with new premier tier, previous post, five new member hotels for design hotels, americans look to escape the "polar vortex" for the 2014 holiday season.

U.S. B2B exhibition industry GDP contribution and business sales generation grow along with its recovery

Hard Rock International launches “Unity by Hard Rock” loyalty program

Can frequent business travel impact child custody?

CCRA enhances membership services and TRUE accreditation in strategic expansion

Egypt showcased prominent tourism projects during participation at Arabian Travel Market

CMAC Group set to continue post-acquisition booking surge

CANNABITION: An Elevated Immersive Experience open soon for groups

Suntransfers appoints Giorgio Valenti as Head of Sales – Southern Europe

AI use in STR sector more than doubles in six months – Hostaway’s 2024 AI Report 

Georgia International Convention Center appoints Don E. Simon as Sales Manager

Etihad Airways and DCT Abu Dhabi partner to launch free Abu Dhabi Stopover stays

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism calls for more aggressive human capital development to future proof island tourism

Nominations for the Adventure Travel Conservation Funds’ Annual Grant Program open

Qatar Airways Privilege Club partners with Cardless to launch its first credit cards in the USA

NexGen Hotels acquires the Hotel Versey in Chicago, Illinois

Ashburton Hospitality Advisors adds ten hotels to hospitality asset management portfolio

Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Weston completes extensive renovation

ACI World appoints Justin Erbacci as new Director General and CEO

Valor Hospitality Partners opens Cloudland at McLemore Resort Lookout Mountain, Curio by Hilton 

Aviation experts at Arabian Travel Market highlight the pivotal role of innovation as regional passenger numbers soar

IATA initiative to accelerate transition to enhanced GSE

JetBlue and Etihad Airways announce loyalty partnership as part of codeshare agreement

UN Tourism launches Women in Tech Startup Competition: Middle East

Virgin Limited Edition announces new property in Kenya

Paxport celebrates 30th anniversary

Shopping assistance for Chinese passengers at Munich Airport

Tourism projected to account for 12% of UAE GDP this year, as GCC policymakers gather to discuss future of regional travel at ATM 2024

Understanding IRS statute of limitations

The best dining options on the mountains in Canada

easyJet joins forces with Ryanair and Wizz air to warn European Commission against limiting scope of non-CO2 MRV

Ras Al Khaimah to elevate tourism with electric air mobility across the Emirate

Tourism Innovation Awards 2024 call is now open to reward the most innovative projects in the Travel and Tourism industry

Hospitable and Breezeway partner to level playing field for self-managed properties  

Sunrise Airways spreads its wings to the Eastern Caribbean

JR Technologies and Thomalex merge, creating end-to-end tavel retailing solutions provider

Embraer projects steady growth with optimistic 2024 forecasts and record backlogs

Jurgen Moors elected as Board Member of City Destinations Alliance

Exploring the efficiency of modular buildings with Karmod: A future-ready solution

Elaine Williams, CMP, CEM-AP joins IAEE Board of Directors

Exploring the seven Emirates of the UAE

Saudia and Accelya expand partnership to elevate sales performance

IATA prioritizes safety, global standards, and sustainability at Reykjavík Ground Handling Conference

Travel Writer Award winners announced in Los Angeles at U.S. Travel’s IPW

Indulge in the underwater world: Unforgettable aquatic experiences awaiting you

The Latin America hotel construction pipeline grew 11% year-over-year, reaching 604 projects and 100,990 rooms at Q1 2024

Video content key to engaging Gen Z travellers, say experts at ATM 2024

ICAO Global Implementation Support Symposium 2024: Optimizing aviation capacity for a sustainable future

Robust recovery in European tourism: 2024 ushers in increased arrivals and spending

One third of corporate travel buyers concerned about AI data privacy threats

BCD M&E launches Assist, a generative AI tool, to empower its team

Norway’s biggest trade fair and events arena achieves record result

Maximizing US inbound travel: Insights from U.S. Travel’s IPW and vision for future growth

Quito Airport seals a strategic alliance with the main airport of South Korea

Dhofar Municipality unveils Dhofar Governorate’s preparations for Khareef Dhofar 2024

Wego and Moroccan National Tourist Office forge strategic alliance, unveiled at the ATM

Global Exhibitions Day 2024: Catalyzing sustainable futures in the exhibition industry

Alaia Belize, Autograph Collection unveils expanded Spa and new Conference Center

Gulf Air successfully concludes its International Conference

Tauck announces 2025 cruising plans

Arival launches new conference for U.K., Ireland & Northern Europe

Milan Bergamo Airport welcomes new Eurowings service from Hannover

Saudi showcases Summer escapes at Arabian Travel Market 2024

Minor Hotels expands Anantara brand to Sharjah: New resort and residences announced

Slow travel, sustainability and technology highlighted as future global tourism trends

HVMG names Linda Philp Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

Amelia appoints APG as its GSA in Belgium and Luxemburg

Chatham Lodging Trust announces First Quarter 2024 results: Adjusted EBITDA rose a solid 6 percent to $18.9m.

“A missed opportunity for aviation” – ACI Europe Director General delivers his reading of the recent Letta Report

The Kilroy Group enhances the traveler experience and drives operational efficiency with Sabre technology

Hawai‘i passes landmark legislation to rein in illegal short-term rentals

World Travel Awards reveals Middle East 2024 winners

Beyond Green expands partnership with sustainable travel leader andBeyond

SAS kicks off Summer season and welcomes Europe to Malmo with their first AI marketing campaign

chatlyn unveils most advanced AI chatbot for hospitality at Arabian Travel Market 2024

Wego reveals top trending destinations for international travel in 2024 

WebBeds announced new booking website at Arabian Travel Market

SUMMIT 2024 by Juniper Travel Technology drives the future of tourism and technology

CHTA Education Foundation and Curtain Bluff kick off new spoken English program for hospitality careers

Roseate Hotels & Resorts enters into a strategic AI partnership with Quicktext in the UK

Morukuru Family’s AtholPlace House & Villa to relaunch as a five-star boutique hotel

Gulf Air celebrates country and airport managers’ achievements at international conference

NexusTours empowers travel agents with enhanced Travel Partner Portal ahead of IPW

ABPCO Festival of Learning shows how to be fit for the future in Glasgow

JW Marriott San Antonio expands established leadership team with new General Manager, new role and a new promotion

Trip.com aims to enhance its customer experience thanks to GIATA Content Channel Manager

Patina Restaurant Group debut Mexican restaurants Paseo, Céntrico and Tiendita at the Disneyland Resort

The African Tourism Forum to be held in Sharm El Sheikh on May 20-21 2024

PM Hotel Group unveils sixth Annual Sustainability Report highlighting significant advances in 2023

Finnish airports achieve net zero carbon balance for emissions they control

Aberdeen flights from Teesside added with Eastern Airways

AHLA statement on presidential veto of legislation to overturn joint-employer rule

Global Blue announces repricing of term loan and revolving facility

Ahmed bin Saeed opened Arabian Travel Market 2024

Eva Pederzini joins the VERTU Group

Here’s everything you need to know about the right hook bicycle accident

Top golf apps and websites: Tools to improve your game and track your progress

The best US road trip routes for an unforgettable holiday

Revolutionizing hybrid hospitality: 21 House of Stories expands across Europe

Holland America Line begins pilot test of renewable fuels on its flagship, Rotterdam

Airbnb introduces Icons – extraordinary experiences from the world’s greatest icons

Radisson Blu Aruba announces the return of General Manager, Luigi Wix

UN Tourism joins launch of Ireland’s first Sustainable Tourism Observatory

AHLA workforce report: Hotels add 1,200 jobs in April

Paséa Hotel & Spa unveils $5m. renovation

New Executive Chef at Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge

Travelsoft Group acquires France’s L’Echo touristique publisher Eventiz Media Group 

Royal Caribbean names new Senior Vice President of International

Hyatt signs agreement with Knowledge Economic City for two new hotels in The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Air Canada’s Q1 2024 financial overview: Strong revenues and operational improvements set positive outlook

Guesty expands market leadership with acquisition of Rentals United

Congress threatening to create chaos at airports this Summer and beyond, says U.S. Travel Association

Experience Oxfordshire survey highlights the importance of destination marketing in supporting visitor economy business growth in the county

UN Tourism: Putting communities at the centre of tourism development in the Americas

IATA criticizes German aviation tax increase, citing economic and environmental setbacks

Visit Seattle and Seattle Bank announce next cohort of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+-owned small bnusinesses for community partnership program 

Addressing the travel advisor shortage: Insights and challenges in hiring qualified candidates

Under Canvas Yosemite to open in Tuolumne County

Morocco’s first Radisson-branded hotel opens in Casablanca

Celebrating 20 years: Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club and MKWC’s ongoing commitment to conservation and community empowerment

Consortium led by Certares acquires financial liabilities of FTI Group

Mindtrip ushers in the future of travel planning with the launch of new AI powered

New flight route from Hahn Airport to Pristina enhances Summer schedule

EDITION opens its 20th outpost in Jeddah

Peachtree Group announces senior-level promotions

“Hush Workcation” emerges as latest trend among American workers

Connections Luxury Europe closes on a high to continue partnership with the Catalan Tourist Board

Radisson Blu Sobieski upgrades Vingcard Door Locks to feature latest in RFID security and mobile key

Hostelworld’s AGM 2024: Strategic growth, leadership transitions, and financial milestones

Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield Airports and The New Terminal One launch the competitive evaluation process for food hall, travel essentials partners 

Global airline industry sees robust growth in passenger demand for March 2024

Travelport renews Low-Cost carrier content agreement with flynas

Arabian Travel Market returns next week, with over 41,000 attendees expected

World of Hyatt and Peloton team up with plans to reward members for wellbeing

AHLA Foundation hosts Annual ForWard Conference to advance women in hospitality 

SWISS reports CHF 30.7 million operating result for the first-quarter period

Holibob to power move into experiences for MENA-focused OTA Travelwings 

Las Hadas by Brisas celebrates its 50th anniversary as the most iconic and beautiful resort on the Mexican Pacific Coast

Avianca reports strong Q1 2024 growth: Increased capacity, passenger numbers, and revenue

Marriott International reports strong first Quarter 2024 performance, highlighting growth and strategic expansions

Prime Group opens a Residence Inn by Marriott in Downtown Chicago

Hawai‘i Tourism Authority launches new campaigns to stimulate meaningful travel demand

The Ritz-Carlton, Portland earns LEED Gold certification

Official opening of Aston Martin Residences Miami marks completion of the ultra-luxury brand’s first real estate project

Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board unveils updates and enhancements to the iconic Queen’s Staircase

UFI and IAEE sign Memorandum of Understanding

International Airlines Group adopts Airline Economics by Skailark

Westin unveils Next Generation Heavenly Bed, elevating guest sleep experience

chatlyn expands presence to the UAE with new office in Dubai

Venice Tours secure 400% revenue boost thanks to partnership with Bókun 

Joyned releases AI Planner to maximize impact of social revenue for online travel vendors 

Stayforlong showcases remarkable growth in 2023, eyes further expansion in 2024

WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics reaches 3,400 verified properties

Aena earns 261 million euros in the first quarter of 2024

RAI Amsterdam reports significant revenue growth and sustainability advances in 2023

Sabre Hospitality renews Wyndham following accelerated migration

TAAG – Angola Airlines boosts brand at 7th Angola International Tourism Exchange

Embraer delivers 1800th E-Jet

Impact of Low-Cost airlines on rising flight prices in Spain for Summer 2024

Milan Bergamo Airport expands reach with new flights to Asia and the Middle East

Carnival Corporation completes fleetwide implementation of LR OneOcean’s EnviroManager+

Make 2023 the year your Irish dreams come true with NACTA Travel

Nacta travel is a trusted travel expert in ensuring reliable, delightful & wonderful tour experiences to ireland, england, scotland, wales, iceland & italy..

CIE Tours International has named NACTA Travel as their preferred trusted travel agent for tours to Ireland and Britain for over 20 years!

Are you ready for the trip of a lifetime? NACTA Travel’s friendly, expert team make sure you see all the best sights in the most enjoyable way. Small group tours are designed to deliver maximum enjoyment at a reasonable price.  50+ all-inclusive itineraries including 5 Star Castles, Famous Irish Pubs, Irish Heritage and so much more! Enjoy having expert guides with extensive local area knowledge bringing you directly to the places where legends are born, and memories are made. 

Book your Irish adventure with NACTA Travel and mention promo code Irish Central for a 5% discount!

Credit: NACTA Travel

NACTA Travel is the North American Celtic Trade Association’s travel counterpart and exclusive travel coordinator for most of the Celtic stores operating in the US and Canada. 

Here are a few testimonials from previous travelers: 

"Working with CIE Tours and NACTA Travel on custom tours has been a wonderful way to connect with my customers.  Having Tracey at NACTA handle all the booking details makes everything a breeze." -  Megan, Fish Creek, WI

"We just returned from our fifth tour. As we have become accustomed to, we were impressed with all facets of the tour. Once again everything was professionally well done. Our accommodations were excellent, and our driver surpassed all of our expectations." – Danny, Cincinnati, OH

For more information visit NactaTravel.com , call 1-866-622-2244 or e-mail  [email protected]  

Sign up to IrishCentral's newsletter to stay up-to-date with everything Irish!

Ireland's most unique raffle, WIN a new McHale Fusion 4 Plus Baler or €75,000 cash

The intersection of Saint Patrick and paganism in Ireland

GIVEAWAY: It's back! Tell us what makes Ireland special and win a trip to the Emerald Isle

Fancy living in a beautiful Irish village? Win keys to a stunning home in Adare, Co. Limerick

What is Ogham? A look at the ancient Irish alphabet

Sci-fi-like interactive "Portal" between New York and Dublin launches today

On This Day: 1916 Easter Rising leader Thomas Kent executed

Faces of the Titanic: John Horgan, lost at sea, remains a mystery man

What's your Irish County? County Donegal

Two Irish favorites combine in this delicious apple and Jameson tart recipe

Honor your Mom with a heritage tree planted in Ireland - exclusive 20% off

Eurovision 2024 triumph for Bambie Thug, Ireland gets a shot after six years

WE’LL TAKE YOU THERE

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), the world's leading association of travel professionals, is the global advocate for travel agencies, the travel industry and the traveling public. We champion ethical and traveler-friendly practices and policies at every level of government and throughout the travel and hospitality industry. Our members are all bound by a shared code of ethics.

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

ASTA's specialized courses range from legal issues and marketing to artificial intelligence. There’s also a wide array of travel advisor fam trips, training and certifications with significant ASTA member discounts on all programs.   

USING A TRAVEL ADVISOR

Planning a trip today can be complicated and time confusing. Travel advisors are here to help. If you’re ready to pack your bags and you know where you want to go, submit our form to connect directly with a travel advisor.

A TRAVEL ADVISOR

Are you looking for a career with high growth potential? The pandemic has made consumers increasingly appreciative and aware of the benefits of working with a travel advisor so their services are more in demand than ever.

Featured News

From travel tips and trends to hands-on advice from ASTA members and media coverage of the industry, here are some of our favorite stories.

Final FAA Reauthorization Bill Presents Both Drawbacks and Notable Victories for Travel Advisors

The American Society of Travel Advisors is Disappointed by DOT’s Lack of Understanding of Travel Agencies and the Role They Play in Selling Airline Tickets

A Travel Advisor Day Gift from IATA!

IATA is giving ASTA members 50% off its industry-trusted IATA/IATAN ID Cards' annual fee

American Airlines Postpones NDC & AAdvantage Changes

Global Travel Advisor Groups Raise Concerns around American Airlines’ Anti-Competitive Actions

American Society of Travel Advisors Takes Aim at American Airlines, Launches Save My Miles Campaign.

Accepting Nominations for "Travel Advisor of the year"

The American Society of Travel Advisors Expands Travel Advisor Mentorship Opportunities

ASTA Applauds Congressional Funding of Travel and Tourism Office

Five Things for Travel Advisors to Love About Puerto Rico

Upcoming events.

ASTA events bring together the best minds in the industry. It is where Travel Agency Professionals, convene for inspiration, education, and entertainment. Browse through the series of upcoming events below and register now to start expanding your knowledge.

Join us May 2024 for The ASTA Travel Advisor Conference

Experience all things Caribbean with ASTA in Curaçao

Join us on Capitol Hill for the most important advocacy event of the year

Experience this exclusive event for ASTA Premium Members on the Virgin Voyages Valiant Lady.

Join us in Vienna to experience more than a dozen river cruise ships. WAIT LIST ONLY

Proud Partners

We are grateful to our most supportive partners, ASTA Proud Partners. Recognizing how important travel advisors are to their success, these companies invest their time and resources to support ASTA’s mission and ensure a healthy and robust travel agency distribution channel.

Join Our Email List

• Tracey: 866-622-2244
• [email protected]

PAYMENTS & FEES

DEPOSIT PAYMENTS:  A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required for all guided coach vacation packages, Classic Itineraries with Driver and all self-drive vacations. Deposits are required within 5 days of making the reservation or the quote will automatically expire. Certain exclusive promotions may require higher deposits or payment in full. Group and custom private driver deposits vary and are governed by individual contracts.

FINAL PAYMENTS:  Full payment must be made no later than 70 days prior to departure date for vacation packages, self-drive trips and private driver vacations. If payment is not received as scheduled, the reservation will automatically cancel, and the land deposit payment will be forfeited.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS:  We accept most major credit cards. Travel Agents making payment on behalf of a client must provide us with the cardholder’s information, including billing address and telephone number and must have the cardholder’s signature on file.

EXCLUSIONS:  All items of a personal nature (room service, beverages, telephone charges, laundry, etc.) and meals not specified on the tour itinerary are not included in the cost of the tour and must be paid by the client.

TIPS: Tips for personal services and to tour directors and drivers are not included in tour cost and left to the discretion of the traveller.

CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES

CANCELLATION PENALTIES:  Penalties per person apply: 70 or more days prior to departure forfeiture of deposit; 69-16 days prior 30% per person; 15-8 days prior 50% per person; 7-1 days prior 90% per person; on day of departure 100% per person. If clients cancel from one tour and rebooks on another tour or another date, cancellation penalties will apply. Group and custom private driver cancellations policies vary and are governed by individual contracts.

NOTIFICATION OF CANCELLATIONS:  CIE Tours must be notified of cancellations either by phone or via email to [email protected] prior to tour departure. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that any notification of cancellation is received by CIE Tours and notification shall be deemed to have taken place on the date of receipt by CIE Tours. Minimum cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.

B&B CANCELLATIONS:  Any B&B accommodations booked using open B&B vouchers purchased from CIE Tours must be cancelled directly through Bed & Breakfast Ireland’s website or with the homeowners.

AIR BOOKINGS & CANCELLATIONS:  Terms of airfare purchased through CIE Tours are governed by each airline’s individual policies. As each airline’s cancellation conditions vary, details should be requested at time of booking, or check the airline’s website for their cancellation policy. In all cases, non-refundable airfare and instant purchase tickets are not eligible for refund.

CIE TOURS CANCELLATIONS:  If it becomes necessary for any reason for CIE Tours to cancel a trip prior to departure, including but not limited to cancellations occasioned by governmental actions or restrictions or the unavailability of travel, CIE Tours will immediately rebook the guest on a future departure date at no additional land cost or provide a voucher for Future Travel Credit. CIE Tours cannot accept responsibility for any additional costs or fees related to a cancelled tour booking or for any cancellation penalties due to non-refundable airfares. Travelers specifically agree and acknowledge that these are their sole remedies, and specifically agree not to dispute or challenge credit card or debit card charges related to such travel.

FUTURE TRAVEL CREDITS:  Any Future Travel Credits issued will be in the value of the amount paid for the land portion of the trip. The Future Travel Credit is not redeemable for cash under any circumstances but can be transferred to another person.

UNUSED TOUR ARRANGEMENTS:  CIE Tours cannot make refunds or exchanges for unused accommodations, services or features of any tour unless agreed upon in writing prior to departure.

VACATION PACKAGES REVISION FEE:  Revisions to vacation packages, excluding cancellations and/or tour date changes, can be made after the original booking has been processed but will incur a $50 handling fee per booking in addition to any applicable cancellation penalties. All revisions must be requested at least 30 days prior to departure. Changes to group and custom private driver vacations are governed by individual contracts.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 

LEGAL NAMES: Traveller names provided must match names listed on traveler passports exactly. Spelling corrections requested after deposit has been applied to the reservation will incur additional fees.

PASSPORTS & VISAS: It is the traveller’s responsibility to obtain the correct travel documentation (passport, visa, identifications) for the destination(s) to be visited. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the completion of travel.

TRAVEL ITINERARIES/DOCUMENTS/TRAVEL PACKS:  Documents and travel packs for U.S. guests are usually mailed approximately 30 days prior to departure provided full payment has been received. If documents are required earlier, CIE Tours needs sufficient notice to arrange for early delivery by regular service. For guests residing outside of North America, electronic itineraries/travel documents will be provided and your travel pack will be waiting for you at your first hotel.

TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN: CIE Tours’ Travel Protection Plan, offered to U.S. guests through Generali, is optional, but highly recommended. When you purchase this Travel Protection Plan within 14 days of the initial deposit/payment for your trip, the CIE Tours’ Travel Protection Plan offered to U.S. guests permits you to cancel your trip up to 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure for a specified reason for cash reimbursement and  up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise specified for reimbursement in the form of travel vouchers.  The Plan also protects you and your belongings while on your trip. Travel Arrangements must be purchased from CIE Tours to be eligible for reimbursement. Terms and conditions for group insurance vary.

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS 

ACCOMMODATIONS:  CIE Tours reserves the right to substitute hotels for accommodations in similar categories. In the event that a specified hotel in certain destinations is unavailable due to limited hotel inventory, CIE Tours will make every effort to re-accommodate the booking to a hotel of a similar category. When booking pre- and post- stay nights, we provide estimated rates based on standard hotel availability. At the time that the hotel confirms the booking, the rate may increase based on seasonality and availability

AIR TRANSPORTATION:  CIE Tours offers special airfares when combined with our land arrangements. These special airfares are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until paid in full. Airfares are inclusive of all fuel, taxes and fees. Client must ensure that the name on the CIE Tours’ invoice matches the passport, as corrections or changes requested after reservation has been made are subject to cancellation or change fees. Airfares are guaranteed once they have been paid in full unless the airfare quoted at time of reservation is instant purchase which is only valid if paid in full and ticketed. CIE Tours is not responsible for penalties incurred for tickets, international or domestic, not issued by CIE Tours due to schedule and/or flight changes.

VISITS, ENTERTAINMENT, ITINERARIES AND OTHER FEATURES: CIE Tours reserves the right to substitute visits, entertainment and other features when establishments are closed or cannot be visited for reasons beyond our control, or for the general convenience of safety of the travellers.

MEDICAL & HEALTH

CIE Tours does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention must be sought at a local facility, if available, at the guest’s expense. CIE Tours is not responsible or liable for losses or costs incurred due to a required quarantine or other restriction or limitation of travel, unavailability of medical services, or medical services obtained while traveling, or for the quality of the care or services received. You are encouraged to purchase medical insurance that will cover you while traveling as your regular health insurance benefits may not apply abroad.

CIE Tours reserves the right to remove or quarantine any passenger who shows signs of illness, or who poses a threat to the safety and health of other passengers. Removal or quarantine of passengers for any health, safety, or behaviour-related assessment is at the sole discretion of CIE Tours. Passengers will be allowed to re-join CIE Tours with confirmed medical certification from a licensed health practitioner indicating that they are fit to travel without causing harm or posing a safety threat to other passengers.

TRAVELERS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS  

Clients who require physical assistance or special accommodations of any kind must advise CIE Tours at time of booking and must travel with a qualified and physically able travel companion to provide such assistance. CIE Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of disabled travellers but is not responsible in the event it is unable to do so. Neither CIE Tours nor its drivers or guides provide personal services (such as pushing a wheelchair, assisting with walking, etc.) and CIE Tours does not provide individual assistance to a vacation participant for walking, getting on and off motorized coaches, and other vehicles, entering/exiting attractions or other personal needs. As coaches are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, all tour members must be able to mount 3 or 4 steps into coach. Motorized scooters are unsuitable for the majority of our vacation packages but may be possible for private driver vacations.

If CIE Tours is not notified at time of reservation of any disability requiring special attention, CIE Tours reserves the right to cancel your booking or terminate your vacation if your special needs or disabilities are not suitable for the vacation, pose a threat to the health and safety of other participants or CIE Tours staff, are incompatible with other travellers, or if you are not traveling with a companion who provides all the assistance you require.  CIE Tours reserves the right not to refund or cover any costs or expenses incurred for cancellation, booking, or termination of the vacation.

CIE Tours is not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants, or other independent suppliers, nor any additional expenses incurred. Due to space restrictions, passengers wishing to take wheelchairs, oxygen tanks or other assistive devices must send a request in writing for approval prior to booking

OTHER TRAVEL POLICIES 

CHILDREN/YOUNG ADULTS: CIE Tours vacations are recommended for ages 8 and older. Those aged 8 to 17 are charged 90% of the full adult rate and must travel with an adult. Unaccompanied travellers must be at least 18 years of age. Youth discounts vary for group and custom private driver bookings.

LUGGAGE:  Handling of one piece of luggage per person is included in the cost of all coach tours. Size should not exceed 30 x 20 x 10 inches and weight should be under 50 lbs. Luggage is carried at owner’s risk throughout the tour unless insured. Trunk space in self-drive cars is limited so pack lightly, preferably using soft-sided suitcases. Airlines impose their own restrictions, with which clients must comply. Please check with your carrier regarding luggage restrictions and costs.

PHOTOGRAPHY ON TOUR:  Occasionally CIE Tours will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your CIE Tour Director on tour for print, online, or other promotional media purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your CIE Tour Director at the start of your trip.

SMOKING POLICY:  Smoking (including e-cigarettes) is not permitted on any motor coach.

CAR RENTAL CATEGORIES:  Car rental companies reserve the right to substitute cars for other models in similar category.

CREDIT CARD HOLD:  To cover incidentals, Hertz will place a hold on your credit card when no insurance is purchased. The amount depends on the type of vehicle rented. This will be released at the end of the rental period provided there is no damage to vehicle.

INSURANCE:  Our basic Hertz car rental price includes unlimited mileage, current local taxes, airport location service charges (LSC), third party liability, theft protection (TP) and collision damage waiver (CDW), which indemnifies the driver against damage to the rental car. Damage excess deductible amounts are not covered by CDW and range from €1,600-€3,000 depending on car rented.

SUPER COLLISION DAMAGE WAIVER (SCDW):  To guard against potential financial exposure from CDW coverage, the driver may purchase SCDW at time of rental. Daily cost: €19.30-€35.00. DRIVER/BAGGAGE PROTECTION (DBP/PAI): Daily cost: €5.50.

ADDITIONAL CHARGES:  Any optional charges that are accepted must be paid at time of rental.  Driver is responsible for all gasoline, parking fees and tolls.

AGE LIMITS:  Driver’s under the age of 22 and older than 80 are prohibited from renting cars from Hertz.  Drivers aged 23-24 years are restricted to car types A, B & E and pay a daily surcharge of €26.00.  Drivers 76-79 will require a letter from a licensed physician issued 1 month prior to the scheduled trip, stating that the traveller has been in good health for at least 12 months, along with a letter from your insurance company that says they have not been involved in any incidents in the past 5 years and must drive regularly and hold a current motor insurance policy.

EXTRA DRIVER(S) SUPPLEMENT:  Daily cost per driver: €10.00 paid directly to Hertz at time of pickup.

DRIVER’S LICENSE:  Drivers must hold a current national license valid for at least two years or more at the time of rental.

OTHER TERMS 

RESPONSIBILITY: CIE Tours International Inc., its employees, directors, officers and shareholders (collectively, “CIE Tours”) does not own or operate any person or entity which would provide goods or services for your trip, including, for example, lodging facilities, transportation companies, local ground operators, including, without limitation, various entities which may utilize the name CIE or CIE Tours guides, entertainment, food or drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. As a result, CIE Tours is not liable for any negligent or wilful act or failure to act of any such person or entity. In addition, CIE Tours is not liable for any negligent or wilful act or failure to act of any person or entity it does not own or control, nor for any act or inaction of any other third parties not under its control. You may see the name CIE Tours, CIE Tours International, or CIE affixed to motor vehicles, on signs around the hotel or elsewhere. This use of those names is for reasons of identification and does not denote ownership, supervision, or control by CIE Tours in any way. Without limitation CIE Tours is not liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, death, loss, accident, delay, inconvenience or irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including, without limitation any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of any third party such as an airline, train, hotel, bus, taxi, van, local ground handler or guide, financial default or insolvency of any supplier which is, to, or does supply any goods or services for this trip. CIE Tours is not liable for any loss, injury, death or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodation, default, insolvency or bankruptcy of any third party, attacks by animals, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary, weather, strikes, acts of God or government, acts of terrorism, or the threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemics or pandemics including COVID-19 or the threat thereof, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond its control. CIE Tours reserves the right at its sole discretion to alter an itinerary as it may deem necessary or advisable. CIE Tours reserves the right at its sole discretion to decline to accept or retain any passenger on any of its tours if it deems accepting or retaining any such person would be detrimental to the tour. In the event any passenger is removed from a trip, CIE Tours’ only obligation is to refund to that person that portion of the payment allocable to unused services. Each provision of this clause is severable and if any provision is held to be illegal, void or unenforceable in whole or in part, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected or impaired. Changes in these Terms and Conditions can be made only in writing signed by an officer of CIE Tours. Prior to full payment there is a potential for a price increase(s) due to fuel surcharges imposed by airlines or other suppliers, as well as the potential for increases in government-levied taxes and fees. Once full payment is made, there will be no price increases. Passengers may accelerate full payment to avoid any price increases. Once issued, airlines tickets are no longer subject to potential increases but are subject to cancellation fees and penalties and may be fully non-refundable.

BINDING ARBITRATION:  Any disputes concerning this contract, the brochure or other literature about your trip or the trip itself shall be resolved solely and exclusively by binding arbitration according to the then current commercial rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any such arbitration will take place in Morris County, New Jersey. In any such arbitration, the substantive (but not procedural) law of Delaware will apply. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable.

PRICE VALIDITY:  All rates on the website are quoted on a per person, double occupancy basis. For 2022 tours, rates are valid through December 31, 2022, and are calculated on currency rates and fares existing on June 1, 2021; rates for 2023 tours are calculated on currency rates and fares existing on June 1, 2022 and are subject to change. Unless otherwise indicated, all prices are shown in U.S. dollars. CIE Tours reserves the right to alter prices at any time without prior notice if circumstances so warrant. Any devaluation or revaluation of currencies may affect published prices.

ERRORS & OMISSIONS:  While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information in our brochures, on our website or communicated by our reservation staff, errors or omissions are possible and CIE Tours is not responsible for such error. If a mistake is made in billing, we reserve the right to correct the invoice and you will be responsible for proper payment.

DATA PROTECTION AND PRIVACY:  CIE Tours respects your privacy and is committed to protecting it. We collect and use data relating to you in order to deal with your query or complete your order. This personal data may include your name, date of birth, contact details and bank details. We use your personal data to create a booking file, to process your order and to administer your tour. We collect your personal data in order to comply with our legal obligations and to perform any contract that we enter into with you. Where relevant for your booking, we may disclose your personal data to other organizations, such as transport providers, tour guides and hotel.  Your data may be transferred outside of the European Economic Area.

For further information about our privacy practices, please refer to our  privacy policy .

All reference to CIE, CIE Tours (CIE et al) or any other affiliate or service provider herein also apply to NACTA Travel and The North American Trade Association (aka NACTA). As a travel facilitator NACTA Travel adheres to and is bound by all policies, terms and conditions, restrictions and policies implemented by those entities. NACTA has, nor can it provide, any relief from or change to that below. Any payment made to or through NACTA for services provided by or scheduled to be provided by CIE Tours and/or its affiliates is as if it is made directly to CIE Tours, or any other service provider and the terms of those entities apply.

Terms and Conditions

Welcome to nactatravel.com!

These terms and conditions outline the rules and regulations for the use of NACTA Travel’s Website, located at https://nactatravel.com.

By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use nactatravel.com if you do not agree to take all of the terms and conditions stated on this page.

The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and all Agreements: “Client”, “You” and “Your” refers to you, the person log on this website and compliant to the Company’s terms and conditions. “The Company”, “Ourselves”, “We”, “Our” and “Us”, refers to our Company. “Party”, “Parties”, or “Us”, refers to both the Client and ourselves. All terms refer to the offer, acceptance and consideration of payment necessary to undertake the process of our assistance to the Client in the most appropriate manner for the express purpose of meeting the Client’s needs in respect of provision of the Company’s stated services, in accordance with and subject to, prevailing law of us. Any use of the above terminology or other words in the singular, plural, capitalization and/or he/she or they, are taken as interchangeable and therefore as referring to same.

We employ the use of cookies. By accessing nactatravel.com, you agreed to use cookies in agreement with the NACTA Travel’s Privacy Policy.

Most interactive websites use cookies to let us retrieve the user’s details for each visit. Cookies are used by our website to enable the functionality of certain areas to make it easier for people visiting our website. Some of our affiliate/advertising partners may also use cookies.

Cookie Policy.

Unless otherwise stated, NACTA Travel and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on nactatravel.com. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may access this from nactatravel.com for your own personal use subjected to restrictions set in these terms and conditions.

You must not:

• Republish material from nactatravel.com
• Sell, rent or sub-license material from nactatravel.com
• Reproduce, duplicate or copy material from nactatravel.com
• Redistribute content from nactatravel.com

This Agreement shall begin on the date hereof.

Parts of this website offer an opportunity for users to post and exchange opinions and information in certain areas of the website. NACTA Travel does not filter, edit, publish or review Comments prior to their presence on the website. Comments do not reflect the views and opinions of NACTA Travel,its agents and/or affiliates. Comments reflect the views and opinions of the person who post their views and opinions. To the extent permitted by applicable laws, NACTA Travel shall not be liable for the Comments or for any liability, damages or expenses caused and/or suffered as a result of any use of and/or posting of and/or appearance of the Comments on this website.

NACTA Travel reserves the right to monitor all Comments and to remove any Comments which can be considered inappropriate, offensive or causes breach of these Terms and Conditions.

You warrant and represent that:

• You are entitled to post the Comments on our website and have all necessary licenses and consents to do so;
• The Comments do not invade any intellectual property right, including without limitation copyright, patent or trademark of any third party;
• The Comments do not contain any defamatory, libellous, offensive, indecent or otherwise unlawful material which is an invasion of privacy
• The Comments will not be used to solicit or promote business or custom or present commercial activities or unlawful activity.

You hereby grant NACTA Travel a non-exclusive license to use, reproduce, edit and authorize others to use, reproduce and edit any of your Comments in any and all forms, formats or media.

Hyperlinking to our Content

The following organizations may link to our Website without prior written approval:

• Government agencies;
• Search engines;
• News organizations;
• Online directory distributors may link to our Website in the same manner as they hyperlink to the Websites of other listed businesses; and
• System wide Accredited Businesses except soliciting non-profit organizations, charity shopping malls, and charity fundraising groups which may not hyperlink to our Web site.

These organizations may link to our home page, to publications or to other Website information so long as the link: (a) is not in any way deceptive; (b) does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the linking party and its products and/or services; and (c) fits within the context of the linking party’s site.

We may consider and approve other link requests from the following types of organizations:

• commonly-known consumer and/or business information sources;
• dot.com community sites;
• associations or other groups representing charities;
• online directory distributors;
• internet portals;
• accounting, law and consulting firms; and
• educational institutions and trade associations.

We will approve link requests from these organizations if we decide that: (a) the link would not make us look unfavourably to ourselves or to our accredited businesses; (b) the organization does not have any negative records with us; (c) the benefit to us from the visibility of the hyperlink compensates the absence of NACTA Travel; and (d) the link is in the context of general resource information.

These organizations may link to our home page so long as the link: (a) is not in any way deceptive; (b) does not falsely imply sponsorship, endorsement or approval of the linking party and its products or services; and (c) fits within the context of the linking party’s site.

If you are one of the organizations listed in paragraph 2 above and are interested in linking to our website, you must inform us by sending an e-mail to NACTA Travel. Please include your name, your organization name, contact information as well as the URL of your site, a list of any URLs from which you intend to link to our Website, and a list of the URLs on our site to which you would like to link. Wait 2-3 weeks for a response.

Approved organizations may hyperlink to our Website as follows:

• By use of our corporate name; or
• By use of the uniform resource locator being linked to; or
• By use of any other description of our Website being linked to that makes sense within the context and format of content on the linking party’s site.

No use of NACTA Travel’s logo or other artwork will be allowed for linking absent a trademark license agreement.

Without prior approval and written permission, you may not create frames around our Webpages that alter in any way the visual presentation or appearance of our Website.

Content Liability

We shall not be hold responsible for any content that appears on your Website. You agree to protect and defend us against all claims that is rising on your Website. No link(s) should appear on any Website that may be interpreted as libellous, obscene or criminal, or which infringes, otherwise violates, or advocates the infringement or other violation of, any third party rights.

Reservation of Rights

We reserve the right to request that you remove all links or any particular link to our Website. You approve to immediately remove all links to our Website upon request. We also reserve the right to amen these terms and conditions and it’s linking policy at any time. By continuously linking to our Website, you agree to be bound to and follow these linking terms and conditions.

Removal of links from our website

If you find any link on our Website that is offensive for any reason, you are free to contact and inform us any moment. We will consider requests to remove links but we are not obligated to or so or to respond to you directly.

We do not ensure that the information on this website is correct, we do not warrant its completeness or accuracy; nor do we promise to ensure that the website remains available or that the material on the website is kept up to date.

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, we exclude all representations, warranties and conditions relating to our website and the use of this website. Nothing in this disclaimer will:

• limit or exclude our or your liability for death or personal injury;
• limit or exclude our or your liability for fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation;
• limit any of our or your liabilities in any way that is not permitted under applicable law; or
• exclude any of our or your liabilities that may not be excluded under applicable law.

The limitations and prohibitions of liability set in this Section and elsewhere in this disclaimer: (a) are subject to the preceding paragraph; and (b) govern all liabilities arising under the disclaimer, including liabilities arising in contract, in tort and for breach of statutory duty.

As long as the website and the information and services on the website are provided free of charge, we will not be liable for any loss or damage of any nature.

• Articles   >

The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity.  While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration.  Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way.  The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow.  The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum.  Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide.  What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater.  You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure .  I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history.  It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River.  Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin.  Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention.  The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper.  Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station.  Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action.  The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases).  Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur.  It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city.  The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life.  Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature .  The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile.  However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment.   Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections.  At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again).  Chrome borders all.  Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft.  There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects.  Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display.  By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry.  The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform.  The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns.  The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students.  Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success.  Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing.  At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45.  Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics.  This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area.  Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market.  The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in.  The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya.  Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya.  At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north.  Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center.  Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii.  Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits:   SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.