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I have been lurking a few months and this is my first post.  You can read about my situation in my profile.  My question here is directed to those who have actually visited in the Mediterranean area.

I am wanting to take my Russian lady somewhere to warm area in March or April of 2002.  I want to go somewhere where she does not need to get a visa to enter, or where the visas are easy to get for everybody.

I am considering Crete, Turkey, Cyprus, Malta, and Tunisia.  I have heard Russians can easily get into those countries.  I have also heard that the cost of spending a couple of weeks in those places is very reasonable, perhaps even cheap, in comparison to other places such as southern France, southern Spain, Italy, etc.

But, I would like to hear from Russians and AM who have actually gone to any of these places with a RW as to whether I have the story correct or not.

For those who have been to multiple places, give some advice as to which you would recommend and why.

If I have left out any good destinations, please list them.

Thanks,  JR

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

provided some information.  I will be contacting you privately for more info.

JR

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

I met my Russian wife for the first time in Turkey.  We arranged a flight for her through a friend in Ekaterinburg on a charter to Istanbul.  I planned the meeting there so I coould re-group after the long flight, then we flew don to Antalya on the Coast.  By booking my flight from Boston to Antalya through Delta, I paid next to nothing for the Istanblul/Antalya portion of the trip.  Using the travel agent card that I purchased through Global Travel, I was avle to stay at the Sheraton (First Class) for $39.00 per night.  With miles in my Sheraton Account, I stayed there for the balance of my trip for free.  Massive suite was a bonus as I am a Starwood Gold member.  Rented a car for a week, about $300, and we had a great time.

Prices vary for hotels in Istanbul and Antalya, but a little work can get you great savings.

I would love in the future to do the cruise in one of the small sail boats they have...but after trips to Russia in July, August, and October, Turkey again is somewhere down the road.

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

I met my RW friend in Cyprus last year and had a wonderful time.  We met again in Spain and it was very nice but more expensive than Cyprus.  There was a lot more to see in Spain.  Very few Americans in Cyprus.  I thought that was nice but you may feel diferently.  About one third Brits, one third FSU and then the rest from parts of Europe.  Very few mid eastern visiters which was a surprise for me.

I know from friend's stories that the Turkish Med. Coast is very reasonable and delightful.  I am planning to go there next Spring.

All reports I have on Crete is that is good value and  relatively unspoiled.  

Bottom line, all good choices and easy for a RW to get to.
Good luck.

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

Turkey is a very nice place; the least inexpensive of all the places, less than half the prices of Italy or Cyprus; and Russians/Ukrainians can easily get there.
Drop me a note if you want more info.

Mark

... in response to Re: Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by mdante99 on Nov 29, 2001

Was there a language barrier on your visit to Turkey or did many people there speak English?

... in response to Turkey, posted by Ramblin on Nov 30, 2001

There is not that much of a language barrier; many people speak English specially in the tourist areas.
A point to note is that Turkey is a very popular destination for people from FSU countries, because it is so cheap, and probably the only foreign country they can afford. For AM paying for RW, the cost of lodging, food and entertainment is about one half as would be in Kiev or Moscow.

Mark

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

Italy - great meeting place. Make sure the location is
not too expensive.

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

When you are looking for rates for a place to stay have your lady check with her travel agent and compare with what your agent can get you. Sometimes prices extended to FSU residents is much lower than for Americans.

... in response to Re: Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by thesearch on Nov 29, 2001

it is very true,they will charge you as much as you are willing to pay.  Or able to pay.
American are a different species that the rest of the world

... in response to Taking RW to Mediterranean, posted by juio99 on Nov 29, 2001

..I spent some time in Cyprus last April in such a situation. I suggest you search the archives for my posts.
Early to late April is a great time for Cyprus. Email me if you wish more information. I can suggest a good hotel, car rental, activities, ect.