Hello, i have tried searching for previous posts on Russia, but did’nt quite find what i was looking for. I am hoping someone can help with SPECIFIC details.

I am backpacking Eastern Europe, my route is:

Poland -> Belarus -> Lithuania -> Latvia -> Estonia -> Russia -> Ukraine -> Moldova -> Romania -> Bulgaria -> Turkey -> Serbia -> Bosnia -> Croatia -> Hungary -> Slovakia

I am planning on entering Russia from Estonia, most likely via Tallinn. Here r my questions:

1.) What is the FASTEST and CHEAPEST method to obtain a Russian visa?

2.) I will not know the exact date i arrive in Russia (as u can see, i have a lot of travelling to do before i arrive in St. Petersburg), can i obtain a Russian visa in Tallinn?

3.) How long will this take?

4.) Is it easy to get the required "invitation" from hostels? All i have to do is send them an email and they will send me an invitation into the country?

5.) Are there any hostels u would recommend in St. Petersburg and Moscow? My guidebook says good things about Galina’s Flat & Travellers Guest House in Moscow, and HI Hostel or Sleep Cheap in St. Petersburg. Has anyone stayed in these places?

I know there r a lot of questions, but i am hoping for information that those "official" Russian government web sites do not provide. Thank you to anyone that takes the time to reply.

Regards,

MicheaL