Guide in St. Petersburg

On a stop in St. Petersburg, Russia, during a September-October ’08 river cruise, instead of taking the ship’s tours we engaged a private guide to show us the city and countryside.

Natalya German-Tsarkova (phone +7 921 391 1894, e-mail natalygerman@gmail.com or visit www.original-tours.com), 32, is an art history major and licensed guide. She was recommended to us by an American educator who lives in the city. She met us at our riverboat and guided us for 2½ days.

Natalya guides and drives. She uses a new VW Multivan with speakers, so everyone can hear. The van comfortably seats six passengers. We had visited St. Petersburg earlier and had toured the Hermitage and Peterhof before; however, with Natalya we appreciated both places as never before.

So as to maximize our time in St. Petersburg, she even took us to the airport for our return to the US.

Her rates are quite reasonable: $280 for eight hours; additional time costs $35 an hour. We paid for all meals and admissions. Her charge for airport transfers is $50.

We would certainly encourage travelers to St. Petersburg to use her.

ROBERT GAGE DAVIDSON

Columbia, SC