Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Ru...

Russia | Feb 29 - Mar 18, 2020

Thank you kimkim. I had an amazing time in Russia.

The dealings I had with kimkim in planning my trip - 18 days encompassing Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Suzdal and Vladimir - were amazingly efficient. Their responses were quick and detailed. It was great being able to deal all the time with people in Moscow and Saint Petersburg who were on the ground and able to provide quick support in those very rare moments in a trip where something goes off the rails.

Beyond Saint Petersburg, I really had no idea what to expect of Russia, so I really appreciated the exciting options and ideas presented to me, and given I was travelling at the end of winter, choices which took account of the seasons, places being open and tourist numbers.

It was great having local guides. All were good English speakers and all were amenable to adjusting plans on the basis of the things I was really interested in. I particularly enjoyed the company of Victor, Natasha and Alex who were very passionate about their cities and ‘clicked’ with me.

One decision I made early in the planning was to use drivers only when absolutely necessary and, instead, to get around on public transport as much as possible, I think a really good decision to get to experience the surprises which you can get as you’re walking around a city.

As for highlights, there were so many. And it was so wonderful being “low season” to be at places like Catherine Palace and the Hermitage with very few other people. Imagine standing in front of Da Vinci’s Madonna and Child for five minutes - and you’re the only person in the room, or taking photos in one of the State rooms at Catherine Palace and there being no one else in the picture.
Very pleased Sean talked me into visiting Suzdal and Vladimir which were not initially on my list of places to go. It was great seeing some of the smaller medieval towns and experiencing the life outside of the big cities.