Ken Fallin says:
I am still in a jet-lag fog, or, perhaps exhaustion from seeing five fantastic cities in two weeks.
Olga, may I honestly say, is a fantastic guide. She knows St. Petersburg through and through, and her savvy, energy, and enthusiasm make her tops in her trade.
Eat a good breakfast, as you will need your strength to see all of the great sights that Olga will show you. She knows the best times to avoid the massive crowds, and she has a divine gift for getting you in and around places, without having to wait in those long boring lines.
The van she provided was large and comfortable enough for four adults, plus Olga and the driver.
The situation at the ship's pier has changed since we were there two years ago. Back then, we were able to take taxis to and from the front gate. We saw some taxis this time, but they were not as plentiful. Our cruiseline, Crystal Symphony, provided a free shuttle bus from the ship to a nice park in the center of the city. We met Olga everyday at the park, and she returned us to the same spot in the evening. You should contact Regent to see if they provide a shuttle bus.
When you get off the ship, you will go into a building where you will go through customs. All they do is look at your passport/visa, and then you are on your way. If there are no lines, this will only take a few minutes. No big deal.
The ride from the ship to the gate is under five minutes. From the gate to the center of town is from twenty to thirty minutes, depending on traffic.
I know you and your family will have a wonderful time, as St. Petersburg is an amazing place. Be prepared to be amazed and delighted.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable journey, I remain,
Andy Korn says:
On our recent visit to St. Petersburg, we employed Olga as our guide for two days. We had a wonderful time, due in no small part to Olga. Not only did she have great knowledge of the historical sites, she was very good at finding sites of local flavor. She helped us see what we wanted to see, and avoid what we weren't interested in seeing. We would use her again, and would be happy speak with anyone contemplating hiring her.
Robert, Lois, Kathryn and Richard says:
We have returned home after a long and beautiful trip. Our entire trip was beautiful and the real highlight of our trip was our time is St. Petersburg . We, Kathryn and Richard, Lois and I agree without question, that your efforts made St Petersburg outstanding. Your personality, your knowledge, your experience and your desire to understand and please your client are the characteristics that made our time so very special.
We thank you and Andre for all that you did
Please, without hesitation, refer any potential clients to us that may have any questions about your service. I simply ask that the state in the subject box for he Email "Questions about Olga", for I do not open any emails that I am not sure of.
Sheila and Graham Swarbrick says:
Hi Olga
Graham and I would like to thank you for making our stay in St. Petersburg so memorable.
Your communication prior to our visit was very informative and you made us very welcome in your wonderful city. We were very impressed by your knowledge and eagerness to show us as much as was possible in the time available to us.
We particularly like the way in which you allowed us to plan our own itinerary, aided by your suggestions of how best to maximise our time.
We were so impressed by what your city had to offer and will certainly return to see other highlights, which time unfortunately, did not allow us to experience.
Many thanks
Eileen says:
Sorry to be so slow in thanking you for a wonderful two days in St. Petersburg. We all had a great visit because of your efforts. Attached are a few photos of the trip. We took many pictures that came out very well. My parents and a friend will be visiting St. Petersburg next year. They shall be contacting you soon to see if you are available for guiding.
Steve&Gail Evans, Jerry&Margaret Bowman says:
We have used Olga's services on two separate trips - one with 10 people, and one with 6 people. On both, she was able to give each of us individual attention, and answer our many questions. From the moment we arrived in St. Petersburg, to the time we left, Olga provided transportation, tour guide in many museums, and also helped us with shopping for porcelin dishes. On our next trip to St. Petersburg, we will use Olga again!
Ron Ghitter says:
My wife and I, during our recent visit to St. Petersburg, were fortunate enough to have Olga Mikheyeva as our exclusive guide for three days. She added immenseley to our understanding and enjoyment of this extraordinary city. She was knowledgeable, always pleasant and willing to give a total commitment to our goal of exploring as much of the city as possible within the short time. We have recommended her to a number of our friends, who upon their return, thanked us for introducing them to such an excellent guide.
Anthony Fitzgerald says:
I have just read your guestbook again and realise you really are the best tour guide for so many of us when in St Petersburg. Thank you again for looking after myself and my mother - you really have an eye for detail and I like how you bring your tours to life. Although I had read a little bit before coming to St Petersburg I felt you brought the whole thing to life beyond the nuts and bolts of Russian history so now I really have a feeling for the place. Your guided tours are of the highest quality in terms of your personal knowledge, enthusiasm and delivery. I will of course recommend you to all my friends here in the UK, Germany and anywhere else because they would be in for a treat - it is great to be able to recommend you.
Gary & Melinda Howell says:
The sights to see in and around St. Petersburg are magnificant. A serious tourist should allocate a week at least to see them. My wife and I unfortunately only had two days this summer since we were ruled by our cruise ship's schedule. Olga's intimate knowledge of the area and of the tour business allowed us and the couple we were traveling with to see a week's worth of sights in two days. Olga arranged for a private car and driver to meet us at the dock upon arrival. Her excellent English and vast knowledge of the history of St. Petersburg entertained and educated us. Olga expedited our visits by knowing which back doors we could go through to avoid the long lines. She knew the best places for meals and souveniers, arranged ideal ballet tickets for us on our first evening, and got us back from Peterhof just before ship departure time the second evening. We will forever be thankful that we discovered Olga. Her delightful personality and attention to detail made our visit to Russia one of our fondest memories.
Blake and Jolene Wilkinson says:
Thank you for a wonderful winter tour of St. Petersburg and the surrounding area. Since our time was limited to two days you were careful to make sure we experienced the most important sites. You gave us the opportunity to suggest what we would like to see and experience and even in what order.
Yet at the same time you tactfully offered suggestions that would enhance our experience and make the most of our available time. And you did not rush us through the various exhibits and places. Your driver was professional and his vehicle clean and you were prompt in picking us up.
Your English was very good and you were easy to understand. We were impressed with your detailed knowledge of Russian history and appreciate the many extra tid-bits of information you shared with us. When we wanted to purchase some porcelain items and Russian chocolate you suggested other locations where selection and price were much better. We appreciate that. To top it off your fee was very reasonable. Thank you for showing us your wonderful country, culture, and history. We had a great experience. You are welcome in our home anytime.
Thank you,
Marcia Levine says:
Hope you remember us---Arthur & Marcia Levine and Beulah and Norman Martin. I just wanted to thank you for providing us with a wonderful tour of St. Petersburg. We enjoyed being with you so much. I am only sorry I couldn't get to more things. I hope to come back alone in the near future and hope you will consent to be my guide again. I dearly want to see the Pushkin Museum and lots more summer houses and churches. Thank you again for all your kindness.
Dear Olga, says:
We are back in the UK now and wanted to let you know what a wonderful time we had with you in St Petersburg. Your knowledge of the city, ability to get us round to see as much as possible in what was a very short time and your sheer exuberance make you a truly shining ambassador for your country. From the moment you met us from the ship to the moment we had to sadly return, we wer transported into a world of bygone years, a fairyland of Czars, revolutions and intrigue, of huge scale architecture and construction, of religious conflicts, palaces and canals and most of all......of warm Russian welcome and hospitality. The Senat restaurant was a unique experience and one we will not forget.
We are already looking forward to next year when we can return. In the meantime, we will be letting all our friends and contacts know about you and with luck will get you some more business!
Love from Philip and Lynfa.
Jennie Halsall says:
Many thanks for the guided tour on Sunday it was very entertaining and informative, we only wished we could have done it on day one of our visit.
I will certainly recommend you for anyone else that comes to visit. The coffee place was fabulous we went back again.
Good luck for the year ahead and again many thanks,
Charles Krull says:
Thank you very much for the tour of the palaces and the city. Marjorie and I enjoyed it very much. We also enjoyed the folk songs/dancing show that you recommended. A friend of mine is planning on coming to Saint Petersburg later this week with his two daughters. His name is Larry Neal and his daughters are
around 20 years old. I gave Larry your name and telephone number and e-mail address and my recommendation. He may give you a call.
Thank you again.
Maggie Baker says:
I have made two visits to St. Petersburg--in 2000 and 2006. One of the main things that drew me back was knowing that Olga would take excellent care of my family and myself. From the airport on our arrival to being taken back to the airport for our departure, everything needed was taken care of.
On my first trip in 2000 my husband and I were very dissatisfied with the tours available to us and the concierge at our hotel was not helpful. We were lucky to find Olga through a local agency and from then on, we not only went the places we were interested in when we wanted to go, but we also saved a considerable amount of money compared to the cost of the tours.
As a history major, there were a few places I wanted to see which didn't even have tours in English. Also, our time was much better utilized without having to be held to a tour schedule.
Olga's English is excellent and she is a delightful and knowledgeable guide for whatever your interests may be. I recommend her highly and know that she would be an asset to anyone wishing the best of all possible visits to St. Petersburg.
Jim & Barb says:
We wanted to drop you a quick message letting you know how much we enjoyed your guide services. We felt extremely comfortable with you and your knowledge of St. Petersburg was truly exceptional. You allowed us to obtain an understanding of St. Petersburg/Russia that we could have never achieved in a more structured tour. We were sad to have to leave, we felt like we were leaving a true friend. Best of luck and please do not hesitate to us as a reference.
By the way, we got back on the ship, on time, but the ship was delayed by ~20 minutes, due to two tour buses being stuck in traffic.
Barbara Hacker says:
We are back in Miami. Thank you so much for the fabulous tour you took us on to Catherines Palace and Peterhof. I promise to send you all of my cruise customers that will be coming through St Petersberg so you can show them the REAL St. Petersberg.
Please send me an email and let me know all the tours you are available to do and prices for 2 or 4.... So I have an idea. You know, the ships make it very hard to take private tours as you need to get your own visa etc and most people don''t want to bother. I think it is worth it, especially if you get such great tours that you offer.
Again, thanks for everything.
Best regards,
Jon says:
Addy and I loved St. Petersburg. We had a wonderful time with you. You made us feel like we had relatives in Russia. And we learned SO much! Thank you Thank you Thank you! We had a great time together. Thank you again. I hope you are well and happy.
Sandy and Don says:
We are now on the flight from Germany to home. Thanks for everything. It was a great experience. The time Sandy spent with you has inspired her to locate the book by Rasputin's daughter.
Thanks again. Take care,
Dwight and Rhoda Makoff says:
Thank you again for your excellent help while we were in your beautiful city.
Alice and Arie Lowenton says:
Dear Olga,
We are now back at home, after a three days visit to Riga, Latvia. We want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to the very professional work you did with us, guiding us through the magnificent St. Petersburg. It was really an experience, and without you our visit would not be as successful as it was. Also please extend our regards to Misha, the good and loyal driver.
We wish you all the best,
says:
I had the good fortune to find you through a travel message board, and I could not have been more delighted. You were so very accommodating in answering each and every one of my questions before I even left home, and by the time I got to St. Petersburg I felt like I was meeting up with a friend. I so much enjoyed the three full days I spent with you, two on my own and one with my husband and two of his work colleagues. We were all so surprised to learn that another colleague of my husband's had spent the weekend before with you! All five of us we so pleased to see St. Petersburg with you. You took time each day to make sure you were including all what I wanted to see. You were very sensitive to not only my needs, but I noticed that you were very tuned in at each venue to the whereabouts of the other tourists, moving us from spot to spot as was optimal for talking and viewing. And you knew the best spots for pictures, something I have especially appreciated since returning home. I cannot believe all I saw with you -- so many city sights, the extended visit to the Hermitage, and Pushkin, where we saw the Alexander Palace and the Catherine Palace with the amazing Amber Room. And thank you for securing the tickets
to Swan Lake at the Hermitage for my husband and I. It was a most fitting event for our last evening in St. Petersburg. If I ever have the good fortune to return to St. Petersburg in the future, we will most certainly meet again.
John & Doreen. says:
Hello Olga - we are now back home and would like to say how much we appreciated the excellent tour that you and your great driver "Andrew" gave us of your wonderful city.
Although, because of the limited time, we had to leave out some important places we covered all that we had hoped to see and even other places we did not know about!
Your tour exceeded our expectations. Thank you so much.
With all good wishes for the future
Bonnie and brian smith says:
I would like to thank you again for the most fabulous tour that you gave us on our trip.
We really learned a lot of what life is like in the new Russia as well as seing all the sights and tastes of St Petersburg It was an excellent tour with a guide who knew her city and country
We would be pleased to act as a reference for any one who wished to take a tour with Olga
Regards
Rosetta & Bob Chao says:
Dear Olga,
We want to thank you & Andre for a wonderful vacation in St. Petersburg. You are a terrific guide, always found ways to accommodate us: never had to queue up, short cuts to save time so we can see the most sights, found places to eat with local people, changing our agenda to suit the weather, etc..
We are sending you 2 pictures with all smiles. You can use us as reference, and we will mention you to any of our friends who will be visiting St. Petersburg. Stay well. Warmest regards to Andre.
Best Wishes,
Stuart Graham says:
Heather, Trevor, Pam and I are very, very appreciative of your expert guidance around St Petersburg over the three days. We are sure we couldn't have covered things better to our requirements. We particularly appreciated the way you responded to our requests and tailored the tour 'on the run'. Consequently, we had a very special time.
We will take every opportunity to recommend your services to any prospective visitors to St Petersburg we come across in the future.
Many thanks again Olga, and best wishes for the future
Larry Scoby David Geis says:
Thanks for a wonderful time in St. Petersburg! We really enjoyed our tour and hope to return in a few years.
Christine says:
My Mom, Dad and I wanted to write and thank you for a memorable tour of St. Petersburg. It was beyond our expectations and we will remember for a long time.
One can do all their research and get the most of their experiences when they see these cities that we saw on the cruise. If one is lucky, the port exceeds the expectation as was the case of St. Petersburg. But it is meeting the people you have no control over and gives you a pleasant memory that is totally unexpected. It was a pleasure to meet you and Andre and hopefully we will meet again. I have started writing a few things down about the trip before I forget them and have started organizing my pictures to put into an album. We are embarrassed that we did not get a picture of you and Andre. When you figure out how to send pictures by e-mail could you please include a picture of you and Andre with the other pictures you took of us on the tour?
Take care.
Kathy and Bruno says:
Dear Olga,
Bruno and I wished to thank you for your wonderful services as a guide. We enjoyed our visit to St. Petersburg very much, largely because of you. You are lucky to live in such an interesting and beautiful place.
I hope that we can return again one day. We send our very best to you and hope that life is treating you well.
Cary Lenkeit says:
Olga,
Once again, thanks again for your fantastic guiding service last week! Led by you, Brenda and I had a fabulous day at the State Hermitage. Your knowledge of both the Hermitage and it's history really made it a special day. In retrospect, I can't believe we saw so much in one day because I never felt rushed at all. We were very fortunate to have you as our leader that day.
With great appreciation and spaseeba,
