Russia train + St. Petersburg guide

My two daughters and I took a train from Moscow, Russia, to Riga, Latvia, with Russian Railways in October ’08. We had a sleeper car and it was great. The cost of $170 per person included a room for four persons, and we received tea and biscuits for breakfast.

In Riga we stayed at Hotel Konventa Seta (Kaleju Str. 9/11, Riga, LV 1050; phone +371 67087501, www.konventa.lv). This was a wonderful hotel in a great location and very nicely priced; we paid about $100 a night.

The next evening we returned to Russia on the overnight train to St. Petersburg. This trip cost $161 per person, also including the breakfast.

When we arrived in St. Petersburg, our guide for the day, Tatiana Churkova (e-mail traveltospb@gmail.com), greeted us at the station. We spent eight wonderful hours touring St. Petersburg. We knew what we wanted to see specifically and she was very amenable to whatever we wanted. We visited several historic sites and museums.

She spoke wonderful English and knew the city and its wonderful history. I would recommend Tatiana to everyone, as she was a delight. Her fee was €30 (near $42) per hour which included herself, the car and the driver. We paid our own entry fees into the museums.

You also can reach Tatiana via the company website of www.spbwondertour.com. She can also be reached via her partner by e-mailing juliaguide@gmail.com.

Leaving St. Petersburg the same day, we returned to Moscow on the morning of the 23rd. This train trip cost $104 per person and included an evening snack as well as the breakfast.

All of the arrangements for the train were made through Go To Russia (309 Peters St., Unit A, Atlanta, GA 30313; 888/263-0023, www.gotorussia.com). The person we talked with was Daria Glukhich — a wonderful help. The reservations were easy, and the trains were very nice, clean and right on time.

JUDY MATTLIN
Lancaster, OH