Customer Feedback

We receive many complimentary letters about the tours and cruises we provide. Below you will find a selection of feedback letters we received from returning customers. We literally have far too many to publish below !

2011 Selection
We had an unforgettable, truly memorable holiday, with sights and sounds (wonderful, wonderful singing, unaccompanied, in churches and museums) which will stay with us forever. Your organisation worked like clockwork from the moment we were met at Moscow airport. Our driver meeting us at St Petersburg railway station was even standing exactly where our compartment stopped. The hotels were first class, with super facilities, excellent breakfasts and very friendly, helpful staff. The Korston had free bottled water in the rooms and free phone calls round the world; both had free wi-fi access, and the Ambassador had free internet access to the computers in its business centre, helpful for those like us who holiday without a laptop. The nearest metro to the Korston came out right on the river, with a very pleasant walk along the river bank, and an easy 15 mins or so walk back to the hotel; there was also a nice wee park adjoining the hotel. The Ambassador had the great merit of being within easy walking distance of the city centre and most of the main sights; we also found two good restaurants only 10 mins or so away, one of which, the 1913, was recommended in guide books and was a delight.The tours were excellent, and made hugely informative by the guides. The visit to Sergiev Posad was a real highlight. It being a public holiday, it was interesting for us to see the large numbers of ordinary Russians, rather than fellow tourists, visiting this sacred site and queuing to be blessed by the priest in one of the small chapels, or to kiss the icon in others. The Kremlin, the Hermitage, Peterhoff, the Peter and Paul fortress were all unmissable and quite breathtaking (one runs out of adjectives and superlatives). We thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities St Petersburg offered to wander round on foot, trying out different ways back to the hotel, and explore the canals, stimulated by the canal trip which you had included as an extra and which we much appreciated. Even an hour sitting in the sun in the Pushkin park was a simple pleasure. We also enjoyed the lunches included, with the chance to eat real Russian food. You had said in your documents that the guides' level of knowledge was "professorial", and that was entirely accurate, especially in the case of Galina. She would have made a better professor than a teacher, in that she was obviously happier holding forth with her spiel than being interrupted by questions in a more interactive fashion. Having quickly learned to accept that (though Ian was sometimes naughty), we got on fine and enjoyed the experience immensely. She was a bit rattled with all the last-minute adjustments she, and the driver, had to make as a result of Red Square, and various access routes round that whole area, being closed in advance of the 9th May celebrations. We squeezed everything in to two days, and were left free on the Monday before the train. However, watching all the ceremonies on TV, we had our very own grandstand view, from the elevated location of the Korston, of the helicopter flypast, with trailing flags, as they flew from the Kremlin down the river. The younger Pauline, on the other hand, less set in her ways, was very approachable and very willing to accommodate interventions from us. A telling little difference between them was the response to requests for minute change to their plans: Galina, "5 minutes"; Pauline, "take your time". All in all, the guides made a huge contribution to our enjoyment and understanding of the many many wonderful things we saw and did. They, plus all your planning and organisation, confirmed that the small group, with personal guide and driver, must surely be the very best way to get the most out of such a holiday. That our brains were so stimulated and, by the end of the week, exhausted was a tribute to their immense knowledge and to their (and our) idefatigability. We would recommend Russian Gateway to our circle of friends and family as simply the best way to see, and to be helped and guided to see, the fascinating cities of Moscow and St Petersburg, to get some insight into the history that made them, and to get some knowledge and appreciation of their outstanding cultural heritage - a treasure trove of memories that surpassed all our expectations. We would love to go back. As a final bonus we had excellent weather, with sun and clear blue skies for all but half an hour of a light shower one afternoon.

Kind regards

Ian and Margaret and Liz B, Imperial Russia, May 2011

Just to let you know that we had a fabulous holiday in Russia. It helped that we had very good weather, between 25 and 30 degrees every day. The only rain we saw was during one evening when we were having our dinner and the day of our departure.
The staff on the ship were excellent. The meals were well presented and very tasty. Elena who was allocated to take care of our party was very good. Her English was perfect and she supported me very sympathetically when I needed to see the doctor on board, The excursions were excellent and the guides were very good and exceeded what expected of them. The holiday provided us with lots of surprises and it exceeded our expectations. It was an experience we will treasure for a long time.
Val M, Chernyshevsky Cruise May 2011

I hope you still remember us, I would hate to be forgotten that quickly. We were away from Australia for 10 weeks and only arrived back a little over a week ago. I felt that I should tell you what a wonderful time we had. We all enjoyed the cruise it was excellent and I doubt that it could be improved. All the tours and associated activities pertaining to the cruise were most enjoyable. The Russian people that we came in contact with were lovely; the crew on the ship and various guides all good. I would and have already recommended such a cruise to any and I would have no hesitation in recommending you and your company to anyone.Joe D & Family, Australia November 2010

Sorry it's taken so long but just wanted to say that we had an excellent holiday. The cruise from Moscow to St Petersburg certainly surpassed our hopes and expectations. P.Smith & H Worsley October 2010

The trip to Russia went very well. The tour guides were both excellent. We have recommended Russian Gateway to friends in the UK. Thank you for everything. Regards, Dianna P, USA October 2010

We have been back in the UK a week now following our excellent week in St Petersburg arranged by Russian Gateway. I felt I should let you know what a wonderful time we had. Everything ran like clockwork and the guides (Pauline and Helen) were outstanding. Anatoly, the driver, was always punctual and very obliging. The hotel was of a good standard (although the rooms were fairly small - but we only slept in them, we did not want to hold a party!) and provided a reasonable standard of food. Each excursion was well organised and we have sung the praises of Russian Gateway to everyone who has asked us about our holiday. Our only regret was that we did not add Novgorod to our list of "want-to-visits".
Thank you very much for the superb service you provided.
Margaret and Neville P September 2010

Belated "thank you" for all your efforts in ensuring that we had a holiday "at all" which turned out to be most enjoyable. The organisation and representatives in St. Petersburg were first class and I hope that we will be returning for another holiday in the future. Thanks again. ps If you would like a reference for any purpose don't hesitate to ask. Mary & Stan D September 2010

We had a great time in Russia. The trip exceeded our expectations and we were surprised how different the places and people were compared to the stereotypes that our generation grew up with.Max and Kate L August 2010

Hi. We really enjoyed our guides in Moscow and St Petersburg this summer.The Hotels were also superb. The whole Tour was very well done.We want to go to Istanbul next Spring. Do you do any Tours there or can you suggest an equally fine operator? Thanks for doing a great job, Greg H, USA July 2010

Alan, Just back from Moscow and St Petersburg after a fabulous holiday – Both guides and drivers were excellent and friendly, with superb English thank you for everything Colin S June 2010

Dear Alan,
Just a short note to thank you for the excellent arrangements made by yourself and the company for our recent seven night tour of Moscow and St Petersburg.
Both Eileen and I were delighted with the trip, and the knowledge and helpfulness of our guides. The trip was excellent and I would certainly recommend to others.
Thanks once again. Yours sincerely, Ian S June 2010

Hello Alan, Just a note to thank you for organising our Russian adventure. We had a fantastic time and the memories will live with us forever. I would especially like to thank you for re-arranging our flights at short notice. KLM and Russian Airways were far superior to BA.We were really pleased with both hotels; the locations were ideal and the service great. Your drivers were attentive and punctual – especially given the erratic traffic in both cities(!) All the arranged lunches were great and gave us a feel for Russian cuisine. Lyndsay and John R May 2010

The most important thing is that we absolutely loved our holiday and are so very very glad that we went, glad that we went with Russian Gateway (recommendations will be forthcoming) and glad that we decided to visit both cities because they are so different. Helen M May 2010

We had an excellent holiday. Thank you very much!. A well run ship, providing very good food and accomadation. Our group leader Natasha was exceptional and local tour guides were very knowledgable. I thought that the holiday was very good value.Thank you again. Brian M May 2010

Alan, you helped my husband plan our trip to Russia. I loved everything about Russia! The history, culture, architecture, art were all so magnificent and our wonderful guides Maria and Galina only made everything more fantastic. Their knowledge was extensive and added so much to our experience.I hope that I will have the opportunity to visit Russia again someday. Thank you for helping us plan the trip of a lifetime! Heda H USA May 2010

Hi Alan Just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic, fast and easy service provided by RG. Ill be sure to use you again on my next trip there.Many thanks Simon G May 2010

Just to let you know we are back safe and sound from Moscow. We had a wonderful time and we were all very impressed with Galina our guide who was so knowledgeable and interesting. Having a personal guide certainly enhanced our trip and, in our opinion, is the best way to visit Moscow.
Elaine C April 2010

Hi Alan Just wanted to say thanks for a fantastic, fast and easy service provided by RG. Ill be sure to use you again on my next trip there.Many thanks
Simon G May 2010

We had a great holiday. Our guide Liza and the other girls were brilliant and it certainly was a wonderful introduction to Russia.
Many thanks - Jo & Geoff S May 2010.

Alan, Thank you for a wonderful trip to Russia. We all had a marvellous time, and were so well cared for by all your Guides, who were so informative and helpful. Please thank Svetlana and Maria in Moscow for giving us such an interesting and enjoyable time, and Pauline in St Petersburg - can you tell her we thoroughly enjoyed the Caucus Restaurant and the Russian Museum. We managed to spend the whole morning there with ease.The ballet was utterly delightful, especially from those front seats, as was the theatre. The principal ballerina was superb, and it was so refreshing to watch all the performers enjoying themselves compared with here.As for the train trip! Perfect! Took me back to my early childhood annual trips between Glasgow and Liverpool which I loved - My daughter said I was like a child again! And so was she that night! We very much appreciated all your help in making the arrangements at short notice, and everything went like clockwork - such a relief after the horrors of a trip to Jordan this time last year with Explore.
Catherine, Robert and Alison A January 2010

Dear Alan,Home again after a fantastic few days in St Petersburg. I wanted to e-mail you immediately but my internet connection has been 'down' until this morning. All the arrangements worked perfectly - the hotel and staff couldn't have been nicer or more helpful, Alyena (our tour guide) was both charming and knowledgable and the extra of our Folklore evening was memorable. It's impossible really to pick out one thing because it was all so special.
Ann McC March 2010

Alan this is just to let you know that, despite BA's best efforts, my wife and I made it to St Petersburg as planned and also managed to return safely last night.
We had a truly wonderful trip due entirely to our guide, Elena Lavinskaia. Elena was extremely generous with the time, amazingly knowledgeable, enormous fun to be with and after almost a week in her company has become a dear friend of ours. Thank you for providing such a competent and delightful person. She made our holiday a great success.
Kind regards
Charles T Jan 2010

Dear Alan
I am emailing to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip last week. We were of course very lucky to have Galina and Pauline, who were both superb, all to ourselves and had an excellent time.
Thank you. Regards.
Chris W Feb 2011

What a most wonderful time we had!!! Really really enjoyed ever minute of it. All the arrangements worked like clock-work and our 'little helper' was just perfect in every way. We really would like to go again either May or October 2010. We just made it with the weather. We had cold days obviously, but we were dressed accordingly so that was no problem. (Had UGG boots for my birthday, would very much recommend them for Russia).However, on the last day it turned to minus 12 and that is too cold to walk about town, but we were on our way to the airport so that didn't matter at all.
Thank you again for your efficient service and we most certainly would recommend you to people who might like to experience Russia too.
Elda C Dec 2009

We have just returned from a wonderful weeks holiday in Moscow and St Petersburg. Both the hotels (Le Merdien National in Moscow and The Grand Hotel Europe in St Petersburg) were excellant and in a perfect central location making everything so easy for us. A special big thank you must go to our Guides, Galina in Moscow and Lena in St Petersburg. They both went out of their way to make our holiday perfect and to ensure that we saw everything we could possibly want to see both with them and in our free time. Their knowledge of Russian History, Culture, Architecture and Art was endless and we learnt so much from them so please pass on our thanks to them.
Rod H June 2009

On behalf of all four of us I am writing to express our appeciation for your organisation on the above tour from which we returned on Monday of last week. Your own team were on hand to welcome us on our arrival in Moscow and the team in St. Petersburg were most efficient. Our guide to the Hermitage, Ilena, was superb and managed to lead us through lots of back stairways so that we could see all of what we wanted and avoid the crowds.
The Alexander House hotel was excellent and far more conveniently situated than we had at first appeciated. We loved St. Petersburg and are so pleased that we added on the two extra days particularly as these coincided with the annual Birthday celebrations in the city and we were blessed with unbroken sunshine. Also, we had the opportunity of doing many things which were excluded from the Viking itinerary., e.g. the Russian Museum, the Youssoupov Palace and the interiors of both St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Church of the Spilled Blood. We thought the Viking cruise was good although many of the Americans, with previous experience of the Company, said that it was not up to the Company's usual standard. However, the food was good even if the service was dilatory on occasions and the majority of the Guides were excellent.
Sincerely, Chris P June 2009

Alan I am sorry I haven't contacted you earlier but as soon as we arrived back from Russia we were away again.

Thank you very much for all the arrangements for our holiday, everything seemed to go very smoothly and my wife(for whom the holiday was a special treat) really enjoyed every part of it - as I did .

We particularly enjoyed the company of Galina in Moscow , she was so informative and helpful and we had lots of interesting conversations with her. Please pass on our thanks to her especially as I now know how to drink Vodka properly !!

Eleana in St Petersburg was delightful . she was so sweet and very sensitive to understand what we wanted to see. So please thank her very much for the time she spent with us and tell her the pancake shops indeed were very good.

Our drivers were always very obliging and pleasant.

We would most certainly recommend you to others and it was nice not to have to concern ourselves with any of the arrangements such as visas etc and all the meals arranged for us were most enjoyable.

The whole balance of the holiday with the free time for ourselves was just right and it allowed us to explore and do our own thing which was good.
Many Thanks Chris M June 2009

We did have a great trip to Russia - we both thoroughly enjoyed it. The boat was good and we had plenty of time in both cities as well as getting a feel for the countryside.
I would be happy to recommend this trip to friends.
Thanks for all your help, Regards
Diana G June 2009

Dear Alan,
Just short email to let you know we had a good time on our recent visit to Moscow / St Petersburg. All the travel arrangements worked very smoothly and the hotels (Kosmos / Moskva) were good too. The 3 guides were had were excellent.
We are glad that we had the 11 day tour because it gave us time to do things ourselves and not be rushed. Donald had been to a Russian language evening class which we found very helpful for getting around on our own.
We have said to our friends and work colleagues that if they are thinking of going to Russia we can heartly recommend your company.Yours sincerely,
Donald and Sylvia June 2009

Returned yesterday evening from St Petersburg. Excellent holiday in a very beautiful and awesome city. Your arrangements were great- hotel very convenient, comfortable and staff very helpful ; the driver (Slava) was great and our guide,Irena, was brilliant. We learnt a lot about Russian history and a little Russian language.
Thank you. Bill D June 2008

Firstly, we both enjoyed the holiday immensely. Both the guides were superb and their knowledge seemingly endless; we would have got much less from our trip without them. Both of them went out of their way to make our trip as enjoyable as possible and Galina got us into places we would never have managed without her, eg the Diamond Collection. Please pass on our thanks to them both and to the driver in Moscow who negotiated the traffic without ever scaring us!
Mary R June 2008

Just to say we had a wonderful holiday in St Petersburg last weekend, and thank you very much for your help. Our guide, Irene, was excellent and very knowledgeable. The upgraded hotel was in a prime position for sightseeing.
Barbara D June 08

Hi Alan,
Just a quick e-mail to say the Moscow break went like a dream (and then some!) - all Russian Gateway's organisation worked perfectly smoothly
thanks again... I'll probably be back in touch within the next week or two sorting out another Moscow trip again :)
Cheers, Nick T May 2008

Just a note to let you know we had the most fantastic time, especially in Moscow where our guide Tania was excellent. We were most surprised with the city, so open and green and the people helpful and friendly. Tania went out of her way to help and her parting words were "is there any more I can do for you?"
Rita O May 2008

We have all arrived back safely, the trip on the whole was very good, well organized etc etc. The logistics in Moscow was cool, the segregation of fans worked, the stadium was situated such that this was possible. There was no beer anywhere other than the airport though. Although I am probably being paranoid the delays we faced throughout the trip were a pain although I am not complaining too much as we won, I did feel that the delays were orchestrated by the authorities because we are English football fans. I wont list them, but thanks for everything,

Look forward to using you again in the not too distant future.
Thanks, David S, England v Russia football group May 2008

Just want to thank you and the Russian Gateway staff for providing a fantastic holiday package for my visit to St Petersburg with my sister Tracey(15th to 19th May). Everything was perfect - travel arrangements went smoothly and a great hotel (Alexander) and helpful staff. Our driver Igor and guide Lena deserve special mention as they were very friendly and informative - what a treat to have a driver and guide to ourselves! Without Lena we would not have learnt so many interesting things, she also gave us confidence to get the most from our time there. I also think we had just the right balance of guided tours and free time. Everthing was quite perfect and I will recommend Russian Gateway to my friends and colleagues. Definitely one of the best and most memorable holidays I have ever had. Manythanks Lynn B St.Petersburg Beauty 4 nights 4 stars May 2008

Overall we had a really good week and will very happily recommend Russian Gateway to friends. Many thanks for an excellent tour service for Russia. We have Irina's email and will write to her. I will also write to Galina. With best wishes Tom B - Imperial Russia 7 nights 4 Star Plus February 2008

Thanks for organising a brilliant week for us. The Alexander House is , as you say, a wonderful find ; very relaxing , comfortable and in good location for getting around .

Thanks again David and Linda F - Imperial Russia 7 nights 4 Star Plus May 2008

We had a splendid trip to St Petersburg - thanks for all your arrangements. Our guide Elena was really excellent - knowledgeable, friendly, helpful. She took full account of our interests and was an essential part of our enjoyment of the visit. Alexandre, the taxi driver, probably has one of the worst jobs in St P, and got us everywhere

safely and on time. We have recommended Russian Gateway and our guide Elena to my sister who is still undecided about visiting St Petersburg. Thanks once again.

Gerard & Dorothy L - St.Petersburg Beauty 7 nights 3 Stars May 2008

Just wanted to say how very much Kathy, Margaret and I enjoyed the trip. We were most impressed with the arrangements for our flights, transfers, excursions etc. Our guide Lena Lavinskaya was excellent and having her and a driver made things much easier for us. We did in fact book a driver and guide for a fourth day to go to Peterhof. So, very many thanks. Thank you again for all your help. Kathy and I are planning another trip to Russia and will certainly use your services.

Lynda D St.Petersburg Beauty 5 Stars May 2008

Just wanted to thank you and Russian Gateway for a fantastic time in Moscow. I also wanted to mention Victor, our driver, for always being punctual and waiting for us at the airport even though the plane was delayed by more than 2 hours and our guide Maria (I'm not sure if that's how she spells her name and I think she is normally called Masha) who was absolutely wonderful. If you should speak to her in the future please say Hi to her from us. Both my brother, Greg and me are keen to go back again to Russia and if anyone asks about going to Russia I will definitely recommend you. Once again thank you very much. Paul F. Moscow Citybreak 4 nights 4 Stars May 2008

I thought I would drop you an e-mail to thank you and all your colleagues in Russian for a most excellent holiday. Alan and I had a wonderful time and were treated most kindly by our hosts Galina and Elena. They were excellent guides and we very much appreciated and enjoyed their knowledgeable talks. I will be recommending your company to all my friends. I have taken the liberty to send a few photos which if you have time you might like to send a selection to both our guides. Once again thank for organising such a wonderful experience. Kind Regards Gordon E Imperial Russia 11 nights 3 Stars May 2008

Just a few thoughts after our holiday in Russia 8 - 15 May. We both enjoyed the holiday immensely. Both the guides were superb and their knowledge seemingly endless; we would have got much less from our trip without them. Both of them went out of their way to make our trip as enjoyable as possible and Galina got us into places we would never have managed without her, eg the Diamond Collection. Please pass on our thanks to them both and to the driver in Moscow who negotiated the traffic without ever scaring us! In both Moscow and St. Petersburg our driver or guide was waiting for us on arrival and every day.Everything was very efficient and all ran smoothly.

The hotels were very good, especially the Alexander House in St. Petersburg where the staff were very friendly and helpful. Uur holiday which was a trip of a lifetime. We had a wonderful time in a fascinating country and have many happy memories. We would not hesitate to recommend you to others. What really made our holiday were the guides who went out of their way to look after all our needs at the same time as telling us about art, architecture and Russian history both far past and more recent. We really appreciate and are grateful for both their knowledge and consideration.Many thanks to all concerned.
Best wishes, Mary and Kate R Imperial Russia 7 nights 4 Star Plus May 2008

Thank you for the holiday. We saw everything we planned and were looked after by both the guides who went beyond the call of duty. In Moscow the guide Galina Denisova did everything she could and really pulled every string she could to keep us on schedule with the trip . So its full marks for the Guides. Overall it was a good holiday, we have no real complaints and we would recommend you to others Thank You Allan F / Fran T Imperial Russia 11 nights 3 stars May 2008

Just returned from our holiday to Moscow and St P. We had a really lovely time..we even had sunshine most of the week! Generally everything worked very well and we were very impressed with The Alexander House - pristine clean and very pleasant and helpful. Overall we had a great time and I would like to thank you and your colleagues for putting it together for us. Regards, Susan S. Imperial Russia 7 nights 4 stars Plus May 2008

Copyright © 2011 Russian Gateway UK Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Russiana River Cruises is a trading name of Russian Gateway (UK) Ltd and is compliant with European Commission Directive on Package Travel (The Package Travel, Package Holidays and Package Tour Regulations 1992-SI3288/1992) whereby all monies paid to us are protected until you return from your holiday . Russian Gateway (UK) Ltd is a limited company in England and Wales (UK) - company number is 3878501. VAT Registration number is 803 3949 31.