The trip came alive as we left the cities and headed north

Excellent all round trip the guide in St Petersburg was very nice and very knowledgeable but we found that she talked a little bit too much when we were looking at paintings and around the palaces.  Roman was our guide for the Sortavala section, he was very good and his son who was learning to be a guide was exceptional for his age (only 16). Pavel was also very good on the last leg of the trip. It was lovely to spend time with local people and learn a bit about their culture. It was nice to be contacted when we arrived in Russia to ensure we had been picked up.

Enjoyed Moscow and St Petersburg but for us, the trip came alive as we left the cities and headed north to Sortavala, Lake Onega, and the Lovozero Husky Park. And of course, two nights out looking for the Northern Lights and we were lucky to see them both nights.