We consider ourselves very lucky to have met Alex Polenov when he was on a business trip to the US. Having expressed an interest in visiting Russia, he invited us to come to see him in St. Petersburg. We were delighted and took him up on it. It turned out to be our most memorable trip ever.

With Alex as our trip planner and host, we experienced Russia in a most personal way. Our private guide Julia showed us the public St. Petersburg and also the City from a local point of view.

On our most memorable trip ever, our trip to St. Petersburg, we were most fortunate be able to go to an authentic Russian country house. It was warm, cozy, and the feel of the country was so different from the city. We had a wonderful time enjoying the flowers, vegetable gardens and eating a delicious Russian Barbeque. We hear so much about the grueling Russian winters that this pastoral scene was a contrast to what most people picture of Russia. It was something most tourists do not get to experience. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an "off the beaten path" experience.

Alex and his company took the very best care of us and made our visit interesting and unique. We have not stopped talking about our experiences since our return to the US. We count Alex's Tours and Travel as wonderful hosts and dear friends and would not hesitate to recommend their services.

Nancy Wingelaar, SLC, Utah, USA
JNWINGELAAR@aol.com

Here's a picture with our dear Alex, right near the amazing Savior on the Spilt Blood Cathedral.

We are standing on the bank of the Neva river and right behind us is a beautiful panorama of the Palace Embankment with the Winter Palace.