Histours
5
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About
Private bookings only! - Explore the battlefields of the most destructive siege in human history - Travel along the Road of Life and visit the battlefields where the fate of millions was decided - See lake Ladoga and the countryside behind the city's facades
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
68 reviews
Excellent
67
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
HMaudP
Nottingham, UK57 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Alexander was a fascinating guide and kept our family of 5 (ranging in age from 62-25) engaged. There was one military history buff, two with historical interest and two with minimal interest. Alexander, took us to a number of sites (which we would have struggled to reach on our own), kept us all interested throughout the day and really bought the history to life.
I cannot recommend this tour enough.
I cannot recommend this tour enough.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nebneb187
Kazan, Russia2 contributions
Oct 2020
We spent a lovely three days with Alex and Oleg. Alex is very detailed with his explanations and descriptions. You can tell this is his passion as well as his profession. All of our three days were fun and interesting. If you are interested in military history or just feel like experiencing something different then we would definitely recommend histours. It was a unique experience and we will return for future tours when we are next in St Petersburg. Hopefully very soon.
Written October 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LifesGood
Caldwell, NJ183 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
I've hired many private tour guides over the years, but none has been as amazing as Alexander Shmidke of Histours. Like the prior reviewer, we found Histours through the Siege of Leningrad tour. Our teenage son is really into World War II history.
Before even leaving for Russia, Alexander was quick to reply to emails and offered so much helpful advice. He even met us at the train station early in the morning and called us a cab to save us from having to figure out how to get a taxi after an overnight train excursion.
We hired Alexander for 3 days and he found us a qualified guide to tour the palaces on a day that didn't work with his schedule. In addition, he arranged for us to have lunch with a Russian family in a former Soviet Communal apartment. It was one of the highlights of our amazing 10 days in Russia.
The Siege tour was so fascinating. It was a cold day so it gave us a true feeling of the harsh realities that the combatants faced. We spent about 10 hours stopping at monuments, going to museums (the diorama was great), seeing the Road of Life, learning about the role Lake Lagoda played in the war, and then walking around battlefields and Nevsky Bridgehead where remnants of the war lay in situ. It was outstanding, even for someone without much knowledge of that part of history.
In addition to the Siege tour, Alexander was our private guide at the Hermitage, several cathedrals, the museum with a scale model of St. Petersburg, the State Political History museum (really great!), and the Peter and Paul Fortress. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Russia, his command of English is perfect and he's got a great sense of humor. I learned so much about Russian and Soviet history while having fun at the same time.
When we weren't touring, on his own time Alexander brought us to a Laundromat, found an Army/Navy store for our son to buy souvenirs, gave us restaurant recommendations, and took us to some fun out-of-the-way bars, including Garagiste wine bar which we loved.
The rates he charges are quite reasonable. His driver, also named Alexander, is friendly, prompt and has a nice Mercedes van. Prices include the van and driver, museum/attraction entrance fees and sometimes even lunch.
I can't say enough about how Alexander made our trip to St. Petersburg extraordinary. I wish I could give him 6 stars! Feel free to ask me any questions.
Before even leaving for Russia, Alexander was quick to reply to emails and offered so much helpful advice. He even met us at the train station early in the morning and called us a cab to save us from having to figure out how to get a taxi after an overnight train excursion.
We hired Alexander for 3 days and he found us a qualified guide to tour the palaces on a day that didn't work with his schedule. In addition, he arranged for us to have lunch with a Russian family in a former Soviet Communal apartment. It was one of the highlights of our amazing 10 days in Russia.
The Siege tour was so fascinating. It was a cold day so it gave us a true feeling of the harsh realities that the combatants faced. We spent about 10 hours stopping at monuments, going to museums (the diorama was great), seeing the Road of Life, learning about the role Lake Lagoda played in the war, and then walking around battlefields and Nevsky Bridgehead where remnants of the war lay in situ. It was outstanding, even for someone without much knowledge of that part of history.
In addition to the Siege tour, Alexander was our private guide at the Hermitage, several cathedrals, the museum with a scale model of St. Petersburg, the State Political History museum (really great!), and the Peter and Paul Fortress. He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of Russia, his command of English is perfect and he's got a great sense of humor. I learned so much about Russian and Soviet history while having fun at the same time.
When we weren't touring, on his own time Alexander brought us to a Laundromat, found an Army/Navy store for our son to buy souvenirs, gave us restaurant recommendations, and took us to some fun out-of-the-way bars, including Garagiste wine bar which we loved.
The rates he charges are quite reasonable. His driver, also named Alexander, is friendly, prompt and has a nice Mercedes van. Prices include the van and driver, museum/attraction entrance fees and sometimes even lunch.
I can't say enough about how Alexander made our trip to St. Petersburg extraordinary. I wish I could give him 6 stars! Feel free to ask me any questions.
Written April 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Through-new-eyes
Preston, UK1 contribution
May 2016 • Friends
Having wanted to visited Russia for years and finally getting the opportunity my friend and I booked Alexander's battlefield tour as part of our four day visit to St Petersburg. The tour was probably the highlight of my stay in Russia. Alexander's knowledge and delivery around the subjects of the siege and surrounding battles of Leningrad is superb. I did not feel rushed from spot to spot either which I have found on other tours around the world. Both Alexander and his driver (I'm sorry I've forgotten his name) were friendly and easy to chat to. While St Petersburg is beautiful and historic it is still a large bustling city; being driving around the Russian country side while stopping to see key points and landmarks of the siege was a breath of fresh air. It also really gave me a sense of being in provincial Russia along with treading off the well beaten tourist path in a safe and secure manner. Standing on the banks of the river Neva near the many memorials to the 'Nevsky Pyatachok' (Nevsky Bridgehead) was very poignant and moving particularly with Alexander's back ground description and I-Pad photo's of the area during the battle.I hope you get more people on your tours Alexander!! Thank you
Written May 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juleen E
Tucson, United States39 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We thoroughly enjoyed the day spent with Alexander of Histours. He was professional in his pretour communications, and was efficient, accommodating, and genial on the tour.
We traveled the land route over which people were evacuated and supplies carried to the besieged city of Leningrad (as St. Petersburg was known then) 1941-43; stopped at a few of the moving memorials along this "Road of Life" and on the shores of Lake Ladoga--whose expanse provided the only access route to the city--(including the eternal flame and the Road of Life Museum), viewed key defense points for the Russians (Oreshek Fortress, Nevsky Beachhead), took a short walk among the forest trenches and past more memorial tributes to fallen soldiers, to the bank of the Neva River, and ended with a visit to the stunning diorama museum that depicts in summary all the events that took place at the sites we had seen. All accompanied by well informed commentary and detailed digital maps of the area and battlelines. Truly enthralling. A surprise was lunch included! A full day (8-4), good value for money, informative, very knowledgeable guide, comfortable minivan.
We traveled the land route over which people were evacuated and supplies carried to the besieged city of Leningrad (as St. Petersburg was known then) 1941-43; stopped at a few of the moving memorials along this "Road of Life" and on the shores of Lake Ladoga--whose expanse provided the only access route to the city--(including the eternal flame and the Road of Life Museum), viewed key defense points for the Russians (Oreshek Fortress, Nevsky Beachhead), took a short walk among the forest trenches and past more memorial tributes to fallen soldiers, to the bank of the Neva River, and ended with a visit to the stunning diorama museum that depicts in summary all the events that took place at the sites we had seen. All accompanied by well informed commentary and detailed digital maps of the area and battlelines. Truly enthralling. A surprise was lunch included! A full day (8-4), good value for money, informative, very knowledgeable guide, comfortable minivan.
Written August 4, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justus v
Byram, NJ1 contribution
Mar 2016
I went with my family on the private Histours Siege of Leningrad tour on a blustery day in March. Alexander picked us up on our hotel and gave us background information and showed maps on his tablet as we headed out on the Road of Life. I am a history buff so I enjoyed Alexander's deep knowledge about World War II. At the same time, he kept it engaging for my wife and child as we toured museums and searched the battlefields for old bullets. I especially liked learning about the engineering feat involved in getting troops and supplies across the largest lake in Europe -- Lake Ladoga.
We also spent other days with Alexander touring St. Petersburg. Each day we looked forward to the fascinating surprises in store. Don't hesitate to book Alexander and Histours for one or more days when in St. Petersburg.
We also spent other days with Alexander touring St. Petersburg. Each day we looked forward to the fascinating surprises in store. Don't hesitate to book Alexander and Histours for one or more days when in St. Petersburg.
Written April 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
orangeheather
Kochi (Cochin), India51 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
I took a tour with Alexander of the Siege of Leningrad earlier this year, and finally found a chance to write a review. I have long been interested in WWII history, but did not know much about the Soviet side of the war, so when I had the opportunity to travel to Russia, I wanted to learn as much as possible. I had read "900 Days" by Harrison Salisbury, and wanted to see the sites firsthand. Alexander's tour is extraordinary. He took me and my friend on an extensive tour of the outskirts of St. Petersburg to see the many monuments, sites, museums, and battlefields associated with the Siege. Alexander's knowledge is inexhaustible. We saw and learned so much in one day - I will never forget it. He is a serious historian, and is extremely passionate about Russian history, which is evident from the moment we met. If you want an unforgettable experience learning about the moving history of the Siege of Leningrad, then book a tour with Alexander right away!
Written September 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
XenophonAnabasis
Atlanta, GA228 contributions
Aug 2013 • Couples
Alexander is a young man who has a very good vocabulary in English and who is an expert on the Siege of Leningrad and on the military in general. His enthusiasm for his subject is apparent.
The price is rather high, but includes traveling in a nice van (with a driver and Alexander) for a fairly long way, all admission tickets to museums, and lunch. And you get a real expert who knows his subject, and not someone who is just pointing out sights and parroting memorized lines like some guides do. Ask Alexander anything about the siege, WWII, military equipment, or the military, and he will probably know the answer.
I recommend that you have some familiarity with WWII and the Leningrad siege. That will make the tour more interesting.
The price is rather high, but includes traveling in a nice van (with a driver and Alexander) for a fairly long way, all admission tickets to museums, and lunch. And you get a real expert who knows his subject, and not someone who is just pointing out sights and parroting memorized lines like some guides do. Ask Alexander anything about the siege, WWII, military equipment, or the military, and he will probably know the answer.
I recommend that you have some familiarity with WWII and the Leningrad siege. That will make the tour more interesting.
Written August 15, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sean S
moscow10 contributions
Jan 2013 • Business
Alexander and his company are simply excellent. We took a tour of Smolny and other Soviet era sites, and I found the tour to be of the highest quality. I live in Moscow and am a student of Russian and Soviet history, but within 5 minutes I was already learning new things about buildings I must have walked past many times before without knowing their secrets. Alexander is a great storyteller, and has read widely in both English and Russian sources. The type of tour Alex offers inspires you to learn more and see more deeply, both of which are so important when travelling. In short, this is to me by far the best tour operator in St Petersburg and very probably the whole of Russia as well. Ive certainly not met one better, and Ive been here for 6 or 7 years already. Book him, you won't regret that you did.
Written January 31, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim N
7 contributions
Aug 2019 • Friends
I did a tour with Alexander in August 2018 and it was my most memorable day whilst visiting Russia. Alexander is an amazing guide, he gave so much thought to our tour and he speaks excellent english.
Written April 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello NummyD,
Yes, I'm available on these dates. Please send me a letter to alexander.histours @ yandex. ru or call +79046304403 (WhatsApp, Viber available). I'll be happy to answer all your questions regarding the tour and customise it for you.
Best regards,
Alexander
Written December 19, 2019
Hi when is your next available date? I have two pax and would love to join a group.
I will be leaving St. Petersburg on 7 Nov
Would it be possible to share the charges too?
Thanks much
Written November 4, 2018
Hello, currently there are no tours running tomorrow or on Tuesday. If you would like to contact me quickly, please use the phone +7 921 849 33 54, WhatsApp/Viber available,
Written November 4, 2018
Richard P
Berlin, Germany
I can't afford a private one day tour. Is it possible to join a group? If so, what is the cost?
Jack
Written May 25, 2017
Hello Jack, please tell me the dates you are going to take this tour on by writing to me by email, and I'll try to connect you to a group which booked a tour in this time interval. However, there's no guarantee such option would be available, and some groups/individuals prefer to keep their tours private.
Written May 26, 2017
Hi,
Have you got any bookings for second half of August? will be in Piter in between 15-26th? Could the tour be in Russaian or English?
Rgds
Grzegorz
Written July 11, 2016
Hi Grzegorz,
The tour can be conducted in either Russian and English.
If you would like to do a tour in the second half of August, please send me an email to info @ histours. ru and I will tell you all available dates and options.
Best regards,
Alexander
Written July 11, 2016
Do you pick up at our hotel? And what would the cost be for 2 people? If we want to tour the island fortress, is there an extra charge for that?
Written June 20, 2016
Hello, maryglarr! Yes, I pick up and drop off at the client's hotel. The cost for 2 people will be 19 000 roubles. The inclusion of the fortress costs 4 000 for 2 people.
Written June 21, 2016
How long are the tours? Days? Hours? Also the price for the tours.
Written November 30, 2015
Hello marylgarr,
Sorry for the late response - I didn't get any notifications about your post from the website.
You can get full information about the tour, its duration and prices by clicking on the "website" link on this Tripadvisor profile. Unfortunately, Tripadvisor doesn't allow to post any links in the answers section. You can also write to the email address shown on the front page to get more detailed information regarding your tour request.
Written February 15, 2016
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