Russia & Eastern Europe
Ala and Greg

To wander through the Amber and Agate Rooms of the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo is a special experience at any time. But to see them as Empress Elizabeth did in the 18th century, lit by chandeliers, in the company of just a few friends, is completely breathtaking. An after-hours visit to the palace is just one of the things that Russia experts Ala and Greg can arrange (backstage at the Mariinsky, anyone? A private viewing of the Tretyakov Gallery?).

Having lived in St Petersburg for almost three years, Ala has built up a great network of friends, insiders and fixers in many areas of Russia. She and US-based Greg (whose passion for Russia began when he lived and studied in Moscow as a student) have the inside track on anything that’s worth knowing – from those cultural icons to Moscow’s hot new restaurant scene and the most trusted drivers and guides – as well as emerging destinations like Crimea. As well as organising everything worth going to, they won’t hesitate to warn you off anything they think is best avoided.

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