This was my first experience with SmarTours and I am already looking forward to the next. The itinerary was well thought out. Our group was a little big (39) but I had the pleasure of getting to know interesting, nice and wonderful people from all walks of life in this group and that alone was well worth the trip. The hotels were comfortable and the food was great. There were so many highlights from our outstanding , competent, patient and knowledgeable guides, especially Eleana (St. Petersburg) and our Director Natasha (Moscow) to all of the beautiful sights of this wonderful country and the generous people who inhabit it. St. Petersburg for me was a beautiful enigma - an Italian city in the wrong place. The architecture is very aesthetic . After one day I was ambivalently walking the town as I learned about its history and how impactful of a country it is. There are plenty of palaces, museums if you like baroque and classicism style in art. Vladímir/Suzdal has to be a stop on any trip to Russia. I don’t have words to express how stunning and truly amazing it is to visit some of these gorgeous sights which remain honest and genuine. I was also fascinated by the Russian culture and the mystic history of the Tsars. Additionally, the Red Square is unforgettable and wonderful, the Kremlin cathedrals are very impressive. Honestly I cannot think of a way this could have been better. I definitely recommend this trip to others.