Igor

4.5
free-lance tour guide
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On site since 01 November 2012
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4.5
About Activities Reviews

About

Your personal guide to Saint Petersburg
WHY SHOULD YOU DO MY TOURS Bored with run of the mill, standard tours, where guides just repeat the same old memorized text? I offer walking tours around St.Petersburg and its environs, which are extremely detailed and where you would be able to find out not only the facts, such as who, what, for how long and for how much, using how many kilos etc., but learn both iconography, namely what allegories are used in that particular object of art or architecture, along with iconology, meaning what values were its owners and creators trying to convey. If you want to create meaningful connection with the place, you are going to visit and open your mind to new experiences you are more than welcome to try my lecture tours in a unique style of infotainment (mixing history and anecdotal storytelling) delivered with my own flair. I offer walking tours around St.Petersburg, that are usually off the beaten paths and could be extremely detailed, but crash/introductory course of main highlights of the city is also available upon request. I am a pedant racountuer, which means I can be both academic and entertaining, yet I promise not to overload you with unnecessary details. I'm choosing breathtaking views all over the city, so you would be able to see the sites, that awe and educate. Everyday I work hard to make experience of my clients better and more engaging. Groups are extremely small (four people maximum), personal, and informative the real nitty-gritty of the city and usually the fine details are not overlooked for the more popular highlights. Of course, the main highlights are available for anyone who asks. My area of expertise is in architecture and art history. But where I really exceed, it is Russian history. St. Petersburg is full of surprises, and without doubt, is best experienced on foot. You've probably already heard, that it is often called an open air museum. Each building is an exhibit with its unique history surrounded by mystery, intrigue and even murder. There is no better way to see it than to take a guided walking tour around the historical center of the city and learn the history of Peter's creation. You will not only see beautiful ensembles and royal palaces but would be able to find out about its former creators and owners. Was it a curse or blessing for its inhabitants? You'll learn this and much more. I usually speak about socio-economic progress of the country, during corresponding period of time in conjunction with the development of different architecture's and art's styles. Along this route we talk about the history of each building and their former famous owners so you'll get a crush course of Russian history as well.

Excursions by guide Saint Petersburg

One-day individual tour in Saint Petersburg
One-day individual tour in Saint Petersburg
Our exhaustive (no pun intended) walking tour starts as soon as we leave city port gates. Approximate itinerary for that is down bellow. We can explore both sides of the Neva and walk in a complete loop the city center...
6 000 ₽
per group
9 reviews
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Two-day individual tour: The Hermitage and Saint Petersburg downtown
Two-day individual tour: The Hermitage and Saint Petersburg downtown
On the first day we are going visit the Hermitage and walk around the surrounding area. After that (if you feel like) we might visit several famous St Petersburg cathedrals...
3 000 ₽
per person
6 reviews
More details
The State Hermitage guided tour
The State Hermitage guided tour
The tour usually starts from main staircase and state rooms of the Winter Palace and follow the route of the Zar’s ceremonial procession toward the church...
1 900 ₽
per person
7 reviews
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St.Petersburg - city's history and architecture
St.Petersburg - city's history and architecture
Take a walk with me alongside Nevsky prospect - the main avenue of St. Petersburg, which connected the Admiralty shipyard with the rest of Russia. Here you can see the unique skyline of St. Petersburg, where no building should be taller than Winter Palace or wider than the street...
500 ₽
per person
2 reviews
More details
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Tourists reviews

Samantha H.
We were fortunate to book Igor for a two day hermitage and city tour. We learned so much, covered so much ground and enjoyed the experience that we booked Igor for another day to Peterhof and Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin. Igor is in himself a quintessential Russian experience. His passion for his craft, the history of his city and the landmarks know no bounds. As an Australian, Igor looks, sounds and acts like what we would believe a typical Russian would be, stern, forthright and a sense of humour as dry as a dead dingoes donger. Dressed partway between Sherlock Holmes and a university professor you scuttle along after him, keeping up with his long stride as he talks verbatim into a microphone connected to your own earphones. ‘We’ve got a lot to cover today’ he chimes, ‘so lets get cracking!’ I’ve always hated the wasted time that goes with group tours, Igor – not only removed any wasted time with us, but we covered more in one day (albeit we were beat!) than a two day group itinerary. All on foot. If you are after lots of laughs, morning, afternoon tea, long lunches and commercial recommendations then Igor is not your man. If you are after a jammed packed experience, with each landmark contextualised with time and place, a story woven between them, fact based descriptions that enable your own imagination to go back to that era, and the occasional quiz to check you’ve been listening – then Igor IS your man. We thoroughly value our travel experience with Igor and highly recommend him not only to generalist travellers like ourselves but those interested in specialty components of St Petersburg history – such is his depth he can tailor a super experience to suit. Oh and he is REALLY good value too! Thanks Igor for making our experience in St Petersburg unforgettable!
Balraj_s
Expert
over 8 years ago
Visited 3 or more activities
I have booked Igor for a second time for another two day individual tour (2016 and 2018). It was like visiting an old friend again, and am very thankful to him for tailoring my trip again, and building upon what we saw in 2016. This time we visited the areas outside the main tourist sites - we visited the areas associated with Soviet History, the Siege monument, various metro stations. The main reason for my trip was to run in the marathon, and Igor tailored my trip to pick up my racing number from the stadium. We also visited a newly built exhibition (built in 2018) on the history of Russia - This was awesome! and would recommend you take a trip there. We also visited the main football stadium in St P (new Zenith stadium which was used during world cup) - this was impressive. I really enjoyed taking the buses around the city with Igor, as a solo tourist who does not speak Russian, this would not have been possible alone. Igor is such great value for money, and would I definitely book him again if I return to St Petersburg. .................................................................................................................................... (My 2016 review) I really enjoyed my tour to St Petersburg with Igor. He was able to tailor my tour to include a comprehensive historical tour of Dostoevsky's St Petersburg. The tour was very detailed, yet flexible. St Petersburg is a great city with so much history, I plan to return again one day.
Andrew D.
over 7 years ago
Igor Ribin was our guide in Saint Petersburg and he took us literally everywhere. His knowledge of Saint Petersburg is extensive and he was happy to adapt his tours to our interests. His Hermitage tour is amazing in respect of his detailed knowledge of the art and artifacts in this remarkable museum. You definitely appreciate having a guide. Igor also guided us at the the Hermitage Storage Facility, this is a fabulous off the beaten track must see in Saint Petersburg and the assistance of a professional guide such as Igor will help greatly. We would recommend Igor Ribin as a Saint Petersburg guide, particularly his walking tours and go with his suggestions you will really discover a lot of interesting places. Thanks Igor we had a wonderful time. Helen & Andrew
Hugo
Expert
about 9 years ago
Visited 3 or more activities
We have been introduced to Saint Petersburg by Igor, who has guides us over the course of three days in this wonderful city. Igor is able to provide you rich details about the city, with very extensive knowledge about architecture, art and the city's history. Through the use of headphones you will be able to hear what Igor has to say, while giving yourself the opportunity to look around at your own pace. Igor is very flexible in organising the tours by adapting to your needs and wishes. Do not expect jokes or a lot of energy, but pay close attention and you will have great insight into the city. Thank you!
Dawndarc
almost 7 years ago
Igor was very knowledgeable- extremely knowledgeable about Russian history. He was well organized and knew exactly where to take us. It was a busy schedule and we walked lots but we felt like we saw and learned so much. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Igor as a guide. His English by the way is fantastic!
Alynne M.
over 5 years ago
Everything was excellent! Igor is the perfect guide, we loved our Hermitage tour. He help us buying the tickets and confirmed our appointment days before. Completely recommended.
Andrew
almost 8 years ago
Igor is simply fantastic. He might look stern at first sight. But he really is a caring and knowledgeable guide. One of the best guide I have ever engaged.
Laube.f
about 7 years ago
Igor is a treasure of knowledge and able to raise to your level. If you don’t need the the basics, but are able to take if from there, he’s your guy.
Aksana L.
almost 12 years ago
Thanks for the nice tour, Igor! It was informative and detailed. I can recommend it for those, who are interested in Russian history...
Lpcarmoc
about 7 years ago
Very informative and interesting. A good mix of history and art. Will recommend it.
Claire.p
Expert
over 9 years ago
Visited 3 or more activities
Very " rich" tour ; very complete ; our guide was very well informed except about the museum opening hours ... ;-) but he had so many other informations to share .. that was fine. It is a very long day... very good shoes are requested ! but walking is such a nice way to discover the town..
Write to guide
One-day individual tour in Saint Petersburg
Two-day individual tour: The Hermitage and Saint Petersburg downtown
The State Hermitage guided tour
St.Petersburg - city's history and architecture
St. Petersburg Tour: Three major city squares
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