Marina Wilson Private Tours
Marina Wilson Private Tours
Marina Wilson Private Tours
5
City ToursCultural ToursWalking ToursSightseeing ToursPrivate Tours
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Small- group day tours of St Petersburg & Moscow including a signature Hermitage tour. Visa-free shore tours of St Petersburg and other Baltic ports. Customized land packages to Russia for families, groups and solo travellers. Theatre and concert tickets, airport transfers. Tailor-made itineraries to match all budgets. Personalized service and attention to details.
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Marina Wilson Private Tours
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5.0
515 reviews
Excellent
455
Very good
38
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
10
ClementsofRicky
Rickmansworth, UK66 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Huge thank you to Tim for a great tour through the Hermitage. It is so huge and packed with treasures that I think without Tim guiding us through select pieces in each room, we would have been totally overwhelmed. Tim was very engaging, clearly knowledgeable and managed to bring to life many of the pieces through their history and interesting related stories. Thank you again Tim, we loved the Hermatige and your stories.
Written 7 March 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.
Ianandrews57
York, UK70 contributions
The trip advertised on trip advisor was very good, very cold but blankets were provided. English guide very informative throughout. Seeing the bridges being opened was a one off and a great memory so worth doing.
The kicker is that the trip is advertised at £52 per person when you get to the boat you are given your tickets which shows the price at the waterside is a fixed 1400 roubles which is 20 pounds. On querying this with trip advisor they said agent fees etc, not satisfactory for a 60 pounds increase. So trip good but feel ripped off.
The kicker is that the trip is advertised at £52 per person when you get to the boat you are given your tickets which shows the price at the waterside is a fixed 1400 roubles which is 20 pounds. On querying this with trip advisor they said agent fees etc, not satisfactory for a 60 pounds increase. So trip good but feel ripped off.
Written 4 June 2019
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.
Denis K
Birmingham, UK88 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
Six of us hired a small boat for a private tour using Marina's company. The tour itself was excellent and our guide Katya provided a tremendous amount of information about St Petersburg, it's history and landmarks, as we were on the tour. Katya even brought a couple of bottles of wine so that we could enjoy a Georgian merlot as were on or trip. St Pete's is a city that really does need to be seen and appreciated from the water.
Afterwards one of our group left a small back pack including their passports on the boat. We only discovered this after the boat had sailed off to it's next booking. Katya and Marina did a great job in locating the boat, retrieving the back-pack and returning it to our hotel. This really was excellent, above and beyond the call of duty, customer service. I have no hesitation in recommending Marina and her team to any visitor to St Petersburg.
Afterwards one of our group left a small back pack including their passports on the boat. We only discovered this after the boat had sailed off to it's next booking. Katya and Marina did a great job in locating the boat, retrieving the back-pack and returning it to our hotel. This really was excellent, above and beyond the call of duty, customer service. I have no hesitation in recommending Marina and her team to any visitor to St Petersburg.
Written 2 June 2019
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.
Yan Wang
McLean, VA29 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
My husband and I went to Saint Petersburg and attended this small group tour of Hermitage Museum on Sept 18, with an English tour guide Daria. We were in a 6 person group and met in front of the Alexander Pillar, on time. We skipped the long line and went into through the back door. Throughout the entire 3+ hours tour, Daria tirelessly guided us through the countless portraits and paintings, beautiful rooms and corridors, explained stories in Russian history, the history of every important paintings, the meaning of them. She is very knowledgeable and passionate about the Russian art, and the history. She is also very patient and responsible, when I got lost and went separately to another direction. She waited at the end of the tour at the lobby where we finally met. We really appreciate her consideration and patience with us. It is a wonderful learning experience, thanks to Daria! We highly recommend to everyone interested!
Written 3 October 2018
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.
Barbara B
4 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We contacted Marina Wilson tours after doing extensive internet research and deciding we ( a party of three adults) wanted the flexibility of a private and customized tour rather than a group tour offered by our cruise. Marina responded almost immediately and did an excellent job sussing out what our interests were and what, in three days, we could see that would match those interests. She sent us a proposed itinerary for three days with a guide and driver. We decided to add a couple of hours to two of the days and finalized the itinerary about a month before we left. Marina's recommendations were clear and her response to our emails was almost immediate. Our guide, Aliona, was also excellent. Her English is very fluent and she was very easy to understand. She is very knowledgeable in Russian and Art history. She was also very responsive to what we wanted to do, how long we wanted to stay at a given site/, etc. Our only deadline for the entire three days was an entrance time at The Hermitage, otherwise, we went at our own pace, with Aliona offering options and guidance but no pressure to "move on". When we were ready to leave a venue, she made a quick call to the driver (Mikhail or Oleg) who was always waiting in the wings and there within what seemed like seconds. This style really worked for us and sets this type of tour apart. (Having a separate driver really saves a lot of time as parking in St. Petersburg is difficult). Considering that we had the full attention of excellent drivers AND a guide, a clean and comfortable vehicle, all entrance tickets included and the flexibility of a private tour, the cost was very reasonable. We would use this agency again. Thank you for showing us your beautiful city.
Written 4 July 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.
Letty0
Miami, FL814 contributions
May 2014 • Couples
Prior to my trip to Russia in May, I had been researching many tour companies who offered services for "land-only" tours since my husband and I were visiting both St, Petersburg and Moscow on our own. It was important for me to find a guide/transport service that no only serviced St. Petersburg, but also could help us with our Moscow arrangements. I was curious about Marina's company after thoroughly viewing her website and reading the descriptions of her tours. My husband and I are both "history" enthusaiasts so we wanted a very thorough tour of the various sites.
Email communication between myself and Marina was very easy. Marina answered all of my questions and offered suggestions. Her communication was both very timely and professional.
She does offer Visa and hotel assistance, but I had taken care of all of that prior to my trip (very easy).
We were picked up at the St. Petersburg airport and driven to our hotel (W Hotel). Marina contacted us in the van in order to welcome us to Russia. The next day Marina picked us up and took us on the 3 hr. overview of St. Petersburg with a stop at the Peter and Paul fortress. She arrived on time and paid particular attention to make sure that all of our questions were answered, She is a wealth of information!
We took the following St. Petersburg tours with her: City tour, Catherine and Pavlosk Palaces, the Unofficial Peterhoff tour (amazing with tour guide Elena), and the Yusopov Palace.
Marina provided us with transport to the train station for our Sapsan ride to Moscow. In Moscow she assisted us with the following tours: City tour, private Kremlin tour, and tour to Sergei Abad. Our guide in Mosow, Lena, was absolutely incredible!!!!!!
We were thrilled with all of Marina's services. I cannot recommend her enough! Russia is challenging because of the language so it was important for us to have somone local who really became our ambassador and friend during our stay there.
Email communication between myself and Marina was very easy. Marina answered all of my questions and offered suggestions. Her communication was both very timely and professional.
She does offer Visa and hotel assistance, but I had taken care of all of that prior to my trip (very easy).
We were picked up at the St. Petersburg airport and driven to our hotel (W Hotel). Marina contacted us in the van in order to welcome us to Russia. The next day Marina picked us up and took us on the 3 hr. overview of St. Petersburg with a stop at the Peter and Paul fortress. She arrived on time and paid particular attention to make sure that all of our questions were answered, She is a wealth of information!
We took the following St. Petersburg tours with her: City tour, Catherine and Pavlosk Palaces, the Unofficial Peterhoff tour (amazing with tour guide Elena), and the Yusopov Palace.
Marina provided us with transport to the train station for our Sapsan ride to Moscow. In Moscow she assisted us with the following tours: City tour, private Kremlin tour, and tour to Sergei Abad. Our guide in Mosow, Lena, was absolutely incredible!!!!!!
We were thrilled with all of Marina's services. I cannot recommend her enough! Russia is challenging because of the language so it was important for us to have somone local who really became our ambassador and friend during our stay there.
Written 17 June 2014
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.
Elizabeth C
Cleveland, OH145 contributions
Aug 2012 • Couples
We booked a small group tour of the Hermitage, but ended up being the only members of the group, which was a great surprise. Our guide, Anastassia, also kindly picked us up from the hotel, which was not included in the stated tour description, but helped reduce our uncertainty about where to meet. Overall, the best benefit of booking this tour was the early access to the museum. As the day went on, it became overwhelmingly crowded and warm inside, and we were so glad to have enjoyed things for a while without so many people. This was also a great way to learn a bit about the history and see some of the more renowned art; the Hermitage is truly massive, and we might not have seen what we did otherwise. My husband and I otherwise toured St. Petersburg on our own and typically do not enjoy tours, but both agreed that this was worthwhile.
Written 17 September 2012
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.
Roboncio
Birmingham, UK53 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
I booked the combo tour of the Hermitage and Peterhof in one day. I knew it might be quite tiring, but it actually worked out really well.
Our guide Tim is incredibly knowledgeable and accompanied us on both tours.
As we were visiting in high season, I am so glad we 'skipped the queue' at the Hermitage as we observed how long it was! We were there for about 3 hours and were given a really good highlights tour of the palace, the Italian and Dutch/ Flemish masters as well as the Roman and Egyptian sections. Without the guide, I am sure we would have flailed about a lot, and not seen or learnt as much. Bear in mind it might that if it's a hot day, it must get really hot inside and you can't take any water or drinks into the palace or art gallery.
We had a good hour or so to get some lunch before taking the hydrofoil to Peterhof which leaves from outside the Hermitage. I think this is a great way to get there. The gardens were spectacular with all the fountains, and although it was obviously busy, Tim negotiated us most adeptly through all the main features and covered the history in a very engaging and patient way. I know that is the job, but nonetheless it is still creditable given that he must have done this tour many times!
If you can, take your own drinks with you, as they are very expensive and the refreshment choices are not great.
I can definitely recommend Marina Wilson Tours.
Our guide Tim is incredibly knowledgeable and accompanied us on both tours.
As we were visiting in high season, I am so glad we 'skipped the queue' at the Hermitage as we observed how long it was! We were there for about 3 hours and were given a really good highlights tour of the palace, the Italian and Dutch/ Flemish masters as well as the Roman and Egyptian sections. Without the guide, I am sure we would have flailed about a lot, and not seen or learnt as much. Bear in mind it might that if it's a hot day, it must get really hot inside and you can't take any water or drinks into the palace or art gallery.
We had a good hour or so to get some lunch before taking the hydrofoil to Peterhof which leaves from outside the Hermitage. I think this is a great way to get there. The gardens were spectacular with all the fountains, and although it was obviously busy, Tim negotiated us most adeptly through all the main features and covered the history in a very engaging and patient way. I know that is the job, but nonetheless it is still creditable given that he must have done this tour many times!
If you can, take your own drinks with you, as they are very expensive and the refreshment choices are not great.
I can definitely recommend Marina Wilson Tours.
Written 27 July 2019
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.
Mehdi T
Casablanca, Morocco194 contributions
Aug 2018 • Solo
I booked a private tour with this company for the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg but what I got wasn’t what I paid for and what was on the description.
The tour didn’t include the second part of the museum where are the 19 and 20th century artists, but only winter palace.
When I complained, I was told that I had what was « on the photo ».
I find this very misleading since on the Description it says Hermitage Museum without specifying that it’s only a part. Also if I had both the museum ticket on my own I would have had access to the whole museum. But when dealing with this company their special ticket was just for one part.
I definitely don’t recommend this company for it dishonesty and bad customer service.
The tour didn’t include the second part of the museum where are the 19 and 20th century artists, but only winter palace.
When I complained, I was told that I had what was « on the photo ».
I find this very misleading since on the Description it says Hermitage Museum without specifying that it’s only a part. Also if I had both the museum ticket on my own I would have had access to the whole museum. But when dealing with this company their special ticket was just for one part.
I definitely don’t recommend this company for it dishonesty and bad customer service.
Written 25 August 2018
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.
KenBing88
New York City, NY1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Friends
Showed up 5 minutes prior to our tour with no guide at the meeting spot. Called their help line multiple times with no answer. Then was told I was not getting a refund. Rude communication from the owner, just overall terrible experience and still fighting for my refund.
Written 17 July 2018
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, I am wondering if after the 3 hr tour of the Hermitage Museum, one is able to stay longer and do a personal walk-through. My husband and I are both docents at the National Gallery of Art and the Freer Museums of Washington, DC, and enjoy longer visits at the museum. Please advise if this is possible. Thank you. Eleanor Wang
Written 3 January 2020
Dear Eleanor,
Thank you for your question. If you take our morning highlight tour of the museum, you can stay in the museum after the guided tour is over. You are not able to re-enter the museum using the same tickets though.
Wednesday and Friday are good days for longer visits. The museum is open till 9.00 p.m.
Please do not hesitate to let me know, if I can help with any other information.
Best regards,
Marina Wilson
Written 5 January 2020
Hello marina,
It is possible to book swan lake for 7 per for next monday 01.july? Is this offer still up to date?
Thank you,
Gabriela
Written 24 June 2019
Hi Marina,
Thanks for your response about transport to Palais Vladimir Music Concert. I expect we will get back to you closer to the time. Best Regards Stephen.
Written 18 March 2019
Hi, If we were to book your Palais Vladimir Music Concert for 12th June are you able to advise transport options from Solo Sokos Vasilievsky please. I understand 12th June is public holiday so will this impact?
Written 16 March 2019
Thank you for your question.
You are absolutely correct, June, 12 is a public holiday in Russia and traffic complications are possible. We will be happy to book a taxi for you or offer a private round transfer. Taxi service is very affordable in Russia.
I'll be happy to be of further asistance to plan your time in Russia.
Regards,
Marina Wilson
Written 17 March 2019
If we have a day tour booked with another tour company, are we able to evening tour with you? We're interested in ST PETERSBURG FOOD AND PARTY EVENING TOUR?
Thank you!
Written 7 February 2019
Thank you for your question.
Absolutely you can. Mind if you are a cruise passenger and need a visa-free entry, we will be doing it separately and it is not included with a tour price.
Regards,
Marina
Written 8 February 2019
How do I contact you directly for a quote for a private tour for 2 pax? We are on one of those 3 day visa free cruise (staying in hotel in St P hotel). Technically we have 2 days for touring. We don’t want to schedule anything for day of arrival as we don’t know how long it will take to get thru immigration and our trip includes transfer to our hotel(around Nevsky Sq) as well as an afternoon tour.
Written 16 July 2018
Thank you for your enquiry. We will be happy to organize your tour. There are 2 and 3-day visa-free packages avaialable.
We have to communicate via this platform before you make a booking with us.
Kind regards,
Marina Wilson
Written 25 July 2018
Hello,
I will be travelling to Saint Petersberg in May for 4 days. I would like to get all the tour arranged beforehand.
Can you please reply back as soon as possible.
Regards
Written 18 March 2017
Hello,
Thank you for the enquiry.
We will be happy to organize your land package to travel to Saint Petersburg, including accommodation, tours, transfers and visa support documents.
Alternatively you can book your hotel yourself and choose from a range of day tours we offer which are listed on Viator booking platform and linked to our Trip Advisor listing.
To design a land package I need to have information about a required hotel. The budget indication would be very helpful.
Are you travelling solo?
Kind regards,
Marina
Written 18 March 2017
I will be arriving on Jun 17th & 18 in St Petersburg on cruise ship Eurodam. My husband and I would like a tour on the 17th to see Catherines Palace, Peterhof, Church of the spilled blood and other sites of interest. I have cancer and get tired, walking and climbing a lot of stairs are not good for me, also need restroom breaks and maybe lunch. My husband is diabetic but is good at walking but I cant anymore. Can you suggest a tour. I would like to see the outside of the Winter Palace but not necessarily the inside. Thanks.
Pat Keane
Written 31 May 2015
Dear Pat!
Thank you for your enquiry.
We can definitely organize a private tour for you. There are some details to be discussed.
Will you be able to contact us direct?
Kind regards,
Marina Wilson
Written 1 June 2015
There is so much we would like to see in St. Petersburg but I am nearing 80 and am a little lame, so don't think I can walk long distances or climb too many stairs. What do you recommend? Do you pick up from cruise ships and if not what should we do? Peter
Written 21 May 2015
Dear Peter!
Thank you for your question. I answered yesterday but somehow it was not published. Hope it is going to work this time.
We shall pick you up from the cruise ship. Our shore tours of Saint Petersburg are visa-free too.
We shall design your private tour to avoid long walks or climbs. If needed, we shall rent a wheel chair. We are very flexible and eager to meet different needs and interests.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Marina Wilson
Written 25 May 2015
How did you book with Marina Wilson. Please send information and any suggestions you have. Thanks.
Written 26 March 2015
Hello Judyjetson!
Thank you for your interest.
You can book our services and make enquiries by connecting to Viator site where our services are listed. You will need to use "Book" button located next to our listing.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Marina Wilson
Written 27 March 2015
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