Nice article by RS in the latest Travel News and Events..you get a feel for the intimate contact with the people and the history of the place...for me it was special because Rick was with the same guide we used when we were there...Alina is something special...a very compelling ambassador for the new Russia.
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/east/russia.htm
Alina's employer: http://www.peterswalk.com/