We are going to Moscow for 4 days in May but not as part of any tour program. Should we hire a guide(s), and, if so, can anyone advise about a reliable guide service?

Hi, <BR>If you don't speak Russian or at least don't know the Russian alphabet (Cyrillic), I think it will be quite hard for you to navigate through the city. But if you'll get familiar to the alphabet and will get a guidebook, it will be possible to stay without a guide. As a local I can't recommend you any guide services, may be Peter could help here. <BR>Enjoy your trip and if any advices from an aboriginal needed, just ask. <BR>Konstantin

I had great luck with General Tours. My Guide was Dasha Lokshinle in Moscow and Svetlana Filipnova in St. Petersburg. Svetlana's phone number is (812)598-43-97. Svetlana was exceptionally well versed on the Hermitage and Yousopuf's Palace. She certainlly can give you any other names that you may need.

You can book a guide through Patriashy Dom; I went on about 10 of their <BR>walking tours last year and was quite happy with their depth. My favorite <BR>guide was Felix Meltser; I think he was the best tour guide I ever had. You <BR>can take their tours or hire a guide through them. <BR> <BR>Their number in Moscow is (501/095) 795-0927 Email: [email protected]. I <BR>will send to you directly their schedule for May/June (and if anyone else wants it, send me an e-mail). <BR> <BR>They are a non-profit group in Moscow. <BR> <BR> <BR>Marc David Miller <BR>New York, NY <BR> <BR> <BR>

I used Eyewitness Guide to Moscow. I love those guides, they have a picture for everything (even metro tickets). All maps are picture like drawings so you can recognize the landmarks. As for tours you can book one in Moscow (it will be cheaper going with a group and you maybe able to see more in less time since your tour bus is always waiting. There are many tours being offered in Moscow - and many are in English. Although private service with the strong dollar will also no break you. <BR>In Moscow I used this service: <BR>http://www.go-russia.com/ <BR>for Airport transfer (since taxies will rip you of big), and was very satisfied. They also offer tours, discounted hotel and Air/Land transportation. <BR> <BR>Other sites for just info: <BR>http://gorussia.about.com/travel/gorussia/mbody.htm <BR>http://www.expat.ru/ <BR>