Grazioso Travel
Grazioso Travel
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About
GRAZIOSO TRAVEL is the go-to boutique travel company, offering an all-inclusive bespoke service in St. Petersburg, Moscow & other cities of Russia for discerning individuals, their families and corporate groups. Whatever the occasion, Grazioso Travel will ensure that you experience it in style. Whether it is a family vacation, business trip, lavish event or simply a discreet table for two at the finest restaurant. Customized, proactive and instinctively responsive, our service is tailored to each guest’s needs. Here’s our simple but powerful rule – always give people more than what they expect. Please call or email us to plan your next visit.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
98 reviews
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97
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Phil S
Cleveland, OH7 contributions
Dec 2014 • Family
Oksana and Igor made our first trip to Russia easy, comfortable and enriching! Not only is Oksana surely the most beautiful guide in all of Russia, her in depth knowledge of every attraction allowed us to get the most out of every part of our visit. Igor and she were always precisely on time. The transfers from and to the airport made us comfortable and worry free. We were with Oksana over four days and loved all of it. She graciously engaged me in conversation on a range of topics and even told my children that she appreciated my humor (whether she actually did or not, I was grateful for her allegiance). Oksana's sense of humor is genuinely delicious. Her encyclopedic knowledge of history and all of the places, customs and artifacts was well more than sufficient for our needs and would likely satisfy the most discriminating and industrious of visitors. Oksana and Igor made our family's New Year's holiday experience one we will always remember.
Written January 4, 2015
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.
Beth F
Haddonfield, NJ9 contributions
Jun 2016 • Couples
We were fortunate to have three days in Saint Petersburg as part of a Baltic cruise in late June, but were a bit apprehensive in determining which private tour company to select. After reading through the TripAdvisor reviews of numerous tour/shore excursion companies offering services in this city, we chose Grazioso Travel. We feel extremely fortunate to have made this decision because all of our interactions with the owner, Oksana Bezbabnykh, were extremely professional. She responded promptly to our pre-trip emails and was very helpful in shaping the schedule for each of the three days/evenings to perfectly match our interest areas. We were greeted at the ship terminal by a smiling and pleasant Oksana and the wonderful driver, Aleksandr. Each day was planned with a great deal of thought. Entry to all museums was smooth and speedy. The first day included visits to St Peter & Paul's Fortress & Cathedral, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Church of the Spilled Blood, and the State Russian Museum, followed by a delightful private boat trip along the rivers and canals which was a special treat on the first day. Oksana's knowledge of Russian history was remarkable and her description of historical events brought Saint Petersburg to life - such a delight!
The second day included a visit to Catherine's Palace, lunch at the traditional Russian Log Restaurant Podvorje, a stop at the Peterhof and its magnificent grounds and fountains, and a ride on the Metro to get a first-hand view of beautiful artwork and architecture in each of the selected stations. Oksana was able to arrange dinner reservations at a terrific restaurant - Mansarda - overlooking St. Isaac's Cathedral and also secure tickets to that evening's stunningly beautiful ballet performance of Anna Karenina at the Mariinsky II theater (ballet ticket purchase was arranged with Oksana well in advance of arriving in Saint Petersburg).
The third day was a visit to Kazan Cathedral to see an Orthodox liturgy, followed by several "everyday life of Saint Petersburg" stops including an indoor farmer's market, a stop for tea and baked goods at the lovely Kupetz Eliseev cafe on Nevsky Prospect, a tour of the expansive Hermitage Museum and lastly, a visit to the Faberge Museum.
By the end of the three days under the guidance and care of Oskana and Aleksandr, we were sad to have to leave this truly amazing city and the company of these wonderful folks. This private tour experience was the highlight of our entire vacation. There was simply no way that this tour experience could have been improved upon ---- simply the VERY best!
The second day included a visit to Catherine's Palace, lunch at the traditional Russian Log Restaurant Podvorje, a stop at the Peterhof and its magnificent grounds and fountains, and a ride on the Metro to get a first-hand view of beautiful artwork and architecture in each of the selected stations. Oksana was able to arrange dinner reservations at a terrific restaurant - Mansarda - overlooking St. Isaac's Cathedral and also secure tickets to that evening's stunningly beautiful ballet performance of Anna Karenina at the Mariinsky II theater (ballet ticket purchase was arranged with Oksana well in advance of arriving in Saint Petersburg).
The third day was a visit to Kazan Cathedral to see an Orthodox liturgy, followed by several "everyday life of Saint Petersburg" stops including an indoor farmer's market, a stop for tea and baked goods at the lovely Kupetz Eliseev cafe on Nevsky Prospect, a tour of the expansive Hermitage Museum and lastly, a visit to the Faberge Museum.
By the end of the three days under the guidance and care of Oskana and Aleksandr, we were sad to have to leave this truly amazing city and the company of these wonderful folks. This private tour experience was the highlight of our entire vacation. There was simply no way that this tour experience could have been improved upon ---- simply the VERY best!
Written July 15, 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.
fheagle
Kearny, NJ434 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We were fortunate enough to get Oksana the proprietor of Grazioso Travel as our guide. Igor our driver was very friendly also. We were visiting St Petersburg on a cruise. Although this tour is expensive the care, attention and service that one receives makes it worth the cost. The ship excursion equivalent was also quite expensive and you're with a bus full of people, we were only 3 couples! Oksana speaks English perfectly and is very knowledgeable about Russian history. We even added the Faberge Museum into the 2 day itinerary that already included the Hermitage, Catherine's Palace, Peterhof Palace and the highlights of St Petersburg City such as the Church on Spilt Blood. She got us into all the museums with minimal wait time. We stopped for lunch both days to sample traditional Russian food and even made a souvenir stop as well. You do not need visas if you contract with her ahead of time and provide the necessary information to her.Well worth it in every way!
Written July 18, 2015
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.
TheodoreK63
Athens Greece30 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
It is really a pity that the final impression from working with Grazioso travel left us with a bitter taste.
We found the agency through the site of Hauptnah, a very highly rated predominantly German speaking agency. They probably use them as English language associates, given their site sends you to their site for English language tours.
The initial contact phase was smooth with the agency being responsive to our mails and needs.
The guide they provided, Ludmila, was a smart educated lady. she was able to tell us both about the palaces and the museums as well as to shed light on life in modern day St Petersburg.
The cheap part comes with the bill as by looking at my credit card I realized that they had double charged us in converting Euros into rubles and then back into € resulting in an extra charge of 3-4%. The issue was not so much the amount but the fact that they refused to acknowledge it and compensate despite my follow-up mails, with pathetic arguments. Unfortunately for them I work in the finance industry and understand perfectly well how exchange rates work. I really do not like being treated like an idiot.
As most guides work with a number of agencies, you are probably better off chosing another one, according to my humble opinion.
We found the agency through the site of Hauptnah, a very highly rated predominantly German speaking agency. They probably use them as English language associates, given their site sends you to their site for English language tours.
The initial contact phase was smooth with the agency being responsive to our mails and needs.
The guide they provided, Ludmila, was a smart educated lady. she was able to tell us both about the palaces and the museums as well as to shed light on life in modern day St Petersburg.
The cheap part comes with the bill as by looking at my credit card I realized that they had double charged us in converting Euros into rubles and then back into € resulting in an extra charge of 3-4%. The issue was not so much the amount but the fact that they refused to acknowledge it and compensate despite my follow-up mails, with pathetic arguments. Unfortunately for them I work in the finance industry and understand perfectly well how exchange rates work. I really do not like being treated like an idiot.
As most guides work with a number of agencies, you are probably better off chosing another one, according to my humble opinion.
Written June 15, 2015
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.
Clarification: The cost of the customized package in question was quoted and agreed in EUR (offered to be paid either in cash or by card). The customer chose to pay by card.
In Russia we can debit cards in RUBLES equivalent only. It is charged according to the exchange rate of Central Bank of the Russian Federation on the day of payment. The Central Bank rate on the date of payment was 58.01. Hence, the customer's card was debited by EUR price x 58.01 (the signed receipt can be made available). The amount of money debited on the customer's account apparently was different from the rate mentioned above (23 EUR higher), possibly due to customer bank, billing system or recipient bank conversion, all of which are beyond Grazioso Travel's control. Grazioso Travel received EUR price x 58.01 in RUB only, the amount for which the customer signed.
Written June 21, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GGPOPNINO
Calgary, Canada48 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We booked a private tour in St. Petersburg, September 4, 5 and 6, 2014 with a guide who had come highly recommended by others who have used her services in past. Oksana Bezbabnykh with Grazioso travel is beyond compare. Her education, historical Russian knowledge and ability to adjust the daily schedule to our wishes and desires were incredible. Igor ‘The Great’ our Mercedes-Benz driver was also excellent and ‘always there’. A dedicated courteous professional, he also assisted in making this a memorable trip for us. Based upon this introduction and stellar customer service, we will return.
Our three day journey was amazing and so busy. Oksana started us at the Peter and Paul Fortress and then detailed the highlights of the Hermitage as we walked through the maze, making it less overwhelming, leaving us wanting and needing more. The Catherine Park and Palace were phenomenal and, again, the historical details were excellent. Peterhof Lower Park gardens, Savior on the Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the one hour canal tour were also wonderful inclusions. To round out the ‘true Russian’ tour, a trip to the ‘Russian Vodka Museum’ on our final day was fun and ‘educational’. Oksana also introduced us to ‘real’ Russian food at restaurants which were definitely ‘not touristy’.
We highly recommend this 'taste' of St. Petersburg.
Our three day journey was amazing and so busy. Oksana started us at the Peter and Paul Fortress and then detailed the highlights of the Hermitage as we walked through the maze, making it less overwhelming, leaving us wanting and needing more. The Catherine Park and Palace were phenomenal and, again, the historical details were excellent. Peterhof Lower Park gardens, Savior on the Blood, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the one hour canal tour were also wonderful inclusions. To round out the ‘true Russian’ tour, a trip to the ‘Russian Vodka Museum’ on our final day was fun and ‘educational’. Oksana also introduced us to ‘real’ Russian food at restaurants which were definitely ‘not touristy’.
We highly recommend this 'taste' of St. Petersburg.
Written September 28, 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.
HKCKYC
2 contributions
Jun 2014 • Friends
We had an interesting overview of St. Petersburg city on a private tour guided by Okansa. She was very professional in her job, excellent guide, speaks perfect English and telling us about the history and interesting facts on each attractions. Moreover she is very patient and we never have to feel we’re in a rush to visit as many sights as possible.
The tour was well organized with high standard. Strongly recommended!
The tour was well organized with high standard. Strongly recommended!
Written July 17, 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.
Luis C
Lisbon, Portugal32 contributions
May 2013 • Solo
I did a round trip of st. Petersburg in one morning with Grazioso travel and was very pleased with the experience. Oksana knows well her city has a perfect english and is a very nice person.
Written December 6, 2013
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.
daniel w
2 contributions
Aug 2019
We had a great 3 days with Oksana, who was very knowledgable, professional, fun and charming. Our itinerary was full and was perfect - she gets you through the crowds (moves like Jagger!) and everything went flawlessly. We had a great time! this was not her first rodeo!!
Written September 5, 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.
g e
Newport Beach, CA10 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Perfection. Oksana and her driver Vitali guided the two of us, my wife and I, for two full days through Saint Petersburg and surrounding areas - museums, cathedrals, palaces, countryside, restaurants, other points of interest and even obtained for us last minute, front row seats for the ballet at the historical Mariinsky Theater. Oksana is exceptionally well informed, knowledgeable, connected, gracious and intuitive of her guests’ interests. We could not have more pleased with GRAZIOSO Travel. In two full days, we were able to comfortably take in sights and experiences that would easily have taken us at least twice that amount of time with other tour arrangements. Everything was first class – a new black Mercedes sedan with highly professional and attentive driver, a private St. Petersburg canal and Neva river cruise with champagne and chocolates in a lovely 28’ runabout, never waiting in line for anything, thorough and thoughtful information and, above all, genuine caring for us and our satisfaction. The overall value was priceless; our experience in St. Petersburg was made exceptional by GRAZIOSO. When we said “Good-bye – Do Svidaniya”, it was like leaving cherished family members. Unqualified recommendation!
Written November 8, 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.
Dear George & Mary,
Thank you very much for such an AWESOME first-rate review and sharing a lovely memory of our boat ride here!!! It made my day! I so appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. I'm thrilled that everything surpassed your expectations. It was a true treat to guide you around. Our intensive course of Russian was so much fun and there are many more moments that we would like to repeat. Welcome back any time! Do Svidaniya!
Warm regards,
Oksana
Written November 10, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Philtoutou
Lacave, France29 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Friends of ours recommended Oksana from Grazioso travel after she guided them in Saint Petersburg.
Our trip included Moscow and St Petersburg.
We could not be more pleased with the way Oksana planned and organized our visit in both cities.
The guides we had in Moscow were both interesting and knowledgeable. The driver managed to be on time, and kept calm and graceful despite the horrific traffic jams.
Oksana managed, at the last minute, to get us great seats at the Bolchoi to see Carmen. Without her it would have been impossible.
Our train tickets were booked and our driver helped us with our heavy luggage until we were on board.
In Saint Petersburg Oksana guided us for three days and made sure that had a memorable experience, and we did.
Oksana not only loves her city and its history she makes you want to come back.
That's what we want to do come back and see more.
The shows she recommended were excellent.
Despite a not so cooperative weather we had a wonderful stay.
Thank you
Our trip included Moscow and St Petersburg.
We could not be more pleased with the way Oksana planned and organized our visit in both cities.
The guides we had in Moscow were both interesting and knowledgeable. The driver managed to be on time, and kept calm and graceful despite the horrific traffic jams.
Oksana managed, at the last minute, to get us great seats at the Bolchoi to see Carmen. Without her it would have been impossible.
Our train tickets were booked and our driver helped us with our heavy luggage until we were on board.
In Saint Petersburg Oksana guided us for three days and made sure that had a memorable experience, and we did.
Oksana not only loves her city and its history she makes you want to come back.
That's what we want to do come back and see more.
The shows she recommended were excellent.
Despite a not so cooperative weather we had a wonderful stay.
Thank you
Written July 16, 2017
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.
teddy_tourist
Brisbane, Australia39 contributions
Hi
How did you get in touch with Oksana for your day trip?
GraziosoTravelRus
Saint-Petersburg, Russia2 contributions
Hi,
Thank you for your message. It will be a great pleasure for me to assist.
You can reach me directly via our email, mentioned on our website Grazioso Travel.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Oksana Bezbabnykh
Sampsons
Adelaide, Australia84 contributions
Hi
We are coming to St Petersburg in early September on a cruise, we have a party of 8, do you accommodate our small group only in a mini bus that pick up from the ship and do a day tour
GraziosoTravelRus
Saint-Petersburg, Russia2 contributions
Hi,
Thank you for your kind message. It would be a pleasure to welcome you here in St.Petersburg.
We will meet you at the pier upon your arrival to start a tour and accommodate your group only in a comfortable AC van Mercedes Benz Sprinter.
For any further details please contact us directly. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Oksana Bezbabnykh
Kim M
Helensvale, Australia25 contributions
Hi Oksana
I am interested in the 2 day challenging tour which looks amazing.
Our ship Royal Caribbean "Seranade of the seas" - 14th and 15th July 2015
How much walking is involved?
Is it a walking sight seeing tour of the "Highlights of Northern Venice"
Do we walk to the Hermitage museum and Church of the Spilled Blood from the pier or is there transport?
Not knowing how close or far away everything is, I just need to know if I am able to physically handle it
Many thanks
Kim
GraziosoTravelRus
Saint-Petersburg, Russia2 contributions
Hi Kim,
Thank you for your kind message. We would be delighted to assist.
Our 2Day Challenging Program is strenuous, but really exciting, it offers all the major gems of St.Petersburg, so you could maximize your time and get a good taste of our city without missing any absolute "musts".
The port is app 30min drive away from the city centre, so on your arrival day you will be welcomed by our guide and driver at the pier, and they will accompany you for the entire program. The city is very spread out, and it's impossible to cover all the attractions without transportation.
Your guide will keep a good pace, so you could see and visit everything on your itinerary but in a smooth way avoiding lines at the museums, as we provide the use of special entrances at the museums.
The only walking you'll have to face is inside the museums and around the grounds of Peterhof and Pushkin.
Please advise if you're interested in having a private tour or teaming up.
We've got a group of 5 from the same ship, doing a 2Day "All Inclusive" tour program at 300 USD per person. It's almost the same as our 2Day Challenging Package + including lunches. If you desire to join, please send a PM.
I'm at your disposal for any further help or suggestion. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Oksana Bezbabnykh
Paul P
London, Canada693 contributions
I'd had difficult contacting you - website email bounces back etc....
Sent: March-08-15 1:53 PM
To: Paul Panabaker
Subject: Copy of: July 2 day challenge tour
Copy of:
This is an enquiry e-mail via grazioso-travel .
Paul
Good day
We arrive July 21 departing July 22 with Royal Caribbean Serenade of the seas. My wife and I are very interested in your 2 day challenging program tour . What would be the typically number of people on the tour ? The price is listed as $280 per person plus gratuity . Please advise of steps to book - If only the 2 of us does the price change ?
Any additional thoughts or comments appreciated.
Thank you
Paul
GraziosoTravelRus
Saint-Petersburg, Russia2 contributions
Dear Paul,
Sorry for this inconvenience. It will be a great pleasure for us to welcome you in St.Petersburg and assist.
We've got both private and group tours available on July 21-22. All values are shown on website. The rate 280 USD is valid for a party of 16. We're forming a new group currently, and could offer this package at 350 USD per person (for a small group of 6). We will find another 4 people to join you. If there're more travel fellows to team up for a group of 16, the price will go down to 280 USD per person. Until then we could guarantee a group of 6. Please note, parties of 10+ formed without our assistance receive 5%.
Please advise via your email. Any of your thoughts or ideas are welcome. To go further in our booking I will send all the info we require for the Tour Tickets (your blanket visas) then.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Kind regards,
Oksana Bezbabnykh
Road-Maven
Oxford, CT694 contributions
HI
Thinking about using Grazioso Travel for a 2 day shore excursion. Unforntunately not much is written about them. Can you expand on your recent post on Trip Advisor. Thank you...
GraziosoTravelRus
Saint-Petersburg, Russia2 contributions
Hi,
Thank you for your kind message. We would be delighted to have you as our guests, will do our utmost to make your stay a memorable one.
You could get more info and our program suggestions for cruise ship passengers through our website. Please check out Shore Excursions and advise, if we could assist you with any set package or customize your own one.
Speaking about my experience, at the age of 5, when I visited the world renowned Hermitage Museum for the first time, I contracted a bug for the arts and history that in due course determined my studies, career and led me to the launching of Grazioso Travel. After obtaining my Master's Degree in foreign languages, arts & history, I got involved into tourism industry. I have worked in travel and business tourism on VIP level quality service since 2002. Among the people, who have been our clients, are world famous musicians, actors, political leaders, members of Romanoff and British Royal Family. I'm particularly selective about the guides and drivers I use, only professionals who feel as passionate as I am about St.Petersburg accompany our guests.
I'm at your disposal for any further help or suggestion.
Best regards,
Oksana Bezbabnykh