Guides

Maria was born and raised in St Petersburg. She has a degree in tourism and has been working in the international tourism industry since 2001. She started out as a receptionist at the St Petersburg International Hostel and had her first experience as a 'tour-guide' in 2000 when her British friends visited her. After that she began to lead guided tours for her friends and their friends whenever she was asked, and eventually decided to become a professional guide.

In 2007 Maria succesfully graduated as a fully-qualified tour-guide from one of the oldest and most prestigious tourism schools of St Petersburg. She immediately got to work on setting up her own tourist project, which she later named "Guiding star".

She loves to travel, and to visit museums in different countries. She is always eager to deepen her knowledge of Russian and world history and culture whenever she has the opportunity. She is particularly keen to learn something from her international visitors - so be ready to answer some questions about where you live after the tour!

Yutta graduated as an English translator from St. Petersburg's State University of Culture and Arts. She started working as a tour guide at the University and it was there that she decided to make it her future career.

Yutta is very communicative and people-oriented. She likes to spend her free time meeting up and talking with friends. She also likes visiting museums and art galleries, as well as playing table tennis at a local club. She is keen to learn about the customs and traditions of other cultures and does not miss any opportunity to broaden her outlook and share her knowledge with others.

In 2007 Yutta graduated successfully from one of the best and oldest guiding schools in St Petersburg where she met Maria. They began working together from their second professional season.