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TOURISTS' COMMENTS
Pictures and comments from September Tour 2002
Dear Svetlana,
Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience! From the moment that I landed in Simferopol to be met by Vika and Olga I felt that I was in good hands and that the trip would be a success.
I must confess I had many concerns about traveling to Krim ( "Krim" is Russian name for the Crimea ). I knew that I was traveling to a region that was classified as “3rd world”. I did not speak the language. Ukrainians living in New York were filling my head with images of gangsters and criminals everywhere. Only my belief that I would find a beautiful land with a rich history and good people kept me to my plan. The expert arrangements made by you and your good friends helped me to easily find what I was looking for.
People who live or have lived inside the former Soviet Union know about Krim. Those of us who know this place as Crimea, hardly know anything at all. Maybe we have heard of the “Conference of Yalta” or the “Crimean War”. We know little of the majestic cliffs, beautiful coastline, vineyards, orchards, forests and over 2000 year old towns where you can still buy a loaf of bread on the corner.
Crimea is a great place for many types of holiday makers and adventurers. One could be simply lying on a beautiful beach or check into a health spa. Or go in search of ancient history and culture. There are also many ways to enjoy the spectacular and beautiful countryside including cycling and rock climbing. The Black Sea is famous for its warm friendly waters. Of course you already know this and your web site already gives one a good idea.
Yet it is hard to convey to people in the West just what a magical place this really is. Krim has been called the “Russian Riviera” but this is not the full story. I can imagine parts of Ireland, Kerry perhaps. Where nature and history seem to weave together a living fabric of thousands of years and you feel that you walk among ghosts.
Krim is of course not Disney Land. There are real difficulties and dangers. Your team, however, were great to work with. They immediately made me feel welcome and at home, as if I were with family. They took care of EVERYTHING. They were fun to be with. They were able to give me an introduction to the land and its people that would have been impossible without them. Although I had my own agenda for the trip your ability to adapt and deliver went way beyond expectations. The barbecues and picnics were often a surprise and always a delight.
Thanks again
Bill
P.S. Please feel free to include this letter on your web site. If I can be of assistance to anyone thinking of a vacation in Krim please forward them my email address.
I would like to take this chance to let anyone thinking of using Lana's tour "You should." I did and am very pleased I did. I also want to Thank the Staff of Lana's Tour for their great Service. For
anyone thinking of traveling to Simferopol and Yalta Ukraine please do not rule out using the Lana's Staff.
I met my now Fiancée on the net and we wrote for 4 months before we decide to meet in person. We talk about meeting in Moscow, and then we agreed on Yalta by the Black Sea. Why
did I decide on Yalta? We all know how the first time you meet it can be a little stressful and at times awkward especially when you do not talk the same language. Because of this I decide on Lana's Service. I wanted my Fiancée to feel comfortable, and feel safe. With the all the tour events everyday we would have more to talk about and learn each other more quickly. She would have people she could talk with, and I would be able to learn more about the country and culture she is from. Also if it did not workout, I would have people that I could still rely on. I have
heard stories of men that had gone to Russia or Ukraine to meet the woman they thought was the woman of their dreams, and it did not workout for whatever reason. The last thing you want is to go and not have it workout, and not have anyone to help you when you do not know the language.
Lana's Tour set up for your comfort and safety. They arranged for a very comfortable apartment, a driver, a translator, and a tour guide. This trip was the trip of a lifetime. It was the trip of a lifetime because we both felt safe and comfortable on the whole trip. You will see and
experience few things any Americans have ever seen. If you are meeting a Ukrainian or Russian woman you will understand and appreciate better how she thinks and why. Though it goes deeper then just a great trip and tour arrangements.
They made sure we experienced the culture and the country. My Fiancée and I say Yalta was like a "honeymoon trip for us." We both had a great time it allowed us to really learn each other better over the week we spent in Yalta.
They have always been there to help and support us. I promise you will need their help.
Nadia and I owe our future life together to the staff at Lana's Tour because without them we could not have learned each other so quickly. They are all great people and you will have the time of your life. I recommend using their tour as a very good way to learn and experience
your new Russian or Ukraine girl friend better.
Thank you, Lana.
David & Nadia
Texas
Thank you again for all of your help in putting together a wonderful trip.
The guides and interpreters were very informative, friendly and helpful, and
allowed us the flexibility to make last minute changes in our schedule to
accommodate our interests. Our driver was excellent--he was always prompt,
considerate and safe, and contributed to the group in many ways. We
particularly enjoyed the Livadia Palace, which was the site of the Yalta
conference where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met near the end of World
War II, and the Kahn's Palace with its Islamic architecture and decor. The
Black Sea boat trip and seacoast were spectacular, and I also enjoyed the
ruins at Chersonesus and the cave cities and fortified city at Chufut Kale.
The battlefield at Balaklava, site of the ill-fated (from a western point of
view) Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean War, was another
highlight, although there is a need for more interpretive information to
explain the positions of the armies. It was an inconsequential battle from
a military and historical point of view, but it was made famous by the poem
and could be a real point of interest to British and American tourists.
Best regards,
Inge
These pictures were taken by Mr. Inge Hill on our tour in September 2002.
 
 
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