Bonus - Soviet Tours (169)

Soviet Tours is a Berlin-based tour operator focussed on off-the-beaten-path destinations across the globe.  Their core area, as the name suggests, lies mainly in and around the former USSR. From the mystic forests of Central Siberia to the austere peaks of the High Caucasus, from the scorching deserts of the Soviet Stans to the windswept steppes of Southern Russia.  We talk with the founder of Soviet Tours Gianluca Pardelli. He is a Berlin-based photojournalist, adventurer and travel author who is fascinated by that enigmatic country that was once known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.   If you are enjoying the podcast, you can show your support via a monthly donation of $4, £3 or €3 via Patreon, plus you will get the sought after CWC coaster as a thank you and bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.  Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ If a financial contribution is not your cup of tea, then you can still help us by leaving written reviews wherever you listen to us as well as sharing us on social media. It really helps us get new guests on the show. Image by Arsenyi Kotov https://www.instagram.com/northern.friend/ Support the project! https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/ Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/ Youtube https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations 0:00 Introduction and background of Gianluca Pardelli 4:07 The birth of Gianluca's interest in the Soviet Union 8:01 Unique itineraries offered by Soviet Tours 13:41 Ethics of photographing locals during tours 18:45 The remote autonomous republics in the former Soviet Union 24:03 Soviet Tours' expansion into Africa 27:12 Short tours and volunteer programs 33:56 Favorite region of the former Soviet Union 35:46 Contact information for Gianluca Pardelli and Soviet Tours 36:14 Acknowledging patrons and sponsors Chapters powered by PodcastAI✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices