Kristina

The Happy Culturologist

  • I live in Naples
  • I speak English, Italiano, Русский, Latviešu
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 15 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Kristina

My name is Kristina Kalninsh, I was born in Ukraine in Krivij Rig, but I'm originally from Latvia, and I'm a professional licensed Tour Guide in Italy. I graduated in languages and followed in my father's footsteps in the profession of interpreter and guide, and worked for some time in Moscow art galleries, the Historical Museum and the Kremlin as a guide for Italian and English-speaking guests.

I've started my carrier in tourist hosting in Italy when I was 17. The first time I went to Italy to practice my Italian, I was left speechless seeing its stunning beauty. What can I say, it was love at first sight! Always "on the road" in search of new italian treasures!!! More than 20 years of journeys as a tour leader in organized group and private tours all over Italy. Till I became mom of two wonderful boys and mooved to Campania Region.

But still I study history, art, religion and other cultural aspects of this rich and ancient country. I love cooking and also study the history of food. Recently I became an instructor of NeuroGraphics, a combination of psychology and art, that helps me to understand my inner world better and the world around me and focus the attention of my guests on importance of creativity, education and personal growth in our life.

I live in a very calm and picturesque place in the Apennine Mountains in the province of Benevento with my family, and I go to Naples to give tours and impress visitors with the wonderful stories and legends that surround the mysterious history of one of the most ancient cities in Europe.

Naples, like the ancient Roman god Janus, has two faces - it is the union of opposite issues: light and darkness, wealth and poverty, beauty and fear, miracles and death.

In my programs, I try to unveil the profound philosophical and religious aspects that lie at the foundation of the Neapolitan mentality.

As for my personal qualities, I consider myself to be a very easygoing and positive person. Responsible and punctual. Good at communication and hospitality.

I hope to meet you in Naples and Pompeii and help you penetrate the core of the ancient way of life and traditions, which still influence the modern inhabitants of the Tyrrhenian Coast. I can show you the marvelous ancient culture that has been preserved in a particular way in Pompeii and Herculaneum, Gothic and Baroque churches that treasure divine shrines, the unique heritage of the Bourbon Royal family in Naples and Caserta and be your guide in immensely rich artistic and architectural italian heritage!

  • I live in Naples
  • I speak English, Italiano, Русский, Latviešu
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 15 hours

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Reviews

Judith
16 September 2024
Kristina was energetic and talked alot about history, mythology, the ruins. She speaks many languages. Sometimes it was a little hard to understand her English. At pur request, she arranged for a private driver from our hotel in the old part of Naples to both Pompeii and Herculean. This was great but very expensive. It turns out our fabulous boutique hotel could have arranged a car for less and there are lots of tourust busses for 20 euro. Pompeii was swarming with tourists, especially large groups coming off the cruise ships. I don't know if some days are better. We went on a Sunday. Herculean was less crowded.Knowledgeable and intense
Nick
23 June 2024
Kristina was great Britt and during the tour. She was very helpful with our transport and lunch arrangements s well as providing a fabulous experience at Pompeii. She is charming and knowledgeable and really bought the experience alive.Excellent guide and tour i
Dominic
8 October 2023
Full of facts, stories and knowledge about Pompeii history and it’s inhabitants Kristina provided a thoroughly enjoyable overview of Pompeii. Equally important she was able to steer us clear of the masses while showing us around. You need Kristina
Andrea
5 October 2023
Words are hard to describe our time with Kristina. From the moment we met she made us feel welcome. Her depth of knowledge of Pompeii and enthusiasm was amazing. She was so eager to share many details. Having her personal attention made us feel like VIPs. She was able to guide us efficiently through the larger groups and crowds. Having her expertise saved us so much time, as we needed to take a commuter train to the Herculaneum. Her love of Naples and surrounding areas was true. Grazie dear Kristina. Wonderful experience!!!
PJ
6 September 2023
We highly recommend Kristina! She is passionate about her country, history, and Pompeii. We learned far more from her than any guidebook could provide or large tour. Professional, friendly and a natural teacher and guide. It was a wonderful experience for us all. Passionate guide
Jennifer
4 June 2023
Kristina was kind, knowledgeable and passionate. She even sent a birthday cake over for our daughter at lunch after our tour. Knowledgable and passionate
Janice
9 October 2022
Kristina was a very knowledgeable and helpful guide. We enjoyed our tour with her greatly. She was well informed on both Pompeii and Herculaneum. We asked as many questions as we liked. I highly recommend her & using Withlocals. You don’t want to tour these sites without a guide!Our guide Kristina was great!!
Jane
8 October 2022
Kristina was a fantastic storyteller and tour guide. She was also very accommodating and agreed to meet us 30 minutes earlier due to unforeseen travel logistics. It's clear that she has a great curiosity and a passion for learning, which she shares in an approachable and interesting manner. We really enjoyed out morning with her!Excellent tour guide
tammy
23 September 2022
Wonderful day! Kristina is a fantastic guide. We couldn’t have enjoyed are tour any better. Pompeii and Herculaneum
Andrew
4 September 2022
I learnt so much on my Ultimate Ruins of Pompeii & Herculaneum Day Trip with Keistina. Her knowledge is simply phenomenal and I really appreciated how she wove the origins of common words and phrases we use today into the tour. I’d highly recommend this tour for anyone with even the slightest interest in history.What an amazing day with Keistina

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