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. 

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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

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