Any final advice? "They're very strict about clothing, so make sure you're appropriately covered."

Was it worth the money? "Definitely. I was shocked at the price at first, but I'd do it all over again. It was one of my children's favorite memories—they were studying Egypt at school and were really inquisitive. Our Egyptologist was amazed by how well they listened. The special access part was also important: Everyone likes the best seat at the ball game."

Guided private tour of Nefertari's tomb, $4,950. Source: James Berkeley, Destinations & Adventure International, Beverly Hills (800-659-4599; jim@daitravel.com; daitravel.com).

Reader Report #3

The Reader: Lori M. Johnson, officer, investment company PMC Global, Inc., Los Angeles

The Experience: Private tour of the off-limits Maltese Chapel at the Surorov Military Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, with the chaplain, Father Alexandr.

Arranged by: Greg Tepper of Exeter International.

Why this experience? "I don't normally use travel specialists—although I would now—but Russia was a complicated trip, and I was very happy with Greg. I was attracted to the history of the school [it's been training boys as young as 13 for military service since 1810 and still does]. In St. Petersburg they actually use buildings that are hundreds of years old rather than making them into museums. I wanted to feel part of that history."

What was it like? "Father Alexandr told us [Johnson's son, 14, and daughter, 16, were with her] about the history of the chapel, how during the Second World War it was made to look like a library to protect it from the Nazis. It was interesting learning about the students—the school is for the military elite, and my kids were amazed to think of what it must have been like to leave home at 13. The whole thing added immensely to our trip."

Any problems or surprises? "School was out for the holidays, so we only met a couple of students and couldn't access all the classrooms."

Was it worth the money? "Oh, yes. It's a great experience for families. We loved it. And Father Alexandr was a very humble man. He didn't treat us like a burden."

Guided tour of the Maltese Chapel, $1,000. Source: Greg Tepper, Exeter International (800-633-1008; greg@exeterinternational.com; exeterinternational.com).