One of the world's most beautiful cities, St. Petersburg, has all the ingredients for an unforgettable travel experience: high art, lavish architecture, wild nightlife, an extraordinary history, and rich cultural traditions that have inspired and nurtured some of the modern world's greatest literature, music, and visual art. From the mysterious twilight of the White Nights to world-beating opera and ballet productions on magical winter evenings, St. Petersburg charms and entices in every season. This is a great opportunity for those guests who will be in port 2+ days.
This unique two-day adventure begins outside the immigration booth in front of your ship in St. Petersburg where you will meet your professional, knowledgeable guide and driver. With this excursion, the cost of your blanket visa is all included. You provide us the information and your local operator takes care of the visa! You will travel in style as you step into your air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle for the duration of your trip. The first leg of your journey is the scenic ride to Peterhof, a series of palaces and gardens established by Peter the Great. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you will walk the Upper Gardens and Lower Fountain Park. The Upper Gardens are approximately 37 acres and lead up to the Great Palace, while Lower Fountain Park is about 252 acres featuring abundant fountains, all of which operate using gravity alone. Following your guided excursion, you will have time to enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine. Throughout the 2 days, your guide will point out and inform you about all of the sites.
You will then make your way to a traditional Russian food market, where you will be able to taste more local food (at your own expense) or do some shopping. Your final stop is a unique shared boat ride along the rivers and canals of Saint Petersburg, traveling under the famed drawbridges viewing old palaces and mansions along the way. The boat ride is about one hour, don't forget to have your camera ready, there will be plenty of photo opportunities. At the end of the boat ride, you'll board your transportation once again and return to your St. Petersburg cruise terminal. Once back at the port, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional evening program at your own expense.
The next morning, after meeting at the terminal again for day two of your excursion, which features a guided walk of the Hermitage Museum. Arriving at the State Hermitage Museum, prior to opening for the public, you will view amazing examples of Italian High Renaissance art, as well as unrivaled collections of paintings by Rembrandt, the extensive collection of Dutch and Flemish masters, treasures from Siberia and Central Asia, Egyptian and classical antiquities, and Persian and Chinese artworks, among many others. In addition, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sheer opulence of the Winter Palace where the Tsars once held court. Don't expect to see it all as visiting all of its' 350 exhibition rooms would entail a walk of over 6 miles (10 km) while glancing at every item, even just momentarily, would take over 9 years to accomplish!
Your next visual treat, the Church of the Split Blood, was erected to commemorate Tsar Alexander II as an outstanding Russian figurehead. The Church is renowned for its architectural design and works as a museum, showcasing rare examples of Russian mosaic art. Following this excursion, you are welcome to enjoy lunch at a local cafe/restaurant. After lunch, you will stroll along Nevsky Prospect, the main street in Saint Petersburg. This is a perfect way to blend into the crowd and experience life as a local. Here you will feel the vibe of the city, admire such classical architectural masterpieces as Gostiny Dvor, Singer's Building, Kazan Cathedral and learn more about Russian life. This will be a great opportunity to purchase some souvenirs to remember your trip.
At the conclusion of your magnificent day, your transportation will take you back to your St. Petersburg cruise terminal.
This adventure will provide an intimate look into one of the world's most captivating cities. The grandeur, history, and culture of Russia will be passionately presented in this uniquely crafted small group excursion. Don't forget your cameras as you will want to capture these memories to share for a lifetime.
5/5 (Visited on June 2018)
