Meet your private guide outside the Port of St Petersburg and start your tour by hopping inside your minivan. Relax on the short journey into town and chat with your guide about St Petersburg’s history and sights. Built in the early 18th century by Tsar Peter the Great, St Petersburg started out as a network of canals, soon followed by the golden-domed churches and ornate palaces that embody the city now.

Take a boat ride through the city, passing along the Fontanka and Moyka rivers as well as the famous Winter Canal near the Hermitage museum. Ride out on deck if the weather is good, or in the lower saloon, and learn about St Petersburg’s top attractions as you pass alongside them. Highlights include Anichkov Bridge, the Field of Mars, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Summer Garden, St Isaac’s Cathedral and the University of St Petersburg.

Swap your mode of transport back to a minivan, and travel to one of the city’s showstopping highlights, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Built on the ground where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated, the jaw-dropping monument was designed to inspire awe with lavish, look-at-me architecture and domes that were typical of 16th and 17th-century Russia. After taking photos from outside, head inside to admire its marble, mosaic and gold interiors.

After a break for lunch (own expense), visit one of St Petersburg’s markets to browse the local handicrafts and shop for souvenirs. Visit popular stalls recommended by your guide, and look out for traditional Russian keepsakes such as matryoshka dolls, lacquer boxes, woolen shawls and more. Your tour then finishes with a port drop-off in the early evening.

Worry-Free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the Port of St Petersburg for this activity. In the rare event your ship has departed, we will arrange for transportation to the next port-of-call. If your ship is delayed and you are unable to attend this activity, your money will be refunded. See our terms and conditions for full details.