Meet your private guide at the Port of St Petersburg, hop inside your minibus and set off to explore St Petersburg and the surrounding area. Your first stop is the town of Pushkin to visit Tsarkoye Selo Parks and their Rococco masterpiece: Catherine Palace. Head inside for a tour and admire the building that was designed by Francesco Rastrelli, a French-born artist who focused much of his life’s work on Imperial Russian architecture. His genius is apparent throughout the palace, and your guide will show off his finest creations as you walk around the public rooms.

Admire the Great Hall with its frescoes and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, and then gaze in wonder at the regal opulence of the replica Amber Room. Covered with mirrors, gold and mosaics, the original room was plundered by the Nazis, and later destroyed in a fire. Other highlights of the palace include the White Vestibule, the crimson Pilaster Room and the impressive Portrait Hall.

Catherine Palace was the summer home of Catherine I, and it was from here where she ruled after her husband —Tsar Peter the Great — passed away. Learn of her life in the palace as you explore the different rooms, and then return to your minibus to continue your shore excursion.

Travel west of St Petersburg to Peterhof, one of the most stunning Tsarist palaces. Covering a vast site, the opulent palace complex is home to more than 140 fountains as well as lavish gardens and a collection of palatial buildings. Almost completely destroyed by the Nazis in the Second World War, Peterhof has now been fully restored to its Imperial splendor. Explore with your guide and marvel at impressive water features such as the Samson Cascade and Joke Fountains. Watch where you walk; the Joke Fountains spray anyone who step on a particular paving stone!

After walking around Peterhof, travel into St Petersburg itself for a metro ride. Unlike other metro stations around the world, Russia’s stations are resplendent with beautifully decorative interiors. See a selection of the most interesting stations, admiring their crystal chandeliers, marble vestibules and countless frescoes.

Having seen some of the city’s unsung artwork, return to your minibus, and then finish your private shore excursion with a port drop-off.

Please note: if your tour falls on the last Monday of the month, Catherine Palace is closed. The visit to Pushkin will be replaced with a visit to Pavlovsk Palace, an 18th-century Russian Imperial residence that belonged to Emperor Paul I and his wife Maria.