Disembark your cruise ship at St Petersburg port, then meet your guide and hop aboard a private minivan to begin your tour of the city’s highlights. As you travel, hear about the day’s itinerary and ask your guide any questions you have; one of the benefits of a private tour is that the commentary can be tailored to your interests.
Make your first stop at the Cathedral of the Savior on Spilled Blood, one of the city’s most recognizable sights. Sometimes called the Church of the Resurrection of Christ or the Resurrection Church, it was built on the site near the Griboedov Canal where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. Gaze up at the colorful onion domes and then head inside to discover its mosaic-coated interior with your guide.
Continue to the Hermitage Museum in the historical heart of the city. Discover how the complex was founded in the late 18th century and today houses more than 3,000,000 works of art and cultural artifacts. Then, enter the Winter Palace, part of the museum and a former residence of Russia’s Romanov Tsars, for a 2-hour tour of its highlights. Wander through the lavish state rooms and see masterpieces from the likes of Rubens, Rembrandt and Titian.
In the early afternoon, enjoy a roughly 1-hour break for lunch (own expense). Then, travel by hydrofoil boat to Peterhof, the UNESCO-listed palace complex often referred to as the "Russian Versailles." On arrival, after around 30 minutes, set off to explore the complex’s beautiful gardens, littered with fountains, pavilions and summer houses. See the Grand Cascade, with its gold statue of Samson wrestling a lion, and discover how the unique fountain system is able to operate without pumps or engines.
End your guided tour with a ride on St Petersburg's metro system. Purchase a metro ticket, then spend approx. 30 minutes whizzing through the underground tunnels, hopping on and off at the most impressive stations — grandly decorated with stained glass, mosaics and marble — before you're returned to the cruise port.
Worry-free Shore Excursion:
We will ensure your timely return to the St Petersburg port 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.
