Shore Excursions ~ St. Petersburg

Option 1

Meet your guide and begin your exploration with a view of the major architectural works of the city. You will have chance to see the famous statue of Peter the Great, known as the Bronze Horseman. Admire the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood and  St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

Cross the Neva River to Vasilievsky Island, the largest island in the Neva delta.  Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city.  The Fortress is located on one of the small islands in Neva Delta. Take a relaxing boat ride along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg, revealing the unique beauty of the city. Be sure to take your camera as you will have a chance to see the city from different angles, with ample opportunities to capture memorable photos. Return to your cruise.

Option 2

Exit the ship for a privately guided tour of the unforgettable Hermitage Museum. This Museum occupies six magnificent buildings along the embankment of the River Neva in the heart of St Petersburg. The leading role in this unique architectural ensemble is played by the Winter Palace. The Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world and houses incomparable collections of art treasures. Return to the ship.

Option 3

Enjoy a tour to Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s village) which served as a summer residence of the Russian Royal family from the days of Peter the Great until the time of the last tsar.
Visit the 18th-century Catherine’s Palace, followed by a tour of Peterhof, another summer residence of the Russian Royal family, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It shows the Russian tsars’ admiration for the French-styled palaces and gardens. A system of multiple fountains and waterfalls with an abundance of gold sculptures below the Grand Palace has recently been opened to the public after restoration. View the cascade of 129 fountains from the terrace. The most famous of these is the Samson Fountain, from which a jet of water shoots 66 feet into the air. Transfer to the city center by hydrofoil (depending on the season) and then back to your cruise.