Luxurious 2 Day Shore Excursion Introducing the Best of the St Petersburg and Russian Culture

Day 1: St. Petersburg

Meet your guide between 9-10am at the port terminal next to the passport control. The departure time of the tour may be adjusted according to your wishes. Begin with a city overview tour where you will be able to see and take pictures of the most famous and beautiful sights of St. Petersburg center, get acquainted with the history of the city and the Romanov family. Take a 1-hour canal tour along the rivers and canals of the "Venice of the North" (available during the navigation period). Visit Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood tour, which startles visitors with its mighty size, multicolored "onion" domes and magnitude of its decor. The interior has the largest surface in the world covered with mosaics created to depict religious subjects.

Continue the tour by taking a stroll along Nevsky Prospect to discover the citizens life. Then take an optional break to enjoy a traditional Russian lunch (at your own expense). Next, take a 2-hour Hermitage guided tour of the former winter royal residence which boasts with its exclusive interiors and outstanding art collection.

At 5 pm choose to return to your ship/ hotel or have an optional evening activities (available for an extra fee):
• a visit to the Faberge Museum
• a pub crawl
• Russian ballet
• a guided walking tour

Day 2: Tsar's Village - St. Petersburg

Meet your guide between 9-10am at the port terminal next to the passport control. Travel to Tzar's Village, one of St. Petersburg's suburbs within an hour drive from the city center. You will visit former Tsar's summer residence - Catherine's Palace including the famous Amber Room - the 8th "wonder" of the World and Catherine's Park with its many beautiful pavilions, sculptures and ponds. Take a Metro tour on the way to explore the deepest metro station of St. Petersburg. Take an optional break for a traditional Russian lunch (at your own expense). Then, drive to Peterhof, another summer residence of Russian emperors. You will see the Upper Garden which resembles Versailles in its planning and, of course, the Lower Park with its incomparable Fountains.

Drive back to St. Petersburg and take a tour of St. Issac's Cathedral. The dome of the cathedral is gilded with 220 lbs (100 kg) of gold. St. Isaac's is ranked as number one in the world for the richness of its interior decoration. Return to your St. Petersburg hotel or cruise ship between 4-5pm, at the conclusion of the tour.

Please note: Venues, tour sequence and timing can be changed, depending on weather, traffic and museum closures. Do not be concerned, you will see all the mentioned attractions. Substitutions may apply and travelers will need a valid Russian visa for their stay in Russia.