Splendid St. Petersburg Two Day (Visas Included)

Best of St. Petersburg Two Day
Price: $289.00
Choose Options My Cruise Itinerary
Please Note: This excursion cannot be confirmed without the following information for each participant: Full Name, Date of Birth, Passport Number, Passport Issued Date, Passport Expiration Date , Nationality and Gender. Please enter required information below.
?
Sorry, this excursion is not available for purchase.
Summary
Tour Details

Splendid St. Petersburg Two Day (Visas Included)

Treat your senses and trust your guide to show you why the sights you'll see constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notable highlights include the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral, Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood, and the Peterhof Grand. Additionally, a hydrofoil will transport you to the Peterhof Grand Palace. Book this two-day St. Petersburg tour for an incredible Russia experience at a low price.

Day one of this robust journey places you on Nevsky Prospekt, the city's most famous street, en route to the Winter Palace. Originally designed by Italian F.B. Rastrelli for the Tsars, this Baroque Palace features over 1,057 lavish halls and rooms.

Since 1764, it's housed the main portions of the distinguished Hermitage Museum. Founded by Catherine the Great upon purchasing 255 paintings from Berlin, the Hermitage now has over 2.7 million fascinating displays. With masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rafael, Monet, Rembrandt, and Renoir, it's regarded as a marvel both inside and out.

Photo stops and shopping will unfold along the University Embankment. Here, famed authors like Nabokov and Dostoevsky traveled among the same churches and palaces.

Upon passing the enormous Palace Square, you'll see St. Isaac's-he largest cathedral in Russia-standing 141 feet tall. Enjoy the option to climb its colonnade for a stellar city view.

As your professional guide will tell you, the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral is a must see. Erected in 1703, it was the keystone building in the Tsar's Great Northern war against the Swedes. This grand 18th-century ecclesiastical structure served as the city's central place of worship, defense, and burial (serving as the burial place for Romanov nobility). The fortress soon became Russia's own Tower of London, containing political prisoners, including Peter the Great's own son.

Next, you'll encounter the stunning romantic-style Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood. Erected in 1883 following the assassination of Emperor Alexander III, the stunning church (with its 7,500 beautiful mosaics) was completed in 1907.

The "Suburban Royal Palaces" hosts day two of your St. Petersburg tour. You'll depart (weather permitting) from the port on a Hydrofoil vessel, navigating the Baltic sea to the opulent Peterhof Grand Palace and Park. While Hydrofoil is the fastest and most enjoyable way of travelling to Peterhof, a motor coach is on standby.

Reminiscent of France's Versailles-and rivalling it with its splendor-you are given access to its detailed grounds and grand halls. Having served as the Tsar's summer residence, its grounds are dotted with countless fountains (like the spraying Joke Fountain), monumental ensembles, and charming pavilions.

Nearly destroyed by the Nazis in World War II, the palace has been restored to its full splendor. Naval paintings in Chesma Hall and the oriental furnishings in the Partridge room reveal its regality.

Time permitting, you'll visit Catherine's Palace, an 18th-century masterpiece. Admire the regal rooms of Catherine the Great and the Russian tsars. The palace's fame rests on its splendor and opulence, as well as the beautifully landscaped gardens.

Next, at the Metro (underground) train, you'll see that the Russians waste no opportunity to design and embellish their environment. Crystal chandeliers, marble vestibules, and beautiful frescoes comfort your riding experience. Additionally, a restaurant will be visited for the opportunity to purchase savory local cuisine.

Note that all of our tours in St. Petersburg are operated by authorized guides, and you therefore do not need to secure an independent visa in order to participate in this tour. However, in order to book this tour, you must provide us with full names, dates of birth, nationality, and passport numbers for each tour participant so that our guides can secure the proper tour visas on your behalf. Note also that, if you wish to explore St. Petersburg on your own while not accompanied by one of our guides, you will need to secure an independent visa.

Please be aware that cruise lines occasionally mislead passengers by telling them that they are not allowed to disembark the ship in St. Petersburg unless they are on an excursion purchased through the cruise line. In addition, the cruise lines also sometimes tell passengers that they cannot disembark the ship until the passengers on the cruise lines' excursions have done so first. This is incorrect, and you are free to exit the ship as soon as passengers start to disembark because Russian law states that a cruise ship cannot hold passengers onboard against their will as long as they have the proper documents. In order to clear immigration, you will need to bring along: 1) Your passport; 2) A photocopy of the picture page of your passport; and 3) A copy of your tour tickets. We will provide you with your tour tickets as part of the documents we e-mail to you after you make a tour booking.

Shore Excursion Size
Small
Shore Excursion Type
Cultural, Active
Shore Excursion Duration
16 Hours
Activity Level
Moderate
Shore Excursion Leaves From
Cruise Ship Terminal
Food/Beverage Provided
Meals not included (available for purchase during lunch break at local restaurant).
Recommended Dress
Comfortable lightweight clothing and walking shoes is suitable for late Spring and Summer. But sweaters or jackets are highly recommended for the winter months. Umbrella is advised in case of rain.
Restrictions
Must be able to get in/out of vehicle and walk 1 mile a few times throughout the day. Not wheelchair accessible, OK for walkers.