Treasures of St Petersburg
Duration7days
Price fromEUR €1,284 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.
Trip StyleCulture & Sightseeing
Time of yearAll Year
Before Moscow became the seat of Russian power, St Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for 200 years. Inspired by London, Vienna, and Paris, Peter the Great transformed a tract of swampland on the Lena River delta into what would become renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful cities. This in-depth seven-day tour of St Petersburg will ensure you have plenty of time to relish all the most unmissable highlights of St Petersburg and its surroundings. St Petersburg, is, after all, one of the most visually compelling destinations in Russia, and its ornamental splendour was designed to be savoured.
Treasures of St Petersburg Tour Highlights:
- St Petersburg Walking Tour: Admire the spectacular urban architecture, old-world grandeur and a buzzing vibe on a guided walking tour of St Petersburg, including a stroll along the lively main drag, Nevsky Prospekt
- Take a hydrofoil boat trip to the World Heritage listed Peterhof Palace and Park, known as the ‘Russian Versailles’
Arrival
St Petersburg
Departure
St Petersburg
Accomodation
3* hotels
Trip style
Culture & Sightseeing
Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Action rating?
Group size
min 2 people
Type of tour
Private & Scheduled
Itinerary
DAY 1 Welcome to St Petersburg!
Welcome to Saint Petersburg - the cultural capital of Russia! On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to a centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or getting acquainted with the local area on your own.
DAY 2 Highlights of the city centre
Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to in the morning with a plan to explore the unmissable highlights of Saint Petersburg on a walking city tour. Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s grand old main street, cross the Anichkov Bridge, see the Kazan Cathedral and other gems of the city. Take a break on Nevsky Prospekt to experience in the unique atmosphere of the city centre.
Next, we tour the grounds of the magnificent Peter and Paul Fortress on the banks of the Neva River. Be amazed by the iconic St. Isaac's Cathedral - the second tallest Orthodox church in the world, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, which stands on the spot where Russia's great emperor Alexander II was mortally wounded. During the tour, you also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Cathedral - a burial place of Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II and his family.
As an option* for this evening, we invite you to enjoy the traditional Russian dance performance in Nikolaevsky Palace.
DAY 3 Hermitage and canals cruise
Your day starts at the world-famous State Hermitage Museum - the largest art gallery in Russia and is among the most respected art museums in the world. There are some 3 million masterpieces on exhibit here, housed in six magnificent historic buildings, including the splendid Winter Palace - the main residence of the Russian Tsars. The Hermitage's collections include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, Monet, Van Gogh and Matisse. We also visit General Staff Building former home to government ministries and Soviet-era agencies, now part of Hermitage with the most marvellous European Art of the 19th and 20th Centuries. After a tour of the Hermitage, we embark on a canals cruise to see the city from a different viewpoint.
As an option* for this evening, you'll glance inside of the Faberge Museum, which houses the world's most complete collection of Fabergé eggs, all immaculately crafted by a jeweller to the tsars Carl Fabergé.
Or you may choose another optional experience* - a must-see for all admirers of Russian Classical Music - a great private concert in a beautiful palatial setting, limited to just 70 guests only.
DAY 4 Peterhof: Grand Palace and Park
Your guide will meet in you in the morning, for a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Peterhof (Petrodvorets), where you will be travelling by a fast boat, to get away from the traffic gem. Once an opulent summer resort of the Romanovs, today Peterhof is a huge open-air museum and a testament to Peter the Great’s contribution to the city’s development. Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, who ordered the expansion of the Grand Palace, greatly extended the park and the famous system of fountains, including the truly spectacular Grand Cascade. Representing nearly two centuries of European aristocratic fashion executed to the highest standards, Peterhof is like an encyclopedia of park design through the age of empire. Being amazed by Tsarist Russia, its power and infinite beauty.
We offer an optional* plunge into one of the most popular entertainments of tsars - the world’s most famous, the Russian ballet performance in Mariinsky or Imperial Theatres, a truly unforgettable experience! In the evening we invite you to enjoy the optional experience - the world’s most famous, the Russian ballet performance in Mariinsky Theatre, a truly unforgettable experience!
Or opt-in* for a tour of Konstantinovsky Palace, the revived residence of Grand Dukes of the House of Romanovs. The architecturally the dominant structure is known as the National Congress Palace is located on the picturesque coast of the Gulf of Finland, less than 20km from St Petersburg's city centre
DAY 5 Catherine's and Pavel's Palaces
Experience the extravagance of the Imperial rulers on a day tour to the suburban estates of the Romanov Tsars. Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s village) is now part of the nearby town of Pushkin and is one of Saint Petersburg’s finest attractions. We also explore the stately neoclassical Alexander Palace, whose tumultuous history paints a fascinating portrait of the Romanov family and the replica of the world-renowned Amber Room. Afterwards, we head to nearby Pavlovsk - the youngest of the grand Imperial estates around St. Petersburg, named in honour of Tsar Pavel. This fine neo-classical palace and its extensive landscaped gardens are stamped with his taste and even more so with that of his wife, the German-born Maria Feodorovna.
As an option* for a dinner, enjoy a hearty meal with a friendly local Russian family! Try various salads, delicious blinis with caviar and assorted jams, taste home-made drinks and just relax and have fun!
DAY 6 Yusupov Palace
In the morning you embark on a guided tour of Yusupov Palace, one of the most elegant private palaces in Europe, where Grigory Rasputin was murdered in December 1916.
As an afternoon option*, enjoy a tour of the Russian Museum with one of the largest collections of Russian art housed in Rossi's impressive Mikailovsky Palace, this museum is definitely worth a look. The museum was opened in the end of the 19th century with the aim to promote and celebrate the national art. Its collection spans from 12th-century Icons to 20th-century masters like Chagall, Malevich and Kandinsky.
In the late evening, we invite you to discover the splendour of the city by night, with an optional* cruise along the Neva River, viewing of one of the city’s two magnificent bridges opening, you’re sure to be serenaded by some of Saint Petersburg’s talented street performers as you watch the spectacle unfold. The best way to spend last night in St.Petersburg!
DAY 7 Time to say goodbye
Our Saint Petersburg tour has come to an end. You may pop into some local markets for last-minute souvenir shopping. If you are looking for something authentic, locally made, world-famous and at the same time functional, check the Imperial Porcelain Factory.
After you finish, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred by your driver to the airport. Say farewell to this beautiful city, until next time!
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Inclusions
Group arrival and departure airport or train-station transfers
All transportation on tour, according to the itinerary
Well ranked, centrally located 3*hotel (can be upgraded to 4* and 5* on request)
Breakfasts in the hotels
Local licensed English-speaking tour leader
All activities and sights indicated in the itinerary, except optional
Russian visa support document (letter of invitation/voucher)
Exclusions
Flights
Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here.
Optional excursions
Individual transfers and private airport transfers
Treasures of St Petersburg
7 days / 6 nights
*Private tour, price is per person, based on min 2 people
Make an enquiryTestimonials
Ian HeathAustralia
Our St Petersburg visit was certainly a highlight of our trip.
We got back from Europe last week and are catching up with various emails etc. Our St Petersburg visit was certainly a highlight of our trip. We were very pleased and impressed with all aspects of our tour there. Our guide – Marina – was excellent. She had both encyclopaedic knowledge of all the places and things we were shown and lots of stories and anecdotes as well. She was punctual, excellent at navigating through the various entrance procedures (which were quite often very crowded), and very helpful with advice and assistance for the private parts of our trip as well.Tali and Brad MelmanAustralia
"Your attention to detail was immaculate"
Hey Michael, Thanks for an incredible trip. As you know this was a very special experience for both for Tali and I , Russia was always a must visit for us, we are glad we added it into our european honeymoon trip itinerary. We felt immediately very spoilt, the cars, drivers and all the little touches along the way. Your attention to detail was immaculate – everything was taken care of – which meant that we could spend real quality time together amongst beautiful surroundings. We have travelled to many destinations so far and St petersburg became one of our favourite. We have no hesitation in recommending this tour to others.
Similar tours
Treasures of St Petersburg
7 days / 6 nights
*Private tour, price is per person, based on min 2 people
Make an enquiry
Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?
Destination Specialists
Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.
Group & Private Tours
The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.
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56th Parallel is a fully licensed, insured and accredited travel provider.
Treasures of St Petersburg
Days 7
From EUR €1,284
Trip Style Culture & Sightseeing
Time of year All Year
DAY 1: Welcome to St Petersburg!
Welcome to Saint Petersburg - the cultural capital of Russia! On arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by your driver and transferred to a centrally located hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or getting acquainted with the local area on your own.
DAY 2: Highlights of the city centre
Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to in the morning with a plan to explore the unmissable highlights of Saint Petersburg on a walking city tour. Stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s grand old main street, cross the Anichkov Bridge, see the Kazan Cathedral and other gems of the city. Take a break on Nevsky Prospekt to experience in the unique atmosphere of the city centre.
Next, we tour the grounds of the magnificent Peter and Paul Fortress on the banks of the Neva River. Be amazed by the iconic St. Isaac's Cathedral - the second tallest Orthodox church in the world, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, which stands on the spot where Russia's great emperor Alexander II was mortally wounded. During the tour, you also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Cathedral - a burial place of Russian emperors from Peter the Great to Nicholas II and his family.
As an option* for this evening, we invite you to enjoy the traditional Russian dance performance in Nikolaevsky Palace.
DAY 3: Hermitage and canals cruise
Your day starts at the world-famous State Hermitage Museum - the largest art gallery in Russia and is among the most respected art museums in the world. There are some 3 million masterpieces on exhibit here, housed in six magnificent historic buildings, including the splendid Winter Palace - the main residence of the Russian Tsars. The Hermitage's collections include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Titian, Monet, Van Gogh and Matisse. We also visit General Staff Building former home to government ministries and Soviet-era agencies, now part of Hermitage with the most marvellous European Art of the 19th and 20th Centuries. After a tour of the Hermitage, we embark on a canals cruise to see the city from a different viewpoint.
As an option* for this evening, you'll glance inside of the Faberge Museum, which houses the world's most complete collection of Fabergé eggs, all immaculately crafted by a jeweller to the tsars Carl Fabergé.
Or you may choose another optional experience* - a must-see for all admirers of Russian Classical Music - a great private concert in a beautiful palatial setting, limited to just 70 guests only.
DAY 4: Peterhof: Grand Palace and Park
Your guide will meet in you in the morning, for a day trip to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Peterhof (Petrodvorets), where you will be travelling by a fast boat, to get away from the traffic gem. Once an opulent summer resort of the Romanovs, today Peterhof is a huge open-air museum and a testament to Peter the Great’s contribution to the city’s development. Peter's daughter, Empress Elizabeth, who ordered the expansion of the Grand Palace, greatly extended the park and the famous system of fountains, including the truly spectacular Grand Cascade. Representing nearly two centuries of European aristocratic fashion executed to the highest standards, Peterhof is like an encyclopedia of park design through the age of empire. Being amazed by Tsarist Russia, its power and infinite beauty.
We offer an optional* plunge into one of the most popular entertainments of tsars - the world’s most famous, the Russian ballet performance in Mariinsky or Imperial Theatres, a truly unforgettable experience! In the evening we invite you to enjoy the optional experience - the world’s most famous, the Russian ballet performance in Mariinsky Theatre, a truly unforgettable experience!
Or opt-in* for a tour of Konstantinovsky Palace, the revived residence of Grand Dukes of the House of Romanovs. The architecturally the dominant structure is known as the National Congress Palace is located on the picturesque coast of the Gulf of Finland, less than 20km from St Petersburg's city centre
DAY 5: Catherine's and Pavel's Palaces
Experience the extravagance of the Imperial rulers on a day tour to the suburban estates of the Romanov Tsars. Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s village) is now part of the nearby town of Pushkin and is one of Saint Petersburg’s finest attractions. We also explore the stately neoclassical Alexander Palace, whose tumultuous history paints a fascinating portrait of the Romanov family and the replica of the world-renowned Amber Room. Afterwards, we head to nearby Pavlovsk - the youngest of the grand Imperial estates around St. Petersburg, named in honour of Tsar Pavel. This fine neo-classical palace and its extensive landscaped gardens are stamped with his taste and even more so with that of his wife, the German-born Maria Feodorovna.
As an option* for a dinner, enjoy a hearty meal with a friendly local Russian family! Try various salads, delicious blinis with caviar and assorted jams, taste home-made drinks and just relax and have fun!
DAY 6: Yusupov Palace
In the morning you embark on a guided tour of Yusupov Palace, one of the most elegant private palaces in Europe, where Grigory Rasputin was murdered in December 1916.
As an afternoon option*, enjoy a tour of the Russian Museum with one of the largest collections of Russian art housed in Rossi's impressive Mikailovsky Palace, this museum is definitely worth a look. The museum was opened in the end of the 19th century with the aim to promote and celebrate the national art. Its collection spans from 12th-century Icons to 20th-century masters like Chagall, Malevich and Kandinsky.
In the late evening, we invite you to discover the splendour of the city by night, with an optional* cruise along the Neva River, viewing of one of the city’s two magnificent bridges opening, you’re sure to be serenaded by some of Saint Petersburg’s talented street performers as you watch the spectacle unfold. The best way to spend last night in St.Petersburg!
DAY 7: Time to say goodbye
Our Saint Petersburg tour has come to an end. You may pop into some local markets for last-minute souvenir shopping. If you are looking for something authentic, locally made, world-famous and at the same time functional, check the Imperial Porcelain Factory.
After you finish, you’ll be picked up from the hotel and transferred by your driver to the airport. Say farewell to this beautiful city, until next time!
Included
Group arrival and departure airport or train-station transfers
All transportation on tour, according to the itinerary
Well ranked, centrally located 3*hotel (can be upgraded to 4* and 5* on request)
Breakfasts in the hotels
Local licensed English-speaking tour leader
All activities and sights indicated in the itinerary, except optional
Russian visa support document (letter of invitation/voucher)
Not included
Flights
Russian visa and visa fees.*Russian visa can be arranged by 56th Parallel for an additional cost (for Australian citizens only). Apply for concierge visa service here.
Optional excursions
Individual transfers and private airport transfers
If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785
