Private Royal Palaces and Hydrofoil (Visas Included)

Experience overview

The occasion to see the origins of Russia's grand architecture and furnishings is calling. The pristine Catherine Palace and Parks are explored before your English-speaking tour guide presents the gardens at the Peterhof Palace. Thereafter, you'll enjoy a hydrofoil boat ride and witness Russia's stylish Metro (subway). Book this St. Petersburg tour today for an incredible journey in the future.First on your St. Petersburg excursion, you'll embark on a charming drive through the countryside to Pushkin, encountering the Catherine Palace and Parks. Originated in 1717 by Catherine I, the grand summer palace seen today was redesigned in the ornate Rococo style by Empress Elizabeth in 1733.The new facade designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli used more than 100 kilograms of gold to gild the sophisticated structure. The palace is best known for what is inside. Its large suites and formal rooms, known as Golden Enfilades, are spectacularly grand.The residence invites the curious to appreciate the gigantic white-marble Grand Staircase, as well as the Great Hall, an astonishing baroque room of gilt-carved wood and mirrors.Then, there's the regal Amber Room, which was famously looted by the Nazis. Recently, Russian craftsmen piece-by-piece have reconstructed the dazzling panels of semi-precious stones.Next on your St. Petersburg tour, you're off to the palatial gardens at Peterhof Palace.Approaching Peterhof Park, you will be awe struck by the beautiful garden landscapes that offer a Versailles feel and look. Peterhof is known for its variety of fountains, including the Samson Cascade and the Joke Fountains. The park is dotted with countless styles, shapes, and structures, an amazing sight you do not want to miss!Weather permitting, you'll receive a complimentary 30-minute Hydrofoil trip. Hydrofoil is a safe boat, rising above the water's surface to provide a unique vantage of the sights.Finally, you'll see the Russian Metro (underground) train. The Russians waste no opportunity to design and embellish. Crystal chandeliers, marble vestibules, and beautiful frescoes comfort your riding experience.Unique in its ability to showcase this elegant port city's key sights, your wonderful Visas Included St. Petersburg tour covers all fees and includes a welcome pack, bottled water, and a traditional Russian lunch.Please Note: 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.