St Petersburg, Russia - Norway, Fjords & Baltic Cruises

Peterhof Palace is a study in regal splendour. Peter the Great personally drafted the layout of the 300-acre park and prepared instructions on the design of its spectacular system of fountains. Most famous is the Grand Cascade, with its gold statue of Samson prying open the jaws of a lion. Water flows down terraced steps leading from the Palace to the Lower Gardens and spouting fountains spray streams of water over marble statues, culminating in a man-made canal leading out to the Gulf of Finland.

You will have the opportunity to tour the interior and marvel at the opulence of the Throne Room, the Portrait Room, White Dining Room and Chinese Rooms. The most convenient way to return to the city centre is by hydrofoil directly from Peterhof. The 30-minute journey will cross the Gulf of Finland and pass the shipyards and Petrovsky Stadium.


This excursion will operate by coach, hydrofoil and on foot In the event the hydrofoil is cancelled, the tour will operate by coach both ways. Total time inside the Palace is up to one hour, plus some time in the gardens. The Palace is expected to be crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. There is approximately 2½ hours’ walking involved including steps. Peterhof fountains are subject to maintenance work without notification. Photography and videography are prohibited in the Palace. Protective overshoes are provided which can make the floor slippery in the Palace. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags or bottles inside.

The Hermitage is so vast it would take a lifetime to experience all of its treasures. Occupying more than 1,000 rooms and halls, The Hermitage collection includes pieces from every historical period. Built during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, the grandiose, baroque ‘Winter Palace’ and its 4 adjacent buildings house works such as those of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Rembrandt, among others. Just as dazzling are the patterned parquet floors, ornate staircases, moulded and painted ceilings, gilded furniture and decorative malachite of the Palace itself. Walk through a selection of the display rooms with your guide, who will relate fascinating facts about the Museum’s history, art and architecture. Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day.

Your drive to the Hermitage will take you through a portion of the city of St Petersburg where you’ll see the Neva River Embankment, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Admiralty and Peter-and-Paul Fortress.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.The tour involves approximately two hours of walking at a fast pace, including many steps. The Hermitage can be very crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. Camera and video fees are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted. There is limited opportunity for shopping at the gift shop within the Museum. Credit cards are accepted, and US Dollars and Euros may be accepted, unofficially. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum.

Pavlovsk Palace was built in the late 18th century by the Scottish architect Charles Cameron. Catherine II commissioned the Palace especially for her son, Paul I and his wife Princess of Vürttemberg, known as Maria Fyodorovna. It was a token of gratitude to her son and heir for her first-born grandson Alexander I, to whom Catherine the Great attached her political aspirations. Pavlovsk is the most elegant of the summer Palaces in St Petersburg, due in part to its beautiful decor and the sheer quantity of artefacts on display.

Your visit also includes a carriage ride through the famed Pavlovsk Park, one of the largest landscaped gardens in the world. The grounds cover nearly 2000 hectares, and were a major interest of Paul I and his wife who developed the estate by creating artificial lakes and follies. Sit back and enjoy a time honoured tradition as your horse drawn carriage takes you through the vast parkland, following a route that would have been travelled by Russian Royalty.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking included, with 40 steps to negotiate to reach the second floor of the Palace. There is a small gift shop inside Pavlovsk Palace and some craft stalls in the park. Early booking is strongly recommended as places are limited to 40 guests per departure.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

Minivans will take up to five guests.

Your drive to the Hermitage will take you through a section of the city of St Petersburg and past the impressive buildings of a bygone imperialist era. You will see Palace Square in front of the Hermitage, the Alexander Column and the Headquarters of the Central Staff Building.

The Hermitage Museum was built during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, the grandiose Baroque ‘Winter Palace’ and its four adjacent buildings house works such as those of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Rembrandt, among others (Routes around the Hermitage are determined on the day by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen during your tour). As you walk across patterned parquet floors and up ornate staircases you can admire moulded and painting ceilings, gilded furniture, decorative malachite, lapis lazuli and jasper appointments of the Palace itself. Your guide will lead you through the many display rooms relaying fascinating facts about the Museum’s history, art and architecture.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only 1 ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made. You may be expected to queue to gain entrance to palaces in all weathers.

The Hermitage - Flash photos are not permitted. You are advised that during peak season, the Hermitage can be very crowded. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum.

The Alexandrinsky Theatre is an outstanding example of Russian Classicism. This building makes up part of the ensemble of Ostrovskogo Square with its main façade facing Nevsky Prospect. The graceful façade is adorned with six white columns and crowned with a bronze Apollo chariot by Pimenov.

Within the grandeur of this traditional Russian theatre, you will enjoy an evening performance of Tchaikovsky's famous Swan Lake.

During the intermission, you will be offered refreshments of Russian 'champagne', orange juice or water.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The venue is non-exclusive to Cunard. Seating cannot be reserved in advance and tickets with seat numbers will be given on the coach transfer. Photography and video are not permitted during the performance. Casual dress is acceptable. There is a ten minute walk from the coach to the theatre, steps to the entrance and many steps within to reach various seating arrangements. There is a lift within the theatre, however its capacity is limited which may result in queuing.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

Minivans will take up to five guests.
Situated in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, the grand blue Catherine Palace was named in honour of Peter the Great’s wife, Catherine. The Palace was built in the mid 18th century during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine II, the Baroque façade is nearly 1,000 feet long with decorative white and gold ornaments, and the grounds comprise of some 1,482 acres of manicured gardens and parklands. You’ll visit various rooms of the Palace’s sumptuous interior and glimpse part of the vast gardens.

One of the many highlights will be the Amber Room with its walls decorated with real amber of different hues. The long classical gallery of heroic Roman and Greek busts that run alongside the exterior of the Palace was designed as a covered walkway for Catherine the Great by the Scottish architect, Charles Cameron.



Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. You may be expected to queue to gain entrance to Palaces in all weather.

Catherine Palace - The Palace is expected to be crowded. Protective overshoes are provided for inside Catherine Palace, which can make the floors slippery and care should be taken. Flash photos are not permitted inside and photography is prohibited in the Amber Room. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside.

An unforgettable highlight of any visit to St Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum. Walk, with your guide, through various display rooms to see a selection of the two million objects housed here. (Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day)

This fascinating day will include several photograph opportunities as you pass many of the city highlights. With its ornate and brightly coloured exterior, the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood is a photographer's delight. View the 19th century battleship, Cruiser Aurora; Nevsky Prospect; the University Embankment; the Admiralty; the Bronze Horseman; Rostral Columns and Peter and Paul Fortress.

Enjoy a brief choral performance in the State Academic Capella, one of the greatest music centres in Russia, where the acoustics are ideal. Bargain with local vendors during a short shopping stop and enjoy a traditional Russian luncheon with a folkloric show, at a leading city restaurant.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour has around three hours' walking including cobblestones and many steps, particularly at the Hermitage. Camera and video fees for the Hermitage are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted. Early reservation is recommended due to limited places. During peak season, the Hermitage can be crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, bottles or umbrellas inside the Museum.

A boat trip on St Petersburg’s canals and waterways is one of the highlights of any visit to the city. Join a river boat for an hour-long trip along the Neva, Fontanka and Moyka rivers, taking in the impressive landmarks. Refreshments of Russian ‘champagne’ will be provided during the boat trip.

Yusupov Palace belonged to the wealthy Yusupov family and is the historic site of the gruesome murder of the peasant and mystic Rasputin. The mysterious circumstances of his death are legendary. The yellow, colonnaded building was acquired by the aristocratic Yusupov’s in 1830 to house their collection of paintings. The unique collections of art assembled by the Yusupovs and their reputation as well-educated hosts attracted the most outstanding representatives of Russian cultural life to the Palace. Tour the cellar, which houses an exhibition on the infamous mystic.


This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. The boat route is subject to change depending on the water level and weather conditions. There are steps at the embarkation/disembarkation of the canal boat. It may also be necessary to cross other boats to reach your specific vessel. There are many steps in the Palace and narrow steep steps into the cellar. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Special overshoes have to be worn in Yusupov Palace during wet weather conditions to protect the floors. These will be available on entering the Palace. Crowds are to be expected and you may have to queue outside in all weathers.

This panoramic tour of St Petersburg will show you many of the interesting and historical sites of the city. The beautifully decorated St Isaac's Cathedral is well known for its magnificent, central golden dome, which dominates the city skyline. History surrounds the Hermitage and Palace Square, once the centre of Russian power with the Czar's residence, state offices and Alexander Column.

The blank shot that signalled the start of the Russian Revolution was fired from the Cruiser Aurora, which is now berthed as a museum on the north bank of the Neva.

The uniquely named Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood sits on an equally unique site, the place where Alexander II was assassinated. The striking multi-coloured onion domes, representative of the intricate pseudo-Russian style of architecture, create a memorable picture.

There will be a chance to browse for a variety of Russian craft items and enjoy some refreshments during a shopping stop.


This excursion operates by coach. There is minimal walking on this tour. Local currency is the Rouble, however the gift shop accepts credit cards and, unofficially, US dollars and Euros. Photograph stops are programmed, time and traffic permitting.

YYour walking tour of St Petersburg uses the cities canals and elegant bridges to guide you to the Summer Garden. Located on a man-made island, the garden dates back to 1704 and were designed by Peter the Great. Take a walk through what remains to be, one of the most romantic and evocative places in St Petersburg.

St Michael’s Castle is an extraordinary red-brick structure built by a paranoid Paul I to be a safer alternative to the Winter Palace. Ironically it was only a royal residence for 41 days as the Emperor was assassinated in his own bedroom. Continue through the grounds and St Michael’s Park before arriving at the distinctive onion shaped domes of the Church on Spilled Blood. You’ll have the opportunity to go inside this former church which was built on the spot where Alexander II was assassinated.

As you continue to walk, you will find yourself in the cultural heart of the city, Arts Square. The square and its surrounding museums, theatres and concert halls were designed by Italian neo-classical architect Carlo Rossi. You’ll have some free time here for a photograph opportunity and a chance to purchase local souvenirs from a nearby gift shop before returning to your ship.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2½ hours of walking on this tour over paved surfaces. Flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended. This tour will operate in all weather conditions.

Catherine Palace was named in honour of Peter the Great's wife, Catherine 1. The Baroque façade is nearly 1,000 feet-long with decorative white and gold ornaments, and the grounds comprise of acres of manicured gardens. Visit the Palace's interior and glimpse part of the vast gardens. One of the highlights is the Amber Room, decorated with amber of different hues. See the gallery of heroic Roman and Greek busts designed as a covered walkway for Catherine the Great.

Peterhof Palace attests to the pomp, pageantry and extravagance of Russia's ruling class. The Palace is a truly splendid building with a yellow and white exterior embellished with gold. Peter the Great built the Palace to rival Versailles, personally drafting the layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular system of fountains. Most famous is the Grand Cascade, with its gold statue of Samson. In addition to exploring the Palace grounds, you will visit the Throne Room, Portrait Room and the White Dining Room.

Luncheon will be served in a leading restaurant.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to six hours' walking. Time allocated inside the Palaces is up to one hour, plus time in the gardens. Crowds are likely and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. Protective overshoes are provided, which can make the floor slippery. Camera and video fees are included. Flash photography is not permitted inside Catherine Palace and photography is prohibited in the Amber Room. Photography is prohibited in the Grand Palace of Peterhof. Long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles are not permitted inside the Palaces. Peterhof fountains are subject to maintenance work.

The Hermitage is so vast it would take a lifetime to experience all of its treasures. Occupying more than 1,000 rooms and halls, The Hermitage collection includes pieces from every historical period. Built during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, the grandiose, baroque ‘Winter Palace’ and its 4 adjacent buildings house works such as those of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Rembrandt, among others. Just as dazzling are the patterned parquet floors, ornate staircases, moulded and painted ceilings, gilded furniture and decorative malachite of the Palace itself. Walk through a selection of the display rooms with your guide, who will relate fascinating facts about the Museum’s history, art and architecture. (Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day).

Your drive to the Hermitage will take you through a portion of the city of St Petersburg where you’ll see the Neva River Embankment, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Admiralty and Peter-and-Paul Fortress.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour involves approximately two hours of walking at a fast pace, including many steps. You are advised that during peak season, the Hermitage can be very crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. Camera and video fees are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted. There is limited opportunity for shopping at the gift shop within the Museum. Credit cards are accepted, and US Dollars and Euros may be accepted, unofficially. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

Minivans will take up to five guests.

Your first visit will be to Yusupov Palace, one of the most interesting sights in St Petersburg, representing a rare combination of an architectural monument and ‘a temple of art’.

The rich and powerful Yusupov family have owned the Palace since 1830 and it is the only Russian Palace approved on the list of international private Palaces to maintain its original interior and furniture.

The unique collections of art assembled by the Yusupovs and their reputation as well-educated hosts attracted the most outstanding representatives of Russian cultural life to the Palace. The Palace is also famous for being where Grigory Rasputin’s assassination took place in the winter of 1916.

Your next stop is the ornate and brightly coloured exterior of the Church of the Saviour of the Spilled Blood. This recently restored Church is a photographer's delight. This uniquely-named Church sits on an equally unique site: the place where Alexander II was assassinated. The striking multi-coloured onion domes, representative of the intricate pseudo-Russian style of architecture, will create a memorable picture.



Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. You may be expected to queue to gain entrance to Palaces in all weather.

Yusupov Palace - Flash photography restrictions may apply in certain rooms. Protective overshoes are provided in wet weather which can make the floors slippery in the Palace. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, umbrellas, large bags or bottles inside.

Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood – Flash photography restrictions apply. There is a strict dress code inside Churches and Cathedrals; no shorts, men should remove hats, ladies should cover their shoulders and chest and preferably wear a headscarf.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of guests to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

Minivans will take up to 5 guests.

Situated in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, the grand blue Catherine Palace was named in honour of Peter the Great’s wife, Catherine. The Palace was built in the mid 18th century during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine II, the Baroque façade is nearly 1,000 feet long with decorative white and gold ornaments, and the grounds comprise of some 1,482 acres of manicured gardens and parklands. You’ll visit various rooms of the Palace’s sumptuous interior and glimpse part of the vast gardens.

One of the many highlights will be the Amber Room with its walls decorated with real amber of different hues. The long classical gallery of heroic Roman and Greek busts that run alongside the exterior of the Palace was designed as a covered walkway for Catherine the Great by the Scottish architect, Charles Cameron.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of passengers in your party. Only ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. You may be expected to queue to gain entrance to Palaces in all weather.

Catherine Palace - The Palace is expected to be crowded. Protective overshoes are provided for inside Catherine Palace, which can make the floors slippery and care should be taken. Flash photos are not permitted inside and photography is prohibited in the Amber Room. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside.

The Czar’s former Winter Palace and four adjacent buildings house one of the world’s best collections of art. Your visit will include various rooms which contain part of the two million works, including paintings by Da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt and Renoir to name a few. (Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day).

The Hermitage’s Gold Rooms are home to an array of remarkable jewellery and artefacts, including Greek and Scythian antiquities created for the imperial court, and a stunning collection of 18th and 19th century snuff boxes. During your tour you will visit one of the two Gold Rooms.

Your drive to the Hermitage will take you through a portion of the city of St Petersburg, past Palace Square, in front of the Hermitage with the Alexander Column, and the Headquarters of the General Staff Building.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The excursion involves approximately three hours’ walking at a fast pace, including many steps. You are advised that during peak season, the Hermitage can be very crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. Camera and video fees are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted. Photography and videography inside the Gold Room is prohibited. There is limited opportunity for shopping at the gift shop within the Museum. Credit cards are accepted, and US Dollars and Euros may be accepted, unofficially. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum.