St Petersburg, Russia - Norway, Fjords & Baltic Cruises

A great opportunity to discover St Petersburg, up close.

You will be transferred by coach to Palace Square, the site of many historic events and from here your walking tour begins.

With your guide you will stroll through Alexandrovsky Garden which runs parallel to the Neva River and lies along the south and west façades of the Russian Admiralty. The English park was named after Alexander II of Russia who ordered some 52 species of trees to be planted there. At its architectural centre sits the monument of Peter the Great, the Bronze Horseman.

Continuing through the park, to the west enjoy stunning sights of the Senate and Synod Building, which is now the headquarters of the Constitutional Court of Russia. Upon reaching Senate Sqaure you will admire St Isaac’s Cathedral, well known for its magnificent central golden dome. The design of the Cathedral in general and the dome in particular later influenced the design of the United States Capitol in Washington DC.

Then it’s back onboard your coach for a short transfer to Nevsky Prospect and the Kazan Cathedral, the principal Russian Orthodox Church. From here you’ll follow Catherine’s Canal to the famous Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood built on the site of Alexander II’s assassination. Whilst here enjoy some free time to shop at the open air market for souvenirs, before moving on to the famous battle ship cruiser Aurora. On the way back to the ship you’ll pass by the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Artillery Museum.

Note: There is approximately 2½ hours of walking included over mainly paved, flat surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The tour will operate in all weather conditions. It is recommended to use either US dollars or Euros at the open air market.

A wonderful scenic drive which encompasses much of the rich architecture and history of this sprawling metropolis.

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.

Note: 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.

The Csars often retreated to the cool countryside to escape the summer, building palaces that could compete with Europe’s best.

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.

Note: 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.

Tour one of the world’s greatest repositories of art, then visit the Hermitage’s Gold Room, home to extraordinary jewellery.

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 Room is 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.

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.

Note. The tour 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.

This tour offers a romantic overview of the city, as seen from a canal boat and also includes a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral.

From 1721 the Peter and Paul Fortress housed part of the city's garrison and served as a high security political jail. Among the inmates was Peter's own rebellious son, Alexei, plus Gorky, Trotsky and Lenin's older brother, Alexander.
Visit the impressive Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of all the Russian Emperors and Empresses from Peter the Great to Alexander III. On top of the Cathedral’s gilded spire stands a magnificent golden angel holding a cross. This weathervane is one of the most prominent symbols of St Petersburg.

From the pier, not far from the Peter and Paul Fortress, embark your canal boat for an hour-long leisurely cruise. Cruising along the Neva River you will pass the Cruiser Aurora, before entering the Fontanka River and travelling as far as Michael's Castle, residence of the most mysterious Russian Czar – Paul I. On the Moyka River you will pass by the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, pass under the Police Bridge at Nevsky Prospect arriving at the pier near St. Isaac’s Cathedral, where you disembark. Russian ‘champagne’ will be served in the salon of the lower deck of the boat.

Note: The boat route is subject to change depending on the water level and weather conditions. There are 14 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 cobblestones and steps at the Fortress. There are 31 steep steps to access the fortress jail. The order of this itinerary may vary.

Combine city sightseeing, luncheon, a choral performance and the celebrated Hermitage Museum on this grand tour.

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 on the day by museum curators, so we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen during your tour.

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.

Note: 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.

Explore Catherine Palace and be part of the privileged few who witness the continuous restoration of amber in its workshop.

Sit back, relax and watch the hustle and bustle of busy St Petersburg pass you by, as you head out of the city to the town of Tsarskoye Selo.

Upon arrival, admire the elaborately decorated Baroque façade of Catherine Palace, which stretches out for nearly 1000 feet, and is flanked by ornate white and gold ornaments. Your guide will host you on a walking tour through the various rooms of the Palace’s sumptuous interior. One of the many highlights will be a visit to the Amber Room with its walls decorated with real amber of different hues.

Next, you’ll visit the Amber Workshop, which is housed in one of the outbuildings of the Palace. The workshop was created especially for the reconstruction of the Amber Room. Watch the skilled craftsmen at work as they create pieces of fine jewellery using the same traditional techniques that were used when resurrecting the Amber Room to its former glory. As a reminder of your unique visit you’ll be given a piece of natural amber, which was meant to be part of the Amber Room decoration, but did not fit in.

This small group tour is a truly unique experience and needs to be booked early to avoid disappointment.

Note: The Palace can become crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weather. There is up to 2½ hours’ total walking on this tour including stairs and gravel pathways. Protective overshoes are provided inside Catherine Palace, which can make the floor slippery and care should be taken. Camera and video fees are included in the tour cost. 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.

A special opportunity to enjoy the Museum’s collections - without the crowds - further enhanced by an exclusive classical concert.

Your unique evening visit will start after the Hermitage Museum has been closed to the general public. Explore the Winter Palace, wander through its hallways, stairways and rooms, view a selection of art and treasures, and learn about its history and residents; the Romanovs, rulers of Russia for over 300 years. (Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day.) Today the Hermitage is considered to be one of the three leading museums in the entire world and a highlight of anyone’s visit to St Petersburg.

After the Hermitage tour, in one of the Ceremonial Halls, the full symphonic orchestra of the Hermitage Academy of Music will perform for your pleasure. Enjoy a short concert of classical music by world famous composers and refreshments of Russian ‘champagne’ on the upper landing of the Gala staircase.

Note: The tour involves approximately two hours’ walking, including many steps. Camera and video fees for the Museum are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum. The concert and ‘champagne’ reception are exclusive to Cunard, however the Hermitage reserves the right to allow other small groups into the Museum.

A private vehicle is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together around this wonderful city.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide, local driver and selected itineraries are offered on a four hour basis. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made. Please select the tour itinerary of your choice from the list on your record of shore excursions.

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.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that guest’s on board account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrances, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in your chosen tour itinerary. Meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included.

Cars will take up to three guests

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one 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.

Peter & Paul Fortress – Flash photography restrictions apply in the Cathedral. Modest dress should be worn.

St Isaacs Cathedral – Flash photography restrictions apply. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, umbrellas, large bags or bottles inside. Modest dress should be worn.

Discover the charms, and possibly some secrets about the Russian capital on a full day tour in Moscow.

Moscow can be considered the very heart and soul of Russia. Despite its old age the city is continuously growing and changing rapidly, whilst at the same time retaining its iron curtain mystery and fascination.

Your journey to Moscow begins with a transfer to St Petersburg’s domestic airport, Pulkovo I. After a short flight you’ll arrive in Moscow where you’ll be met by a local tour guide. After a short ride on the ‘Aeroexpress' electric train, you’ll be in the heart of Moscow. At Belorussky Railway Station you’ll hop on to your coach for a panoramic tour, passing architectural gems dating from the 15th century through to the 18th century. Moscow’s history stretches back almost a thousand years and is reflected in its rich architecture, crowned by the Kremlin.

Admire the masterpiece that is the Kremlin, created by Italian architects and the devoted labour of unknown Russian craftsmen. With your guide, enjoy a one hour visit around the grounds and inside one of the Cathedrals (time permitting possibly two cathedrals), before visiting the legendary Red Square, the main square of Russia. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Russian luncheon at ‘Godunov' Restaurant near Red Square.

Following luncheon, you’ll continue your walking tour of Red Square, visiting the outside of Lenin's Mausoleum. Stroll through the famous department store, GUM, which is an ornate arcade set on several floors. Enjoy a photography stop near St Basil's Cathedral, this magnificent church-museum was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and completed in 1561. Rumour has it that Ivan had the architect blinded so he would never be able to design anything as exquisite again! The cathedral is at its most awesome when viewed from the outside.

Hop onboard the world famous Moscow metro, the second busiest in the world and famous for its fabulous architecture and artwork, for a short transfer to Leningradsky Railway Station to pick up the modern high speed ‘SAPSAN’ train back to St Petersburg.

Note: There is approximately six hours of walking, including cobbled pavements and some steps. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Guests are advised to have a hearty breakfast before leaving the ship, luncheon will be served in the Godunov Restaurant and a snack box will be provided on the evening return journey. Guests will spend approximately 6½ hours in Moscow and the rest of the time will be spent travelling to and from the capital. Availability is limited on this tour so early booking is recommended. Bookings close for this tour, as follows: Queen Victoria (V212) on the 31st March, Queen Elizabeth on the 27th April, Queen Victoria (V216) on the 23rd May and Queen Elizabeth (Q212) on the 6th June.

See the best of St Petersburg over two days and encounter the many highlights of this historic city.

Peterhof Palace was built to rival Versailles and is situated on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Finland. Peter the Great personally drafted the layout of the 300-acre park, giving detailed 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. The Cascade is aptly named; water flows down terraced steps leading from the Palace down to the Lower Gardens. Spouting fountains spray streams of water over marble statues, culminating in a man-made canal leading out to the Gulf of Finland. In addition to exploring the Palace grounds, you will have the opportunity to tour the sumptuous interior and marvel at the opulence of the Throne Room, Portrait Room and the White Dining Room.

What the Louvre is to Paris, The Hermitage is to St Petersburg. Here, in what was once the splendid home of the Czars and Czarinas, you will find one of the world’s greatest art collections. The Hermitage is so vast it would take a lifetime to experience all of its treasures. Built during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, the grandiose Baroque ‘Winter Palace’ and its four adjacent buildings house works of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Rembrandt, among others. Just as dazzling are the patterned parquet floors, ornate staircases, moulded and painting ceilings, gilded furniture, decorative malachite, lapis lazuli and jasper appointments of the Palace itself. Walk through a selection of display rooms with your guide who will relate fascinating facts about the Museum’s history, art and architecture. (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.)

Visit the home of one of Russia's most wealthy families -Yusupov Palace. Built in 1760, the Yusupovs acquired the Palace 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. The Palace was also the site of the infamous murder of Rasputin, whom Prince Felix Yusupov feared was a bad influence on Czar Nicholas II.

Originally built to protect the city from Swedish attack, the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral became Russia’s ‘Tower of London’, a place for imprisoning political prisoners, including Peter the Great’s own son. Visit the Cathedral, one of the tallest structures in the city.

Join a cruise boat and pass the Cruiser Aurora before entering the Fontanka River. Continue as far as Michael's Castle, residence of the most mysterious Russian Czar – Paul I. Enter the Moyka River and pass by the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and the Winter Canal as you sip Russian ‘champagne’.

Luncheon is included on each day at a leading city restaurant.

During your two days of touring St Petersburg your coach will pass through the city’s residential suburbs en route to Peterhof.

Note: Each of the sites included in the tour description will be visited at some point during the two days. The tour order may vary to avoid crowding at venues and traffic. The touring on the first day will return to the ship at approximately 5.30pm, which allows you to choose from any of the evening tours available on your voyage. Camera and video fees are included in the cost of the tour. Flash photography restrictions may apply in certain rooms at the venues. At the Grand Palace of Peterhof, photography and videography are prohibited in the Palace. The Palaces and Hermitage can be crowded Crowds and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. There is extensive walking on this tour including many steps and gravel pathways. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Peterhof fountains are subject to maintenance work without notification. Protective overshoes are provided, which can make the floor slippery in the Palaces. 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. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside. There is limited opportunity for shopping. Credit cards are accepted, and US Dollars and Euros may be accepted, unofficially. The boat route is subject to change depending on the water level and weather conditions. It may also be necessary to cross other boats to reach your specific vessel.

Admire the palatial splendour of one of St Petersburg’s finest summer palaces and enjoy a carriage ride through its stunning parkland.

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.

Note: 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.

A private vehicle is the perfect solution for guests who wish to tour together around this wonderful city.

Vehicles with an English-speaking guide, local driver and selected itineraries are offered on a four hour basis. No deviations to duration, venues included, departure or return time can be made. Please select the tour itinerary of your choice from the list on your record of shore excursions.

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.

The tour fare is per vehicle and only one person in the party should book a ticket. The entire cost of the vehicle and tour will be charged to that guest’s on board account and cannot be divided between the party. Once on board, you will 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.

Entrances, toilet facilities, photography and video fees are included for the venues incorporated in your chosen tour itinerary. Meals, refreshments and gratuities are not included.

Cars will take up to three guests

Note: Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of guests in your party. Request only one 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.

Catherine Palace - The Palace is expected to be crowded. Protective overshoes are provided inside Catherine Palace, which can make the floor slippery and care should be taken. Flash photographs 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.

Spend a delightful evening at the Alexandrinsky Theatre and see for yourself why Russia is so famed for its ballet.

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.

Note: 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 10 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.

A unique chance to admire the splendid palaces and parks of the former summer residences of the Russian Czars.

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.

Note. 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.