Private 3-Day Essential Tour of St Petersburg

Price
from 210 USD
Duration
21,5 hrs
Activity Level
EASY
Tour Category
Private Tours
Private 3-Day Essential Tour of St Petersburg

A relaxed 3-day tour with the most popular highlights covered! See  the best during your three days in St. Petersburg! The program includes guided visits and tours of the Hermitage museum, Catherine's palace in Tsarskoye Selo, Peterhof park, Church on the Spilled Blood, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral, Canal boat tour.  No Russain Visa required!

Highlights
(Click on the name to see Photo)
  • Panoramic City Tour
  • Catherine's palace (Amber Room) & Park
  • Peterhof Park
  • Hydrofoil ride
  • St. Isaac's Cathedral
  • Hermitage Museum
  • Peter and Paul Fortress & Cathedral
  • Church on the Spilled Blood
  • Rivers & Canals Boat tour
  • Kazan Cathedral
  • Alexander Nevsky Monastery
  • Metro (subway) Tour
  • OPTIONAL: 3 Delicious Russian Lunches
  • Visa-Free Paperwork

See as many highlights as one can cover within a short period: Aurora cruiser, the first house of St. Petersburg, Nevsky Prospect, numerous rivers and bridges, Kazan Cathedral, Admiralty, Palace Square and the Hermitage museum, the Bronze Horseman monument to Peter the Great, Palace Bridge, St. Nicholas Cathedral, University Embankment with its historical buildings: Kunstkammer, the Academy of Sciences, and Saint Petersburg State University, Menshikov Palace, the Square of Arts with Michael's Palace, the Mosque, the Smolny Convent, the Taurida Palace, the Foundry Prospect with the "Big House" (the KGB headquarters) and many more!

Please note that depending on the time allowed, not all sights might be included!
2+ hrs (depending on occasion)

This guided tour includes Catherine's palace tour with the world's famous Amber Room and the peaceful gardens with multiple photo opportunities. Catherine's Palace and the surrounding parks were created by Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, which is why Pushkin was formerly known as 'village of the tsar's' (Tsarskoe Selo). The Palace, with its famous Amber Room, is an impressive post-WWII reconstruction. The adjoining Cameron Gallery has a magnificent view of the park and the Agate Room. The gardens of Catherine Park, which are spectacular in the snow, are dotted with unusual buildings, including a Chinese village.

Closed Tuesdays and the last Monday of the month.
2 hrs

A relaxing walk in Peterhof Lower Gardens with a scenic view of hundreds of fountains. It's a real engineering masterpiece with no pumps, but with a unique location, selected specially to make this miracle happen. The force of gravity provides all the strength and the power of the fountains. A great photo opportunity for keen photographers. Take some time to see the surrounding gardens and Peter's villa Monplaisir. Unfortunately, in winter, the fountains are turned off, and wooden boxes cover the garden statues.

1-3 hrs

The fastest way to get to or from Peterhof during the busy summer season. Saves a lot of time and gives you a chance to take a nap:). The boats depart from the piers in the very center of the city, thus giving you a unique free bonus - a chance to enjoy the stunning panorama of the Neva banks.

30-45 min

St. Isaac's Cathedral is dedicated to Peter the Great's favorite saint. It is the largest cathedral in Russia and ranks among the largest basilicas of the world. It was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. It's not only the remarkable structure but also the collection of the greatest engineering innovations. One hundred and eighty years later, the gilded dome of St. Isaac's still dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg. Although the cathedral is considerably smaller than the newly rebuilt Church of Christ the Savior in Moscow, it boasts much more impressive fades and interiors.

30 min

Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world. But it is also a magnificent Royal palace with stunning rooms and unbelievable views. The collection began as the project of Catherine the Great in 1764. Now ist's the temple of art, where you can see the works of Raphael, Titian, Rembrant, de Goya, and many other prominent painters from all over the world. Treat yourself with a grand exploration of the most amazing masterpieces of the European Art, including the French Impressionists, and marvel at the fantastic interiors of the Tsar's Winter Residence - the Winter Palace.

2 hrs (or more if time permits)

This fortress, built to deflect Swedish raids, was the city's very first structure. While the view from the fortress ramparts is fantastic, the main attraction is Trezzini's Peter and Paul Cathedral, built in 1712. Almost all Romanov tsars, including Nicholas II, are buried here. There are several other museums scattered around the fortress grounds, like the political prison museum or St. Petersburg history exhibition, and you can buy a special day ticket which enables access to all.

1 hr

The symbol of Saint Petersburg - onion-domed cathedral that stands out from the neo-classical surroundings of the city center. The church is decorated with lots of mosaics inside and outside, and the domes are covered with colorful enamels. The church was built on the very place where Tsar Alexander II was mortally wounded in 1881.

Closed Wednesdays.
15-30 min

By day or by night, the most spectacular view of St. Petersburg can be seen from the water. The unforgettable panoramas of the Hermitage, squares, and embankments. Built over 42 islands, Saint Petersburg is surrounded by water and interlaced with a complex web of rivers and canals. They seem to bind the city together, while also marking the borders of its different districts and neighborhoods. The slow ride by Nikolsky cathedral belltower, or through the tunnels of the wide bridges, or under the glass walkway of Mariinsky theater, where the light is barely seen on the other side, is an experience you'll never forget. St. Petersburg's architecture means that magnificent vistas of the city are often visible from the water. Therefore an essential part of any exploration of the city is to get out in a boat and cruise the rivers and canals of Saint Petersburg.

1 hr

This spectacular cathedral was inspired by the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome. It is one of the city's most majestic structures. It was built from 1801 to 1811 to house the miracle-working Icon of the Virgin Mary, called our Lady of Kazan. The construction was completed shortly before the war with Napoleon; thus, it became the memorial to Russian victory in this war. The cathedral houses the banners of the defeated regiments as well as the keys to the towns conquered. The grave of Russain greatest field marshal Kutuzov is also located inside.

Kazan Cathedral is the main church of the city. Services daily. 

10-20 min (if you go inside)

The Alexandro-Nevsky monastery has some of the oldest churches in the city. It was founded by Peter the Great in 1710 to commemorate duke Alexander Nevsky - the prominent Russian political and military leader of the 13th century. This orthodox monastery is the most important in Saint Petersburg. The Holy Trinity Cathedral, the main church of the complex, is worth the visit. The unique part of the monastery is the cemeteries where you can see the graves of Russia's most celebrated composers and writers, including Tchaikovsky, Glinka, Dostoyevsky

Orthodox services are offered in the main church daily.
30 min (if you go inside)

Go underground and enjoy seeing palaces built for regular people - this is how amazing Subway Stations are in St Petersburg. Chrystal chandeliers, bronze works, marble flooring, amazing sculptures, and mosaics. Why visit another palace? The first stations were opened in 1955, the newest ones open every year, still vibrant and impressive.

20-40 min (as a part of commute)

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local Russian Restaurant. A typical lunch includes a salad, a cup of soup, a main course, and dessert. Vegetarian & gluten-free options are available upon request. Please contact your manager.

PRICES:

19 USD Short lunch: soup, main course, dessert, tea/coffee
25 USD Standard lunch: salad, soup, main course, dessert, tea/coffee
30 USD Premium lunch at an upscale restaurant: salad, soup, main course, dessert, tea/coffee

19 USD Child meal (for kids under 7 y.o.): tomato & cucumber salad, chicken nuggets, and french fries


Add-ons:
a glass of champagne 6 USD

1 hr

Visa-Free paperwork is complimentary and included in your tour package. Don't forget to provide us with your passport details in a timely manner.

When booking, please have the following details ready for each participant:
1) Name as in Passport
2) Passport Number
3) Date of Birth
4) Citizenship

valid for up to 72 hrs

Detailed Program

Time Description
Day 1: 09:00 - 17:00 (Actual tour order will be adjusted to the day of the week)
09:00 - 09:15 Meet your guide and driver by the ship.
09:15 - 14:00 Start City Overview Tour with multiple photo stops. Guided tour of Peter and Paul Fortress . Make lots of picturesque stops for photos!

Drive past Smolny Convent &Cathedral. Drive by Alexander Nevsky Lavra.
Guided tour of the Church on the Spilled Blood
14:10 - 15:10 Lunch at a local restaurant (*optional)
15:00 - 16:00 Rivers and Canals private boat tour
16:00 - 16:30 Optional: Souvenir & Gift Shopping or visit Kazan Cathedral
16:30 - 17:00 Return back to the ship.
Day 2: 10:00 - 17:30 (Actual tour order will be adjusted to the day of the week)
10:00 Meet you guide and driver by the ship
10:10 - 12:30 Depart to Pushkin/Tsarskoye Selo 
     Guided tour of Catherine's palace with the famous Amber Room and Park.
12:40 - 13:30     Drive to Peterhof, the kingdom of fountains
13:40 - 16:30 Explore the wondeful gardens of Peterhof.  Lunch in the park cafe (*optional)
16:30 - 17:00 Hydrofoil*  back to Saint-Petersburg
17:30 Return back to the ship.
Day 3: 10:00 - 16:00 (Actual tour order will be adjusted to the day of the week)
10:00 Meet you guide and driver by the ship.
10:10 - 10:30 Depart to the Hermitage Museum.
10:40 - 13:40     Tour of the splendid  Hermitage MuseumNOTE: Whenever possible, Special Early Admission will be ordered to avoid crowds and the program will be slightly re-scheduled.
14:00 - 15:00 Lunch at a local restaurant (*optional)
15:10 - 15:30 Guided tour of St.Isaac's cathedral
16:00 Return back to the ship.
Book this tour
($ 57)
($ 75)
($ 90)
($ 70)
($ 70)
($ 70)
($ 140)
($ 140)
($ 140)
  • English-speaking tour guide (other languages available at a surcharge)
  • Private driver
  • Private A/C vehicle
  • All admissions as per program
  • 1 Bottle of water pp per day
  • Visa-free paperwork
  • Radio-headsets for groups 7+
  • Welcome gift, activity kit for kids
  • Port fees & taxes
  • Smiles and positive experience
  • Meals (lunches) & drinks.
  • Tips/Gratuity
  • Optional Evening Program
  • 70 USD surcharge per group if your tour language is Spanish, French or German.
  • 140 USD surcharge for Portuguese, Italian or Mandarin. Other languages are available upon request.
Suitable for people with limited walking ability and wheelchair users.

*In case of weather conditions not permitting hydrofoil ride, there will be no refund provided. We use our van instead.

Please note, that NO ASSISTANCE loading and unloading wheelchairs/scooters is provided. The client must do it himself or have an assistant who will help.

DISCOUNTS:
Children 6 y.o. & under  = 80% discount
Students 7 - 16 y.o. = 30 USD OFF



Back to the full tour list

Questions? Call us right now 1.855.866.8773 or email booking@ulkotours.com