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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The wealthy Yusupov family purchased this palace in 1830, and since then, it was the main house for the family. A special wing was built to house their art collection. It also was the scene of the grizzly murder of the sleazy Siberian peasant Rasputin, who was exercising too much influence over the royal family for Felix Yusupov's liking. There is a Rasputin tour, and you can see where Felix and his entourage tried to poison and shoot Rasputin in the cellar in 1916 before they beat him and chucked him into the river, where he finally died.