Experience the best of St. Petersburg on this full-day private tour. Begin at the vast Palace Square, home to the Winter Palace and the world-renowned Hermitage Museum, which you will explore on a guided tour.
Then, admire the monumental St. Isaac's Cathedral before walking to the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood to marvel at its breathtaking mosaic interiors. Continue to the grand Kazan Cathedral and enjoy a stroll along the bustling Nevsky Prospekt, concluding with a visit to the elegant Elisseeff Emporium for delicious souvenirs.
To complete your experience, unwind on a relaxing river and canal cruise and discover why St. Petersburg is deservedly known as the "Northern Venice." By the end of the day, you will have fully immersed yourself in the charm of Russia's cultural capital.
Your private guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel or any other address within the city center provided by you. You will use the nearest metro (if needed) station to reach the Palace Square (tickets included).
Palace Square has always been St. Petersburg's main square, facing the Winter Palace—the tsars' former winter residence. Its perfectly preserved 18th and 19th-century architecture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. At its center stands the Alexander Column, carved from a single piece of pink granite. Can you guess why people were initially afraid to walk near it when it was first erected?
Next, skip the lines for a guided tour of the Hermitage Museum. With an expert guide, you'll explore the magnificent Winter Palace—once home to the Russian tsars—and discover masterpieces by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and many others in one of the world's largest and most spectacular art collections.
Note: the Hermitage Museum is closed on Mondays.
Our next stop is St. Isaac's Cathedral, the largest Orthodox church in St. Petersburg and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Your guide will reveal the cathedral's grand interiors and share its fascinating story, from its challenging construction to its survival through wartime.
Just a short walk from St. Isaac's Cathedral, you'll see two more key landmarks: the golden-spired Admiralty building, and the famous Bronze Horseman statue of Peter the Great—the visionary founder who dreamed of creating a powerful Russian fleet.
Then, wander through St. Petersburg's characteristic well-yards to the magnificent Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood—a one-of-a-kind architectural marvel. On your guided tour inside, you will marvel at its breathtaking interior, covered entirely in 7,065 square meters of mosaics.
Note: the Church is closed on Wednesdays.
Our next stop is the magnificent Kazan Cathedral, a favorite of the Russian emperors and one of Russia's most important shrines. You'll notice its unique design—modeled after St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, it stands out from traditional Orthodox churches with its grand colonnade and elegant architecture.
Note: the Cathedral is closed on Wednesdays.
After visiting the cathedral, enjoy a leisurely stroll along Nevsky Prospect, the city's main avenue. Cross its ornate bridges until you reach the fabulous Elisseeff Emporium. Here, you can treat yourself to delicious local delicacies and pick up tasty souvenirs for your loved ones back home.
To complete your experience, unwind on a relaxing river and canal cruise and discover why St. Petersburg is deservedly known as the "Northern Venice." By the end of the day, you will have fully immersed yourself in the charm of Russia's cultural capital.
Note: a shared group river cruise is included in the tour. Should you prefer a more exclusive experience, we would be happy to arrange a private river cruise for you upon request.
Your guide will be happy to accompany you back to your hotel, or you may choose to remain in the city center to continue exploring St. Petersburg at your leisure.
