4 Days St. Petersburg Tour: Russia’s Imperial City Essence

Welcome to Russia! On this day, you will arrive in Saint Petersburg according to your flight or high speed train schedule. Our local guide in St. Petersburg will wait for you at the airport/train station exit and assist you upon arrival. Please provide your arrival information in advance. Afterward, our driver will escort you to the downtown area of St. Petersburg.

Saint Petersburg is located northwest of Moscow, about 705 kilometers (438 miles) away. Often referred to as the "Venice of the North", Saint Petersburg is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703, it served as Russia's imperial capital for over two centuries. For this reason, it is called the "Cultural Capital of Russia" and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 under the listing "Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments."

Upon arrival in Saint Petersburg, you will be amazed by its European-inspired architecture and elegant atmosphere. Slow down your pace and explore its stunning palaces and cathedrals, immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage in museums and theaters, and enjoy a boat cruise through its picturesque canals. If you visit during summer, don’t miss the White Nights, when the city experiences nearly 24 hours of daylight.

Free Time Ideas On Day 1:

Spend your day leisurely exploring the famous Nevsky Prospekt, a 4.5-kilometer historic street filled with architectural gems, cozy cafes, bookstores, and souvenir shops. Treat yourself to authentic Russian cuisine at a traditional-style restaurant and savor classic dishes such as Borscht, Pelmeni, Beef Stroganoff, Olivier Salad, Blini, Caviar, Chicken Kiev, and, of course, Vodka.

After breakfast, you will enjoy a guided tour to explore Saint Petersburg’s iconic attractions. The first stop is the Winter Palace & Hermitage Museum. The Winter Palace is the city’s landmark, where you will learn about Peter the Great’s Vision Window to the West and the history behind the capital's relocation. This Baroque masterpiece served as the official residence of the Russian Tsars. You’ll be immediately impressed by its green-and-white exterior, gilded details, and the more than 1,500 richly decorated rooms. Walk up the grand marble Jordan Staircase, explore the Throne Room with its white marble walls and gilded accents, and admire the Peacock Clock and the Malachite Room.

Next, head to the Hermitage Museum, founded by Catherine the Great in 1764. With over 3 million exhibits, it houses paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and archaeological artifacts. Take your time to appreciate the invaluable artworks, including pieces by Leonardo da Vinci (such as the Benois Madonna and Madonna Litta), Rembrandt (like The Return of the Prodigal Son and Danaë), Michelangelo, and Titian. The museum’s 19th- and 20th-century collections also feature works by Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Renoir, and Degas.

This afternoon, we will take you to St. Isaac's Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. It features a neoclassical design with elements of Byzantine and Russian Orthodox architecture. Admire the golden dome, which is covered with over 100 kilograms of pure gold. Inside, you can appreciate the beautiful murals and paintings. Climb 262 steps to reach the colonnade at the base of the dome, where you’ll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of Saint Petersburg. From here, you can capture stunning views of landmarks such as the Neva River, the Winter Palace, the Admiralty, and the Bronze Horseman statue.

Citywalk Route: from St. Isaac's Cathedral to Kazan Cathedral, about 0.5-1 hour

If you enjoy a city walk filled with vibrant energy, take a stroll from St. Isaac's Cathedral to Kazan Cathedral. Along the way, pass by the Bronze Horseman (a famous equestrian statue of Peter the Great, located in Senate Square) and Alexander Garden, and marvel at the grand facades of 18th and 19th-century buildings. Continue towards Nevsky Prospect, the city's main avenue, lined with shops, cafes, and historic landmarks.

As you approach Kazan Cathedral, you'll be greeted by its majestic colonnade, inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, this Orthodox cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and an important religious site.

Optional Activities for This Evening:

1. To truly capture the charm of Saint Petersburg, it is recommended to take a Neva River and Canal cruise to experience the "Venice of the North." On the cruise, you can admire the grandeur of the Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and Palace Bridge. Please note that both daytime and evening cruises are available. Select your preference and book your ticket in advance.
2. In summer, you can attend the White Nights Festival (typically from June 1 to July 10) to celebrate the city’s natural phenomenon of "White Nights." Join in the music, dance, and cultural activities to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
3. If you enjoy performances, consider visiting the Mariinsky Theatre (established in 1860). Delight in famous ballets and operas, such as Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and Mussorgsky's "Boris Godunov".

On this day, you will be escorted to Peterhof Palace, often referred to as the Summer Palace, located about 40 km from the downtown area of Saint Petersburg. Known as the "Russian Versailles," it served as the summer residence of Russian tsars. Built by Peter the Great in the early 18th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its grand architecture, extensive gardens, and stunning fountains.

You won’t want to miss the Grand Palace, a magnificent Baroque-style palace featuring richly decorated halls, gilded interiors, and intricate artwork. Admire the fountains (comprising 150 fountains), waterfalls, and sculptures cascading from the Grand Palace to the Lower Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through the Lower Gardens, designed in the French formal style favored by Peter the Great. (Best time to visit: May to September, when the fountains are active, and the gardens are in full bloom.)

After your leisurely exploration of the Summer Palace, you will be escorted back to downtown Saint Petersburg. If time permits, consider exploring the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood on your own. Known for its stunning architecture, colorful onion domes, and intricate mosaics, the church is a masterpiece of Russian Revival style. Marvel at its vibrant onion domes, gilded crosses, and elaborate exterior design. Inside, explore the breathtaking interior adorned with over 7,500 square meters of mosaics.

On this day, enjoy some free time in Saint Petersburg at your own pace. Later, our guide and driver will pick you up and escort you to the airport for your flight to your next destination. Your 4 days Saint Petersburg tour comes to an end!

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your journey through Asia. We are committed to enhancing your travel experiences and look forward to welcoming you on your next adventure in Asia. Have a safe and pleasant journey home!