Start your small-group tour with a pickup from your central St Petersburg hotel. Hop into your air-conditioned minivan or car with your guide and head south to the nearby town of Pushkin, known as Tsarskoye selo before it was renamed after Russia’s great poet in Soviet times.
On the way, hear how and why the Pushkin area was chosen as the site of Catherine Palace and other imperial and aristocratic residences during the 18th century.
When you arrive, behold the stunning 1,000-feet (325-meter) long Baroque blue, white and gold palace and its manicured gardens. Hear how the building was designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli and named after Peter the Great’s wife, Catherine I.
Take a guided tour of the interiors including the Great Hall, White Vestibule, Throne Room and other chambers. As you walk, hear tales of the empresses who lived here, and prepare yourself for the pièce de résistance: the Amber Room.
Ogle the amber mosaics of this spectacular room, once dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world,’ as your guide explains how they were recreated in 2003 after being lost in World War II. Listen to tales of the original amber panels and how they consisted of six tons (6,000 kilograms) of amber that covered an extraordinary 592 square feet (55 square meters).
Admire the gardens, if time and weather permit, and continue to the nearby Pavlovsk Palace. Used for a short time by Tsar Paul I, this neoclassical palace is often overlooked for its neighbour, but more than warrants a visit.
Inside, admire the classical decorative styles of rooms such as the Egyptian Vestibule and Italian Hall, and subject to time and the weather, take a stroll in the pavilion-dotted gardens.
Later, return to St Petersburg where your tour ends with a hotel drop-off.
Please note: The order of sightseeing as described above may be subject to change on the day of your tour.
Small-Group Catherine Palace And Pavlovsk Palace Tour With Transfer - Saint Petersburg
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Free Cancellation
- Duration: 6 Hrs
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Language:
English
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Departure Time :
Suppliers and travelers coordinate start times within the given time periods. Catherine Palace/Pavlovsk tour 9/27/2019 - 10/4/2019Monday:09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Wednesday:09:00 AM - 03:00 PM Thursday:09:0.. read more
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Departure Details :
Traveler pickup is offered
Please provide your hotel address. The pick up time may be adjusted depending on the admission tickets time -
Return Details :
Returns to original departure point
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Cancellation Policy : For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Overview
Discover two of Russias greatest imperial residences, Catherine Palace and Pavlovsk Palace, on this 6-hour tour from St Petersburg. Traveling by minivan or car, head for the town of Pushkin, formerly called Tsarskoye selo, and visit Catherine Palace, the 18th-century Baroque summer residence of the Tsars. Tour its extravagant chambers, including the breathtaking amber-inlaid Amber Room, and then explore nearby Pavlovsk Palace, with its magnificent gardens and opulent rooms. Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to six people.
Highlights
Know More about this tour
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Transport by private car or minivan
Entry/Admission - Catherine Palace and Park
Exclusions
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Not wheelchair accessible
It is advisable to wear comfortable walking shoes
A maximum of 8 people per booking
Stroller accessible
Infant seats available
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Traveler Reviews
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Nice day out to two lovely historic palaces. Our guide Valeria was very knowledgable and patient with my photography habit!
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Olga very informative of sites, history, and culture. Enjoyed her sense of humor! Very thoughtful in taking photos of us, rest breaks when needed. Didn’t feel rushed seeing sites. Went to effort dropping us off at our request at Faberge museum. Made sure we could get tickets!
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Anna was a friendly and informative tour guide, who was able to answer all our questions, and also was able to dovetail our visit to fit with special interests.
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When I signed up for tour...did not know how many additional people would be on the tour ...since I only signed up for myself ...it would
have been good to know how many other were in my small group...also the email stated two pickup times...9 am and 10 am...since it was difficult to contact the designated person ...I was ready at 8:45 am..as requested...going back to the hotel and having reception call through in Russian I was told the pick up time would be 10 am...they arrived at 10:30 am...the tour leader did not seem to know that I was added to the tour until the last minute...the tour seemed rushed throughout the day
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The tour was great and our guide Ludmila is amazing. She is highly professional, her description of art and history was very interesting. Everything was highly organized so we did not wait in any lines, and transport was in time. Highly recommend this tour, it worth the money.
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This tour was very informative. The guide and the driver were great. The Catherine Palace and the Pavlovsk Palace were spectacular and Olga, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions. Much to our surprise we found that we enjoyed the Pavlovsk Palace the most. The crowds were much smaller and the gardens peaceful. Highly recommend this tour.
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Excellent value for money small group tour with an excellent English speaking guide and careful driver!
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Our guide Polina was very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Catherine palace was flooded with people and there was a looong queue for tickets. It is worth choosing this tour to avoid waiting. I had such an amazing time on this tour. I would recommend it to everyone :))
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The tour guide is very professional. I enjoyed the one day trip.
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We had a great time on this highly informative tour. Our guide Anna was punctual and a very good driver as well! We were able to see both the Catherine and Pavlovsk Palaces in a non rushed manner. Would recommend!
