Saint-Petersburg Excursions

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays (museum day-off).
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The State Hermitage museum proudly demands to be one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and is opened to the public since 1852. The museum consists of 5 historical buildings, including the Winter Palace - the former residence of Russian tsars. The buildings of the museum, by themselves, are true architectural masterpieces. The Hermitage collections numbers to more than 3 millions of items - from prehistorical to modern times, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The museum owns a great number of Italian Renaissance and French Impressionist paintings, as well as outstanding collections of works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Matisse. Visitors may also take advantage of the excellent collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, exhibits of Siberian and Central Asian art. Visit to the State Hermitage is undoubtedly the main excursion, that has to be done, during the visit to Saint-Petersburg.

• Duration - 3,5 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays (museum day-off).
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The State Hermitage museum proudly demands to be one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and is opened to the public since 1852. The museum consists of 5 historical buildings, including the Winter Palace - the former residence of Russian tsars. The buildings of the museum, by themselves, are true architectural masterpieces. The Hermitage collections numbers to more than 3 millions of items - from prehistorical to modern times, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The museum owns a great number of Italian Renaissance and French Impressionist paintings, as well as outstanding collections of works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Matisse. Visitors may also take advantage of the excellent collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, exhibits of Siberian and Central Asian art. Visit to the State Hermitage is undoubtedly the main excursion, that has to be done, during the visit to Saint-Petersburg. The Treasure Gallery of the State Hermitage is one of the most interesting collections of the museum. It has got its name in the 18th century, during the reign of Catherine the Great. The Gallery consists of two sections - so-called Gold Rooms and the Diamond Rooms. The Gold Rooms collection consists of around 1,500 works, made from gold and dating from the 7th century B.C. to the 19th century A.D. The Gold Rooms gallery offers the Scythian works from the 7th-4th centuries B.C., Greek jewellery from 4th century B.C., antiquities from the Time of great migration, and also, items from Byzantium, Early Russia and medieval Europe.

• Duration - 3,5 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays (museum day-off).
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The State Hermitage museum proudly demands to be one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, and is opened to the public since 1852. The museum consists of 5 historical buildings, including the Winter Palace - the former residence of Russian tsars. The buildings of the museum, by themselves, are true architectural masterpieces. The Hermitage collections numbers to more than 3 millions of items - from prehistorical to modern times, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The museum owns a great number of Italian Renaissance and French Impressionist paintings, as well as outstanding collections of works by Rembrandt, Picasso, and Matisse. Visitors may also take advantage of the excellent collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities, exhibits of Siberian and Central Asian art. Visit to the State Hermitage is undoubtedly the main excursion, that has to be done, during the visit to Saint-Petersburg. The Treasure Gallery of the State hermitage is one of the most interesting collections of the museum, it has got its name in the 18th century, during the reign of Catherine the Great. The Gallery consists of two sections - so-called Gold Rooms and the Diamond Rooms. The Diamond Rooms collection shows the development of the jewelery craft over the course of mankind's history, from the third millennium B.C. to the start of the 20th century.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion available daily.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The excursion to Yusupov palace on Moika is also a touch to one of Saint-Petersburg and russian history secrets. Yusupov's were one of the richest noble families in Imperial Russia, tracking the family origins back to the 6th century A.D. you will know about the history of this famous family, about the Yusupovs curse, that mystically followed them through the centuries. The marvellous interiors of the palace will tell many stories, including the last one, about the deathly opposition of the last Prince felix Yusupov and the last favourite of the last russian Tzar - misterious Grigoriy Rasputin. The conspiracy, leaded by the young Felix, had started in this walls, and the final act of this drama, of a truly historical importance, did also happened here. The small and dark room in the basement of the palace is still keeping the scary secret of the last day of Rasputin.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Tuesdays (museum day-off).
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The State Russian Museum is keeping the world's largest collection of Russian fine art. It was established in 1895 and opened in 1898 by the decree of the Tsar Nicholas II. From its early days, the collection was placed in the Mikhailovsky Palace, which was built for Mikhail Pavlovich - the son of the Tsar Pavel I. The Museum collection consists of paintings, sculptures, graphics, decorative and applied arts. Today, it is a unique depository of artistic treasures, a leading restoration center, an authoritative institute of academic research, a major educational center and the nucleus of a network of national museums of art. The Museum collection contains nearly 400.000 exhibits. The main complex of museum buildings - the Mikhailovsky Palace and Benois Wing - houses the permanent exhibition of the Russian Museum, tracing the entire history of Russian art from the 10th to the 20th centuries. The museum collection represents all forms, genres, schools and movements of russian art.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Wednesdays (museum day-off).
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The beautiful St. Isaac (Isaakievskiy) Cathedral was built during the reign of the Tsar Alexander I. The project was designed by the French-born architect Auguste de Montferrand. It took almost 40 years to construct the cathedral, under Montferrand's direction, from 1818 to 1858. It was dedicated to the patron saint of Peter the Great - Saint Isaac of Dalmatia. During the Soviet era, the building of the Cathedral was turned into the museum of atheism. A Foucault pendulum was set inside, to demonstrate to the people that the earth is turning. Despite its huge size and standalone position, the dome had luckily survived during the World War II, and the days of the Blockade of the Leningrad. At that time it was overpainted in gray, to avoid being seen by the enemy aircrafts. The cathedral has a neoclassical exterior, it is set by the traditional Russian-Byzantine formula of a Greek-cross plan with a large central dome and four subsidiary domes. The interior of the dome was initially decorated with paintings of the great Russian masters, that were later replaced with mosaics.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Wednesdays (museum day-off).
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The Cathedral of the Saviour on Blood (it's official name is the Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Jesus Christ, and russians call it "Spas na Krovi") is one of the main sights and tourist attractions of St. Petersburg. The name is referring to the blood of the russian Tsar Alexander II, who was killed on that place in 1881. The construction of the Church had started in 1883 under Alexander III, and was finally completed during the reign of Nicholas II in 1907. It is famous for it's richly decorated facade and onion domes. The architecture of the church is different from the main Baroque and Neoclassical style of St. Petersburg - it comes up to the medieval Russian architecture and resembles the churches of the city Yaroslavl and the St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow. The interior of the Church is completely covered with beautiful, highly detailed mosaics, mainly reproducing biblical scenes or figures. All mosaics has a very finely patterned borders.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays and last Fridays of each month.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The Russian Museum of Ethnography is devoted to the nations of Russia. There are more than 150 nationalities in the country, who speaks various languages. It was established in 1901 as an ethnography department of the Russian Museum. The collection of the Ethnography museum counts more than 500.000 objects, symbols, signs of ethnic and folk culture of the native peoples of Russia.

• Duration - 4 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays and last Fridays of each month.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The Russian Museum of Ethnography is devoted to the nations of Russia. There are more than 150 nationalities in the country, who speaks various languages. It was established in 1901 as an ethnography department of the Russian Museum. The collection of the Ethnography museum counts more than 500.000 objects, symbols, signs of ethnic and folk culture of the native peoples of Russia. Special Storeroom of the museum contains a large and truly beautiful collection of the precious gifts, that were presented to the Romanov's family, during their's reign in Russia.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The residence of the first governor of St. Petersburg - Alexander Menshikov is located on Vassilievskiy island, which the Emperor Peter I , once, had presented to him. Construction of the palace had started in 1710. There were two houses, building simultaneously - wooden and stone. Wooden house was completed in just one season, and was named "Ambassador's home". This house was used for grand receptions and assemblies. The Stone House, which had later become the Menshikov palace, was built by the project of the architect D. Fontan. The first floor had been ready a year later, and the mansion owner had held a magnificent celebration for his new home. The constructions were completed only 4 years after, and Governor Menshikov had opened the doors of his home for the countless guests. Until 1727, the main building was constantly joined up with something new: the east wing, the west wing, the area around the palace. Nowadays, the Menshikov Palace is a museum. In 1967, the building was allocated under State Hermitage Supervision, and the Palace was returned to it's original appearance. The exhibition is devoted to the Russian aristocratic household of th second half of XVIII century. You will see the partially restored residential interiors. There are personal belongings of Peter I and Alexander Menshikov among the exhibits.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Tuesdays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The Stroganov Palace was built in 1753-1756, by the project of the architect Federico Rastrelli. It has belonged to a famous and very rich clan, first barons, and later Counts Stroganov's - who were a well-known collectors and patrons. Stroganov Palace is one of the best examples of Russian baroque architecture. The most famous architects - Voronihin, Rossi, P. Sadovnikov, G. Bosse and others were attended in the adjustments and design of the interiors of the palace. The pearl of the Palace is a Grand Ballroom - the only one interior in St. Petersburg, that has preserved the original decoration of Bartholomeo Rastrelli, with a unique ceiling painting "Triumph of the Hero" by J. Valeriani. The most interesting interiors of the palace were opened to the public in 2005, after completion of the restorations. Among them is the Mineralogical Cabinet of Count Stroganov (1791-1792 years, Architect Voronihin). The exhibition halls of the first floor hold the temporary exhibitions of works from the collections of the Russian Museum and other major art collections.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Tuesdays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The Marble Palace was built in 1768-1785, by the project of the architect A. Rinaldi. For the first time in Russia, Rinaldi had useв the natural stone - granite and around 30 varieties of marble, to finish the exterior and interior decorations of the palace, for which the palace got its name. The sculptures adorning the facade of the palace, were made by the famous sculptor Fyodor Shubin. Originally, the palace was designed by Catherine II as a gift to her favorite Grigory Orlov. However, Orlov died before completion. After his death, the palace served as the residence of the Grand Dukes. One of the last of its owners was the Grand Duke Konstantin Romanov, who was a talented poet too. There is a memorial exhibition, opened in the left wing of the palace, devoted to Konstantin Romanov - a poet of the "Silver Age". In 1994, the palace yard was decorated with the equestrian statue of Alexander III, created by sculptor Trubetskoy. In it's halls, the Marble Palace houses several permanent exhibitions - "Foreign Artists in Russia XVII-Х1Х Ages", "Collection of the St. Petersburg collectors, brothers Rzhevsky" and "Ludwig Museum in the Russian Museum - Russia's only constant exhibition of Russian art of XX century, making it possible to trace the development of Russian art in the context of world culture. There are also exhibitions of works by contemporary Russian and foreign artists, including representing the latest trends in art.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Tuesdays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

Construction of the Mikhailovsky Castle was started by Paul I in 1796, almost immediately after the death of Catherine II. Paul I passionately wanted to move into your own castle from the Catherine Palace, where he imagined all sorts of conspiracies and where he could not feel safe. The most outstanding architects of the time - Viall, Bazhenov and Vincenzo Brenna had participated in projecting the castle. Fond of the culture of the Middle Ages, the romantic emperor approved the project, combining the features of a medieval knight's castle and the secular European palace of 18 th century. Inclined to mysticism, Paul I hurried up with the construction. The work was unprecedented pace - around the clock, seven days a week. More than 6000 people in different specialties was occupied at the construction site. The majestic castle really seemed unassailable. The building was surrounded by water from all sides, and it was possible to get on it's territory only through the drawbridge.
The palace's splendid interiors, connected the residential function and a museum, where the Emperor of Russia haв kept a rich art collection. The palace interiors are truly remarkable, especially the Throne and the Resurrection Halls, Antic Hall, Raphael Gallery, Arabesques gallery and St George's Hall. But the impregnable castle served for the grand residence of it's first owner, the most tragic the Russian emperor, just 40 days. On the night of 11 to 12 March 1801 Paul I was murdered by conspirators in his own bedroom. In 1991 the palace's building was assigned to the Russian Museum. The castle and the surrounding areas had undergone a large-scale restoration works, and the ensemble had returned to its original appearance.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays and Thursdays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

Alexander Nevsky Laurel is one of the oldest monasteries of St. Petersburg. It is the location of the relics of the Saint Prince Alexander Nevsky. The first mention of the monastery dates back to documents from the time of Peter I, when he issued the order to build the Alexander Nevsky monastery on the supposed site of the victory of Prince over the Swedes. Upon the decree of Paul I, the monastery was granted the status of laurel, and in 1909 here was founded the museum - Archive of laurels. Today, the monastery is still active and attracts pilgrims and lovers of art and history, as it's territory had become a State Museum of Urban Sculpture, founded in 1939 as Russia's only museum institution, devoted to the study, protection and restoration of monumental art in an open urban environment. The main exhibition of the museum is located in the necropolises of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. You will see the monument to Alexander Nevsky, the Annunciation Church, the Trinity Cathedral, the Dukhovskaya church and the Church of St. Theodore, St. Nicholas Church and Necropolis.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Mondays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

Apartment Museum of Fyodor Dostoevsky is located on the same street and in the same house where he had once lived. It was one of the first addresses of Dostoevsky in St. Petersburg, here he worked on the story "The Double" and ... the last, where he wrote the novel "The Brothers Karamazov" and where on January 28, 1881 the writer had died. Dostoevsky rented apartments in low-cost areas of the city, frequently changed the addresses. He has not lived in any apartment over three years. The friends of the writer, visited his home in different years, always mentioned the ascetic environment, simplicity and restraint interiors. Dostoevsky's wife, Anna, wrote about the apartment in Kuznechny street: "Our apartment consisted of six rooms, a vast storehouse for books, the front and the kitchen and was on the second floor. Seven windows were looking on lane". The main room in the apartment was always the cabinet. The main place was occupied by a table, usually placed in the middle of the room. The cabinet was reconstructed from a photograph taken after the writer's death. It presents the memorial items: there is a pen, a box of medication and a wallet on the table - shelf for papers and letters in the corner, and an icon in a silver frame "Mother of God Joy of All Who Sorrow." In the bookshelves, there are books that really existed in the library of Dostoevsky. The museum collects them by the lists drawn up by the wife of the writer. The writer's relatives recalled, that Dostoevsky did not like when something was misplaced in his cabinet - the manuscripts, books, or a chair was shifted from the place where he left it. It was his creative workshop, and no one was supposed to destroy its special atmosphere. In this room Dostoevsky worked on the novel "The Brothers Karamazov". Here, in this room, Dostoevsky died. Watches belonging to the younger brother of the writer, Andrei Mikhailovich, stopped at the date and time of the writer's death: January 28, 1881.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Thursdays.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The Museum of political history was the first historical revolutionary museum in Russia. It was created in 1919. The Museum houses a unique collection, numbering over 450 thousand exhibits, reflecting the main milestones and events in the history of Russia of the 19th and 20th centuries. Among them - a collection of revolutionary banners from 1917, an extensive collections of political posters, propaganda porcelain, as well as documents, leaflets, photographs, paintings and sculpture, personal belongings of famous political and public figures. In 2007, the State Museum of Political History of Russia had celebrated 100 years of it's collections. The museum is located in the historic city center and is housed in two mansions built in the early twentieth century. One of them - a mansion of prima ballerina of the Mariinsky Theatre Matilda Kshesinskaia - the pearl of the St. Petersburg Art Nouveau (architect A.I.fon Gauguin). In 1917, this building housed the headquarters of the revolutionary Bolsheviks. It was often visited by Lenin, Stalin, Zinoviev, Sverdlov and other important politics. The second mansion, built in 1909 for a large lumber baron V. E. Brandt (architect R. F. Melzer), also belongs to the historical and architectural monuments of St. Petersburg. The focus of exhibitions of the museum is the main political, economic and cultural transformations of 19th and 20th centuries, the crucial stages of the history of Russia, which predetermined it's fate. This excursion will allow you to discover unexpected sides of our common historical destiny, biographies of prominent Russian politicians, reformers and revolutionaries, emperors, and party leaders.

• Duration - 3 hrs.
• Entrance ticket(s) included.
• This excursion is not available on Tuesdays and last Fridays of each month.
• Tour includes roundtrip transfer and english-speaking guide assistance.

The apartment Museum of Alexander Pushkin is the Memorial Museum of the poet. It tells about the last period of his life and work. Apartment is located in one of the oldest stone houses in St. Petersburg on Moika 12, which had belonged to the family of the princes Volkonskiis. In this house, in the apartment of eleven rooms, Pushkin and his family settled in September 1836, and this apartment was the last in his life. Here the poet, mortally wounded in a duel, died on January 29, 1837. In 1925, the flat of Pushkin was given a status of the museum, and the first museum exhibition was opened here. Since then, the tradition does not stop, and people are coming into the courtyard of the museum to honor the memory of the poet. Now, the museum is recreated in it's original appearance, based on historical documents and recollections of poet's friends. Here, you can see things that belonged to his family, friends and acquaintances. The main room of the apartment is the cabinet of Pushkin. Many things in the museum's remember the hands of the poet.