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Duration:7 hours
Pickup location:
Vodohod hydrofoil wharf
Pickup time:
Drop-off location:
ST-Isaac's Square
Drop-off time:
Highlights:
Take a hydrofoil to a fountain paradise, See magnificent gardens often referred to as the Russian Versailles, Wander through the spectacular rooms of the Grand Palace, Relax on a stroll past water cascades and terraced fountains, Sample Russian vodka at a degustation
Trip Code:RUUC Group size:Minimum 1, Maximum 12 Style:Heritage & History, Local Life & CultureLeave the granite embankments of St Petersburg behind and travel by hydrofoil to the Lower Gardens of Peterhof. On arrival be met by the breathtaking summer residence of Peter the Great. Enjoy time both inside the palace and wandering through the spectacular fountain-filled grounds. Then on the way back to St Petersburg stop off for a spot of vodka tasting.
Itinerary
Start this tour at the wharf and board a hydrofoil bound for the Lower Gardens of Peterhof, a magnificent fountain paradise.
Peterhof is the oldest of the imperial residences. It’s an extraordinary park complex, which includes the principal palace and a number of minor pavilions. It’s made up of 1,500 acres of parks and canals, and is located about 30 miles from the city centre, on the south shore of the Gulf of Finland.
Peterhof is often referred to as a Russian Versailles. The idea of creating the residence as luxurious as the one of the French kings belongs to Peter the Great himself. He personally chose the site where several underground springs were discovered.
Construction and development of the area continued until the middle of the 19th century and resulted in the creation of more than 100 fountains and four spectacular cascades.
The luxurious Grand Palace is a unique product of two centuries of work and houses a remarkable collection of paintings, sculpture, furniture, porcelain and glass. Rooms dating back to Peter’s time can be found alongside opulent baroque halls, and the calm austerity of rooms from the classical period. The palace appears as if on a pedestal above the shining gold statues and sparkling water of the Grand Cascade and the jets of the terrace fountains.
Having visited the palace, enjoy a relaxing stroll around the gardens to see each of the four impressive cascades as well as many of the fountains.
Leaving Peterhof continue on to Shuvalovka village, named after one of the richest people of Russia, Count Shuvalov. Here enjoy some Russian snacks and perhaps sample some vodka.The drive back to the city provides an opportunity to see some other interesting sights including the Strelna, the presidential residence of St-Petersburg.
Inclusion
Inclusions: Pre-booked museum tickets, hydrofoil ticket St Petersburg-Peterhoff, private van transport back to St Petersburg, vodka sampling.
Exclusion
Tips & Gratuities for your guide, items of a personal nature.
Voucher Exchange details
Please present your voucher to the local guide at the beginning of the trip.
Confirmation of booking
Please contact the local supplier to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.
Your trip
This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12
Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided by your local guides and drivers a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid Urban Adventures destinations. Please consider this when budgeting for your extra expenses on this trip
Child policy
Children must be 6 years of age to 11 inclusively. Children under 6 are not permitted on this tour.
Language
English- Cancellations made more than 2 days prior to travel receive a full refund
- Cancellations made 2 days or less prior to travel attract a 100% cancellation fee.
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