12Mermaids Posted June 13, 2015 #1 Share Posted June 13, 2015 I am very excited to have the opportunity to visit St. Petersburg, even if it's only for two days. And at this point, I plan to stick with the shore excursions from Crystal cruises. Although I understand other companies might be less expensive, I have never cruised before and Crystal offers some options unavailable elsewhere. One 21 August, our last day in port, I have the following choices: Catherine and Peterhof Or Catherine and Pavlovsk Or Constantine Or Gatchina Time won't permit more than one of the above options! Of course, I realize that tastes differ, but I would greatly appreciate your opinions about which I should choose (and why). It is not likely that I will return St. Petersburg, so I'm trying to gather as much information as possible to make the decisions best for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12Mermaids Posted June 14, 2015 Author #2 Share Posted June 14, 2015 Looks like Gatchina or Constantine at this point. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare John Bull Posted June 15, 2015 #3 Share Posted June 15, 2015 Catherine and Peterhof would be my choice. Catherine for the interior. Peterhof for the gardens and history - and, if Crystal's excursion uses it, the hydrofoil transportation. JB :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giantfan13 Posted June 15, 2015 #4 Share Posted June 15, 2015 I second JB's picks. Catherine's Palace is a can't miss spot in St Petersburg, and Peterhoff, well once you see it you will know why it is another MUST see place. Cheers Len Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitkat343 Posted June 15, 2015 #5 Share Posted June 15, 2015 We also loved the interior of Catherine's palace and the gardens of Peterhof. What always helps me make these decisions is to google images or view youtube videos of the attractions, and then I can usually get a sense of which attractions I would prefer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giantfan13 Posted June 16, 2015 #6 Share Posted June 16, 2015 As we say, pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are a few of Catherine's Palace and Peterhoff. Hope this helps you make up your mind Upon entering Catherine's Palace you will be serenaded by a Russian band http://vid834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster834.mp4 Some of the magnificent gardens that surround Catherine's Palace http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe714.jpg So many rooms in Catherine's Palace are decorated in gold http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe688.jpg A short video of Peterhoff from the Palace looking out towards the Sea Of Finland http://vid834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster838.mp4 Peterhoff with all the fountains flowing http://vid834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster839.mp4 One of the many buildings that make up Peterhoff http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe718.jpg Cheers Len Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12Mermaids Posted June 17, 2015 Author #7 Share Posted June 17, 2015 Thanks, so much, everyone! I will be at Catherine's palace the evening before (previous visitors helped me decide on the "Imperial Evening" excursion. So now, to see Peterhoff I would have to go back to Catherine. I may try to find a tour operator with a single day itinerary. Right now, I'm off to look at more pictures. That really ought to help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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