Peterhof Palace and Parks vs Peterhof Parks and Catherine Palace

[dance4fun]

We are booked on a Princess cruise to St. Petereburg this July. In comparing prices between Princess offered tours and the various independents, we notice that some of the independents offer Catherine's Palace and Peterhof Parks versus Princess that offers Peterhof Palace and Parks with Catherine's palace as a separate night trip at extra cost.

 

We would appreciate other travelers sharing their experience - if we have to select one palace is it better to see just the Parks at Peterhof and see Catherine's palace or skip the Amber room at Catherine's palace and see the Peterhof palace and parks?

 

Thank you for your comments!

[Dontom]

Last June on an independent two day tour with DenRus we saw both. If I had to make a choice, it would easily be Peterhof Palace, the fountains and gardens. Be aware that the fountains do not run all the time. I believe they start at 11:00 or noon. If you are into art you might look at a tour that includes the Hermitage.

 

Don

[dance4fun]

Last June on an independent two day tour with DenRus we saw both. If I had to make a choice, it would easily be Peterhof Palace, the fountains and gardens. Be aware that the fountains do not run all the time. I believe they start at 11:00 or noon. If you are into art you might look at a tour that includes the Hermitage.

 

Don

 

We are looking at a tour that includes the Hermitage and Peterof, but excludes Catherine's palace. We wanted some opinions from people who have seen both palaces.

 

Thanks for the tip about the time the fountains start.

[aussi cruiser]

I was on oceania 4 years ago we had 3 days in russia, we went to on the ship tours and saw Peterhof Palace and Parks with Catherine's palace and the Hermitage and Peters and Pauls Fortress, I wouldn't go to St Petersburg with out seeing them. This time we are going in July and are tossing up what to see again and maybe we will do a private tour this time. Make saw in the tour to Peterhof you get ot go into the palace and not just the gardens the palace is amazing. The church of the spilt blood and the market across the road and St Izacs church are also worth a visit. Im taking my daughter and am try to figure out what I can squeeze in only two days!

Happy cruising!

[abouna]

I would go for Peterhof Parks and Catherine's Palace. The Amber room is worth the entire trip! The grounds at Catherine's are also nice just to stroll around too if you have a little extra time (especially around the lake).

 

If you only have time for one, then do Peterhof Parks and Palace though because the fountains are not to be missed. You could also do one of the smaller buildings at Peterhof like Montplasier. This way you get to see something inside at Peterhof and it doesn't take more than 30-45 minutes to go through.

[TLCOhio]

We are booked on a Princess cruise to St. Petereburg this July. In comparing prices between Princess offered tours and the various independents, we notice that some of the independents offer Catherine's Palace and Peterhof Parks versus Princess that offers Peterhof Palace and Parks with Catherine's palace as a separate night trip at extra cost. We would appreciate other travelers sharing their experience - if we have to select one palace is it better to see just the Parks at Peterhof and see Catherine's palace or skip the Amber room at Catherine's palace and see the Peterhof palace and parks?

 

As the pizza TV commercial from a few years back noted, you want to do "BOTH"! Why settle for less? There are some advantages with a ship's tour, BUT, many of them are not very time-efficient. Lots of time is wasted with such tours and moving a large group around. Doing a private tour allows you more time and flexibility to see what you really want to experience and enjoy.

 

We fortunately had three days in Russia on our cruise last summer and did the Moscow one-day trip through cruise ship folks. It was a long, but super day flying there in the am. We saw the inside of the spectacular Kremlin Palace, Red Square, historic Cathedrals, Kremlin Towers, crown jewels and Fabrege Eggs, KGB Headquarters, riding the subway there, seeing the main ballet building exterior, experiencing the shift to capitalism there, dinner in an old writer's club, etc. It was a once in a lifetime experience, especially to help understand better more on Russia's complex and long history. We got back to the ship a little before 1 am after the return jet flight.

 

The next day, we started our custom, private tour through Anastasia with our guide and driver a little later in the next day to allow a better timing situation after the full day in Moscow. Here is what we did in St. Petersburg:

 

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2008

10 am, depart Crystal Symphony

11 am-12:30 pm, Catherine's Palace, including Amber Room. Lots of gold, huge rooms, lavish living style, etc.

1:30-4 pm, Peterhoff & Gardens (built early 1700's by Peter the Great and all gravity-feed water features)

4-4:40 pm, Hydrofoil to downtown, seeing all of the many historic buildings, etc.

5:15-6 pm, St. Isaac's Cathedral

6-7 pm. Private Canal Cruise, just our private guide and us as two couples seeing the palaces and buildings from water level

7-8 pm, Savior on the Spilt Blood Cathedral, plus a little around the downtown and then return to the ship

This busy day was not tiring as we had a nice mix of riding, walking, riding, no long lines, seeing, riding, walking, etc.

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1, 2008

8:30 am, Depart ship, shopping stop enroute, more photo opportunities

9:30 am, Hermitage early admission (ahead of crowds and normal 10:30 am opening). No rushing. Plenty time for questions, pictures, soaking up the history, architecture and great art. We brought pre-arranged boxed lunches from the ship and had a great picnic lunch in a our van parked on the great square overlooking Alexander Column and the military headquarters on Palace Square. We could have dined in a regular restaurant, but this saved time and was a perfect outdoor setting in a "to die for" location with a world-class view. Two of the seventeen existing Da Vinci paintings in the world are here (one of them is in a museum in Paris). There are 25 Rembrandt's at this museum, including his last, best painting with its religious connections late in his life.

1:30-3 pm, Yusupoff's Palace, just the four of us and our guide in this historic palace where Rasputin was killed and the richest family in Russia lived and operated.

3-4 pm, Shopping/other options to see or do in main St. Petersburg

5 pm, return back to the ship where they had local dancers with musicians do a great show

6 pm, ship departure sailing out from harbor

 

For people who love to ask questions and take pictures, this was a great experience in two of the most special cities in the world.

 

Clearly, as we proved, you do lots in just two days in St. Petersburg. It was not tiring or too much. If you have a group of four or six, your cost is going to be about the same as doing most ship tours. BUT, with a private tour set-up, you get so much more . . . that fits your exact, personal needs and interests.

 

Below are some picture examples from Catherine's Palace, the Peterhof and of us at the Hermitage not having to battle the crowds.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[Rickdabear]

As usually Terry is right. Have a ball in Russia. It is a once in a lifetime thing. I want you to think back to when you were a kid. Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think you would ever go to Russia?

 

Here's pictures from our trip to St. Petersburg and Peterhof and Pushkin. There are about 25 pages. Enjoy.

Da Bear

[kennetro]

As usually Terry is right. Have a ball in Russia. It is a once in a lifetime thing. I want you to think back to when you were a kid. Did you ever, in your wildest dreams, think you would ever go to Russia?

 

Here's pictures from our trip to St. Petersburg and Peterhof and Pushkin. There are about 25 pages. Enjoy.

Da Bear

 

Hey Mr. Bear - Did you by chance forget to attach the pics? I was really hoping to be able to see them, but cannot find them. ....and to answer your question, being a child of the 50's, I remember being TERRIFIED at the prospect of even going to Russia! Fortunately, times have changed! Now, I can't wait to get there!

[TLCOhio]

Hey Mr. Bear - Did you by chance forget to attach the pics? I was really hoping to be able to see them, but cannot find them. ....and to answer your question, being a child of the 50's, I remember being TERRIFIED at the prospect of even going to Russia! Fortunately, times have changed! Now, I can't wait to get there!

 

YES, for the children of the 1950's, the images of being in Russia are very special. Don't want to get too political, but some of that "tension" might be coming back. Which is why seeing Russia at this point in history was so important to me. It won't get back to the old "COLD WAR" days, but you can tell that things are going to be a little more "of interest" in the relations between Russia, China, etc. versus the United States. Moscow clearly looks very capitalistic now, both in many good and not so good ways.

 

Mr. Bear: Liked your "As usually Terry is right." item. Too bad I can't get my wife to say those words more often, if ever.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[msmoger]

Hey Mr. Bear - Did you by chance forget to attach the pics? I was really hoping to be able to see them, but cannot find them. ....and to answer your question, being a child of the 50's, I remember being TERRIFIED at the prospect of even going to Russia! Fortunately, times have changed! Now, I can't wait to get there!

 

I'm not sure, but I think this might be his pictures link. If it's not....it's still an excellent source for Baltic pictures.

 

http://www.*****.com/Baltic.html

[NVCLVR]

Dance4Fun: When we first went to St.Petersburg w/Princess (2005) we took a ship's tour that included both. The Catherine Palace in the morning and then over to Peterhof for the afternoon. We toured the gardens & fountains, then taken inside Peterhof Palace. Look at the tour offerings again to see if the combination is still offered. Also, you might want to do Peterhof gardens and palace and then take the evening tour "An Imperial Evening at Catherine Palace". That is a fabulous tour and, although a bit pricey, worth every penny (and we plan to do it again!). On our return in 2007, we took a private tour (DenRus), tailor made to what we wanted to see/do and combined it with the Evening @ Catherine Palace (thru the ship). Keep in mind, St.Petersburg is exhausting, regardless of your choice of tours....but so worth it; an experience you won't forget!

[dance4fun]

Dance4Fun: When we first went to St.Petersburg w/Princess (2005) we took a ship's tour that included both. The Catherine Palace in the morning and then over to Peterhof for the afternoon. We toured the gardens & fountains, then taken inside Peterhof Palace. Look at the tour offerings again to see if the combination is still offered. Also, you might want to do Peterhof gardens and palace and then take the evening tour "An Imperial Evening at Catherine Palace". That is a fabulous tour and, although a bit pricey, worth every penny (and we plan to do it again!). On our return in 2007, we took a private tour (DenRus), tailor made to what we wanted to see/do and combined it with the Evening @ Catherine Palace (thru the ship). Keep in mind, St.Petersburg is exhausting, regardless of your choice of tours....but so worth it; an experience you won't forget!

 

On your private tour, did you have to wait in lines longer than the Princess arranged tour? One advantage we have heard is that the ship tours do get "right in" versus standing in line. We are not sure if those standing in line are on no tours, private tours, or smaller tour groups. One person in our party has some back issues and standing and waiting would not be a good expperience.

[TLCOhio]

On your private tour, did you have to wait in lines longer than the Princess arranged tour? One advantage we have heard is that the ship tours do get "right in" versus standing in line. We are not sure if those standing in line are on no tours, private tours, or smaller tour groups. One person in our party has some back issues and standing and waiting would not be a good expperience.

 

YES! Excellent point. On our private tours with Anastasia, we saved lots and lots of time avoiding lines, etc. I think that is a key advantage of a private tour versus the larger, ship tours. Some of them might be able to avoid some lines. When you're in a private group of four or six, however, with tickets reserved or purchased in advance, things go much quick and easier. It was a big plus for us, many times over. Doing an early admission to the Hermitage is also a major plus, both in avoiding the big lines, plus getting in there and ahead of the mobs and herds of people and large groups.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[dessertcruiser]

Hi Terry,

 

Thanks for the informative post. I am considering Anastasia for our June visit. I have read some negative aspects of early admission to the Hermitage, like some areas being closed off, movement controlled in one direction only. Did you notice this and was it objectional?

 

Thanks

 

Rick

[TLCOhio]

Hi Terry, Thanks for the informative post. I am considering Anastasia for our June visit. I have read some negative aspects of early admission to the Hermitage, like some areas being closed off, movement controlled in one direction only. Did you notice this and was it objectional? Rick

 

Hi, Rick! No problems in any way with our early admission. Everything was smooth and super great! It is possible that some or a few areas are closed early, but you can't and won't visit ALL areas in just that initial one hour period. There is so much there that even if half of the place was closed off for early use, you would have lots and lots to do and see before the big crowds get there and start their tours.

 

Below are some added pictures for our visit to the Hermitage. The museum is so large (five buildings) that once you're inside, it does not seem that crowded, at least based our experiences and being in a small, private group.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[dessertcruiser]

Terry,

 

Thanks for the answer. Glad to hear there were no problems with early admission. One more question. I have read that a camera pass may be required. Does Anastasia provide this?

 

Thanks

Rick

[NVCLVR]

Dance4Fun: re: the lines. On our pvt tour we had no lines...were escorted right in to each of the venues. On the Ship's tour there were some lines, but not that bad. The lines that people speak of are usually made up of several ship-organized tours waiting to get in at the same time, but they do move along. The worst part of a large group tour (30-60people) was the "herding",stopping & standing for the explainations and trying to hear & see over everyone's head (as well as waiting for everyone to catch up before moving on). I, too, have a "trick" back and I much prefer to go w/a pvt guide and move along at my own pace. Again, on a pvt tour you can get right in, see what you want to see and even sit down for a breather whenever you want.

[TLCOhio]

Terry, Thanks for the answer. Glad to hear there were no problems with early admission. One more question. I have read that a camera pass may be required. Does Anastasia provide this? Rick

 

Yes, Rick, a photo pass or sticker is required at the Hermitage and a few other places in order to take pictures inside. Anastasia, or your private tour folks, can make that arrangement in advance. There's a small cost at certain locations and that's added on your bill.

 

For Catherine's Palace, there was no charge. At the Hermitage it was 100 rubles. At St. Isaac's and Savior on the Spilt Blood, it was 50 rubles each for this sticker. At Yusupoff's Palace, it was 100 rubles. Since it is outdoor, there is no charge at the Peterhof. Same on the Canal boat trip. Currently, per Wall Street Journal today, a dollar gets you 33.9 rubles. Last summer, late July, it was about 24 rubles to the dollar. It's not a big charge, but making those arrangements in advance saves time as you enter. Anastasia didn't added any mark-up to that fee above what is normal changed at each museum.

 

Is it worth taking pictures inside? Below are a few samples from the two key, historic cathedrals in main St. Petersburg. Spectacular summarizes things well!

 

Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[kennetro]

UNBELIEVABLE PICS TLC! Are you SURE you don't want to come along & be our tour-guide / photographer??????????? ':-)

[TLCOhio]

UNBELIEVABLE PICS TLC! Are you SURE you don't want to come along & be our tour-guide / photographer??????????? ':-)

 

YES, thanks for the kind comments. When do WE depart? I'm game and ready. It's the best offer I've had this month. Sounds great!

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[Jancruiser]

From our cruise review last season:

 

What can you say about St. Petersburg? The port is not pretty, that's for sure, purely industrial. We had booked a Den Rus Value Tour, and we met with the tour guide as early as possible that first morning--we were instructed by DenRus to be ready to depart the ship by 7:15 and to take no crap from the crew about getting off before their tours, that it is illegal for them to hold us back. That was no problem; the only people we had to wait for were four or five groups headed for Moscow, who had to catch a plane and that was totally understandable (we heard murmurs from many, wondering if anyone had told the Moscow crowd that "it isn't worth it.)

Anyway, we went through their customs, no problem at all so long as you have your passport and also a copy of the passport in hand, and met our tour guide and driver and were off by 8:15, with fifteen people in a clean modern van. The guide stuck to the program and we saw the promised sights, were offered opportunities for more time anywhere we wanted it. We had lunch each of the two days in local restaurants, and it was very pleasant, good food, beautiful restaurants and wonderful service.

The two-day tour cost us around $500 American for the two of us, and compared to those who booked other tours, including those from RCCL, ours was indeed a value tour. We would recommend DenRus without worry about leading anyone astray. The only problem we had on the tour was one of the fellow-tourists, who was insulting to the guide and an embarrassment. Fortunately, he was grossly outnumbered and the guide received 14 heartfelt apologies and the assurance that he was not typical of Americans. I felt sorry for his wife.

One thing: Don't plan to tour St. Petersburg on your own. For one thing, you need a Visa, and for another, there is no way you can possibly see as much on your own as you can on a well-organized tour. Period. And we are not "tour people" (you'll note that we saw all other ports and London on our own.) This is not the place to prove how worldly-wise you are. It's Russia.

[DebbieS732]

This is not the place to prove how worldly-wise you are. It's Russia. [/color][/size]

 

LOL. Got a kick out of your last sentence. My husband can't understand why we can't just get off the ship and tour on our own without a visa (we've traveled a lot) and I keep telling him, "That's fine in the rest of the world but this is RUSSIA. They don't just allow tourists to wander their streets. It's Russia!'

[dessertcruiser]

Terry,

Thanks for the answer on the photo pass. I finally read all the way down to the bottom of Anastasias itinerarry and quote. She explains that the photo pass costs $15 per camera. Not too expensive comparred to the entire cost of the tour.

 

Thanks again for the answer and sharing our pictures.

Rick

[San Antonio Debbie]

We are arranging a private tour through Viktoria for three of us with a car and driver/guide. Do people generally tip the guide/driver? Is there a standard amount such as 10%? Thanks.

[TLCOhio]

We would appreciate other travelers sharing their experience - if we have to select one palace is it better to see just the Parks at Peterhof and see Catherine's palace or skip the Amber room at Catherine's palace and see the Peterhof palace and parks?

 

In case there are any doubts or questions on whether you should do BOTH the Peterhof fountains/gardens AND in seeing Catherine's Palace, here are a few of the larger pictures. This might give you a better sample on why BOTH is the right answer.

 

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio