St Petersburg is one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally rich cities. The second largest city in Russia, it lies on the Neva River at the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea. As such, it is a popular port of call on Baltic cruises, as well as being a very easy excursion from Finland and elsewhere in the Baltic region. The history of St Petersburg can’t be ignored. Founded on a swamp by Peter the Great as an Imperial City, it has evolved to become Russia’s “window to the west”. Residents of this city incited the Russian Revolution, and seventy years later they were to actively encourage the adoption of democracy at the end of communist rule. St Petersburg is Russia’s cultural heart. With its opulent baroque and neoclassical architecture, including the Winter Palace and the Kazan Cathedral, it is also home to the Hermitage art collection, which is renowned worldwide, and a charming network of canals which have garnered it the nickname “The Venice of the North”. Scandi Travel had a range of tour options to experience this amazing city. These include:
- Helsinki to St Petersburg: 5 Day Cruise VISA FREE
This round trip requires NO Russian Visa. Cruise in luxury on a Baltic cruise-ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg (return). Stay in fine accommodation in the city centre, and enjoy a private guided tour of this Russian jewel. Experience first-hand the invigorating Baltic Sea, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Kazan Cathedral, the State Hermitage Museum, and the Winter Palace. There is plenty of time at leisure.
- Helsinki to St Petersburg: 3 Day Cruise VISA FREE
This round trip requires NO Russian Visa. Cruise on the Baltic MS Princess Maria cruise-ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg (return). There is an option for a full day sightseeing tour, or spend the day at leisure, enjoying the highlights of St Petersburg.
- St Petersburg Shore Excursions
Scandi Travel offers an array of shore excursions and tours when you arrive in this city on a Baltic Cruise. Options include but are not limited to:
- The Catherine Palace, Amber Room, and Eliseev’s Shop
- Pavlovsk Palace and Park
- Peterhof Grand Palace, Park, and Fountains
- St Petersburg Boat Trip
- Russian Folklore Show at the Nicholas Palace
- Yusupov Palace
From its snowy winters to the summer’s White Nights, St Petersburg is a charming city which should be on everyone’s “bucket list”. Visitors are enticed to come by Tchaikovsky’s operas and ballets, Rastrelli’s architecture, one of a kind art and history, and beautiful parks and canals, as well as gastronomic delights, edgy underground clubs and modern galleries, and beatnik bands. Contact Scandi Travel today for a comprehensive guide to all of our St Petersburg tour options – and visit this remarkable city Visa-Free.
