Our “Summer residences” tour includes the most famous countryside palace’s nearby St.-Petersburg.

Anyone visiting Saint-Petersburg, should make an effort to visit Peterhof, Russia’s answer to Versailles, with it’s incredible fountains and cascades.

Founded in the early 18^th century by Peter the Great in about 30 km south-west from his new Northern capital St.-Petersburg, Peterhof was intended to become the most splendid official royal summer residence.

The town and Peterhof state Museum, where you can see the palaces and gardens are together a UNESCO world Heritage site.

25 kilometers south of St.-Petersburg is Pushkin, a gorgeous town graced by an enormous royal residence that’s almost as stunning as Peterhof. 
Founded in early 18th century the town is still sometimes called Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s Village) it’s original name, that has been turned into Pushkin named after Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who was educated at the imperial Lyceum there. 
Tsarskoe Selo became the official imperial residence in the middle of 18th century. 

The main sight is the Catherine Palace, designed in the Russian baroque style. It was originally built in the 1750s for Empress Elizabeth, who had inherited the estate from her mother Catherine I. The palace contains luxurious Grand Hall and Golden Enfilade of state Rooms including it’s most famous heritage newly restored Amber room. 

After the palace take a walk around the gardens. 

Please notice: Each of the sites included in the tour description will be visited sometime during the day. Tour sequence may vary depending on overcrowding at venues, museums’ closing days and traffic conditions. The itinerary above is a sample only.

Please notice: Catherine’s Palace is closed on Tuesday the itinerary will include Pavlovsk Palace instead.