"We had a fabulous time. Highly recommend this cruise to all our friends. Our tour guide was just wonderful. We could not have asked for more. Perfect for us. Loved the hotel too!" - Karen G. Minneapolis, USA, 2018
Cruise by ferry from Helsinki to magnificent St. Petersburg, and then back to Helsinki. Enjoy three days in St. Petersburg, without needing a Russian visa and two nights on board the ferry.
Make your own way to the ferry terminal in Helsinki for the evening departure to St. Petersburg at approximately 18:00hrs. Overnight in an A Class outside cabin, including a buffet dinner, with sole use of the cabin.
Breakfast on the ferry then morning arrival in St. Petersburg at approx 09:00hrs. Disembark, meet your guide in the terminal and enjoy a panoramic city tour featuring the city's major highlights - the Admiralty, St. Nicolas Cathedral, Palace Square, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Smolny Convent and a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress. At the conclusion of the city tour you will be dropped off at your hotel, where you will stay for two nights. This evening, an optional folkloric performance is offered.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a guided excursion to either the famous, art-filled Hermitage Museum, housed in the former Tsar's Winter Palace with vast collections displayed in the magnificent State Rooms, OR Yusupov Palace. This private palace is situated on the banks of the Moika River and was once owned by one of the city's wealthiest imperial families. Small, yet lavishly decorated, it saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russian history... the murder of Grigory Rasputin. 2nd overnight at your hotel in St. Petersburg.
Breakfast at the hotel is followed by your further choice of a guided excursion to either Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, a spectacular former Imperial summer residence with the extraordinary Amber Room, OR Peterhof Summer Palace, a magnificent ensemble on the Gulf of Finland, built for the Russian Tsars in the 18th century, with enormous parks and beautiful, gold fountains. (Please note the fountains only operate from May to August). At the end of your chosen excursion, you will be transferred to the ferry terminal to board the ferry departing St. Petersburg at 18:00hrs. Overnight in an A Class outside cabin, including buffet dinner, with sole use of the cabin.
Breakfast on the ferry before your arrival into Helsinki at 07:00 or 08:00hrs (depending on date of arrival). After disembarkation in Helsinki, your tour arrangements conclude.
Notes:
The programme may be adjusted due to variations in the opening hours of the palaces and museums in St. Petersburg and minor changes to the ferry timetable.
Ferry passengers of all nationalities can enjoy St. Petersburg for 72 hours without a Russian visa.
Accommodation in Helsinki can be added to the cruise - please enquire.
Prices shown are for Hotel Ambassador low season September 2021
Prices may vary according to dates of travel
INCLUDES: return ferry Helsinki - St. Petersburg-Helsinki with exclusive use of an A-class outside cabin; 2 breakfasts and 2 buffet dinners on board; guided Panoramic city tour of St. Petersburg 2-3hrs (Day 2); guided excursion to either Hermitage Museum 3hrs or Yusupov Palace 3hrs (Day 3); guided excursion to either Catherine's Palace in Pushkin 5hrs or Peterhof Summer Palace 5hrs (Day 4); 2 nights at Hotel Ambassador, St. Petersburg (or similar) including breakfast; departure transfer to the ferry wharf in St. Petersburg (Day 4).
EXCLUDES: optional evening excursion; ferry cabin upgrades; meals other than those specified; beverages; transfers in Helsinki.
Prices shown are for Hotel Dostoevsky low season September 2021
Prices may vary according to dates of travel
INCLUDES: return ferry Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Helsinki with exclusive use of A-class outside cabin; 2 breakfasts and 2 buffet dinners on board; Day 2 guided Panoramic city tour of St. Petersburg 2-3hrs; Day 3 guided excursion to either Hermitage Museum 3hrs or Yusupov Palace 3hrs; Day 4 guided excursion to either Catherine's Palace in Pushkin 5hrs or Peterhof Summer Palace 5hrs; 2 nights at the Hotel Dostoevsky St. Petersburg (or similar) including breakfast; Day 5 departure transfer to the ferry wharf in St. Petersburg.
EXCLUDES: optional evening excursion; ferry cabin upgrades; meals other than those specified; beverages; transfers in Helsinki.