St. Petersburg, Russia

Only 6 more Days!!

Today I started researching our stay in St. Petersburg, Russia.  We will actually be staying in this port for 2 days.  We have planned 2 excursions and I can't wait.

We are trying to see a variety of things during these two days.  We picked one tour that is a city drive that goes to Peter & Paul Fortress, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Hermitage Museum.  The other tour goes to the Catherine Palace and then to Peterhof Palace.  I've been reading up a bit on Catherine the great and the history of Russia.  I really didn't know much before.  I'm really looking forward to these 2 days now.

Here a few pictures of Catherine Palace.  It was built in 1717 and it has been added to several times over the years.

I'm actually anxious to check out Peterhof Palace gardens.  From what I've seen and read online they look amazing.  I've always enjoyed looking at fountains and these gardens appear to have several.

Here are a few pictures from Peterhof Palace/Gardens

Here are some pictures of the other highlights of the tours

St. Isaac's Cathedral

 

Aerial view of Peter and Paul Fortess - established by Peter the Great

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

I'm looking forward to the Hermitage Museum visit.  I've never been to a "real" museum that big before.  It is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great.

Winter Palace

The Hermitage Museum Complex and Winter Palace