We dock in St. Petersburg early this morning. Named for the patron saint of its founder, Tsar Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is a spectacular city. Pastel palaces line the banks of hundreds of islands and canals, and the rivers are spanned by graceful bridges. We first visit Petrodvorets , the summer palace built for Peter the Great. His Grand Palace overlooks a broad expanse of verdant gardens embellished with statuary and trick fountains.
Lunch is served on the palace grounds.
Entering the historic city center, we see the most famous landmarks and visit the Peter and Paul Cathedral , burial place of the tsars. Then we tour the elegant Yusupov Palace , site of the murder of Rasputin and a stunning private theater. After a ballet , we dine at the elegant Noble's Nest , the city's finest restaurant. Our morning begins with a tour of the world famous Hermitage Museum . Begun by Catherine the Great, the collection now occupies five separate buildings, including the Winter Palace .