Page 23 - RUSSIA (10)

St. Petersburg

Date of Visit: Evening, 25 June 2022

Place: Drawbridges Cruise

Drawbridges Cruise
Cruise along St Petersburg’s illuminated canals and Neva River at midnight and
see the city’s glittering drawbridges raise on this 1.5-hour boat trip. Settle onto a
comfortable sightseeing boat and glide along the romantic canals as you listen to
the fascinating onboard commentary and watch the reflections of St Petersburg’s
landmarks twinkling on the water. Enjoy stellar views of Peter and Paul Fortress,
the Spit of Basil Island, Mikhailovsky Castle and more, and sail under the glittering
Trinity Bridge — a camera-worthy moment if ever there was one.
See St Petersburg’s drawbridges rise while cruising around the canals
Admire the city’s illuminated monuments reflecting on the Neva River
Cruise underneath Trinity Bridge and look out toward Vasilyevsky Island
Learn about sights like Mikhailovsky Castle and Peter and Paul Fortress
Date of Visit: 26 June 2022

Place: The Grand Palace at Peterhof

The Grand Palace at Peterhof was designed to be the centerpiece of Peter the
Great's "Russian Versaille". Around 1720, the Tsar gave up on attempts to
establish his court at Strelna, mainly because the boggy ground proved entirely
unsuitable for the canals and fountains that he envisioned. Moving his attentions
further west to Peterhof, the Tsar began to draw up his own plans for the grounds
and palace. Work had already begun on a modest palace, designed by Jean-
Baptiste Le Blond, in 1714, and that building was completed in 1721. Visitors
entering the palace are confronted by Rastrelli's incredibly ornate Ceremonial
Staircase, which sets the tone for what is to come with a magnificent fresco of
Aurora and Genius and multitude of gilded statues. Highlights include the richly
gilded Ballroom and Felten's splendid white-and-turquoise Throne Room, which
has a particularly fine parquet floor. The Western Chinese Study is heavily
Oriental, with jewel red and green walls and a beautiful Chinese tea-set. The
Drawing Room of the Imperial Suite is equally influenced by chinoiserie, with
particularly fine silk wall hangings. The rest of the Imperial Suite, the royal family's
private quarters, is furnished in grand 19th century style. Also of interest is Peter
the Great's charmingly simple Oak Study, and the adjacent Crown Room, which
was in fact the Imperial bedchamber.