St Petersburg & Vicinity in One Day: THU-SUN's Best Visa-Free Shore Excursion

Kazan Cathedral is the largest cathedral of Saint Petersburg. Constructed by the order of Russian Tsar Paul I in 1801-1811, it was supposed to be the monument to the glory of Russian arms. The famous Russian Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, who participated in the War of 1812, was buried inside the Kazan Cathedral.

Alexander column is the world's tallest triumphal column. It is neither dug into the ground nor reinforced on the foundation.  It is held only by accurate calculation and its weight. 

Peterhof is one of the most beautiful Imperial Palaces. A complex combination of Baroque and Neo-Classical styles, this palace is a true gem of Russian architecture, and you will surely love it. Hundreds of fountains and golden statues surround Peter's Palace – it is Russia's Versailles.

Hermitage is one of the largest museums in the world. But it is also the magnificent Royal Palace with stunning rooms and unbelievable views. The collection began as the project of Catherine the Great in 1764. Now it’s the temple of art, where you can see the works of Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, de Goya and many other prominent painters from all over the world.

The symbol of Saint Petersburg - onion-domed cathedral that stands out from the neo-classical surroundings of the city-center. The church is decorated with lots of mosaics inside and outside, the domes are covered with colorful enamels. The church was built on the very place where Tsar Alexander II was mortally wounded in 1881. 

This fortress, built to deflect Swedish raids, was the city’s very first structure. While the view from the fortress ramparts is fantastic, the main attraction is Trezzini's Peter and Paul Cathedral. Almost all Romanovs including Nicholas II, are buried here. There are several other museums scattered around the fortress grounds, like the political prison museum or St. Petersburg history exhibition and you can buy a special day ticket which enables access to all.