from $210,00
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Two-Day Art & Architecture tour

Price Per Person from 250$
2 days (17,5 hour)

Duration

For visa free cruise passengers & on-land travelers

Type of the tour

Private Tour

Tour category

min 2; max 12

Group Size

Overview

Please note, this is a private tour. That means you are the only participants on it. The tour price does depend on the number of travelers and the itinerary is fully flexible: press Custom Tour button to see more museums/activities you can add/ replace/ eliminate .

St Petersburg is a repository  of Russian and European culture – whether it be painting, sculpture  or architecture. This tour is designed especially for art lovers  with  much more time in the Hermitage  museum ( including impressionists / post impressionists  sections ), visit to Faberge Museum and  Russian Museum alongside with other must see attractions.

On day 1

Our art expert guide  meet and greet you  near your ship or in the lobby of your hotel.  We start our day from drive to Pushkin city with inside visits to the unique art nouveau Vitebsky Railway Terminal and pseudo- Gothic Chesma Church on the way there. After one hour trip to Pavlovsk city  we get inside   unique Pavlovsk  Palace to guide you through the enfilade of state and private rooms of Paul I.Return back to the city along Moscow Prospect with buildings, designed in Stalin Empire as well as constructivism styles.Now it is high time to learn  more about our national art and architecture : we do Russian Museum with its unique collection of  icons,  paintings( we are sure Malevich and Philonov are familiar to you) , sculptures  and folk art;  then get inside nearby  Church of our Savior on Spilt Blood with made in Russia mosaics. Our afternoon program finishes with Faberge Museum guided tour: you will enjoy its unrivalled  collection of Easter Eggs, Russian Enamels and silver, amazing objects de fantasie and even paintings.

On day 2

At 8 am we will pick you up near your ship or in the lobby of your hotel to start comprehensive driving city tour with focus on the main architectural ensembles ; after that we drive to Peterhof with visits of 3 most beautiful metro stations designed in Stalin Empire style,  arriving  just on time  not to miss  the Grand Cascade  fountains  opening ceremony (happens every day under the solemn music of St Petersburg anthem). After walking tour of Russian Versailles fountain park and  optional visit to Catherine Block Pavilion ( brilliant sample of empire style ),  hydrofoil will bring us across the Gulf of Finland directly to the steps of The Hermitage .We will  guide you in this  “equal to non” museum according to our  standard program( Gala rooms, masterpieces of European department, some archeological department collections (famous Pazyryk)   and impressionists / post impressionists  collection ) but is a subject of discussion  with your guide right on the spot .

Number of people in your group 2 3 4 5 6 7+
Price Per Person US $ 490 380 300 295 250 upon request

Children under 6 у.о. will be included   for free ; children of 7-18 y.o. and students with ISIC  get  $15 discount off the cost of the tour.

All  discounts for 2021 adult  cruise passengers are applicable  for this tour( see Discounts section in the main menu )  

Activity level:
high

Transportation:
Comfortable sedan ( 1-2 people ) ,Mercedes Viano ( 3-4 people ) , Mercedes Sprinter ( 5+ parties)  with a/c ; Wi-Fi ( upon request ).

Guide:
Local, experienced and licensed English- speaking  guide (this tour is available in Spanish, German, French, Italian , Portuguese, Chinese as well  but by slightly different price).

Day 1

9:oo am Meet with your guide and driver .

9:00 am-10:30 am Driving to Pavlovsk town. Vitebsky Railway Terminal; Chesma Church, St Petersburg metro

11:30 am-12:00 pm Guided tour of Pavlovsk Palace (may be replaced by a visit to Catherine Palace with Amber Room by your request done well in advance )

 12:00 pm-1:15 pm Driving back to the city.

1:30 pm-2:30 pm Guided tour of Russian Museum.

2:30- 3:30 Lunch

 3:45-5 pm   General Stuff Building: collection of impressionists and post impressionists; The Hermitage Faberge Collection

5:00 pm-6:00 pm Guided Tour of Faberge Museum

6:30 pm Return to the ship

Day 2

9:00 am-10:00am Meet with your guide and driver .Second part of the city tour. Walking along Nevsky Prospect

10:20 am-1:00 pm Guided tour of the State  (gala rooms and masterpieces of European painting)

1:00 pm-2 pm driving to   (with lunch boxes).

2 pm-3:00 pm Walk through the Peterhof Lower Park with fountains.

3:00-4:00 pm Driving back to the city

4-4:30pm Guided tour of the Church of our Savior on Spilt Blood

5:00 pm Return to your ship

  • Pick you up and drop off either in the lobby of your hotel or near your ship in the port
  • Guide services for 2 days
  • Driver services for 2 days
  • port fees (for cruise passengers)
  • Admittance fees to the museums highlighted in orange
  • Metro ride
  • Bottled water (one bottle per person per day)
  • Rain ponchos in case of rain while visiting Peterhof Lower park
  • Permits for video and photos in the museums
  • Headphones for groups of 6 or more
  • Special memory gift
  • Visa waivers ( blanket visas) for cruise passengers and visa invitation letters for on–land travelers
  • The cost of lunches
  • The cost of possible evening program

Reviews
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Paul ; 2019 cruise ship
Dear Julia, I just wanted to let you know that I very much enjoyed our tour of St. Petersburg. Elena was our tour guide and provide us with an enjoyable and educational 2 days. The depth of her knowledge and presentation style were first rate. Importantly, she also listened to our group’s interests and made appropriate adjustments in our schedule to accommodate our group needs. Taking the "private" (6 people) tour of St Petersburg with your company, Dancing Bear Tours, was far superior to the cruise offered excursions which would have been on large tour buses with many people.Vladimir was our driver and was also great. What we want from the transportation is that there should be no "glitches" and that we should always be able to quickly get to our next destination. Vladimir was always nearby on our stops and made it easy for us to get around. He was also, of course, friendly and professional. There were no "glitches"; thanks again. I do not typically post comments about my trips, but you can feel free to use these comments as you wish. Best Regards, Paul
Sally, “Serenade of the Seas” cruise ship
Hi Julia,Thank you again for coordinating such a wonderful tour. I’ve left a review and hope that you have no end of requests for tours! We’re in the middle of our move from the UK back to the US, but once we’re settled I can’t wait to make some borscht, watch the DVDs you gave me, and pick up some of the books you recommend. I also would like for you to pass along my highest praise to Katerina/Kate. My daughter and I really enjoyed our time with her and tour…. I had such a memorable time in St. Petersburg and it was all because of your excellent itinerary an d Kate’s tour. Thank you!
Brenda, Hotel SPb
Dear Julia, Just a quick note to tell you how much we enjoyed our tour with Aleena and Annatollie. I am certain that I spelled their names incorrectly, but you know who they are. Our time with them will never be forgotten. Everything was so well planned and so informative. They both went out of their way to meet our needs and take care of us in every possible way. Aleena is such a darling woman. She was very professional and knowledgeable at each location. We loved our time with her. Our driver, Annatollie was such a gentleman. He was always right there to pick us up after each visit and always jumped out of the car to open the door for us. Always helped me in and out of the car. We felt very spoiled every minute of our tour! Thank you for all of your preparation and planning. Also for providing this exceptional experience. We will never forget our time in St. Petersberg. What a beautiful city it is! Thank you for the Dvd also! We will enjoy watching it now that we are home. Best wishes
Mariangela, “Serenade of the Seas “ cruise ship
Julia,Thank you we enjoyed our short time in SPb immensely. The art, history and architecture was breathtaking. Kate is truly a wonderful tour guide. Thanks again
Mark, Seabourn Quest
Julia,We just got home from our cruise. I thank you, Elena and Vladmir for a wonderful three days. I went to. We were exhausted at the end, but glad we saw all that we did. The itinerary was perfect. Vladmir’s driving was truly professional. I wish every car I got in had someone like him driving. Elena was highly knowledgeable and it was a delight to spend two days with her.
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Kazan Cathedral is one of the grandest churches in St Petersburg with its colonnades of 96 columns embracing Nevsky prospect like the outstretched wings of a gigantic eagle. Kazan Cathedral was  designed and built between 1801 and 1811  by Russian artists, (despite being modeled on St Peter in the Vatican) to house a venerated icon, Our Lady of Kazan.

Chinese Palace which was created at the time of Catherine the Great. It is a unique rococo style residence with a famous bugle work cabinet. It is the only palace in the vicinities of SPb which survived World War II. It is one of the private residences which means that only chosen ones could come there, be one of them. Enjoy this unique architectural miracle, much more impressive inside than from the façade. Feel special as it’s only the second season when you can take pictures inside.

This stunning pavilion was created for the wife of Nicholas I which could relax after grand receptions there. It is located on a man made island and decorated in the style of Pompeii and XVIII century Italian country houses. The pavilion is a dream about Italy, an oasis of Southern paradise in the North of Russia. Only the chosen ones could come here. Join them!

There is a chance to drop to the Amber Workshop to see how masters responsible for the restoration of Amber Room keep creating other masterpieces; there will be a chance to take pictures in the workshop as it is not allowed to do that in Amber Room itself.

A special treasure room with ambassadors’ gifts and private belongings of Russian Tsars-all made of gold and covered with diamonds, rubies and emeralds; it is possible to visit it with the museum guide only, should be booked well in advance

One of the most famous collections of French impressionists and post impressionists outside France is situated in the General Staff Building in St Petersburg – just opposite the main Hermitage Museum Complex ( across the Palace Square) – let us know if you are interested and we will book tickets in advance.

We offer unique, once in your life time experience, which proved to be a climax of St Petersburg visit for many of our guests: a lunch with Russian family in their apartment. Enjoying home cooking and speaking with your host and hostess you will learn and understand a lot about Russian culture, traditions and lifestyle, see the way local people live and discuss with them everything under the sun!

The Pavlovsk Park and Palace ensemble is among the finest royal residences in the environs of St Petersburg. Unlike other famous royal residences Pavlovsk has the unique charm of a private estate. The palace was designed in reserved classical style and will be highly appreciated by true art connoisseurs. During a tour of Pavlovsk Palace you will not only be able to witness stunning state rooms used for official ceremonies and festivities in the palace, but also some private rooms where the family could gather together in the evening.

An interactive museum of Soviet arcade machines that are the core of the collection. There are over fifty of them on display. The ticket includes some tokens to play. The museum will help you to go back in time and learn more about the Soviet Russia. As for your kids, they will be curious to learn what was interesting for their fathers and grandfathers.

One of the coziest and most hospitable museums of our city.

Museum has 12 halls of art space. Interior dolls, theatre dolls, fairy-tale dolls, dolls depicting customs and traditions are on display there. All in all, the museum has over 40000 exhibits. It is guarded by purring spirits – 3 cats that appear when the museum is closed and dolls wake up… The only disadvantage is that you can’t play with the dolls, you can only look at them.

A unique and the first one in Russia art space where exhibits of shadow art are on display. You will learn the history of our city in light and shadow language there, meet Peter the Great, its founder, and even face your own shadow. Are you ready to look at everything and even yourself from a different angle?

Unique monument of the XV century built in Western gothic style. The only civil building in this style that survived in our country. There ambassadors were received, the Novgorod parliament and court sat and the grand dinners took place. Now the Novgorod jewelry collection of VI-XVII centuries is on display there.

Enjoy 14 halls with over 250 Novgorod icons of XI-XIX centuries. Novgorod is one of the centers of icon painting in our country. This exhibition is one of the best collections of Russian icons as it allows to follow the history of icon painting in our Russia.

Stretch your legs and enjoy the public boat ride. You will see views of the Volkhov river and the lake Ilmen which is called the Slavonic Sea because the area round is so flat. It takes 1-1.5 hours.

Kremlin is the heart of the city, the fortress in its center. During the tour you can see St Sophia cathedral, the oldest temples of our country made of stone, the monument to the Millennium of Russia and the place where merchants used to trade which is called “Yaroslavovo Dvorische” – Prince Yyaroslav court.

A functioning Russian orthodox monastery. It was founded in the XI century by Yaroslav, the grand duke who was baptized by St George, hence the name. St George cathedral, a gem of Russian medieval architecture, has unique frescoes and even an ancient graffiti.

Kazan Cathedral  one of the grandest churches in St Petersburg with its colonnades of 96 columns embracing Nevsky prospect like the outstretched wings of a gigantic eagle; it  was built between 1801 and 1811 to house a venerated icon Our Lady of Kazan by Andrey Voronikhin (a serf of Count Stroganov).

Divo Ostrov (the name means Wonderful Island in Russian and the attraction is really located on an island) is the best amusement park in Russia. It was founded in May 2003 and had 17 attraction rides then. Now there are 46 of them. Some of the amusement rides are for adults, some for families and some for kids. Divo Ostrov gives unique impressions to people of all ages. Every adult gets a ticket to his childhood and every child finds himself in the world of his dreams and fantasies.

If you are a passionate train lover, this place is your paradise: it’s the biggest railway museum in Europe, a sort of “Technical Hermitage”.  You can practice driving a train with the help of the simulator here: enjoy 6 real life scenarios! If you come with small ones, there are game zones especially for them. If you finally get bored of trains, you can take a selfie with a sad peasant  in the cold carriage or to practice Morse code with a plaster telephone operator.

Russian museum is the biggest museum of national art in the world and a unique architectural ensemble of the historical center of Saint Petersburg. With its 400000 exhibits it covers the history of Russian art from X century icons  up to XX-XXI century avant-guard art  and soviet  painting. You can see Ilya Repin, Mikhail Vrubel, Mark Shagal, Vasiliy Kandinsky, Kazimir Malevich and many others there.

An annual festival of sand sculptures on the territory of Peter and Paul Fortress; international team of sculptors from different European countries create sculptures from special sand on the given subject which varies every year; the exhibition will be of great interest for you and your little ones

St Petersburg boat tours offer a perfect way to see the city under a bit different angle – sailing under numerous bridges along rivers and canals, and listening to curious stories from your guide. St Petersburg boat tours are especially majestic during the White Nights season in St Petersburg.

This private museum is a model of Russia made at the scale 1:87. The model is 800 square meters and symbolically shows all regions of our country. It’s the biggest model in Russia and second biggest in the world (after Minjatur Wunderland in Hamburg). It took 100 people 5 years to complete it. The model is interactive, so your children will be delighted to press buttons there.

It’s a museum inside the other museum. This section has 2400 exhibits which makes it one of the most prominent collections of this kind. Our country had the biggest Jewish population in the world at the end of the XIX century. So, this exhibition shows how the Jews lived in the Russian empire. You will know everything about traditional costumes, books, things used in everyday life, holidays, crafts the Jewish took part in, holidays they celebrated, etc.

These stunning pavilions were created in 1830-40 for the wife and daughter of Nicholas I (the daughter’s name was Olga). There the tsarina could relax after grand receptions.  They are located on manmade islands and decorated in the style of Pompeii and XVIII century Italian country houses. These pavilions are dreams about Italy, an oasis of Southern paradise in the North of Russia. Only the chosen ones could come here. Join them!

Agate rooms are a two-storied bath house. The first floor was used to take a bath and the second one had famous rooms where guests could relax afterwards. Their walls were decorated with agate – hence the name.

This unique complex was built by Charles Cameron for Catherine II in the 18th century and was restored only after WWII. It managed to preserve almost intact. Fortunately, this treasure is not as popular with mass tourism as Catherine palace, so if you want to enjoy something truly authentic and not overcrowded, this is definitely your choice.

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The Faberge Museum has the world-class collection of Faberge Masterpieces (including 14 Easter Eggs), gift boxes, Russian enamels etc.The collection is situated in 9 beautiful rooms of Shuvalov Palace. It was opened in November 2013 and founded by the “Link of Times” Cultural Historical Foundation, established by Russian entrepreneur Viktor Vekselberg to repatriate lost cultural treasures to Russia.

The fourth tallest dome construction in the world. St Isaac’s Cathedral used to be the main Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Russian Empire. The enormous decoration of the interior of the cathedral, was created in the Russian Academy of Fine Arts.Gilded bronze, malachite and lapis lazuli together with countless paintings, columns, mosaics, will take your breath away.

One of the best private palaces in the Europe .Its real gem is a home theater. Outstanding Russian singers and dancers performed there.In this palace young Felix Yusupov, the heir of the family, and other conspirators assassinated Grigory Rasputin.  During a visit to the palace you will learn about the plot of Felix and how it was brought to life.

Peter and Paul Fortress here our city was founded in 1703.Peter the Great started a fortress to protect the lands won back from Sweden. Now it is one of the most important 18th century fortresses in Russia and Europe.St Peter and Paul Cathedral is the burial place of almost all Russian Tsars from Peter the Great up to the last Russian Tsar Nicholas II and his family.

Many metro station vestibules and platforms are adorned with marble, granite, bas-reliefs and mosaics which makes them look like underground palaces. The very first 10 stations appeared after WWII and have various military and Soviet symbols reminding visitors about the glorious victory over Nazi Germany. Owing to the city’s swampy subsoil, most of the lines were built extremely deep underground.

Peterhof is definitely “a must-see” for any first-time visitor to St Petersburg.It is often called the “Russian Versailles”: it is a real “kingdom of fountains” and true paradise for little children (as well as adults) with amazing cascades, a variety of unique and playful fountains, Grand Peterhof Palace, and other small ones.

Catherine Palace Is a must to visit. Inside you will find a succession of interconnecting rooms in Baroque style and somewhere in the middle of that enfilade is the famous Amber Room which was called by contemporaries “the eighth wonder of the world”. The palace was badly damaged during WWII and amber panels were stolen by the Nazi. But they started restoration in 1979 and finished it in 2003.

St Petersburg Siege Memorialcommemorates the hardship that Leningrad‘s (the soviet name of our city) citizens endured during the siege which lasted 900 days (1941-1943) and took away about 1.5 mln lives. The most striking part of the memorial are the tableaux of soviet citizens facing south towards the enemy. It was designed to be viewed from a distance. In the subterranean memorial hall are relics from the siege.

Offers fresh food from all over the former Soviet Union: melons, tomatoes, farmhouse honey, pickles, sour cream, ham and gherkins, not to mention imports such as kiwi fruit. Most vendors offer the chance to taste a sliver before buying. Outside the market are “babushkas” (pensioners) who sell things they have grown at their dacha (summer cottage) or gathered in the forest.

Hermitage Museum one of the most important and oldest museums in the world. It has one of the largest collections of paintings. If you spent one minute viewing each exhibit of the Museum it would take you11 years to see everything. The collection of the French Impressionists is exhibited in the General staff building which is located opposite the Winter Palace.

Most famous for almost 21,000m² of mosaics that cover both the interior and the façade of the building. The mosaics were created in Russia, which makes them even more valuable. It is the only building in our citybuilt in the style of Moscow churches. The church was built on the place where Alexander II was assassinated, hence the name.

St Petersburg boat tours offer a perfect way to see the city under a bit different angle – sailing under numerous bridges along rivers and canals, and listening to curious stories from your guide. St Petersburg boat tours are especially majestic during the White Nights season in St Petersburg.

Alexander Palace was commissioned by Catherine II for her grandson, future Russian tsar Alexander I and later became the summer home of a succession of Imperial heirs, each of whom left their mark on the building.