You will be met at the port by a uVisitRussia representative who will then guide you to your air-conditioned vehicle ready to commence your tour.

Your route will take you past the Nevsky Prospect, St Petersburg most famous street.  Admire magnificent buildings and palaces, travel past the vast Palace Square, the University Embankment that is lined with buildings of the 18th century, the Admiralty, the famous Bronze Horseman and much more.

In 1703 Peter the Great built a fortress to protect the area from possible attack by the Swedish army and navy. Peter and Paul's Cathedral, dominates the area of the fortress (the height of its spire is 122.50 metres).  The Cathedral's magnificent Baroque style interior attracts numerous visitors.  Besides the fact that almost all pre-revolutionary rulers from Peter the Great onwards were buried there add more interest to the historical background of this museum.

During the panoramic city tour, we will get to see one of the most famous museums in the City, a magnificent array of seven buildings 'The Hermitage' also known as the 'Winter Palace', here we will get to see the view of this awe-inspiring building across the Neva river and stop for photo opportunities.  We will also get to see the famous Church on Spilled Blood.  The Church on Spilled Blood - was built on the spot where the Emperor was mortally wounded.

Finally toward the end of the panoramic tour we will go to taste the local vodka in a local place where the vodka is produced and before heading back to the cruise ship.

The Russian Vodka Museum exhibition reveals the details of origin and history of vodka from the 14th century to the present day. This history begins with traditional Russian natural fermentation products such as mead, kvass, and birch sap. Visitors will learn about the production process, jokes, traditions, and culture of Russian vodka drinking. You will also see the first ever “penalty glass” of vodka (poured for latecomers) and punishment for the excessive drinking of this strong alcoholic beverage back in Tsarist times. The guides will tell you about the role of our national drink during the First and Second World Wars, dry laws and consequences of restrictions. Here you will also find the first hooch still invented by the monk Isidor in the 16th century. In a secial exhibition hall, decorated in a Soviet vodka room style, visitors are offered to taste three types of vodka while being told about the difference between them. Furthermore, the world’s largest collection of Russian Vodkas is presented here consisting of over 260 types of this drink. You can also buy souvenirs in the bar.

INCLUDED

• Driver’s services as per the program (Comfortable car/minivan with A/C)
• Professional English-speaking guide assistance. Other languages upon request (additional charge may apply)
• Entrance fee to Russian Vodka Museum with Vodka Tasting
• Visa-Free Visit

NOT INCLUDED

• Food/drinks
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities to guide/driver (optional)

Additional info

This tour is suitable for those who have walking difficulties because this is mainly a panoramic tour.  Guests must be able to board a coach which will have approximately 5 steps up onto the coach.  If clients wish to take wheelchairs we will be able to store these in the hold of the coach (please note this is not an adapted vehicle for wheelchairs).

Important Information:

You must allow plenty of time to get through the security at St Petersburg Port, sometimes the queues at security can be very long and it can take a long time to get through, please disembark your cruise ship in plenty of time in order to meet your tour. 

Please note: Going through security checks on your first day of arrival may take a long time, uVisitRussia do not have any control of this, please be patient and allow plenty of time. If you are touring the 2nd day, generally security is not as bad as the 1st day of arrival.

uVisitRussia can arrange your visa for your tours in St Petersburg, this is all included within the price of the tour, and all you will need to do is provide your passport details to uVisitRussia at least 14 working days before you travel, it's as easy as that.

When making a booking for St Petersburg we will require your passport information to confirm your visa for the tours. A member of our sales team will email you with the details required within 24 hours of making the reservation. It is important you travel with your shore excursion vouchers and visas. 

If you travel without these documents you will not be able to pass through security thus resulting in you not being able to join the tour (in these cases uVisitRussia cannot be held responsible for tours being missed and no refund of this tour will be given).

YOU MUST PROVIDE YOUR PASSPORT INFORMATION WHEN MAKING THE RESERVATION IN ORDER TO ARRANGE YOUR VISA, THE DETAILS REQUIRED ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• Full Passengers Names
• Passport Number
• Start Date and End Date of Passport
• Nationality

Child seats are required for children who weigh less than 79 pounds - there is no charge for this but you must put in special request if a seat is required.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Currency: Russian Rubles (Most places accept credit card as payment, a few places will accept Euro or USD Dollar - although this is very limited). Depending on what you are wanting to buy, you may use your credit card in most places (your guide on the day will give you the best advice regarding currency).