DETAILS

Depart this morning with your local English speaking guide and private vehicle for a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress. Located on Zayachy Island, it was designed to defend newly conquered lands obtained from Sweden. Formerly a political prison, it is now a museum. Members of the Romanov dynasty are buried in the cathedral of the same name. You also might wish to visit prisoner’s cell where many people were kept throughout the history, including son of Peter the Great.

Afterwards visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, whose gilded dome dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg. The cathedral’s construction began in 1818 and was not completed until 1858. Sculptures and massive red granite columns ornament the façade, while the interior is even more lavishly decorated with mosaics, icons and columns of malachite and lapis lazuli

Continue to the sumptuous Yusupov Palace. This long yellow building, which was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family, saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia's history - the murder of Grigory Rasputin. Visit the basement room where Rasputin drank poisoned wine while Yusupov and his conspirators sat upstairs.

After you tour return to your cruise ship by private vehicle.

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