From this summer, I am announcing the new offer – smart programs!
What is “a smart program”?
More than a 10-year experience of working as a tour guide taught me that a great amount of standard programs create stress rather than provide satisfaction for tourists. “Standard” does not always mean the best. “Must sees” advertised by tour catalogues are not necessarily the most impressive places to visit. In many touristy cities, like Saint Petersburg, it often happens that during the high season all the tourists go to the same place at once – and as a result… you can guess, what is a result. I know that many companies would advertise that they provide “visits without standing in line.” And sometimes it is to a certain extent true – you can jump ahead of line, if you are a group of 2 or 4 people. But you can guess that the crowd you see at the entrance does not dissolve inside the museum. And our museums are not air-conditioned! As a result, tourists walk in a museum surrounded by crowds, and the experience reminds of an ancient battlefield. For true art lovers it is not a good option. Also, let me reveal you a secret… the most advertised places are not necessarily the best! If you want a more tailor-made experience, you should pay attention to my smart programs. If you still prefer a standard option, I am ready to provide that but myself I am a fan of smart programs and smart decisions. That is why now I am ready to offer smart programs as a great alternative to standard programs! The programs are available for air and rail visitors as well as for cruise passengers. For cruise passengers, blanket visas are provided!
A 1-day smart program.
Option 1.
Hermitage museum and the gardens of Peterhof with the Cottage palace of Tsarina Alexandra, approximately 9 hours total.
What is “smart” about this program? It is smart that after a huge (and stuffy) museum you enjoy more relaxing gardens and a small cosy palace, which is reminiscent of a countryside villa.
Option 2.
Jussupovs palace, Church on the Spilled blood and Pavlovsk palace, approximately 9 hours total (depending on traffic).
What is smart about this program?
It combines different experiences – first, you enjoy the opulence of Jussupovs’ palace and then you are welcome to appreciate a unique art taste of the most mysterious emperor of Russian Paul I, as well as the biggest (and, I would suggest, the most beautiful!) garden in Europe – Pavlovsk garden.
Prices:
| Number of people | Price per person |
| 2 |
380 USD |
| 3 |
290 USD |
| 4 |
250 USD |
| 6 |
200 USD |
| 8 |
175 USD |
| 10 |
160 USD |
| 12 |
155 USD |
2-day smart program.
Day 1.
Hermitage museum, Peterhof gardens and the Cottage palace of Tsarina Alexandra, approximately 9 hours total (9 am – 6 pm).
Day 2.
Boat trip, Pavlovsk palace and park, St Isaak’s cathedral and Jussupovs’ palace (9 am – 6 pm).
Each day is approx. 9 hours.
| Number of people | Price per person |
| 2 |
580 USD |
| 3 |
475 USD |
| 4 |
380 USD |
| 6 |
310 USD |
| 8 |
270 USD |
| 10 |
260 USD |
| 12 |
230 USD |
A 3-day smart program.
Day 1. Hermitage museum and a boat trip along the rivers and canals of St Petersburg (7 hours total).
Day 2. Pavlovsk palace, gardens of Peterhof with Cottage palace of Tsarina Alexandra and Monplesir palace of Peter the Great (9-10 hours total).
Day 3. Jussupovs’ palace, museum of the Siege of Leningrad, farmer’s market (7-8 hours total).
Price:
| Number of people | Price per person |
| 2 |
870 USD |
| 3 |
710 USD |
| 4 |
575 USD |
| 6 |
455 USD |
| 8 |
400 USD |
| 10 |
350 USD |
| 12 |
320 USD |
The prices include the guide’s service, the driver’s service (number of hours as indicated), blanket visas, all port fees, all entrance tickets. Lunches are paid separately, now a good lunch in a restaurant is about 20 USD per person.
I will be more than happy to arrange a tailor-made tour for you, contact me.