Discover the grandeur of Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe Selo with this imperial half day shore excursion. Tsarskoe Selo (or Tsar’s village) is a UNESCO World Heritage site located just 25 km from the centre of St. Petersburg. A comfortable, private car will collect you from the harbour or your chosen location in St. Petersburg and a welcoming, multi-lingual guide will direct the tour.
Tour type: History, Architecture, Art, Culture
Catherine Palace
The regal Catherine Palace is one of St. Petersburg’s most iconic attractions. It was commissioned by Peter the Great in 1717 as a gift for his wife Catherine I. Initially the palace was a somewhat humble abode – at least by today’s standards – until Catherine’s daughter Elizabeth ordered it’s reconstruction in 1743. Elizabeth oversaw the transformation of the palace from a two-storey building to a spectacular mansion of epic grandeur. Four different architects were employed over a period of 13 years until Elizabeth deemed the palace fit for her summer residence.
The palace stands at nearly 1km in circumference and its elaborate exterior is rivalled only by its opulent interior. The tour begins at the State Staircase, ornately decorated with marble statues. Despite its similarity to the rest of the interior, the staircase was in fact added a century after construction of the palace was complete. Other highlights of the tour include the Cameron Rooms, the Green Dining Room and the Great Hall. Gilded walls line the Great Hall while beautiful arched windows on all sides offer resplendent views of the grounds. Awe-inspiring portraits, sculpture and decoration in every room of the palace provides wonderful insight into the wealth, power and culture of the Russian imperial family. Catherine Palace is not to be missed!
We are fully authorised to provide Visa-free shore tours to cruise ship passengers. We understand how important your shore excursion is – that’s why we aim to offer exciting and unforgettable tours of St. Petersburg’s most iconic attractions. Book today and experience the hidden charms of this remarkable city.
