From Russia With Love!

Spring and Summer months are the perfect time to cruise to the Baltic Capitals of Europe and discover the cultural delight that the cities have to offer, experience the old-world charm and imperial air and the thriving contemporary arts and entertainment scene on these beautiful cities

All of the ports have distinctive places to visit and architectural styles that span the ages such as Tallinn’s medieval architecture, Stockholm’s smattering of islands and Kristiansand’s great beaches but the highlight of any Baltic cruise is St. Petersburg  with its Regal Palaces and famous “white nights,” when the boundless night sky is never completely dark.

For travel to Russia you will need a visa, if you are planning to do your own thing ashore this must be arranged before departure and can be costly, if you arrange the visa through an agency expect to pay £125

St Petersburg is extremely busy in the summer and unless you can speak Russian I would avoid independent arrangements, many shore excursions are offered and these will all cover the cost of your visas, I think to get the most from the port the best advice is to pre book your shore tours as some may have limited spaces

Cupola of the Church of the Savior on Blood, St Petersburg

It’s no surprise that most cruise itineraries include 2 days in St Petersburg as there is so much to see

The highlights of St Petersburg include Catherine Palace and the Hermitage Museum, the Faberge Museum or maybe a Folklore evening or Vodka tasting!

You could take a beautiful scenic drive around St. Petersburg and admire its most famous landmark including the famous coloured domed Church of Resurrection on the Spilled Blood. After a brief visit at the neighboring flea market, soak in a panoramic view of the city, and see the Peter and Paul Fortress, Imperial Palaces, Pillars and Fountains and of course the World Famous Ballet

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For more details give me a call and I can book the shore excursions for your cruise!