Falling in love with St Petersburg
Russia’s stunning imperial city, known as the ‘Venice of the North’ is an all-time favourite port.
“St Petersburg is one of those destinations that whether you’re visiting for the first or 10th time, there’s always something different to discover,” says Steve Odell, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Asia Pacific of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“The Venice of the North, as it’s sometimes called, is so rich in history, architecture and art that you are spoiled for choice when deciding what to explore next.”
If you’re a first-time visitor, Odell highly recommends that you take Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ free narrated river cruise.
“St Petersburg is built around an intricate network of canals, and you’ll see many of the city’s important landmarks from the water,” he says. “As your boat glides past palaces, mansions and churches and beneath beautiful old bridges, you’ll gain an amazing insight into how St Petersburg has developed since its foundation by Peter the Great in 1703.”
Booking a car with a private guide is another of Odell’s recommendations. “When I did this, we visited Peterhof Palace, the Fabergé Museum, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in one very well organised day,” he says.
“You’re likely to avoid big queues and have the benefit of being escorted around these extraordinary monuments by a knowledgeable local guide.”
One of the many highlights of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Northern Europe and Baltic voyages is spending two – and on some itineraries, three – full days in glorious St Petersburg.
“We offer a wide range of top-quality shore excursions, including 13 that are free of charge, so guests can make the most of their time in this fabled city,” says Odell.
“I enjoyed an outstanding evening at Catherine Palace a couple of years ago on a shore excursion exclusive to Regent guests – just 100 of us. This lavish, 18th-century imperial palace is a short drive south of the city and really there aren’t enough superlatives to describe it properly.” Regent Seven Seas has 29 cruises that will visit St Petersburg this year and in 2023.