Catherine palace and Peterhof tour

Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo) and Peterhof are two of the most magnificent royal residences near St. Petersburg, each with its own unique history and breathtaking beauty.

First, we visit Catherine palace with the magnificent Amber room, then proceed to see the Lower park of Peterhof.

Pushkin, originally known as Tsarskoye Selo, was gifted to Tsarina Catherine I by her husband, Peter the Great. Over time, it became one of the most important imperial residences, particularly under Catherine’s daughter, Empress Elizabeth. Elizabeth transformed the modest estate into the opulent Catherine Palace, which is renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and lavish interiors.

One of the most famous features of the palace is the Amber Room, a room decorated with panels of amber, gold leaf, and mirrors, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This extraordinary room, lost during WWII, has been partially restored and is a highlight of any visit.

Peterhof, often called “Russia’s Versailles,” is another remarkable summer residence built by Peter the Great. Located on the Baltic Sea coast, it is famous for its vast Lower Garden, intricate Grand Cascade of fountains, and magnificent palaces. Peter the Great’s ambition was to create a palace complex that could rival the splendor of Versailles in France, and he succeeded. The grand Grand Palace and its ornate gardens, with gilded statues and fountains, reflect the peak of imperial Russian grandeur.