If you want to discover Russia, then Saint Petersburg is the place to do it. This iconic destination encompasses the engaging history of a country that endured centuries of turmoil – as well as being an excellent example of real Russian beauty.

It was in the city’s Senate Square that the Decembrists took to the streets to revolt against the reign of Tsar Nicholas I and here that the country’s peasants headed in search of a new life at the dawn of the industrial revolution. It was also on these streets that the seeds were sown for the Russian Revolution of 1905.

The “City of Three Revolutions”, as it came to be known, has stood witness to the twists and turns of 20^th Century events, and withstood the forces that contrived against it as it changed from Saint Petersburg to Petrograd to Leningrad and back.

This pivotal city has long held a draw for visitors from across the world, including the many architects who contributed to the stunning cityscape that appears today and with the end of the Cold War, Saint Petersburg is now firmly back on the tourist map. Visitors now flock from across the world to experience this excellent example of urban Russia, with wide range of experiences and attractions on offer.

Visiting St. Petersburg

Saint Petersburg is a year-round city, but the best time of year to visit is in the month of June when the city enjoys its famous “White Nights” when the sun does not set and tourists can enjoy long hours of sightseeing. If you do plan to visit in the winter months be sure to pack thermal clothing as the winters here are harsh and unforgiving. Travelers heading for Saint Petersburg from outside the Russian Federation will need to contact their local embassy for visa requirements well in advance of travel.

What to See in St. Petersburg

Popular choices for those visiting the city for the first time include:

• The Hermitage Museum: Housed in the stunning 18^th Century Winter Palace that was the pet project of Catherine the Great, this museum houses some of the most amazing collections of fine art in existence. Artists from Da Vinci to Van Dyke and Reubens to Rembrandt are all on show within the sprawling palace that took over a century to complete.
• Catherine Palace: Just a short drive out of the city of Saint Petersburg itself (where hire cars are readily available) the Catherine Palace at Pushkin is well worth a visit and is the summer palace of Catherine I. This amazing example of Rococo architecture has been fully restored to its former glory after being sacked by retreating German forces at the end of the Second World War.
• Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood: Built on the site of the assassination of Tsar Alexander II and dedicated to his memory, this cathedral is one of the city’s best known landmarks with its many colorful onion domes and meter upon meter of amazing mosaics.

As told by DIWYY co-founder, Kristina, who traveled with Contiki to Russia, Finland, Estonia and Sweden in June-July 2009.

Tour Operator: Contiki Tours

Trip Name: Russia and The Baltic

Starting/Ending Point: I started in Moscow, Russia but you can choose to extend the trip and begin in Riga, Latvia. The tour ended in Stockholm, Sweden.

Number of Days: 15 days for the extended tour (start in Riga); shave off a few days if you begin in Moscow.

When I went: I took this tour in June-July 2009.

Highlights of trip: I joined the tour in Moscow and enjoyed the sightseeing opportunities of the Russian capital. Contiki offered many optional excursions and most of them were very worthwhile. My favorites included a tour of the Metro (great way to see the city) and a guided tour of the Kremlin. Additionally, we spent time exploring the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Statue Park. In St. Petersburg, the highlights were The Hermitage Museum (home of a vast Faberge egg collection), a night at the Russian ballet and a canal cruise (all were optional excursions).

You have a long day of driving into Finland but it is all worth it when you embark on the beautiful, harbor-front city of Helsinki. The hotel Contiki used for this tour, Scandic Grand Marina Hotel, was great and offered many amenities like computers in the lobby, on-site laundry and free bikes to take out for the day. The city is very safe and easy to navigate. All you need is a daypack and a sense of adventure to explore this city on foot. From here, you can also opt to do an optional excursion to Tallinn, Estonia. The ferry ride is only a few hours each way and the old town of Tallinn is fun to explore.

Lastly, we ventured to Stockholm, Sweden via an overnight ferry.  The included accommodations were in a suburb called Bromma. Since it was outside the city center, we used the Metro to get back and forth to the main parts of the town. While you’re here, be sure to explore the Vasa Museum and take a walk or bike ride along the waterfront.

What I wish I would have brought with:

-a Russian-English dictionary (English is not readily spoken and it can come in handy in many situations. Rest assured, English is widely spoken in Finland and Sweden).

-More reading material (There are some long bus rides. Bring a few books and magazines and swap with your new friends on the tour).

-A nicer outfit and dressier shoes for the Russian ballet.

-An eye mask to wear for sleeping. Since I was there in the peak of summer, we had almost 20 hours of daylight and hotels without black-out curtains.

Tips for future travelers: The base Contiki price includes the basics like accommodations, transportation and some meals/excursions. On this tour, like most Contiki trips, there will be a lot of optional excursions to choose from. You will get a description and a price list prior to departure so you can budget accordingly. Select the things you really want to do and if there is something that isn’t your cup of tea, don’t be afraid to opt out and spend the day exploring on your own or in a smaller group.

Would you like to write a review of a trip you have taken? Email kristina@diwyy.com.

Been on Contiki’s Russia & The Baltic? Add your tips and suggestions in the comments field.