sandemans new jerusalem tours

SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Jerusalem

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SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Jerusalem - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Travel Tips & Inspiration to Help You Explore the World

“Traveling—it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” —Ibn Battuta

A remarkable tour of the Holy City with Sandemans

Have you ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of those who’ve lived, loved, and laughed long ago?  Jerusalem’s Old City is a place with thousands of years of history, an ideal destination to explore life as it once was.

Two months ago, during a trip to Israel, I was invited to take a tour of the Holy City, so I embarked on the Sandemans NEW Jerusalem Holy City Tour , an opportunity to immerse myself in the history of this mesmerizing city.

Spanning four hours, this comprehensive walking tour escorts you through the four distinct quarters of the Old City and ascends to the Temple Mount , one of the world’s most revered religious sites.

Commencing at the historic Jaffa Gate in the Old City, the tour offers a captivating historical narrative, weaving together 5,000 years of the city’s romantic, challenging, and transformative past.

We began inside the Jaffa Gate, where our guide, Gary, huddled us together, his voice rising over the bustling backdrop of vendors peddling their goods.

“The Holy City is the spiritual center of the world,” he shared. “Not only for the Jews but for the Muslims and Christians as well.”

As a car trundled over the cobblestones, Gary urged us to step aside, then delved deeper: ‘For Judaism, Jerusalem has been the holiest city and the spiritual heartland since the 10th century BCE. In Christian lore, Jerusalem’s place in the life of Jesus gives it great importance, as Jesus taught and healed here..’

I absorbed this rich tapestry of history, almost overwhelmed.

“Jerusalem is also considered a sacred site in Sunni Islamic tradition, along with Mecca and Medina. All three religions here fit together like a beautiful puzzle,” he concluded.

Table of Contents

From the Jaffa Gate to the Zion Gate

The tower of david.

Departing from the Jaffa Gate, we ambled past an alley brimming with shops, their scents of exotic spices perfuming the air. Our journey paused before the iconic Tower of David . Named after King David, who reigned in 1010–970 BCE, this ancient citadel stands as a vigilant guardian on the Western edge of the Old City.

This medieval fortress, augmented with architectural enhancements from subsequent periods, houses the fabulous Museum of the History of Jerusalem. The Tower is also renowned for its exceptional sound and light show, The Night Spectacular , which vividly narrates Jerusalem’s journey from ancient times to modern days.

It’s a spectacle, unlike any other sound and light show I’ve encountered, truly living up to its name. The Tower of David (and The Night Spectacular) is an unmissable experience for anyone seeking to comprehend the country’s last 4,000 years.

Interestingly, despite its name, ‘The Tower of David’ has no direct link to the ancient king. This misnomer dates back to the Byzantine era when a tower from King Herod’s time (the Tower of Phasael) was mistakenly attributed to King David.

The room of the Last Supper  

As we continued along the narrow street, we hugged the walls to allow cars to squeeze past. Approaching the Franciscan Monastery, we ascended a staircase and entered the Room of the Last Supper , revered as one of Christianity’s holiest sites in Jerusalem. This room is believed to be the location where Jesus and his disciples held the Passover meal, later known as the Last Supper.

Intriguingly, this historic chamber once served as a mosque. The room is illuminated by Gothic stained glass windows, casting a beautiful cerulean blue light. Inside, we observed an ornate mihrab (alcove) and Arabic plaques adorning the walls.

King David’s Tomb

Descending to a level below the Room of the Last Supper, we found ourselves in a cramped space housing the velvet-draped royal tomb of King David . To reach it, visitors must navigate through segregated prayer areas designated for men and women.

We learned there is some debate regarding the tomb’s authenticity. According to the Bible, David was interred in the City of David, an archaeological site stretching from the southern walls of Jerusalem’s Old City. However, for over two thousand years, this site has been a focal point for tears and prayers, emanating a profound sense of reverence.

As a side note, if you have time to return to this area later, you can visit the nearby grave of Oskar Schindler , the man who saved more than 1200 Jews during the Holocaust, a story immortalized in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning film, Schindler’s List.

The Jewish Quarter

The western wall.

Unlike its neighboring quarters, the Jewish Quarter is mostly residential. It exudes a more tranquil atmosphere compared to the bustling Muslim and Christian Quarters.

Housing around 4,500 residents, its modern stone structures were reconstructed after 1967, following significant damage during the War of Independence in 1948.

This rebuilding phase was coupled with extensive archaeological excavations, unveiling numerous captivating sites.

Among them is the Cardo , an ancient Roman street that once thrived as a marketplace.

My tour happened to fall on a Thursday, a day favored for Bar Mitzvah celebrations. The streets were alive with families joyously making their way to the Western Wall , their paths marked by music, laughter, and the cheerful sight of blue and white polka-dotted balloons dancing in the sunlight.

Our initial glimpse of the Western Wall was from an overlook offering a breathtaking view. Often referred to as the ‘Wailing Wall’, this site is among the holiest in Judaism and radiates immense spiritual significance.

Standing there, I was struck by a profound sense of humility.

Despite the throngs of people, a moment of serenity washed over me as I closed my eyes, enveloping me in a powerful aura of awe.

The Temple Mount

Dome of the rock.

This tour sets itself apart from other Old City tours by including an ascent to the Temple Mount . To access it, be prepared for a potentially lengthy wait in the security line.

It’s wise to wear a hat and apply plenty of sunscreen, as shade is scarce. Nonetheless, the wait can be quite entertaining – Gary kept us captivated with legends and stories of Jerusalem.

As I stood there, I remembered a previous visit years ago, when my sister, who was living in Jerusalem for a year, took me to the Dome of the Rock . At the time, visitors were able to go inside this Islamic shrine on the Temple Mount.

I was twenty years old, and it was my first time so far away from home. An old man had approached me and motioned for me to remove my footwear. I did so, and he guided me inside the ancient edifice, murmuring in Arabic. I had no idea what he said, but I will never forget the strange mix of fear, excitement, and reverence I felt at the time.

Today, the policy has changed, and non-Muslims are generally not permitted inside. However, the structure’s exterior continues to be a source of immense fascination.

The Dome of the Rock is revered as the site where Prophet Mohammed is believed to have ascended to heaven. As the oldest extant Islamic monument, its beauty is awe-inspiring.

The dome, which was originally gold, underwent replacements first with copper and then aluminum. However, the aluminum is now gilded with gold leaf, generously donated by the late King Hussein of Jordan.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is another beautiful site, perhaps less photographed but equally significant. As the third holiest site in Islam, following Mecca and Medina, it holds great importance.

Around the Temple Mount, we observed numerous groups of Muslim women engaged in study or enjoying picnics with their children.

Exiting through the Bab El Qattanin gate into the Muslim Quarter, we were led to the bustling Cotton Market . Here, around fifty vendors captivate children with an array of toys and vibrantly colored candy.

The Muslim Quarter

L unch at abu shukri.

As we navigated the maze-like alleys of the Muslim Quarter, my excitement peaked upon learning that Abu Shukri was our designated lunch spot.

My affection for hummus knows no bounds. This exquisite spread, crafted from cooked and mashed chickpeas or other beans, then blended with tahini, olive oil, and lemon juice, became a daily delight during my stay in Israel.

Of all the places I tried, the hummus at Abu Shukri in the Old City stood out as the best. Renowned as ‘the ultimate arbiters of Arab-style hummus,’ according to GoJerusalem.com, their other dishes were equally tantalizing.

Gary offered us the option to dine at Abu Shukri with the group or venture out independently for lunch. For me, the choice was straightforward. This quaint, family-run establishment might be compact and bustling, but the wait is unquestionably worthwhile.

The Via Dolorosa

The Via Dolorosa , the Way of Sorrows , is the path believed to have been taken by Jesus as he bore his cross towards the site of his crucifixion and burial. Each station along the route commemorates a specific event that occurred during this solemn journey.

Upon leaving Abu Shukri , you find yourself at the 5th Station, where, according to tradition, Simon of Cyrene was compelled by the Romans to assist Jesus with his cross.

We continued our path, weaving through groups of devout pilgrims and eager tourists with cameras in hand, all the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre , which houses the final five stations.

The Christian Quarter

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The Christian Quarter of the Old City is a mosaic of souvenir shops, artists’ workshops, hostels, and residences for nearly 4,500 people. Dominating this quarter is the imposing gray dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre .

Regarded as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has long been a key pilgrimage destination for Christians worldwide. Nestled on the historic hill of Calvary, it is believed that the church’s construction was influenced by Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, some 300 years after the crucifixion.

In a unique arrangement, the church is shared by six Christian denominations. Due to longstanding rivalries, the keys to the church have been entrusted to a local Muslim family, the Nusseibehs.

Gary guided us through various sections of the church, ranging from the Stone of Unction near the entrance to the Chapels of Adam and St. Helena, culminating at the ornate pink marble tomb.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Sandemans tour to anyone visiting Jerusalem. It’s an enriching journey through the city’s history, politics, and diverse community.

Two Tour Options

For those pressed for time or seeking a brief overview of the Old City, Sandemans NEW Jerusalem Tours also offers a complimentary 2-hour tour that serves as an excellent introduction.

Having experienced both, I found each to be uniquely insightful. Additionally, for travelers exploring Europe, Sandemans operates tours in 18 cities – a detail worth checking on their website.

A few tips for visitors

Modesty in dress is essential for entry into many churches and holy sites, as well as for accessing the Temple Mount . It is advisable to wear appropriate attire; shorts are generally not allowed.

Carrying religious items such as Bibles or religious-themed jewelry is prohibited on the Temple Mount . Additionally, items like tripods, laptops, iPads, or Kindles are not allowed. If you happen to bring these items by mistake, Sandemans can store them for you during the tour.

Be aware that the Temple Mount is closed to non-Muslim visitors on Fridays and Saturdays. It may also be temporarily inaccessible during the week due to security concerns or religious holidays.

Note: While this information was accurate at the time of publication, it is subject to change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

I received a complimentary tour in exchange for writing this review. However, all reviews and opinions are my own.

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SANDEMANS NEW EUROPE - JERUSALEM - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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• Winter Palace and Hermitage You can see it at our Petersburg Free Tour . Image by flickr / melalouise,used under Creative Commons license
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Be inspired by one of the most famous art museums in the world!

You’ll see one of the best known museums in the world which found its place in the former winter residence of Empress Catherine the Great. Its collection contains over 2.7 million exhibits including some of the world’s greatest works of art. Take a guided tour with us to see the best of Hermitage within 3 hours.

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The Hermitage is one of the most famous museums in the world. Spread over several buildings lining the Neva River in St. Petersburg, this museum is way too large to see in just a few hours

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See one of the most beautiful metros in the world!

You will see these masterpieces of underground architecture Uprising Square, Avtovo, Kirov Plant, Admiralty and other astonishing stations.

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On our Communist Leningrad Tour you will see the KGB headquarters (called Big House by city dwellers), infamous Crosses Prisons and Peter & Paul Fortress, the Aurora Cruiser, which gave the signal for the start of the revolution, and many other most important sights of the Soviet era.

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Discover the city off the beaten track!

You will learn curious facts, funny stories, myths and legends of one of the most beautiful cities in the world! See St. Petersburg as city dwellers see it.

• Fountain on the Malaya Sadovaya street, which originally is not the fountain.
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00:20 AM Drawbridges Boat Tour Price: 2950 RUB

Take a romantic night trip along the canals with watching drawbridges!

You’ll be inspired with one of the most beautiful cities in the world at night and will see the famous St. Petersburg bridges rising their wings.

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SANDEMANs NEW Europe - Jerusalem - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

St. Petersburg Guided Tours

City Tours & Shore Excursions St. Petersburg, Russia

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Friday, September 27, 2019

The citizens of 53 countries will be able to visit St. Petersburg and its neighboring Leningrad region with a free electronic visa from October 1. On September 27 Russian government passed a law on the issue. This is how it works…

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This year the city has been awarded twice and collected World Travel Oscars and the titles of “Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination” and “World’s Leading Cultural City Destination”. The double-victory is a great honor for us as in 2018 St. Petersburg competed against the recognized leaders such as Paris, Rome, Venice and Amsterdam.

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We provide private city tours, shore excursions and walking tours of St. Petersburg for groups, individuals and business travellers. Our itineraries are always planned to meet your interests, budget and pace, so that you always get the best offer and see more for your money.

We have been providing tour services since 2005. We are one of the most experienced private guide services in St. Petersburg and we have many international awards and 5-star reviews.

We are licensed Tour operator company (RTO 020589) and all our guides are professionals, accredited by local authorities and museums. ensuring you have the best possible tour experience in St. Petersburg. Our professional drivers accompany you throughout your trip in St. Petersburg.

Our itineraries are planned individually depending on your wishes, budget and party size. If you’re looking for Skip-the-line entrance to St Petersburg’s museums with none of the crowds that normally accompany group-tours then we’re the service for you. Our professional guides combine all this with warm smiles and a personal touch; truly the stuff good memories are made of.

Payment is made upon arrival, so there are no obligations when you book. No credit card fees and we take cash payment in your preferred currency. We also offer a full refund in case your plans change (see Terms & Conditions).

Visiting St. Petersburg is visa-free if you come by cruise ship. If you are a cruise passenger who is interested in taking a shore excursion in our wonderful city, we will take care of all the document formalities to arrange your private St. Petersburg tour.

Yet another good reason to visit St. Petersburg – group and individual courses in Russian language with the very best teachers in the heart of St. Petersburg. These courses will help you to better understand the culture and history of St Petersburg and Russia, and maybe even help you discover the famous “Russian soul”.

We provide hotel/train station/airport transfers in modern & air conditioned mini-buses and cars. If you book any tour with us, a one-way the transfer is complimentary (not applied for special offers).

We provide all the guests with bottled water, city-map, ponchos/umbrellas and welcome sweets. From pick up until departure, we will assist you and help to find the best place for a snack, or lunch, help with booking theatre tickets, answer your call or e-mail, and much more.

Testimonials

Visited September 2022

Highly recommend!

Was travelling with St Petersburg Guided tours with my native english speaking husband. All was super organised and amazing! Our guide Valeria was super informative. Our driver Vladimir was super qualified too. I hope to come back soon.

Cyprus. Visited in September 2022

Unforgettable 3-Day tour in St. Petersburg

We were very privileged to have enjoyed a fantastic 3-Day private tour in Saint Petersburg. Our amazing tour was even more exciting, interesting and smashing with Valeria, our tour guide who gave the most of her herself and with her extremely historic background and her fluency in the English language, made us love this beautiful city and enjoy every second of it. This was not a simple tour for me and my wife, it was a deep dive into Russian rich history and civilization. Valeria planned a dreamy daily agenda starting from a city tour to churches and cathedrals, palaces, museums, statues and many more attractions. We've been in a lot of countries taking tours but this one in St. Petersburg really stood out by far. We absolutely recommend "St.Petersburg Guided Tours" We won't forget the gentle Vladimir, the mini bus driver. I'd love to come back again. Thank you.

Visited October 2019

Two days St Petersburg private tour. Booked online

We took a private 2 day tour of St Petersburg oct 2019 and was top notch! ALL DONE ON LINE, BEFORE OUR CRUISE STARTED. Prompt and efficient. All information and documents arrived via e mail. The company [St.Petersburg Guided Tours] did not even charge my credit card until the day I started my tour. No hidden charges and no surprises. They delivered more than we expected. Zara was our guide. University education degree in Russian history !! Very knowledgeable, fluent in English. Cheerful. I am a railway train buff and wanted to ride the St Petersburg's Metro. She made it happen even though it was not on the itinerary. Alexander was our driver. Extremely professional and courteous safe driver. We felt very safe all the time with him around. Valeria [owner] has a fleet of low mileage Mercedes mini vans, which are very clean and have complimentary bottled water for guests. Anyone who visits St Petersburg should ONLY use this company and ask for ZARA as the guide and ALEXANDER as the driver.

JSK R Patel M Patel

bbyron281415

Perth, Australia. Visited September 2019

What a great two days

What an amazing city. We did the two day tour which took in most of the fantastic tourist sites of St Petersburg. However this wouldn’t have been complete without our guide Valeria from this tour company. Her knowledge and passion of the city and Russia was amazing. We had communicated via email and everything worked perfectly that was organised by the tour company which also included the visa. This would have undoubtedly had been one of most memorable holiday events. We had looked at what was on offer with the cruise line however the numbers in each tour and costs put us off. Would totally recommend this tour company without hesitation. A big Thank You.

London, UK. Visited August 2019

1 1/2 day private tour of St Petersburg

From the very first contact via email with St Petersburg guided tours we knew we were in good hands. We hand picked our tour and our every request was met by Valeria putting together our tour just as we had asked,including a ride on the metro taking in some magnificent stations. Olga, our guide & Dmitry, our driver/guide, were informative, relaxed, so knowledgeable and passionate about their city and heritage. During the initial car tour we were filled with the wonder of their city, the architecture, the history, the beauty of this awesome city. None of our questions were taken lightly, they answered us with passion and detail. The stunning night time cruise was truly breathtaking- we would recommend a night cruise over the day cruise but try to find a cruiser with tourist information over the speakers- the musician we had on our boat was lovely but we could not really hear Olga talking over the music and we were there primarily to find out about the city! The following day Olga made 'Catherine' come to life at her palace and we loved how she described the magnificence of the Peterhof ground & the history of the fountains. The stunning views over the Baltic were an added bonus. Dmitry was always one step ahead of us - the car was there as soon as we had visited all our destinations to whisk us off to the next one. We did not queue anywhere- Olga confidently striding into each destination with an air of calm authority! We cannot express enough how incredible our experience was of St Petersburg and without the input from Olga and Dmitry we would have come away with just the sites as a reminder rather than full of wonder and knowledge. Thank you all.

San Diego, California. Visited August 2019

Fabulous Private 2 Day Tour!!!

"St. Petersburg Guided Tours" provide fantastic customer service with a 5 STAR guide & driver. All questions, prior to trip were answered right away by Valeria via email. We wanted a 2 day customized PRIVATE TOUR for 4 people, including seeing the Grand Choral Synagogue. Valeria was so accommodating in providing exactly what we requested PLUS a fantastic guide, DARIA & great driver, Andrew. These 2 are the best team. We never had to wait in a line, ever! We saw other tour guided waiting in long lines with their tour groups. Daria, was like royalty and got us in right away. In additon, she stayed with us the whole time and explained everything thoroughly, and never appeared disinterested. Andrew always had his Merecedes Van waiting for us when we finished a site. In addition, St. Petersburg Guided Tours provided us the Best Price and I researched multiple Tour Companies. 3 other tour companies did not provide the customer service, price or tour itinerary we wanted. Our first day in St. Petersburg was a 12 hour day, since we wanted to see many sites and do a canal ride. We got to see all sites on list. Did not go to tourist traps that other tour compaines go to. We wanted a quick lunch: Daria did this. Before returning to cruise ship, Andrew stopped at a hotel so our friend could use the WC. So accommodating! Day 2: tour 9:00 am-4:45 pm to be back on the ship by 5:30 pm. We saw everything on wish list with perfect representatives!! Daria, Andrew and Valeria, you were wonderful!

Guildford, UK. Visited July 2019

Our best tour ever – highly recommended

We had such a great time - we would love to do it all again. We requested for a two day custom tour . Valeria arranged advance skip the q tickets and also the visas. We also left the ship at a leisurely 8.30 whereas the coach tours left at 6.45 am! on the first day we met Valeria at the port and then we toured st petersburg by private van and visited the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Cathedral of the saviour of the spilled blood, an exquisite gift shop, had lunch in a traditional pie shop and then went to a Matryoshka workshop to learn to paint our own Russian dolls and then on to the hermitage museum for a grande finale to the day. Day 2 we travelled on the metro and saw the opulence of the stations then went on to the Catherine Palace as we especially wanted to see the amber room. After lunching locally we went to see the fountain gardens at Peterhof. Throughout our tours Valeria amazed us with the history of St Petersburg and the sites we visited - she was extremely knowledgeable and told us many anecdotes and witty stories which brought the history of the sites to life. We really felt immersed in St Petersburg and its history and enjoyed every moment The tour was excellent value (especially compared to the ship tours ) and was perfect for our family. Thank-you so much to Valeria and our driver Andrew we hope we can come back and see more.

Melbourne, Australia. Visited June 2019

Three perfect days

We had a private tour of three days organised by St Petersburg Guided Tours. Valerie was v helpful in assisting us to create the itinerary that we wanted. Zara, the guide, is very knowledgeable about art, Russian history, and the country. She has a lovely personality, and great sense of fun. She took great care of us during the tour. She gave us good recommendations for where to eat in the evenings, how to get around and what to see in our time after the tour. Pavel is an excellent and safe driver.

The advantage of the private tour was that we were able to see all of the main sites in three days. It was tailored to our interests and we learned so much about St Petersburg and Russia. It was at our pace, and had flexibility each day, to spend more or less time at various places. We are keen walkers and Zara happily tramped miles thru various parks and along avenues.

San Bernardino, California. Visited May 2019

Fabulous St. Petersburg Visit During Baltic Cruise

We visited as part of a Princess Cruises Baltic Cruise. After reading rave reviews of ToursinStPetersburg.com, I contacted them by email and was pleased with the response and suggested 2 day tours. During several discussions, Valeria offered a tour that covered the sights we were interested in, as well as some that she thought were important. There were 6 retirees in our party. We were met at the port by Nadia, who was an excellent tour guide with a delightful personality. She had been an exchange student in the US so was especially good with our American English. The van driver, Michael, was superb, managing to park immediately near the sights, and to get pick-up locations so our walking was minimal. We visited the Church of the Spilled Blood, St.. Isaacs, the Faberge Museum and the Hermitage on day 1, then drove to the Catherine Palace and Peterhof Garden with a brief shopping stop on day 2. Nadia suggested lunches in lovely local restaurants which offered great food and atmosphere. We felt secure the entire time of our visit. Valeria, the company owner, made a point of meeting us in person to thank us for the reservation. The prices for our private, customized tour was just over half the cost of the ship's offerings. I heartily recommend St. Petersburg Guided Tours.

Peter Sammons

Derby, England. Visited August 2018

Outstanding

If you want to see St Petersburg from a cruise ship and have only 2 days then the people to contact are St, Petersburg Guided Tours. We had 2 days full of information, we saw all the sites and travelled on the Metro (London tube needs to learn). From our first contact via email with Valeria who put our tour together, who arranged our 2 day visas, to meeting Nadia our guide and our driver Dmitri everything went like clockwork. Nadia was a mine of information especially in the Hermitage Museum. The price we paid was far less than the same type of tour organised by the ship and we had the benefit of one to one, not mixed in a group trying to hear the guide. At all sites that admission charges were required Nadia went of to get the tickets and then said follow me and walked us to the front of the queue, we never had to wait. We had lunch breaks both days , we had said we only required a snack and they took us to small fast food cafes which was ideal (we paid for both their meals). Would we go to St.Petersburg again, definitely, and we would certainly use St.Petersburg Guided Tours, Excellent.

Christchurch, New Zealand. Visited July 2018

Exceptional Private Tour

At short notice I managed to secure a full day St Petersburg private tour for my husband and I. We were just delighted with our guide Valeria..from her warm greeting at the Port, her knowledge of her city and the history to all the little extras like NO waiting in queues at all. Because we didn't have to stand in line with other tour groups, there was no wasting time and we were able to fit so much into our day. Our car was modern and comfortable and our driver was fantastic...he'd drop us at the door and the 3 of us would scoot in to where we wanted to go...tickets already purchased to present....and after he'd be waiting out front ready to go again!. Valeria took us to her favourite lunch spot..to eat divine fresh bakery items and great coffee. She was so easy to chat to about everyday life in St Petersburg it was a real treat. She asked if we wanted to stop for any souvenir shopping which I did, and we went to a little shop tucked away with the most fabulous selection of Russian dolls and handpainted Christmas decorations along with lots of other interesting souvenirs (very reasonably priced). With limited time in St Petersburg this was the absolute best way to get around and see everything you want to see at your pace (we packed heaps in) and no frustrations that can be encountered even with small tour groups. Valeria was fun and energetic, highly organised and with her excellent English, just a jewel of a tour guide. Highly recommend to anyone who wants a personal and totally engaging tour of St Petersburg. THANKYOU WE WILL BE BACK! X

Port Phillip, Australia. Visited June 2018

I visited Russia with a negative, if as it turned out, a somewhat uninformed view of Russia and as a result a low expectation of our Baltic cruise stop in St Petersburg; well, what a surprise that turned out to be, absolutely stunning! We booked through St Petersburg Guided Tours and was lucky enough to have Valerie (Valaria) organize, reorganize and then lead our small group of 4. She has patience, perfect English, a genius for context and for painting the picture that gives such colour and realism to the visual experience. St Petersburg is a seriously great experience. I’ve drawn the deep breath at the Pyramids and the Sphinx, the Terracotta Warriors, Angkor Wat and the Forbidden City etc. I can assure you St Petersburg resides in the top three. The Hermitage, Peterhof Fountain Park and Grottos and the Yusupov Palace plus much more just dashed my preconceptions. Our 2 day private tour for 4 with Valarie turned out to be a steep discount to even the elite class of 16 from the ship. Strongly recommend both the city and St Petersburg Guided tours. Sonny

olibats2017

Seville, Spain. Visited May 2018

How to pick the right guide

Since St.Petersburg is visited by over 7 million tourists (of which 3.5 m foreigners, most of which package tours) picking the right tour guide can be tricky. I was lucky to find Valeria of St.Petersburg Guided Tours (not to be confounded with similarly named Tour-in-StPetersburg). I booked a 3-day private tour and everything went smoothly and as promised. The communications by by email and also by WhatsApp during my visit was rapid and efficient. I wanted to see Moscow after my 3 days in St.P. and she advised how to get there best (by Sapsan high speed train) and booked tickets and seats for me since international reservation on Russian Rail did not work. Also, Valeria showed flexibility according to the weather and knew how to skip long queues of mass tourism. A memorable experience I can warmly recommend to other individuals or small groups. I wish Valeria much success with her small sympathetic enterprise.

Havelock, New Zealand. Visited August 2017

My research to find a great Tour Operator paid off

We wanted to have a more personal tour for our 3 days in St Petersburg. One where we could go at our pace but more importantly see things as locals would. There are many operators in StP and difficult to work out which is best for you. After much research (having been a Travel Agent for many years) I chose to work with Valeria. We could not have been happier with the arrangements and contact we had at all times and the confidence I felt when dealing with her. From the purchasing of theatre tickets to the day to day schedule we were not rushed but were able see all our desires. Having Nadia as our guide was special in its self as we learnt so much about the people and the way of life in StP through Nadia. She effortlessly moved us to the front of queues ensued we were moving in the right space to be in front of the most famous paintings and works or art while others could only stretch to get a glimpse. Our transport and driver couldnt be faulted, clean vehicle personable driver always waiting when we were ready to move onand excellent driving skills. We would definitely use Valeria and her company again and would recommend her for a hasslefree option when travelling to StP

Givemeaholiday

London. Visited in June 2016

Thank you so much for your excellent service

Unfortunately we have extremely limited time in St Petersburg, but Valeria collected us from the station and dropped us off to the airport having a ranged to maximise 100% fully our very limited time in St Petersburg.

I had been desperate to visit the Hermitage Museum since I was very young and therefore this was the highlight of the trip. Valeria had organised a route through the museum that we saw everything without wasting a minute.

I cannot more highly recommend the service that we provided an extremely pleasant way in which you assisted us with everything.

Many thanks. I really hope to visit again to finish seeing your most beautiful city and museum.

Kathryn Fitzgerald

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Visited June 2014

Excellent service, knowledgeable guide

We took two day tours with Valeria, one to Peterhof and one to Catherine Palace and Pavlovsk. Valeria, our contact and guide, is extremely knowledgeable about the history, architecture and art work of the sites. Not only were the tours efficiently arranged and excellently conducted, Valeria was happy to provide additional information, such as recommending restaurants and a tour of the best subway stations. She responded immediately to my first email of inquiry and followed through on every question. She clearly loves her city and is enthusiastic about sharing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about tipping for a guide and a driver?

Tips for the driver and your guide are is not included in the cost of your tour. Tips are at your discretion but if you’ve enjoyed your tour you might wish to leave a tip of 10% for your guide and 5% for the driver.

Is it true that I can leave the cruise ship only when I book a tour from the cruise company?

No. Moreover, it is not true that the ship will depart without you. The cruise companies are focused on large groups, while we provide private tours. If you book any tour with us, you`ll have private tour service for the best price as well as the perfectly planned itinerary, so you`ll be back to the ship on time, and definitely won`t miss it.

I saw the list of the tours you offer. I would like add changes to the program. Is it possible?

Yes. All of our itineraries are designed to give you an unforgettable experience of St Petersburg but we are happy to make any changes we can to ensure our tours better suit your individual interests, wishes, and budget, so long as those changes don’t conflict with the seasonal availability and operating hours of Museums, events and points of interest. The main advantage of our tours is that they are always private and can be customized even upon arrival.

I am not a cruise traveler, and do not want any package tours. Can I book one museum visit with your company?

Absolutely! We provide individually planned itineraries in St Petersburg and its Imperial suburbs for all kinds of tourists. Whether you are looking for one of our premade 2-3 days intensive programs, a tailored tour or simply a single visit to a single museum or point of interest (such as our “the Hermitage only” tour) we can cater to all needs. Just e-mail us with your preferences. Other Russian city trips and excursions are available upon request as well.

How can I pay for the tour?

You can choose any option you like – credit card, Paypal or cash payment on arrival. The price stays the same. We will provide you with all the detailed information regarding payment after booking confirmation.

Do I need Russian visa for visiting St Petersburg?

If you arrive by a cruise ship, you do not need visa. You will however, need a tour-ticket (a document confirming the tour you booked with us) which you will need to present to the passport control. We will provide you with this document. If you plan to arrive by plane, we will provide you with visa support in the form of a tourist invitation letter, which is necessary for all tourist visa applications. Get more information about Russian Visa .

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Best of Saint-Petersburg city tour

Tour snapshot:.

Pick up & drop off

Transportation, no hidden cost, private guide, activity level.

We’ve carefully constructed the perfect itinerary that hits every location you need to see in order to really get a feel for the magic and beauty of St. Petersburg.

Perfect view of the Palace Square? Check. Colored onion domes of The Savior on the Blood Cathedral? Check. Gazing down the Peter and Paul Fortress from the Neva river embankment? Of course!

And of course St. Petersburg isn’t just about the major monuments, so your guide will be sure to point out lesser-known nooks and crannies along the way to give you a more in-depth perspective on this complex and fascinating city. After getting a taste for the general layout of St. Petersburg, you’ll be much more comfortable getting around and exploring each neighborhood further during the remainder of your trip.

*Please note: this tour can include entry into cathedrals or museums at extra cost.

Tour Overview:

Nevsky prospect main attractions:.

Nevsky Prospect Today Nevsky prospect is the city’s main thoroughfare, a street of museums and banks, churches and theatres, shops and dwelling houses. Its ever changing appearance reflects all the periods in the life of St. Petersburg showing a variety of styles and a promenade along the streets seems to be similar to a travel across the times.

Anichkov Bridge Anichkov Bridge is the oldest and most famous bridge across the Fontanka River with famed four-part Horse-Tamer composition by Baron Klodt. The nearby imperial Anichkov Palace is also worth a quick look at for its elegant baroque architecture.

The Mikhailovsky castle The Mikhailovsky Castle or Palace, the most romantic building in St. Petersburg, is enveloped in mysteries. It was built for himself by Paul I, one of the most tragic figures in the line of Russian autocrats on the throne.

Singer House A historic landmark in itself, Singer House is one of the most beautiful art nouveau buildings on Nevsky Prospect. Inside the former sewing factory, visitors can find the largest and most famous bookstore in St Petersburg, Dom Knigi (House of Books).

The Admiralty The three main squares of the city – Palace, St. Isaac’s and Senate Squares – spread at the embankment of the Neva in the historical center of St. Petersburg. The centric element of the complex of these squares is the Admiralty, a symbol of Russia’s naval glory and a masterpiece of world significance, marked by a striking golden spire on top of the building.

The Cathedrals

Kazan Cathedral (free entrance). Kazan Cathedral is one of Russia’s principle Orthodox churches. The colonnaded cathedral is named after Our Lady of Kazan, one of the Russian Orthodox Church’s holiest icons, which rests inside the structure as a shine for devotees. The Cathedral became a monument to military glory: captured French banners and keys of captured cities were kept in it and famous Russian army commander Kutuzov was buried here. The heroic atmosphere of those years could be sensed in the inner décor of the cathedral looking like a majestic hall.

The Church of the Saviour on blood (optional inside visit). The Cathedral was created in the best traditions of Russian art of 14-17 centuries and stands out among all St. Petersburg churches by its distinct national appearance. It is lavishly embellished decorative windows, ornamental bands and glazed bricks. The ornate domes are covered with enameled sheets of copper and golden smalt. Apart from the mystique, the Church will impress you with its internal opulence. Italian marble and various different semi-precious stones were used in the decoration of the church. Be lucky to visit the cathedral in sunny weather, when it light up and shine as well.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral (optional inside visit). There is one more breathtaking view at the largest Russian orthodox basilica, built by architect Auguste Montferrand. St. Isaac’s Cathedral is the fourth dome biggest church in the world with one of the best views of the city. 100 kilograms of pure gold was used to plate the dome of the cathedral. The cathedral’s facades are decorated with sculptures and massive granite columns (made of single pieces of red granite), while the interior is adorned with incredibly detailed mosaic icons, paintings and columns made of malachite and lapis lazuli.

The Winter Palace

The Winter Palace (The Hermitage)* The Winter Palace, put up by Rastrelli “for Russia’s glory”, the largest and most ornate building in St. Petersburg, was the main residence of the imperial dynasty. A majestic example of the Russian Baroque the Winter Palace within two centuries developed into an immense complex of palaces.

Palace Square This large square (5 hectares in area) ranks with the most perfect ensembles in world architecture. Winter Palace by Rastrelli is the most prominent architect of the reign of Elizabeth I. Until 1917 the palace with its 1500 rooms remained the imperial residence. The General Staff building, the best creation of Carlo Rossi, is made unique by its majestic triumphal arch crowned with the Chariot of Glory.

The Bronze Horseman This statue is one of the symbols of Saint Petersburg. The monument to the Peter the Great – the founder of the northern capital was the first sculptural memorial in Russia. Catherin the Great invited for its creation the French sculptor Etienne-Maurice Falconet. The Bronze Horseman is the focus of Senate Square encircled by classical lines of Senate and Synod buildings as well as giant St. Isaac’s cathedral and the west side wing of the Admiralty.

Peter and Paul Fortress (Optional visit).

The Peter and Paul Fortress is certainly no less of a St. Petersburg landmark than Hermitage or the Mariinsky theatre. The birthplace of the city it was the first structure to be built in St. Petersburg and it never served for defence. Instead it has had a rich history as a military base, a home of government departments, the burial ground of the Russian Imperial family, the site of groundbreaking scientific experiments, and a forbidding jail that held some of Russia’s most prominent political prisoners.

The Peter and Paul Cathedral is the oldest church in St. Petersburg, and also the second-tallest building in the city (after the television tower). It is intimately linked to both the history of the city and to the Romanov dynasty, as it is home to most of the Romanov rulers of Russia from Peter the Great onward. Peter’s grave is at the front right, and people still leave fresh flowers on it.

• A great first-day excursion to get familiar with the city.
• All the must-see monuments and neighborhoods unraveled in a day.
• Our unique local perspective taps you into the true magic of St. Petersburg.
• Perfect for long layovers or short St. Petersburg visits.
• Memorable and breathtaking spectacle when first viewed Palace square through the triumphal arch.
• Hassle-free transportation between locations: just follow your guide!
• Metro passes to get around town.
• Colorful stories and interesting facts.
• Craning your neck out of a tour bus to snap a shot of the monuments whizzing by

Kazan Cathedral

Jun 11, 2017 | St. Petersburg attractions

The Cathedral looks fascinating due to its monumentality on the outside and the amazing beauty inside. The Kazan Cathedral was built and named in honor of the Kazan icon of the Mother of God, which Is placed inside the temple and is considered to be one of the most revered icons in Russia. So the queue of people wishing to touch the shrine is a common thing here. Read more

Best viewing points in St. Petersburg

Apr 25, 2017 | St. Petersburg attractions

When you are a regular traveler, it is difficult to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world — Saint-Petersburg — in a short period of time. A great opportunity to literally look over the whole city look is to visit one of the viewing points of the Northern Capital. The panoramic terraces of cathedrals, museums, restaurants and hotels will allow you to combine a walk and a tour, arrange a romantic date and make great photos. Read more

The mystery of the Mikhailovsky castle

Apr 11, 2017 | St. Petersburg attractions

The Mikhailovsky (or the Engineer’s) castle became infamous immediately after the death of Emperor Paul I, who was strangled in his bedroom in the castle. And no wonder the palce gained bad reputation, since Palace coups and the Emperor’s murder were not a common thing for Russian Empire after all. Read more

• Russia Tours

St. Petersburg Tours and Trips

St. Petersburg, often hailed as Russia's cultural epicenter, is a city where the sheer density of historical monuments, museums, and palaces is astonishing. Nestled along the banks of the Neva River, this city has been a source of inspiration for countless writers, poets, musicians, and artists throughout its 300-year history, becoming a true reflection of Russian culture. Founded by Peter the Great, along with subsequent Russian rulers, St. Petersburg is adorned with magnificent palaces that today stand as custodians of the nation's rich history and art. St. Petersburg tours and day trips offer a chance to immerse oneself in this grandeur.

The city's allure extends beyond the famed Nevsky Prospekt and Vasilyevsky Island. Tours often include excursions to neighboring areas such as Peterhof, renowned for its stunning palace and golden fountains, the regal Gatchina Palace, or Tsarskoe Selo, where the esteemed Russian poet Pushkin once studied. The surrounding region is dotted with a plethora of historical monuments from the 18th and 19th centuries.

An equally captivating aspect of St. Petersburg is its proximity to the Gulf of Finland and the network of canals that crisscross the city. The experience of boat and steamer rides, exploring the embankments, piers, and bridges, is unparalleled, especially the breathtaking nighttime spectacle of the drawbridges. Our St. Petersburg tours offer all these experiences and more. Choose any tour, and you're sure to fall in love with this city, a sentiment that will last long after your journey ends!

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