Great Itineraries

If You Have 1 or 2 Days

You can take your pick of the suburbs for any day trip, although your choice of destination will be influenced by the time of year. In summer, Peterhof is a must. At this time of year, Pushkin and Pavlovsk are at their most attractive, and can be seen in a single day or, better still, over two days. For a destination with a completely different historical feel, head for the naval town of Kronshtadt. If you have two days to see the summer palaces, you could also strike out for Gatchina or Lomonosov on the second day.

If You Have 3 or 4 Days

In summer head to Peterhof and Pushkin on your first two days. On your third day, take a break from the palaces and visit the unforgettable Valaam Archipelago. To get to Valaam, catch the boat on the evening of your second day down the Neva River and up into Lake Ladoga. Spend the third day admiring the secluded monasteries and natural beauty of the islands, and return to the city overnight. On your final day, head for Gatchina, Lomonosov, or the Konstantine Palace.