Regent cruise/St Petersburg port
Dec 2nd, 2009, 04:22 PM
#21
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The Regent tours cover all the main sites. You can take two (or more) in a day (and night). The Classic St Petersburg tour that Dreps experienced apparently included Church of the Spilled Blood but did not take you inside. However, a different tour that they offer, does.
There are about 700 passengers on the ship , many excursions to chose from, and 3 days in port. That said,I assume it is also substantially less hectic than a megaship. As we arrive in early September, there are probably less tourists.
I am exploring the idea of 2 days with the ship and 1 with a private guide to fill in any gaps.
I am thinking of the Cathedrals & Synagogues,Catherine's, Canal tour, Peterhof, and, of course, the Hermitage. I don't know how much time to allow for the Hermitage. My friend, a world-class shopper , said she spent a long time in the gift shop. Sounds good to me. We live in a major metropolitan area with many museums so I don't feel the need to see as many paintings as some but I am more interested in an overview. My husband would probably skip the gift shop. I think I am starting to sound shallow!!!! And why haven't I heard one word about caviar?
There are about 700 passengers on the ship , many excursions to chose from, and 3 days in port. That said,I assume it is also substantially less hectic than a megaship. As we arrive in early September, there are probably less tourists.
I am exploring the idea of 2 days with the ship and 1 with a private guide to fill in any gaps.
I am thinking of the Cathedrals & Synagogues,Catherine's, Canal tour, Peterhof, and, of course, the Hermitage. I don't know how much time to allow for the Hermitage. My friend, a world-class shopper , said she spent a long time in the gift shop. Sounds good to me. We live in a major metropolitan area with many museums so I don't feel the need to see as many paintings as some but I am more interested in an overview. My husband would probably skip the gift shop. I think I am starting to sound shallow!!!! And why haven't I heard one word about caviar?
Dec 2nd, 2009, 06:48 PM
#22
Yes I had both red and black caviar !!
I guess you have to have a taste for it.... I found it very salty and a bit of a seaweed taste...but if you get the chance then of course try some.
When I first started planning my tour with Alla, she was going to have us have lunch for about 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours ... but I told her No !........that 1/2 hour would be fine.
Alla agreed and said , "Good then you will have more time to go to other places."
( it is not Alla that is touring you around, but she does come to the ship on your last day to meet and greet you and thank you personally)
I wanted to see things and not spent my time eating ,( except for tasting some caviar and Russian Beer!)
With 3 days , you should be able to see a lot and also get in some shopping...some of those gift stores are quite large, not just a little 8 by 10 room !
You might want to see the Eternal Flame in the Field of Mars.... this Flame ( lit in 1957)is to honor the victims of the 1917 Revoltuion..
But also
it is this Eternal Flame that put forth the idea to have the same type of Flame on President Kennedy's Gravesite in Arlington Cemetery .
Where is the Field on Mars?
Well it is right behind the Marble Palace.
Where is the Marble Palalce ?
Well , it right next to the Hermitage!!
And next to the Field of Mars is the lovely Summer Gardens....so it is nice to stroll here for a little while and take in the sights!
( Why is it called the Field of Mars !!??....well if you cannot find the answer in your research I will tell you later
)
I guess you have to have a taste for it.... I found it very salty and a bit of a seaweed taste...but if you get the chance then of course try some.
When I first started planning my tour with Alla, she was going to have us have lunch for about 1 to 1 and 1/2 hours ... but I told her No !........that 1/2 hour would be fine.
Alla agreed and said , "Good then you will have more time to go to other places."
( it is not Alla that is touring you around, but she does come to the ship on your last day to meet and greet you and thank you personally)
I wanted to see things and not spent my time eating ,( except for tasting some caviar and Russian Beer!)
With 3 days , you should be able to see a lot and also get in some shopping...some of those gift stores are quite large, not just a little 8 by 10 room !
You might want to see the Eternal Flame in the Field of Mars.... this Flame ( lit in 1957)is to honor the victims of the 1917 Revoltuion..
But also
it is this Eternal Flame that put forth the idea to have the same type of Flame on President Kennedy's Gravesite in Arlington Cemetery .
Where is the Field on Mars?
Well it is right behind the Marble Palace.
Where is the Marble Palalce ?
Well , it right next to the Hermitage!!
And next to the Field of Mars is the lovely Summer Gardens....so it is nice to stroll here for a little while and take in the sights!
( Why is it called the Field of Mars !!??....well if you cannot find the answer in your research I will tell you later
)
Dec 4th, 2009, 07:21 PM
#23
Join Date: Apr 2005
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We just cruised with Regent in September, albeit in the Mediterranean. While I researched private tours, once Regent announced all inclusive excursions, we went with their offerings which were extensive. Some you had to pay extra for, but it was well worth it. Also found that if you're on a Regent excursion, if you're running late/stuck in traffic they are in constant contact with the ship, so there is no stress about getting back in time. Since the ship is relatively small, the wait times are painless, and the quality of the excursions was excellent!
Dec 4th, 2009, 07:35 PM
#24
Good to hear that chefpilsy.
And yes , all cruise ship will wait for those that have taken their ship's excusion.... that is one of their safety measures.
And yes , all cruise ship will wait for those that have taken their ship's excusion.... that is one of their safety measures.
Dec 15th, 2009, 07:09 AM
#26
Join Date: Dec 2005
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We have done a private tour with Anastasia and it was absolutely V.I.P. and, yes, Anastasia skipped the waiting lines of the tour groups. www.anastasiaworld.com
However, those private tours are outrageously expensive and if the ship's excursion is already included into the price, I see little reason to pay for a private tour.
However, those private tours are outrageously expensive and if the ship's excursion is already included into the price, I see little reason to pay for a private tour.
May 27th, 2014, 09:11 AM
#27
Join Date: May 2014
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We just returned from St Petersburg and chose SPB tours for our 2 day private tour ($570 plus recommended tips) along with 8 friends. We were in a brand new bus for about 20 people. Our guide was Maria (ask for her if possible…she is an art and history major and was very knowledgable). Viktoria Rother is the Managing Director and is very hands on. ([email protected]) or www.spb-tours.com.
Viktoria was there to greet us following the tour to witness the approval of our entire group!
Viktoria was there to greet us following the tour to witness the approval of our entire group!
