Petersburg for the weekend
We were in St. Petersburg on July 21-23.2017. I found it on the Internet according to the tour description - I liked the program - Peterhof, a survey, the Hermitage and on the last day - the Catherine Palace (amber room). I gave my teenage son a birthday present. Just all the main sights were included in the tour. Registration and payment in the agency is convenient, I also bought tickets for the Sapsan from them. For the price, the package was not at all expensive - 8.300 per person + a separate ticket. True, the operator spoke to me dryly, was not disposed to give a lot of information, etc. The accommodation was a pleasant surprise - the Oktyabrskaya 4 * hotel - opposite the station - the location is excellent. Paid for a standard double room. There were 2 rooms, slippers, towels - 7 pieces, el. kettle tea + coffee, breakfast with watermelon. Quiet room, slept well. There are mosquito nets on the windows. All is clear. There was an extra blanket and pillow. There is a left-luggage office, things can be quickly left for storage and picked up when needed. We did just that - in the morning upon arrival, everything was handed over and on the last day after being discharged from the room they were left until departure.
There are a lot of people at breakfast, because there are many groups - but there were enough places for everyone. We fed with dignity - a buffet, cheeses, cereals, beans, sausages / sausages, juices, watermelon, pancakes, dumplings. Solid 4*. Recommend.
Pros: location, quiet, comfortable, clean room.
Cons: Lobby downstairs smelled of canteen/food).
With buses, meetings, guides - there were no questions - everything was clearly organized, without overlaps. Guides are excellent. The information was presented in an interesting manner, without boring data. For a teenager, this was mega important - so as not to lose attention to dry facts. The host in St. Petersburg is Caprice. Excellent organization. Sightseeing tour - 3 hours, went out to take pictures, with stops. The Hermitage is simply amazing. All tickets, etc. , all arranged in advance, no unpleasant expectations and delays.
T. Since we left early - at 7 pm the last Sapsan, then the Catherine Palace (Amber Room) was not included in the tour program, which we bought in Moscow. But, we bought on Nevsky Prospekt - this tour was just out of hand and by the time they already knew that they would bring us to St. Petersburg by 5-6 pm. And again - everything went just fine! An excellent street agency with an office all at the same Moscow railway station, next to the hotel. Again - everything is clear and the bus and a chic excursion to Tsarskoye Selo. Well done guide - a young guy and knows the material and organized everything clearly. While we were standing in line at the entrance to the palace (2.5 hours) - he led us through the park and into the grotto for a concert of the male choir, guessed the time and suggested a drink / meal. So you can safely buy excursions from street agencies. In the end, the trip was amazing. And we were lucky with the hotel, and with guides / buses, and a street agency.
