Catherine's Palace & Estate (Pre-Book and Save $10*)

The 50-minute drive to Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), will take you through Moscow Prospect, then on the Kiev Highway to the Egyptian Gates, the entrance to Tsarskoye Selo (Tsar’s Village in Russian). Catherine’s favorite palace is without a doubt one of the masterpieces of world art. Peter the Great presented this estate to his wife Catherine in 1710, and on it a small palace was built by the architect Braunstein. From this time until the time of the last Russian Tsar, it was used as the summer residence of the Royal Family. In 1756, it was expanded in the Baroque style. During World War II, the palace suffered severe damage, but since then has been restored and stands now in its original glory.

The palace contains a series of magnificent rooms, including the famous Picture Gallery and, of course, the Great Hall and the famous Amber Room. The parks of the estate add to the splendor of the palace, and several are embellished with a number of charming pavilions. Among them are the Grotto Pavilion and the Hermitage. The town of Pushkin is known not only for its remarkable palace and parks, but for the man it was named after. Since 1937, it has been named after Alexander Pushkin, the most celebrated poet in the country.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: Not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties. The palace is not wheelchair accessible due to the steep staircase, absence of elevators and long walking distances. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. The Russian government charges a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St. Petersburg. Fees are payable to your guide and exact change is required. Tour timetable may vary due to traffic conditions.