The Konstantinovsky Palace is not an ordinary museum. It is a working state residence, the Palace of Congresses, and it can be seen only on a guided visit booked in advance. We make that arrangement for you, and the car takes you out along the Gulf of Finland to Strelna.
Peter I first planned his “Russian Versailles” here, before engineers showed that fountains would not work on this low ground and the project moved to Peterhof. The palace later belonged to three Grand Dukes named Konstantin, was almost destroyed in the war, stood in ruins for half a century, and was rebuilt in three years for the city’s tercentenary in 2003.
The state halls. The Marble, Blue and Trojan halls, recreated by 2003, where the G8 and G20 summits were held and heads of state are received.
The working residence. The study and reception rooms of the presidential residence, shown when there are no official engagements.
The Lower Park and canals. Peter’s original layout, with canals running out to the gulf, grottoes, bridges and the view over the water from the palace terrace.
The Rostropovich and Vishnevskaya collection. Russian art from the eighteenth to the twentieth century, bought at auction in London, given to the state and shown in the palace since 2007.
Your guide explains how the palace prepares for heads of state and what happens behind the scenes at a summit. You also hear the stories of the three Konstantins: one who gave up the throne to marry for love, one who reformed the navy, and one who translated Hamlet.
Travellers curious about modern Russian state ceremony, visitors who have seen the classic palaces and want something different, and anyone interested in how a ruin becomes a presidential residence.
By arrangement
| People | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 1 | $351 |
| 2 | $182 |
| 3 | $126 |
| 4 | $98 |
| 5 | $81 |
| 6 | $70 |
| 7 | $62 |
| 8 | $56 |
| People | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 9 | $51 |
| 10 | $47 |
| 11 | $44 |
| 12 | $41 |
| 13 | $39 |
| 14 | $37 |
| 15 | $36 |
| People | Free places | Price per person |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 | +1 | $41 |
| 15–24 | +2 | $31 |
| 25–34 | +2 | $23 |
| 35–39 | +3 | $20 |
| 40+ | +4 | $19 |
Group rates apply from 10 people.
Skim across the Gulf of Finland by Meteor hydrofoil in forty minutes, then walk Peterhof's Lower Park with its 147 fountains. Boat and park tickets included.
A three-and-a-half-hour drive through the centre, ending on Hare Island where the city was founded in 1703, with entry to the Romanov burial cathedral.
A private two-hour walk through the Mikhailovsky Palace: a thousand years of Russian art, from medieval icons to The Ninth Wave and Repin's Barge Haulers.
The essential St Petersburg in three hours by car: Palace Square, the Bronze Horseman, the Summer Garden, the Spit and the sphinxes, told through stories.