Which palace(s) to choose?

[12Mermaids]

I am very excited to have the opportunity to visit St. Petersburg, even if it's only for two days.

 

And at this point, I plan to stick with the shore excursions from Crystal cruises. Although I understand other companies might be less expensive, I have never cruised before and Crystal offers some options unavailable elsewhere.

 

One 21 August, our last day in port, I have the following choices:

 

Catherine and Peterhof

Or

Catherine and Pavlovsk

Or

Constantine

Or

Gatchina

 

Time won't permit more than one of the above options!

 

Of course, I realize that tastes differ, but I would greatly appreciate your opinions about which I should choose (and why). It is not likely that I will return St. Petersburg, so I'm trying to gather as much information as possible to make the decisions best for me.

[12Mermaids]

Looks like Gatchina or Constantine at this point.

[John Bull]

Catherine and Peterhof would be my choice. Catherine for the interior. Peterhof for the gardens and history - and, if Crystal's excursion uses it, the hydrofoil transportation.

 

JB :)

[Giantfan13]

I second JB's picks.

 

Catherine's Palace is a can't miss spot in St Petersburg, and Peterhoff, well once you see it you will know why it is another MUST see place.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[kitkat343]

We also loved the interior of Catherine's palace and the gardens of Peterhof. What always helps me make these decisions is to google images or view youtube videos of the attractions, and then I can usually get a sense of which attractions I would prefer.

[Giantfan13]

As we say, pictures are worth a thousand words, so here are a few of Catherine's Palace and Peterhoff. Hope this helps you make up your mind

 

Upon entering Catherine's Palace you will be serenaded by a Russian band

http://vid834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster834.mp4

 

Some of the magnificent gardens that surround Catherine's Palace

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe714.jpg

 

 

So many rooms in Catherine's Palace are decorated in gold

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe688.jpg

 

 

A short video of Peterhoff from the Palace looking out towards the Sea Of Finland

http://vid834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster838.mp4

 

Peterhoff with all the fountains flowing

http://vid834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europemaster839.mp4

 

One of the many buildings that make up Peterhoff

http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz267/Giantfan13/baltics/europe718.jpg

 

Cheers

 

Len

[12Mermaids]

Thanks, so much, everyone!

 

I will be at Catherine's palace the evening before (previous visitors helped me decide on the "Imperial Evening" excursion. So now, to see Peterhoff I would have to go back to Catherine. I may try to find a tour operator with a single day itinerary.

 

Right now, I'm off to look at more pictures. That really ought to help!