St. Petersburg vs Moscow?

[ethereal]

My DH and I are taking our first (and probably only) Baltic cruise in August on the Celebrity Constellation. We'll only have 2 days in St. Petersburg, so we're wondering if it's possible to go to Moscow for 1 day and still see enough in St. Petersburg to feel like we haven't missed out. Has anyone done this? If you only had 1 day in St. Pete, what would you see?

[TLCOhio]

My DH and I are taking our first (and probably only) Baltic cruise in August on the Celebrity Constellation. We'll only have 2 days in St. Petersburg, so we're wondering if it's possible to go to Moscow for 1 day and still see enough in St. Petersburg to feel like we haven't missed out. Has anyone done this? If you only had 1 day in St. Pete, what would you see?

 

In late July, we'll have three days in St. Petersburg. We are doing one of those trips to Moscow through our ship's tour. That still leaves us with two days for St. Petersburg. From others on this site, some said strong to spend ALL of the time in St. Petersburg. BUT, those who have done this one day trip trip to Moscow say it is super great and the "experience of a lifetime". It's a long, long day in going to Moscow. It's "POSSIBLE" to do your plan, but it is does sharply limit what you can see and do in St. Petersburg in only one day. In many ways you'll have to choose between seeing the great palaces outside of town at the Peterhoff and Catherine's versus the Hermitage and the wonderful city-Cathedral sites. Choices and trade-offs!!?? Lots of great options. Your choice! If your personal energy and wallet are better, it is easier to do more and accomplish most of your goals. If you've only got one day in St. Petersburg, doing a private tour makes it better to be more time efficient and see just the "best of the best" that you want to do in only one day. St. Petersburg is a large city of five million people so it does take some time for your logistics in this congested area.

THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[Peregrina651]

Another couple at our dinner table last summer did the one day trip to Moscow and then hired a car and guide (from the shorex) to take them around St. Petersburg the next day. When it is just you and the guide and the driver, you can cover a lot of territory. You see only the things that you want to see and you don't spend a lot of time waiting for anybody.

 

You are right; this might be your only trip to the Baltic and for sure you should make it count. As Terry said, it is a matter of choices and trade-offs.

 

If I had to do St. P in a whirlwind day, I would choose the following: The Amber Room at Catherine's Palace (go straight to the Amber Room and don't stop to see anything else), the gardens at the Peterhof (don't visit any interiors if you want to save time but Monplaisire Palace is a quick visit and Peter's favorite) and then head into St. P for a driving tour of the high points and a stop at either the Hermitage or Church on Spilled Blood for an extended visit. You can spend even more time sightseeing if you bring lunch from the ship and eat in the car as you drive from place to place (order sandwiches from room services).

[volkoff]

I think it's not good idea in 2 days visit Moscow...

 

read about 1 day tour here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=782068

[TLCOhio]

Another couple at our dinner table last summer did the one day trip to Moscow and then hired a car and guide (from the shorex) to take them around St. Petersburg the next day. When it is just you and the guide and the driver, you can cover a lot of territory. You see only the things that you want to see and you don't spend a lot of time waiting for anybody. You are right; this might be your only trip to the Baltic and for sure you should make it count. As Terry said, it is a matter of choices and trade-offs. If I had to do St. P in a whirlwind day, I would choose the following: The Amber Room at Catherine's Palace (go straight to the Amber Room and don't stop to see anything else), the gardens at the Peterhof (don't visit any interiors if you want to save time but Monplaisire Palace is a quick visit and Peter's favorite) and then head into St. P for a driving tour of the high points and a stop at either the Hermitage or Church on Spilled Blood for an extended visit. You can spend even more time sightseeing if you bring lunch from the ship and eat in the car as you drive from place to place (order sandwiches from room services).

 

Good summary of the best option IF you are trying to work it ALL in during two days, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Or, do both days in St. Petersburg. Your choice, depending on your budget, travel style, energy and goals. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

[ethereal]

I really appreciate your input -- sounds like it could be done, but definitely not in as much depth as I would like. I'm also concerned about the 15 1/2 hour Moscow involvement, coupled with what would be a hectic day in St. Petersburg, followed by Helsinki and Stockholm the following 2 days. Perhaps St. Petersburg done well (as well as 2 days allow!) would be the best solution -- especially since it's been at the top of my wish list for many years. Thanks a lot -- will drink a toast to you when I get there!!

[Peregrina651]

Perhaps St. Petersburg done well (as well as 2 days allow!) would be the best solution -- especially since it's been at the top of my wish list for many years. Thanks a lot -- will drink a toast to you when I get there!!

 

Now go find a tour guide and car to take you around or join a small group going to the places you want to see (check out the roll call for your sailing for tour shares and search this forum for St. Petersburg to find the names of private tour companies).

 

Don't waste your time trying to figure out how to get from place to place --let an expert take care of that part for you. And let that expert handle the details of getting you in and out of the commercial port where most of the cruise ships dock.

 

Enjoy your dream cruise!!:)

[TLCOhio]

Now go find a tour guide and car to take you around or join a small group going to the places you want to see (check out the roll call for your sailing for tour shares and search this forum for St. Petersburg to find the names of private tour companies). Don't waste your time trying to figure out how to get from place to place --let an expert take care of that part for you. And let that expert handle the details of getting you in and out of the commercial port where most of the cruise ships dock.

 

Good decision and reasoning. Moscow is a long day. The day after our Moscow trip, we're waiting till 10 am to start our St. Petersburg adventures. Doing a private guide does make a huge difference in being able to see and do more. Work with them as they know the hours open, logistics, etc. Time is money. The better your budget, the more you can do. Enjoy! Terry in Ohio