Peterhof: World's Biggest Fountain and Gardens Complex with Ride by Hydrofoil

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Park And Gardens of Peterhof, Razvodnaya st., 2, Peterhof, St. Petersburg Russia

Meet your knowledgeable guide at the hydrofoil pier, located behind the Winter Palace - in the very city centre, then board a high-speed hydrofoil for an exciting ride down the Neva River, seeing St Petersburg from a unique perspective as you coast along the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland.

As long as St.Petersburg was built as a seaport, the main and most beautiful buildings are located on the shores of Neva river, with facades to the river, so you will have an excellent opportunity to consider the most beautiful architectural masterpieces of St. Petersburg from the water, a perspective most people will never see. It is the best place which offers you an unobstructed view of the banks, for there are a number of remarkable sites to look at. The hydrofoil trip itself from St.Petersburg to Peterhov will take you only 45 minutes, which is three times faster than if you travel there by car and definitely more exciting!

The hydrofoil will take you to Peterhof - St. Petersburg’s amazing imperial estate and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, widely recognised as being the most spectacular imperial palace in St. Petersburg with its beautifully manicured gardens boasting over 140 fountains, being the world's biggest fountain complex.

After 200 years of serving as a grand summer residence of the emperors, Peterhof is inextricably connected with the Russian history. The seaside paradise was built, as a grandiose triumphal memorial glorifying the grandeur of Russia. When your boat docks at the mouth of the Sea Channel, enter Peterhof’s enormous park complex, including elaborate gardens filled with 18th-century fountains, statues, palaces and pavilions built upon the orders of Tsar Peter the Great. First, stroll through the estate’s Lower Park, which lies between the Grand Palace and the shore and boasts more than 140 fountains, each operated without pumps.

Stop at the impressive Grand Cascade with its golden statue of Samson holding open the jaws of a lion. Once you’ve seen all three cascades, including one with a chessboard design and another featuring Chinese dragons, you’ll understand why Peterhof is referred to as the “Russian Versailles.” From here, stroll through the Upper Garden, a typical French-style formal layout with five fountains, including one depicting Neptune – God of the Sea. Watch out for the whimsical creations designed to soak visitors, such as the umbrella fountain that sheds water whenever someone takes a seat underneath!

After your tour is over, take a hydrofoil ride back to St.Petersburg, admiring the beauty of the surroundings from the water. After reaching the hydrofoil pier in the centre of St.Petersburg, say goodbye to your guide. You have the rest of the day free to explore more of St.Petersburg now.

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes