Way to Russia Talk Lounge

DarMol · Just Starting Joined: 01 Mar 2008 Posts: 5

I am planning to take two out-of-town tours in St Petersburg, one to Peterhof (Petrodvorets) and another one to Pushkin.

Due to my tight schedule, I was planning to do both tours the same day. However I might get turned down by the agency on this idea, because both tours have an estimate duration of 5 hours, quite long.

If I had to choose between visiting Peterhof or visiting Pushkin, which one would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

greg222 · VIP Joined: 15 Feb 2005 Posts: 522

My choice would definitely be Peterhof - beautiful place.

Paul Holmes · VIP Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 969

Agreed, you can take hydro ship to the Hermitage afterwards.

Andrey Vereshchagin · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 12:23 am Post subject:

I would recommend you to insist on making both places together (in case it is summer) - combining palace in Pushkin and fountains in Peterhof. This is my offer in summer for cruise passengers - it takes about 6 hours in case of a good organisation. Please remeber that fountains in Peterhof operate from May 09 till October 06 (approximately) daily from 11 till 17 (18 on weekends).
Have a nice journey!

nikir · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 4:10 am Post subject:

Given your limited time, I would just see one of these. It would be Peterhof.

It is probably not an experience that you will be able to repeat in a hurry so why have just memories of being rushed through by pushy tour guides. Take your time and take in the history and ambiance.

Eugenia_Kempinsky · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:40 pm Post subject: Pushkin or Peterhof

If you are the person who likes to see as much as possible even if it is too quick then do both in one day. It is possible as two estates are not so far from each other (half an hour drive). The combination of Catherine’s palace in Pushkin and only fountains in Peterhof is quite nice. Yes, will be rushed but you will see a lot. Besides you can have a relaxing lunch in the restaurant on the way from one place to another.
But if you are the person who likes to enjoy the smaller things, to take hundreds of pictures, to see the details and go a little bit further than the usual tourist, then choose only one place. I think Peterhof is more impressive. There is nothing like Peterhof Fountain Park in the world. Taking the hydrofoil to Peterhof is a big pleasure by itself. So in general it all depends on your personality and your style of traveling.

Have a pleasant trip!

raingiver · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 8:52 pm Post subject:

Hi

Maybe it's a lame comparison, but choosing between those places is like the eternal question about blondes and brunettes Smile

If seriously, I assure you that you can easily visit both places. It's just a must. The only thing that I would recommend you is to visit Pushkin first and spend less time for it.

Anna · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:06 pm Post subject:

Doing both things on one day is quite possible. Keep in mind, that the main attraction of Pushkin is the Catherine Palace, whereas in Peterhof it's gardens and fountains. Don't waste Your time on the Grand Palace in Peterhof - explore the grounds.

hpesch · Frequent Guest Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 14

Are you the guy who tours europe in a week and has seen it all?
Mind that the traffic is a nightmare, it took at least 60 minutes both ways between the city and Pushkin back in May 2006.
It depends much on the weather which destination is best. On a beautiful summer day nothing could be more boring than walking through the palace in Pushkin. Take a bottle of sparkling and enjoy the park of Peterhof instead.

Webby2008 · Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2008 2:03 pm Post subject:

Of course, it's all pepend on the season and time you have. Peterhof is further from Petersburg, but in sunny summer weather it's worth seeing! As for Pushkin I recommend visiting it in autumn to enjoy its park.