- Boat trip
- Cultural heritage
- Sightseeing
- Tailored tour
- Photo from deck
- 1-2 hours
- Tour guide
Fascinating sightseeing boat tours of the historic small-scale and ceremonial Petersburg are very popular. Boat trips around St Petersburg along the rivers and canals are a great alternative to excursions on land transport. It is more convenient to contemplate the historic architecture of the city from a ship, since, at the behest of Peter the Great, all significant buildings were located facades to the water. The bridges, openwork railings and curved parapets of embankments add charm to this journey.
We will cruise along the granite embankments of the Neva, the Fontanka, the Kryukov Canal and the Moika, on which palms there are beautiful creations of human hands, architectural ensembles of bridge squares, palaces and manors, churches and cathedrals. I will tell you about these beautiful buildings, their inhabitants stories, the history of the appearance of man-made canals and why they did not build bridges in the 18th century, how the water influenced the life of the city throughout its history and much more.
Rivers and canals tour in St Petersburg
The first thing to know is the period boat tours along the rivers and canals of St Petersburg are possible, it is limited to navigation. The dates of its beginning and end depend on climatic conditions, most often it is the period between the first half of April and mid-November when one can have boat trips around St Petersburg.
If you are visiting our city during this period, then I invite you to enjoy this 1,5 hour voyage. It’s not for nothing that I call St. Petersburg the Venice of the North, 94 water ways flow through the city! Its rivers, canals and bridges across them are the calling card of the city, as well as, of course, white nights and drawn bridges over the Neva.
The second, but no less impressive, variant of water travel is the passage under the opening bridges of the Neva at night. You will see how Palace, Trinity, Foundry and Bolsheokhtensky bridges are being opened one after the other. You will be able to enjoy the views of the night city, architectural ensembles with richly illuminated buildings, and in June-July feel the charm of the White Nights, when the barely come sunset again turns into dawn.
Attractions day walk
- Beloselsky Palace
- Anichkov Bridge
- Anichkov Palace
- Lomonosov Bridge
- Izmailovsky Cathedral
- Bolshoi Drama Theater
- St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral
- Mariinsky Theatre
- Island New Holland
- Kissing bridge
- Yusupov Palace
- Saint Isaac's Cathedral
- Colored bridges
- Mariinsky Palace
- Razumovsky Palace
- Stroganov Palace
- Nevsky Prospekt
- General Staff Building
- Singing choir
- Winter canal
- Peter and Paul fortress
- Winter palace
- The Hermitage
- Spit of Vasilievsky Island
- Trinity and Palace bridges
- Cruiser Aurora
- Marble Palace
- Chizhik-Pyzhik Statue
- Mikhailovsky Castle
- Cirque Chineselli
- Sheremetyev Palace
- Shuvalov Palace
Attractions night walk
- Senate square
- Saint Isaac's Cathedral
- Bronze Horseman
- Admiralty
- Chamber of curiosities (Kunstkamera)
- Palace Bridge
- Winter palace
- Hermitage
- Spit of Vasilievsky Island
- Peter-Pavel's Fortress
- Marble Palace
- Trinity Bridge
- Cathedral Mosque
- Summer garden
- Cruiser Aurora
- Nakhimov cadet School
- Foundry bridge
- Lenin Square at the Finland Station
- Prison “Crosses”
- Smolny Cathedral
- Bolsheokhtensky bridge
Variant of Timeline
Please keep in mind that it is possible to increase the duration of the tour by adding visits to the museums or reduce some part of the route by including ones. Just tell me your preferences.
-
Meeting Point
One of the many city piers on the Neva, the Fontanka River or the Moika River
-
Boat trip
Private or Public boat cruise with the most spectacular panoramic views
-
Saying Goodbye
Same berth where we start
So, you ready to get started? Use the form to calculate private tour →
Share
OTHER TOURS
TOUR REVIEWS
We could not have had better guidance around St Petersberg. Anna brought the history alive with her stories and her knowledge of the architecture, political history and Russian dynasty. We felt very safe and she was so helpful with getting tickets, timing of visits and taxis. We both feel we have learned so much about this beautiful and interesting city. Thank you Anna.
The whole process of booking the tour was very easy, with the date and time being agreed with Anna prior to booking. The tour was very interesting with Anna sharing information about the Metro system and also what we could expect to see when we went to see other places of interest. We learnt a lot about the history of St. Petersburg and Russia. The stations themselves were beautiful and I would recommend this tour to anyone wanting to see the amazing stations and learn about the history of the Metro.Read mоre Hide
My wife and I were planning a cruise this summer that included 2 days in St. Petersburg. We had already been to St. Petersburg and visited the main sites and wanted something different. I selected Anna because of her great website and the chance to put together a private tour. Over several weeks we worked to put together a great 2 day tour at less than 1/2 the cost of our ship tour. Anna was going to purchase tickets for several sites so we would not have to wait in line, plus get government approval for our private tour, so I send the funds by paypal . Unfortunately with the corona virus, we decided to cancel our cruise. When I told Anna she was very understanding and refunded our funds the very day we let her know we were not coming. It was a pleasure to work with her and put together a private tour. Hopefully one day we will get to go and tour with her.Read mоre Hide
I connected with Anna sometime ago for our dream trip around Russia. Anna immediately assisted me with everything I needed going above and beyond her duties as a tour guide. I am travelling with two young children who are full of energy yet she was patient, kind & understanding. Her vast knowledge of the city was much more than expected. This type of knowledge comes with years of experience and passion for her city. By booking Anna will be the best decision you make with an unforgettable experience. Thank you once again Anna for impressive memories.Read mоre Hide
My daughter and I have enjoyed a most wonderful 3 day visit to St Petersburg. We engaged the services of Anna for a 2 day private tour and we couldn’t have been happier. To start with she is friendly, warm and accomodating and her knowledge is outstanding. Anna also helped us with restaurant and retail recommendations all of which were spot on. As first timers to Russia we wanted to make the most of our time and thanks to Anna we accomplished more then we ever hoped to. I highly recommend using Anna if your are considering a private tour.Read mоre Hide
I highly recommend this tour. Anna showed me many metro stations and gave me insights into the significance of them, how they are decorated and why that is significant. She also took me to a couple of places that I wouldn't have been to if I had just stayed within the standard area of where you would go as a tourist of St Petersburg. A lovely afternoon
We arrived in St Petersburg on a cruise ship and Anna arranged a great 2 day trip of the city for us. She communicated with us in advance to agree what our tour would involve and all timings, and gave us useful advice. When we arrived, she was there on time to meet us and start our tour. It was an action packed couple of days and Anna was full of information about all the places we were visiting. We were whisked to the front of the queue at each place we went to so no standing in line! And on our final day she had us back exactly when she said she would do we were back on board on plenty of time for the ship leaving. For anyone visiting St Petersburg I would recommend Anna as your guide, she was excellent!Read mоre Hide
I spent a fantastic 2 days seeing the sights of beautiful St Petersburg with Anna as my private guide. The tour was very well organised and managed to cram in all the things I wanted to do in my short time there. There was no waiting in line to get into any of the attractions as Anna had pre booked the tickets and we were able to skip the long queues. She was very accommodating to fit in all the things I wanted to see in my time in St Petersburg including transport options. Anna was always on time with meeting me in the morning and including at midnight when we did the open bridges tour. It was a very informative 2 days and there was not a question I asked she was unable to answer. Her knowledge of the city and history of Russia is second to none and extremely impressive!! Anna is an absolute professional, very friendly and easy to communicate with. It was a pleasure to explore St Petersburg with someone who is passionate about their city and I recommend her services while visiting!!Read mоre Hide
We did an nice and flexible tour, according to my wishes. Anna impressed often by the great knowledge about Details of the history and art of her City SPB - and you can easily imagine, that she loved SPB.
Anna was extremely knowledgeable and informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the Metro. I couldn't have done it on my own. I would definitely recommend any tour that Anna does if this one was indicative of her ability to provide a wonderful experience.
We spent two fantastic days in St. Petersburg and had the great pleasure to have Anna as our private guide. She planned our visits to all fantastic places and arranged all tickets in advance. Somehow she always got us among the first in line. Anna has a great knowledge about history, buildings and all worth knowing about the city and the life in Russia. We can really recommend Anna if you want to explore St. Petersburg. Best regardsRead mоre Hide
Anna was a fabulous guide today. I really enjoyed how well the tour was planned and having a guide who has a genuine passion for the magnificent culture of St Petersburg. She was also understanding of my interest of having some of the tour in Russian though her English is excellent. I highly recommend her!
It was our pleasure and good fortune to spend time with you in your favorite city. We enjoyed all our conversations with you: historical, architectural, cultural, political and spiritual. Every year on the feast day of Epiphany I will be thinking of you and your sacramental rite of baptism in the Neva River! In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We were so blessed to have you to guide us in St. Petersburg! I hope you and I can keep in touch a littleRead mоre Hide
Dear Anna, thank you so much for a wonderful time we have spent with you in St Petersburg... We really enjoyed, and had an excellent, joyful tours with you and so many amazing learnings you have shared with us! The whole organization, professional approach and especially positive energy during the days we spent with you were amazing!
Fantastic tour Anna, we cant wait to come again! Looks like we might be doing 2 trips to russia next year. So excited
Dear Anya, It was very pleasent to work with you for trips we recently done to Saint Petersburg. We are not getting proper response from guides for our trips but later we found you. We appreciate your work with professionality and accurate explanation of all places. I personally like to recommend you to other and for sure all future trips for our group, you are the only one we would like to walk at nevskiy. Thanks for making our trip memorable :-) Best of luck!! Regards Gorussia Holidays teamRead mоre Hide
She was excellent, patient and very knowledgeable. She took us to hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress and Peterhof. We had a great time and she even took interest in the kids and showed them things that would interest then. If I travel back to St. Petersburg I would surely get in touch with her. Her service was affordable and extremely professional. Thanks for making our vacation in St. Petersburg pleasurable.
We got to St. Petersburg for a couple of days, wanted to watch something special from russian history. Our guide Ann suggested to get to Pushkin City. It was really fun!!! We heard lots of things! Amber room is something special! Ann thanks for interesting tour.
Will surely recommend your name to my family and friends who wish to visit st Petersburg.
Thanks so much again for today. You helped make my stay here more meaningful. You are very good at what you do!