G&B: 2011: St Petersburg 1


Programme (1) for 14th July 2011				Programme (2) for 14th July 2011

In anticipation of three full days in St Petersburg,
we were given a preview of what we might expect to see and do
(click on the picture below)

As usual, we sailed overnight and awoke to find ourselves approaching St Petersburg

The big cruise ships have to dock further out, but we were fortunate to be able to
sail past them and get much closer into the centre of the city.

Above and below: The place where we docked

Shortly after docking, the Russian customs and immigration officials boarded (below left)

After the ship had been cleared, we disembarked and made our way to the immigration and customs building for personal clearance. This didn't take too long, as we were the only ship in at that time and we were soon on our coaches and heading towards the city's sights.

Above: Immigration and customs building

A minor collision... impatient drivers and heavy congestion to blame!

Below: The card we were each given in case we got lost.

Our ship was docked close to the attractions, just off the left of this map,
on the north bank of the Neva. We debated whether it was within walking distance
of the centre of the city, but decided that it was perhaps just a step too far.

We stopped for photos and souvenirs and got a good view of the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral where we were soon heading.

Some people heeded the suggestion to buy "something Russian" for the vodka party a couple of days later!

At the end of our tour of the cathedral, we were treated to some wonderful Russian singing, with the option of buying the CD afterwards, which of course we had to do!

St Isaac's Cathedral

When we returned to the ship for a brief scheduled lunch stop, there was chaos at the immigration building. A ferry had arrived and we couldn't get to our ship without waiting for ages. Tempers rose, but eventually we were allowed through a special queue, although our passports were also stamped, cancelling our visas, assuming we were leaving Russia. What would happen, we wondered when we returned after lunch wanting to "enter" Russia again?