amazing adventures travel inc

Amazing Adventures Travel

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Mill Valley, CA 94941

You Might Also Consider

Professional Charter Services

in Bus Tours, Bus Rental, Buses

Marquis Charters

in Boat Tours, Boat Charters

Designed Travel

in Travel Agents

About the Business

Business owner information

Business Owner

Amazing Adventures Travel offers the ultimate in customized travel to more than 40 countries on all seven continents. Our adventure planners have been leading trips around the world for decades and know where the most scenic and spectacular locations are to visit. We work with individual travelers, families and groups to tailor a trip to meet your budget and exceed your expectations. Whether it is a diving trip, safari or other adventure, we'll take care of all the details. We are passionate about travel and look forward to planning your next trip …

Ask the Community

Ask a question

Yelp users haven’t asked any questions yet about Amazing Adventures Travel .

People also searched for

Things To Do With Teenagers

Scuba Diving

Travel Agent

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

Kirsten and her group put together an a phenomenal trip for my family to South Africa. Her in-depth knowledge and experience in the area were so valuable, not to mention her patience in dealing with the hundreds of questions we threw at her while exploring options. She planned the perfect itinerary for us, a challenge when confronted with a family of 5 with various priorities, including 3 teenagers. Further, we had some last minute scheduling changes due to a school issue, impacting flights and accommodations, and these were handled with calm professionalism. While travel to Africa is expensive, I feel like Kirsten saved us money because she did such a great job maximizing our time and experiences. I can't recommend Amazing Adventures Travel highly enough!

I highly recommend Kirsten (who runs the place) to organize your next trip. She's sent me and my family on a few unforgettable adventures (Belize, Fiji, Costa Rica, Honduras, Micronesia and Kenya). Even though we travel quite a bit, each one of these trips had that "once in a lifetime" feeling. Kirsten and her team always get a real sense of what we're looking for and then build these remarkable itineraries that we'd never have known about. Every aspect is really well thought out, so we always come back feeling like we've made the most of our time away.

AeroDynamic Aviation

in Tours, Flight Instruction

Tower Tours

in Bus Tours, Wine Tours

People Also Viewed

Art of Travel

PhotoFly Travel Club

Foray Travel + Event Design

Travel Partners

Casto Travel

Travel Wizard

Cherish Your Travel

Mary Plans Vacation

KB’s Travel

Ocean View Travel

Best of Mill Valley

Things to do in Mill Valley

Browse Nearby

Things to Do

Airport Shuttles

Transportation

Other Travel Services Nearby

Find more Travel Services near Amazing Adventures Travel

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

(727) 642-5133

DOO'S AMAZING TOURS

SEGWAYS/BIKE/PADDLE BOARD TOURS

Call for Gift Certificates!

Hello, I'm  Doo! I am the owner & operator of Doo's Amazing Tours, The original and oldest running Tour company in the area. I opened back in 2012, focusing only on giving the most Amazing Tours to my guest!  Located in beautiful Historic Downtown St. Petersburg, Fl. We offer a variety of Tours by Appointment only.  

Photo Gallery

Tours we offer, segway tours.

    1 Hour Scenic Segway Tour : goes approximately 5 miles along the beautiful waterfront and endless parks. You will be viewing a variety of museums, yacht basins and restaurants while taking in the natural beauty of plants and animals. We will pass through the Gizella Kopsick Palm Arboretum which has been there since 1976 and view over 500 different species of palm trees in this 2 acre park. We are always on the look out for dolphins, manatees and other wildlife! 

$60 per person  

         2 Hour Historic Segway Tour : goes approximately 8 miles total.  First going 3 miles into the city and then 5 miles along the waterfront and beautiful endless parks. We will take a short break at the Salvador Dali Museum and have a sip of water from the Fountain of Youth. You will learn all about the city's founding fathers and famous pilots which lead to the 1920s boom which can be seen in some of our architecture.  After your Segway Tour you will get to go into the Museum of History and look around at your own pace (admission included). You will be able to see the Worlds Largest Autographed baseball collection with 5,036, indexed city photographs, 32,000 artifacts and other historic photos and documents. This tour tends to be out most popular choice because of all the historical information you will get about our city!

 $70 per person

           2.5 Hour Eco Segway Tour : goes approximately 12 miles total though the parks and along the waterfront and then we will Segway through 1920s Old Northeast neighborhood as we head to Sunken Gardens (admission included). Where we will park the Segways and then walk through 4 acres of a lush botanical garden. You will see 20 Chilean Flamingos, parrots, macaws, tortoises and feed the Koi fish. Your tour guide will be pointing out all the flora and fauna along the way. Sunken Gardens is the oldest living museum, 100 years old and offers more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. 

So you will be on the Segway approximately 2 hours and walking in the garden for about 30 minutes. 

  $85 per person

  On all Segway Tours you will have:

  Segway i2 

free admission (Historic and Eco Tours)

   20 minute hands on training prior to tour

   personal headset receiver

   helmet, bottle of water, sunscreen and bug spray

Requirements:

MUST have an appointment

MUST be at least 11 years old

         MUST weigh at least 100-300 lbs

           MUST watch Segway safety video

           MUST be able to safely operate the             Segway during training. 

  *Required Height 3'11" - 6'6"

Meet in front of the Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave NE 33701. Parking meters and a variety of parking lots available within 1 to 2 blocks of the museum.

PRESERVE BIKE TOUR

If the fast pace of the Downtown area is not for you and prefer a natural oasis in the middle of this growing city away from cars and traffic.  Then this tour is for you. Surrounded by Florida's native flora amd fauna. You will be guided by a knowledgeable and experienced tour guide on mountain bikes through 3 miles of trails and boardwalks while seeing 5 ecosystems! You will enjoy 245 acres of uninterrupted preserved habitat along Lake Maggiore's shore line. There is an aviary with live birds of prey ranging from the Bald Eagle, Red Tailed Hawk, Red Shoulder Hawk, Screech Owls, Barred Owls, Northern Crested Caracara and many more! You will also being seeing American Alligators, tortoises, turtles, Ospreys, Cormorants, Anhingas, and a vast variety of butterflies. After the bike tour take some time and explore the education center. 

$65 per person

standard 26" mountain bikes available in male/female frames. We also have two 29" mountain bikes available as well as one 24" mountain bike. 

On the Preserve Bike Tour you will have:

tour guides

male/female mountain bikes

admission into the preserve

       bottle water, helmets, sunscreen and  MUST have an appointment

MUST be at least 5' tall or able to ride a Standard bike.

Please notify us prior to appointment if you will need a larger or smaller bike than 26" and will do our best to accommodate.

Meet at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way South 33705 -Free Parking.

PADDLE BOARD TOUR

Enjoy 2 hours of paddle boarding in beautiful Coffee Pot Bayou. You will be seeing our local wildlife as you float along side a historic neighborhood set in 1920s and enjoy the vast array of architecture of homes set in this tranquil bayou. We will be seeing Bird Island up close and enjoy watching and listening to 30 different species of birds. We will also be looking for dolphins and manatees since they are frequently seen.

On the Paddle Board Tour you will have:

10'6" soft top paddle board

life vest, paddle, bottle water, sunscreen and bug spray

MUST be at least 13 years old

   MUST weigh less than 270 lbs

Meet at Coffee Pot Bayou Park, 3099 1st St N 33701 -Free parking.

Why Choose Doo's

A locally owned, award winning, top rated and safety conscious tour company that's been creating smiles and adventures for families from all over the globe. We love what we Doo! So choose us and we look forward to seeing you soon! We also offer Gift Certificates for the perfect present! Please call (727) 642-5133 

Check out more photos on Facebook and instagram

Appointments only.

Segway Tours meeting location in front of   Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave NE 33701.

Preserve Bike Tour meeting location is at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, 1101 Country Club Way South 33705.

Paddle Board Tour meeting location is at Coffee Pot Bayou Park, 3099 1st St N 33701.

Doo's Amazing Tours

335 2nd Avenue Northeast, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701, United States

[email protected] (727)642-5133

Sunday-Monday 8am-4pm

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Copyright © 2024 Doo's Amazing Tours - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder

• Tours in San Francisco
• Alcatraz Tours and….
• Tours from San Francisco
• Tours from Las Vegas
• Yosemite National Park Tours
• Hotels Rooms
• Private Tours
• Destination Guides
• Gift Certificates

Local tours, local guides, local experiences.

Incredible adventures, what our customers say, check out our fall sale.

We’re thrilled to announce our biggest sale of the year ! Our Fall Sale offers amazing discounts on all tours when you book 30, 60, or 90 days early. With savings this big, now’s the perfect time to join one of our exciting new adventures. Explore Alaska’s Denali and Kenai Fjords, or the stunning landscapes of Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re hiking through ancient Sequoia forests or marveling at dramatic sandstone cliffs, our expertly guided tours ensure an immersive experience like no other. Our itineraries highlight the best of Alaska, the Southwest, and California’s Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Yosemite National Parks, combining adventure with unforgettable scenic experiences.

This year, we’re also introducing socially inclusive Women’s Only and LGBTQIA+ tours, offering a welcoming space for travelers to connect, explore, and create lasting memories. Whether seeking empowerment on our Women’s Only tours or celebrating diversity on our LGBTQIA+ tours, you’ll enjoy incredible destinations in a supportive community. Book now to take advantage of our Fall Sale! Sale ends October 31st.

• Book 30 days early and save 10% with code: EARLY30
• Book 60 days early and save 15% with code: EARLY60
• Book 90 days early and save 20% with code: EARLY90

Popular Day Tours

Golden Gate Bridge Bike Tour with Muir Woods & Sausalito Tour

Bryce Canyon Day Tour

Muir Woods and Sausalito Half-Day Tour

Established in 1993 in San Francisco, we were founded on a love for Yosemite National Park and began by taking small groups exploring using eco-friendly vehicles. That tour turned out to be a success and many years later we still continue to offer the same adventurous experience alongside many other exciting destinations like Wine Country, Muir Woods, Lake Tahoe, the Southwest, and beyond. Find out more about us . if you’re interested. If you’re very interested, check out our Yosemite National Park Tours and our San Francisco Tours . 

Incredible Adventures’ mission is to offer more than just a tour; we aim to provide an unforgettable experience that showcases the hidden gems visitors rarely encounter. Part of our mission is to do things as responsibly as possible, without damaging the environment or disrupting local communities. Our company and local guides strive to leave a positive impact on the communities we visit and to help you get closer to the heart and soul of the destinations that we travel to.

Popular Multi-Day Tours

Southwest Highlights Tour (6 Days)

Yosemite Summer Guided Overnight Lodging Tour (2 Days)

California Parks Highlights Tour: Los Angeles to San Francisco (5 Days)

Guest videos: experience the adventure, our biofuel commitment.

At Incredible Adventures, we believe strongly in maintaining the wild lands and National Parks of California (and all over the world), and know that tourism can be a strong factor in whether these magnificent areas continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy. In order to minimize the environmental impact of our business on the destinations we visit, we operate our vehicles on sustainable, petroleum-free biofuel made from recycled cooking oil and renewable plant-based stocks. Our fleet is made up of mini-coaches which all proudly run on petroleum-free renewable fuel sourced from our own fuel station, Dogpatch Biofuels !

Commitment to Sustainable Travel

At Incredible Adventures, we believe strongly in maintaining the wild lands and National Parks of California (and all over the world), and know that tourism can be a strong factor in whether these magnificent areas continue to thrive for future generations to enjoy.

Sustainability Reports

It is one world. And it’s in our care. For the first time in the history of humanity, for the first time in 500 million years, one species has the future in the palm of it’s hands.

– David Attenborough

Popular Las Vegas Tours

Sin City isn’t just the Strip. Check out the tours that begin in Las Vegas, gateway to some of the most awe-inspiring natural landmarks in America.

Zion Canyon Day Tour

Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tour

Valley of Fire Day Tour

Looking for a last minute deal.

Call us for the latest information and save up to 20%!

Get updates

Get updates to special deals and exclusive offers. Sign up to our newsletter!

Be Inspired

Introducing Socially Inclusive Tours to Yosemite from San Francisco

Why You Should Visit Yosemite in the Off-Season

Ultimate Guide to the Golden Gate Bridge

Your Title Here

• AMALFI COAST OCTOBER 2024
• CUBA NOVEMBER 2024
• COSTA RICA NOVEMBER 2024
• VIETNAM DECEMBER 2024
• BALI APRIL 2025
• RESERVATIONS
• OTHER TOURS
• 2024 AND 2025 TOURS PREVIEW

AMAZING TRAVEL ADVENTURES

********************************************************************************************************************** hello and welcome to amazing travel adventures we look forward to traveling with you we arrange and host super fun and active trips for groups of different sizes, both large and small, to numerous awesome locations all over the world, so please keep checking our site regularly for updates, and then sign up for the vacations that spark your interest, or let us know where you would like to travel. *************************************************************************************** please check back often as we regularly update this website **************************************************************************************** august 22, 2024 updates we recently returned from another great travel adventure this time we visited uganda, rwanda, burundi, and the democratic republic of congo. earlier we visited mongolia and the exotic african nations of sierra leone and liberia, and we visited belarus as well as all seven of the "stans" (countries that end with "...stan"). earlier this year we toured south sudan, ethiopia and the middle eastern republic of iraq in addition to our featured tours listed below, please also review our "other tours" page on this website for some really exotic tours. 2023 and 2024 have been great years for traveling so far we finished 2023 with an epic 10-country five-week tour of the least visited countries in the south pacific earlier in 2023 we toured 12 countries in the middle east and asia as well as several countries in south america, including a visit to remote easter island and then a visit to beautiful iguazu falls. other past 2023 trips already completed include to the seldom-toured middle eastern countries of iran, kuwait, saudi arabia, lebanon, and bahrain, exotic greenland, numerous countries in europe as well as to several fun island countries in the caribbean in december 2022 we toured the isolated yemen island of socotra in the arabian sea. they were all amazing adventures for 2024 and 2025 we are currently featuring the following trips with more tours for 2025 coming soon: italy's amalfi coast for october 2024 (tour currently full but we may be able to add you to the waiiting list) costa rica for november 2024 (this is a repeat of our january 2024 tour rsvps still open) cuba for november 2024 (this is a repeat of our march 2024 tour rsvps still open) vietnam for december 1, 2024 (reservations now closed for this tour) bali for april 2025 (this is a repeat of our april 2024 tour rsvps will close october 1, 2024. sign up now) in addition, we often venture out to other exotic and seldom-traveled locations around the world, so if you are a super-adventurous traveler, please view our "other tours" page on this site and then contact us for more details. so why not sign up now for one or more of these awesome trips please know that our tour operators are offering great deals so the time to sign up is now travel on ed howard travel host [email protected].

AMAZING TRAVEL ADVENTURES is comprised of extensively traveled personnel, with experience leading fun group trips in many different countries on multiple different continents around the world. We love to travel and have fun too!

Please contact us at:

[email protected]

HERE IS A BRIEF PHOTO Gallery OF SOME PAST FUN TRIPS ! UppeR left: Socotra island in yemen upper right: southern african safari lower left: turkey lower right: myanmar (previously called burmA)

[email protected] 714-744-6920.

Group Trips

Whether you are going solo or traveling with good mates, a group trip is a great way to see the world. There are a multitude of group departures out there to join based on your interests, travel style and budget. Below are a sampling of unique trips, which you can join or put together your own group to customize an itinerary. Snorkel with calving and mating humpback whales in Tonga or the Dominican Republic and be astonished how much grace and gentleness these massive mammals possess. On a group departure you may witness the thundering sounds of hooves during the annual migration in East Africa – proof that there is tremendous strength in numbers. You may also visit an orangutan sanctuary in Malaysia and come back intensely dedicated to saving them from extinction. These once in a lifetime trips will reawaken your joy for travel and our planet. Traveling with a group of like minded voyagers is not only rewarding, but fun!

All Countries

Set departures.

Antarctica with Amos

Wild Dolphin Snorkel Adventure

Marine Life Educations Weeks

A Celebration of Botswana: The Wildlife & The People

Crocodiles of Botswana

Journey to Tierra del Fuego

Cook islands.

Whales of Aitutaki

Costa Rica Dome Dolphin Adventure

Sperm Whale Snorkel

Sperm Whales of Dominica

Ecuador & the Galapagos

Diving & Hiking the Galapagos with Amos!

French polynesia.

Swimming with Humpbacks in Moorea

Project Tiger

Blue Whales of Timor Leste

Cousteau's Nirvana

Cultural Photographic Safari

Ultimate Giraffe Safari

2024 Mobula Rays!

Camp Cuevas Adventure

Encounter the Gray Whales of San Ignacio

Explore Baja on Rocio del Mar

Mexican Sardine Run + Striped Marlin Photo Expedition

Mobula Rays + Orca Whales!

Striped Marlin Safari

Summer on the Sea of Cortez

Mantas of Yap

Sahara Grand Expedition

Marine Predator Tagging Expeditions

Polar Bears with Amos

Svalbard Photo Expeditions

Blue Whales

South africa.

Dive the Wild Coast & Big Five Safari

Sardine Run Fun

In the Footsteps of a Tanzanian Guide

Humpbacks of Vava'u

Kafue Big Cat Conservation Trip

Alaska's Glacier Wilderness

Whale Expedition

Northern Iceland Expedition

• Trip Reports
• Testimonials
• Privacy Policy

• St Petersburg Tours
• Private Tours

Username or E-Mail

Forget Password?

Do not have an account?

Already a member, discover unforgettable travel experiences, free cancelation.

Don’t stress if your plans change. Cancel up to 24 hours before your activity starts for a full refund.

Faster Access

Skip the long ticket lines and get straight to the good stuff in the places everyone wants to visit.

Friendly Help

We’re standing by 24/7 to make your experience incredible. Reach us by phone, email or WhatsApp.

Discover St Petersburg Half Day Walking Tour

• iconic sites, walking

Popular St Petersburg Experiences

• Iconic metro stations, The world's deepest metro station, walking

St. Petersburg Underground

• Vodka museum, vodka tasting

Caviar & Vodka Tasting at Russian Vodka Museum

• Cycle tour, historic landmarks

St Petersburg Bicycle Tour

• bridges, river, white nights, White nights romantic evening bike tour

White Nights Evening Bike Ride

• Boat trip, Gulf of Finland, Visit Lakhta Center Europes highest Skyscraper

Gulf Of Finland Boat Trip

Our recommended experiences.

• Pub crawl, vodka tasting

Drink Vodka With a Real Russian Local

• Jewish History, Synagogue, walking

St. Petersburg Jewish Heritage Tour

• Putin, Revolution, Soviet History

The Russian Revolution To Vladimir Putin Private Tour

St petersburg, st petersburg highlights in hd, let your st petersburg journey begin.

What our Travelers are saying

I had Natalya as a private guide. She was just fantastic… knowing every detail about historical facts … she was also able to follow my wishes. I can just recommend 👍Thank you for this beautiful day in St Petersburg

We really enjoyed our tour around St Petersburg with Anna. This tour takes you to all the main sights. I highly recommend this tour . Anna also took us inside a fantastic tradition Russian store and showed us traditional Russian delicacies. Highly recommend the tour!

I had only one day to tour St Petersburg. After researching many tours, I chose the Discover St Petersburg walking tour. Despite the cold weather, the tour was fantastic. Kate was my guide and was great. She is a walking encyclopedia of history and facts and was able to answer every question I threw at her plus some. Thanks for a great day! PS – opted for the optional professional photos which I highly recommend as well. Well done.

3 out of 5 of our party had never before been to Russia, so the private tours with guide were essential. We experienced St Petersburg as a modern, vibrant city with wide-ranging history, and we were extremely fortunate to have as our guide the excellent Anna, who not only showed us the the best sites, but did so with friendliness, wit, intelligence and passion for her subject. She really made an already awesome experience extra-special

Wonderful Private tour of St Petersburg Must Sees with Anna who was fantastic. So much knowledge and information about this beautiful city!! Also added the Traditional Russian Tea break and Metro Tour which we loved!

Very nice walking tour. Our guide, Svetlana, was very kind and explained to us every aspect of each monument. I really recommend

St Petersburg travel Blog get inspired for your next trip

Bike Tours St Petersburg Russia – Cycling Tours St Petersburg

Guided & Private Walking Tours In St Petersburg Russia

Top 10 Things To Do in St. Petersburg Russia: Activities in St Petersburg Russia to keep you busy

We love St Petersburg! It is our home and we hope you will love our city and enjoy your visit. We want you to enjoy our tours and let us share our knowledge with you about our beautiful home.

All our guides are dedicated to giving not just a tour of St Petersburg but a genuine enjoyable experience mixing with real local residents of St Petersburg. We hope you will return home, remember us and recommend us to all of your friends.

In The Press

DISCOVER MEGAN'S AMAZING ADVENTURES

Where Will You Go Next?

Creating Memories

Megan's Amazing Adventures is known for curating exceptional journeys. What started as a small business in 2022, quickly grew into a leading Travel Agency that has planned and executed countless successful vacations. Whether you’re dreaming of a tropical honeymoon, a nature-inspired family trip or a short weekend getaway, we’re here to handle all the details and send you on an unforgettable, hassle-free trip.

Discover New Places

[email protected]

7 S Eastern Ave, Batesville, IN 47006, USA

260-210-1964

Subscribe Form

Thanks for subscribing to our newsletter!

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

How To Spend An Amazing Day In Saint Petersburg, Russia

Kanuman / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Architecture
• Destinations
• Food and Drink
• Guided Tours
• History and Culture
• Religious Sites
• Restaurants
• Sightseeing
• St. Petersburg

Saint Petersburg, the former capital of Russia, is often referred to as the Russian Versailles or the Venice of the North. Its beautiful old buildings — including some of the most incredible palaces you’ve ever seen — many rivers, and quaint atmosphere make for an unforgettable visit. The palaces, gardens, and churches of Saint Petersburg give the home of Peter the Great and the magnificent Romanovs such a romantic feel that you’ll long to return again and again.

Here’s how to spend an amazing day in Saint Petersburg.

Alberto Garcia / Flickr

Marvel At The Peterhof Palace

The beautiful Peterhof Palace , with its rich yellow exterior walls, bright white trim, and shining golden accents, is one of the most spectacular sights in Saint Petersburg. The arched entryways to the grounds of the palace welcome you with a royal air of an era long past.

You could spend an entire day or just a few hours here, depending on your schedule. During your visit, eat a picnic lunch on the grounds, splash around in the pools and fountains (only some, of course, welcome visitors into their sparkling waters), read a book by the Baltic Sea, meander through the Japanese gardens, or explore the belongings of Peter the Great. There are more than 200 gilded and marble statues and 64 fountains on the grounds. You probably won’t see them all, but everything you see will be spectacular.

Ana Paula Hirama / Flickr

Visit The Church Of The Savior On The Spilled Blood

The most famous of the onion-shaped, brilliantly colored cathedrals of Russia is located in Moscow’s Red Square. But Saint Petersburg offers an equally beautiful architectural marvel: the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood , also known as the Church of the Resurrection. The exterior alone, with its gilded domes and colorful spires, might just be the most gorgeous thing you’ve ever seen. But the interior, with its vibrant ceiling art, elaborate archways, and iconic murals, will leave you speechless.

The church was constructed in 1883 to honor the memory of Tsar Alexander II, who had emancipated the serfs of Russia two decades earlier. It stands on the site where the Tsar was mortally injured in an assissination attempt. A temporary shrine was erected at the site while plans for the permanent memorial were drawn up.

During the Russian Revolution of 1917, the church was damaged. It was closed by the Soviets in the 1930s and then damaged again during World War II. During the war, the church functioned as a rations storage facility and then as storage for a local opera company.

Eventually, reconstruction began to restore the cathedral’s former glory; the process took 25 years. The structure was reopened in 1997 and has been welcoming visitors ever since.

You’ll likely need an hour or two to explore this magnificent structure.

Sandra Cohen-Rose and Colin Rose / Flickr

Enjoy A Russian Ballet

There is no better way to end your day in Saint Petersburg than by taking in a Russian ballet at either the beautiful Mariinsky Theatre — home of the famous Mariinsky Ballet Company — or the Mikhailovsky Theatre — the oldest ballet theater in Russia.

Both historic buildings are worth a visit, even if you’re not able to attend one of the magnificent operas or ballets they host. The elaborate interiors with their multiple balconies, vast stages, and beautiful atmospheric lighting are nearly as pleasurable to observe as the live art taking place onstage.

Be sure to check the theaters’ calendars before deciding which to visit — or take a private tour to get an in-depth understanding of the history of the theater and catch glimpses of spaces you wouldn’t normally see during a show. Most performances last between 2 and 3 hours, and you’ll want to spend some time beforehand simply admiring the beautiful architecture.

Dreamer Company / Shutterstock

Explore The Cathedral Of Saints Peter And Paul

As you walk the streets of Saint Petersburg, you’ll see multiple churches, fortresses, and other buildings that date to the time when Tsars ruled the country and ballets by Tchaikovsky were all the rage. Among the many towering domes are those of the culturally significant Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul within the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Work began on the original structure just one month after Saint Petersburg was officially founded on May 27, 1703. The original church was consecrated nearly a year later on April 1. Less than a decade later, construction on the current stone Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul began; the work took 20 years to complete. The building was consecrated in June of 1733 and was radically different in style from traditional Russian Orthodox churches like the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood. Instead of having rounded, gilded, colorful domes like the traditional churches, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul features a bell tower and rectangular spire. Both the interior and exterior of the cathedral are ornate and worth seeing.

If you’re a fan of the Romanovs, this site will have more significance for you than many of the other attractions in Saint Petersburg, since this is where the Romanovs themselves are buried. Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Elizabeth of Russia, and the three Alexanders, along with Nicholas II and his family, are all interred in the small Chapel of Saint Catherine.

The fortress is a splendid place to walk and discover the past, so be sure to leave at least 2 hours for the whole experience.

kuhnmi / Flickr

Appreciate Art At The State Hermitage Museum

If you have extra time, try to stop by the State Hermitage Museum . The museum is housed within the former Winter Palace of the Tsars, situated on the River Neva — where all the lovely lighted bridges open at night to let the boats pass through — on Palace Square. Inside the Hermitage Museum are more than three million items, from Impressionist masterpieces to Oriental treasures. Taking the guided tour is the best way to see the most important pieces, due to the sheer size of the collection.

MostPetersburg.com

Participate In The Saint Petersburg Day Festivities

If you are able to visit on Saint Petersburg Day, May 27, you must. The city celebrates its founding like nothing else. Uniformed soldiers line the streets, parades pass by, flags fly everywhere, and fireworks light up the sky. You’ll see the somewhat somber Russian city glorying in its own beauty and history — as it should.

Eating In Saint Petersburg

There are a variety of traditional dishes that you’ll want to consider trying when you’re visiting the old capital of Russia. Probably the most famous is the red soup called borscht , which originated in Ukraine but has become synonymous with Russian cuisine. The soup is made from beetroot, which gives the dish its unique red shade, and it is usually served with savory buns known as pampuski . You’ll find the best borscht at Teplo near Saint Isaac’s Square and the cathedral.

You’ll also want to hunt down some chicken Kiev, or stuffed chicken breast that is rolled in breadcrumbs and eggs and then fried or baked with loads of butter and herbs. You’ll find some tasty chicken Kiev at Metropole and Gogol .

Two other traditional dishes in Saint Petersburg are pelmeni and vareniki . Pelmeni are savory Russian dumplings similar to wontons. Vareniki are sweet dumplings stuffed with berries and cottage cheese. You’ll find these delicious dishes at Pelmenya near the Fabergé Museum. If you’re renting an apartment, you can pick up a package of these delights in the frozen food section of any grocery store and whip some up for yourself.

Open Minder / Flickr

Shopping In Saint Petersburg

The street markets lining the walkways of Saint Petersburg are the best place to start your souvenir shopping. You’ll find a wide range of interesting goods here, plus friendly folks offering tourists a little piece of Russian history. You could take home a military hat from days gone by or a handcarved wooden lacquer box depicting scenes from Russian folklore and history.

Other souvenirs to look out for include the famous Russian nesting dolls , amber jewelry, and decorated birch bark goods. You’ll also want to consider bringing home some Khokhloma goods, or traditional painted wooden items featuring red and gold flower patterns on dark backgrounds. Gzhel , or blue-on-white ceramic pieces, are worth a look, as are valenki , or beautiful felt boots. Some souvenirs as famous as the nesting dolls are the replica Fabergé eggs , which can be found in a range of shops and boutiques near the State Hermitage Museum and Palace Square.

The best places to find these handicrafts are the little markets and carts along the streets surrounding the tourist hot spots, such as the pier near the Russian Cruiser Aurora . Most of the handicrafts and other trinkets and treasures mentioned here can be found at bargain prices.

Planning a trip to Russia ? Don’t skip the country’s captivating capital, Moscow .

Rita Juanita Pike is the granddaughter of aviatrix Jerrie Mock, first woman to pilot an airplane around the world. Rita has taken inspiration from her grandmother’s life and flight and pursued many of her own dreams in theater, podcasting, and novel writing. She now writes on travel, pets, faith, and the arts. She’s happily married to Matt, and faithfully serves the very fluffy kitten queen, Lady Stardust.