Exploring Peterhof Grand Palace and Lower Garden, Saint Petersburg, Russia

We took hydrofoil from backside of Hermitage palace to reach peterhof. It is expensive but fastest way to reach peterhof. It was comfortable ride and lasted 40 minutes. 

 This palace and garden was laid out in 17th century on the orders of Peter the Great. This area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was Completely destroyed during second world, Restoration work began almost immediately after the end of the war and continues to this day. Interesting to note that Water for the fountains is supplied by a gravity-fed water system. 

These Palaces and gardens are sometimes referred as the "Russian Versailles". The grand palace is having thirty public rooms. No photography is allowed inside the palace. Beauty of lower garden with blooming tulip, French style garden and fountains is more impressive than grand palace. We had limited time and spent half an hour exploring palace and rest two and half hour exploring lower garden. Only regret was not staying longer.

VIsit to 250 year old state Hermitage Museum, Saint Petersburg, Russia: A World By Itself

Hermitage Museum can be considered as most popular tourist destination and it deserve to be. It is among world’s oldest and biggest museum. It is having biggest collection of painting in the world among 3 million other displayed pieces.

It was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great. The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings along Palace Embankment, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors

There were long quay at the entrance for ticket and i realize the worth of paying few more dollar for online tickets. We got ticket by showing online receipt at a separate counter without any hassle. There is Clock room and audio guide kiosk near the entrance. We did not hire the guide but took audio guide, which was satisfactory. We spent next 4 and half hour exploring hermitage museum and winter palace. We were exhausted at the end and realize it would need month to explore this place.  Not only the displayed piece but each and every corner of the hermitage palace is in some form of art. Every galley, walkway and terrace is beautifully design. It is not only heaven for art lover but i guess for everyone who likes antics, sculpture, architecture and history.