We are up at 6:30 to leave by 8 for the tour to Pushkin (Catherine's Palace and park) and to Pavlosk ( Palace of Paul 1st and the park). These are residences of a former Russian czar and Empress. Ornate Rococo style and extensive English style gardens.
The Catherine palace at the town of Pushkin originated in 1717 when Catherine 1st of Russia ordered construction of a sumer palace. There is much history here, as Catherine's daughter, Empress Anna, later ordered the original palace destroyed as she felt it was too ornate. Anna had a new palace erected in its place. We toured the palace and the elaborate gardens, then drove to Pavlovsk to tour the palace and gardens of Paul 1st. These carefully tended gardens are at their glory at this time of year with all the blooming flowers in carefully arranged plots, Of course, there are many beautiful fountains everywhere. It was peaceful and serene.
We are back at the ship about 2 for late lunch, then have some free time to settle our account, start packing and thinking about St. Petersburg time on our own after the cruise.
Following dinner, we leave the ship again to attend the "Swan Lake" ballet. Russia is famous for its ballet and this performance was magnificent-great orchestra, lovely costumes and lighting, and fantastic dancing. Very well done! We thoroughly enjoyed it.
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