Day 2 St Petersburg

Late night then early morning and back past the high apartment blocks to the old city then out to the Peterhof, Summer Palace of the Emperors, enlarged over time to a palace with gardens aiming to rival Versailles . Very busy with tourists everywhere but we still got a good impression of the luxurious interiors enjoyed by the rich before the revolution. Gold leaf and antiquities and portraits as far as the eye can see.





But the jewels were really evident in the Hermitage museum which incorporated the winter palace along the main river in the old town centre. Fabulous interiors and grand masters including Rembrant, da Vinci, Monet and Van Gogh as well as sculptures, portraits, beautiful intricately inlaid furniture and flooring. From one gallery through to the next building we were amazed and jostled in the crowds. The sun didn't shine much but the fold and opulence made up for the gloom and grime.





Next stop Finland, Finland, Finland

Graeme and Wendy