Peterhof day trip from Saint Petersburg: the Grand Cascade and the Lower Park fountains
Peterhof is the summer residence Peter the Great built to rival Versailles, and its fountains are still the most impressive sight around Saint Petersburg. On this trip you go there by private car with your own guide, without queues for the hydrofoil and without the rush of a big group.
You walk along the Grand Cascade with the golden Samson fountain, follow the Sea Channel to the Gulf of Finland and explore the Lower Park: Peter’s small Dutch-style house Monplaisir, the joke fountains that splash unwary visitors and the views across the water to Kronstadt. If you want to see the interiors, the guide will help you get tickets to the Grand Palace.
The fountains work from late April to mid-October. In the cold season the park is quiet and beautiful, and the tour focuses on the palaces and the seafront.
Practical details
Transport
Private car, about 50 minutes each way.
Difficulty level
Easy to moderate. 6–8 km on foot in the park.
Itinerary
Tour start: Your hotel in Saint Petersburg, 09:30
Finish: Your hotel, around 15:30
Drive along the Gulf of Finland
About 50 minutes by car past the old country estates on the Peterhof Road. The guide tells the story of the city and of Peter the Great.
The Grand Cascade and Samson
The main terrace of the palace: 64 fountains, gilded statues and the Samson fountain in the centre. The best photos are from the Sea Channel.
The Lower Park and Monplaisir
A walk to the Gulf, Peter's favourite small palace Monplaisir and the joke fountains that turn on when you least expect it.
Free time and return
Time for coffee or the Grand Palace interiors, then the drive back to your hotel.
Good to know
The Grand Palace is closed on Mondays, so the tour runs from Wednesday to Sunday.
The park is large: plan for 6–8 km of walking on gravel paths.
Take a light jacket: it is often windy by the Gulf.
Included in the price
- ✓ Private car with driver for the whole day
- ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Saint Petersburg
- ✓ Guide services in English or Russian
Not included in the price
- — Entrance tickets to the Lower Park and the Grand Palace (the guide will tell you current prices)
- — Lunch
Available dates
Wed, 18 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Thu, 19 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Fri, 20 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Sat, 21 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Sun, 22 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Wed, 25 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Thu, 26 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Fri, 27 Nov 2026, 09:30
$160 per group
Instant confirmation. You pay the guide on the day of the tour.
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