bateaux seine cruise

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Sightseeing Cruise

Restaurant cruises.

Experience spring to the fullest with a gastronomic journey aboard our dining cruises. FROM €95

Paris dinner cruise

The sun sets and night falls over Paris, the flagship Jean-Sébastien Mouche casts off its moorings and the harbour slowly drifts away. You are about to experience an extraordinary dinner cruise with the company Bateaux Mouches® … The city of lights slowly unveils itself as you softly slip by along the shimmering waters of the Seine. The mood is romantic, the magic is in force...You are the actors in a wonderful play, played only for you. The sophisticated menu echos the extraordinary setting, displaying culinary flair, governed by excellence. This dinner cruise will be remembered as one of the most special moments of your stay in Paris.

This service is available every evening. It includes a magnificent night-time cruise during which you will enjoy a romantic dinner with musical accompaniment. We offer two menu choices: Prestige and Excellence. 

Other cruises on the Seine

As well as dinner, Bateaux Mouches® also provide lunch cruises or simple boat tours to explore Paris from the Seine.  

• Boat Trip on the Seine
• Lunchtime Cruise
• Brunch Cruise
• Dinner Show

Cruises on the Seine in Paris since 1959

• Timetables for our cruises

• 1h daytime or evening discovery cruise
• 1-hour snack cruise on the Seine
• Sunset cruise
• Cruise Canal Saint Martin + Seine
• Discovery cruise of the Canal Saint Martin

La Parisienne Champagne & Macarons Cruise

• La Parisienne Cruise: charcuterie board
• "Happy Hour" cruise on the Seine
• Cruise on the Seine & 2H Paris City Tour
• Lunch-Dinner cruise
• Beaujolais Nouveau Cruise 21 & 23 November 2024
• New Year's Eve cruises 2024 December 31
• Valentine's Day cruises
• Bastille Day cruises 2025
• Groups / Privatisations
• The company

1 HOUR SIGHTSEEING CRUISE ON THE SEINE BY DAY OR NIGHT

Cruises in paris, “ discover our daytime and evening 1-hour cruises with commentary, departing from the île de la cité in the heart of the city every day approximately every 1/2h from 10:30am until 10:30pm... ”, book your tickets.

Time-stamped e-ticket

Adult : 14 € * 16€ Child : 8 € 10€

Open ticket valid for 1 year

Adult : 15 € * 16€ Child : 8 € 10€

Take advantage of our discounted rates for groups!

• from 10 to 40 people: 12 €/pers 16 €
• from 41 to 60 people: 11 €/pers 16 €
• more than 60 people: 10 €/pers 16 €

The times displayed may vary depending on availability

* Olympic Games (July 27 to August 11, 2024): Special pricing

Boarding point

Circuit map.

Your cruise

A unique experience: Sail along the most beautiful avenue in Paris...and perhaps even in the world, rediscovering its monuments and bridges from an angle only possible from the Seine, all illuminated in the evening. From the Louvre Museum to Notre-Dame Cathedral, passing by the Eiffel Tower, your one-hour cruise starts and ends at the Pont-Neuf, on the Ile de la Cité, in the heart of historic Paris.

Live commentary in French and English: Our guide will make you discover a little-known Paris through numerous historical or more unusual anecdotes in a relaxed and totally exotic atmosphere.

Our Free Mobile App also gives you access to these commentaries in real time in Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese and other languages.

Download and print the tour route with comments in one of the following languages (PDF) :

The glittering Eiffel Tower: As night falls you can enjoy the spectacle of the glittering Eiffel Tower - all our evening timetables are designed so that we sail in front of the Tower as it is lit up and glittering (once per hour, timetables depend on season).

Our boats: All our boats have an open top deck to enjoy the first rays of sunshine whatever the season. A covered and heated interior space remains available in most of our boats to face the harshest of elements in the cosy comfort of our panoramic lower decks.

Easy access by metro and RER: RER: Châtelet or St-Michel, Metro: Pont Neuf (M°7), Louvre (M°1) or Cité (M°4)

Vedettes du Pont Neuf offers exceptional promotions on tickets purchased online* as well as discounts with our partners . Reduce paper consumption and avoid queuing at the cash desk by booking your ticket online*, guaranteed seat on board.

Fill in the form Fill in the form by choosing your preferred option, the date, the departure time if relevant and the desired number of passengers.

Confirm Fill in your information and validate the order.

Make payment Pay for your order by debit or credit card on the secure interface.

Keep or print Keep the ticket sent by email on your smartphone or tablet, or print the Internet ticket containing your order number and your QR Code.

Come along in person Come along in person with your digital or printed ticket to the Vedettes du Pont Neuf and enjoy your cruise.

* You can choose between 2 ticket options:

The time-stamped ticket which is only valid for the selected departure The "Open" ticket gives you access to all our "discovery cruises", the validity of the ticket is 1 year from the date of issue, without reservation or confirmation, subject to availability.

OTHER CRUISES

"Happy Hour" cruise on the Seine (1 hour)

Our boat and its bar welcome you during this unique 1 hour cruise in Paris; the soft musical atmosphere on board will plunge you into the magical atmosphere of Paris at the end of the day; the first drink (champagne, wine, beer or soft drinks) is included.

Sunset Cruise on the Seine

A friendly and cosy 1h30 cruise on the Seine with a free drink! Make yourself comfortable on board our new little electric boat and discover Paris and its monuments.

Discovery cruise of the Canal St Martin

A romantic and unusual walk on the Canal Saint Martin, to discover the incredible underground tunnel only accessible by boat, the functioning of the locks and the swing bridges: the "Paris of the Parisians", passing in front of Arletty's Hôtel du Nord, "atmosphere, atmosphere!

Olympic opening ceremony cruise, from the Canal Saint-Martin to the Seine

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with our exceptional cruise following the route of the Olympic Flame. Embark on an unforgettable adventure along the Saint-Martin Canal and the Seine, retracing the path of the athletes and the festivities of the Opening Parade.

From our exclusive embarkation points, the Ile de la Cité or the Port de l'Arsenal at the foot of the Place de la Bastille, sail off to discover a magical Paris. Enjoy a glass of champagne and a trio of macarons from the sun deck with its panoramic view, or in the covered dining room of our human-sized boat. You can enhance your cruise with an optional charcuterie and cheese board (+16€).

OUR PARTNERS

5 Sightseeing Seine River Cruises in Paris Compared

Numerous boat companies offer discovery tours to explore Paris and its landmarks. With so many options, making a choice can be challenging; that’s why I’ve assembled a list of the best discovery cruises and compared the services on board to assist you in your decision. Get ready to set sail! 🚢🚢

Table of Contents

In a Nutshell

The most reliable : bateaux-mouches.

• It is the least expensive one and the one which has the most available slots

The best located : Bateaux parisiens

• The boarding is in front of the Eiffel Tower

The most unusual : Batobus

• A unique concept: a “river” bus
• Travel in Paris and hop off wherever you want while enjoying a nice view

The smaller groups : Vedettes de Paris

• Those are the smallest boats on the Seine for a cruise with a small group
• A real guide leads the visit

The most eco-friendly : Vedettes du Pont-Neuf

• The company is committed to changing its boats, one by one, for more eco-friendly boats

The best discovery cruises on the Seine

These cruises do not include any lunch or dinner. If you want to eat on a boat, you should read this article where we compare in detail the dinner cruises.

Bateaux-mouches

It is impossible to talk about discovery cruises without mentioning the Bateaux-mouches . Since 1949, its aim has been to “ bring you around Paris by taking its most beautiful avenue: the Seine ” (Jean Bruel, its founder).

Bateaux-mouches has six boats for its discovery cruises each of which has a capacity of 1,000 passengers .

Their cutting-edge technology boats allow you for a 360 degrees view .

Departure times: During the low season (from October to March), there is a departure roughly every 40 minutes from 11 a.m to 9:20 p.m every day of the week. During the high season (from April to September), there is a departure roughly every 30 minutes from 10 a.m to 10:30 p.m every day.

Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes for a 15-kilometer cruise of about

Prices: €15 for adults (13 years old and over) and €5 for children (4 years old and over). Free for children under 4.

Snacks on board: no snacks

Departure gate: Pont de l’Alma, a less than 15-minute walk away from the Champs-Elysees

Metro and RER: a 2-minute walk away from Alma-Marceau station (M9), a 12-minute walk away from Franklin-D. Roosevelt (M1) and a 2-minute walk away from RER C Pont de l’Alma

Commentary: French, English, Spanish. Brochures are available in 27 different languages.

What we like:

• The affordable prices
• The flexibility with many seats and slots

Information and Booking (Exclusive: Save 10%+ with a combined ticket to Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, or Montparnasse Tower)

Bateaux Parisiens

Bateaux Parisiens offers you the occasion to discover the most famous landmarks of Paris , in modern fully glazed boats with an exceptional view on the upper decks.

There are toilets for your convenience and free wifi access .

People with reduced mobility are welcome on board.

Toilets for disabled people are available on the dock, in the company’s bar-restaurant, on pontoon number 2.

Departure times: One departure every hour every day, between 12 a.m and 10 p.m

Duration: one hour

• €16 per adult
• €7.50 per child (from 4 to 11) and free for children under 4 and babies.

Snacks on board: no snacks but the company has a bar-restaurant on the docks

Departure gate: Eiffel Tower

Metro and RER: a 10-minute walk from Bir-Hakeim (M6), an 8-minute walk from Trocadéro (M9) and an 8-minute walk from RER C Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel0

Commentary: 14 languages on the individual audio guides (included in the price) and a special version for children on the audio guide (in French only) are available. A real travel guide only available in the lower part of the boat is also present.

• accessible for disabled people
• For children, the Bateaux Parisiens organizes a Miraculous-themed cruise for a cultural and fun activity

Information and Booking (Exclusive: Save 10%+ with a combined ticket to Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Museum of Man, Rodin Museum, Paris Aquarium, or Montparnasse Tower)

Vedettes du Pont-Neuf

In 1959, a boat dealer decided to start a cruise business in Paris.

That is when Vedettes du Pont-Neuf was born. It was a major success.

The boats have a capacity of about 300 passengers and an upper deck .

There is a heating system inside to suit every season.

The night cruise (departure at 9:15 p.m) shows you the shining Eiffel tower . You must not miss that.

Aware of the environmental issues , the company is gradually replacing its boats with electric and hybrid boats that will not pollute the Seine with non-recyclable waste .

Departure times: A departure at 11 a.m, 3 p.m, 4:15 p.m, 6:45 p.m, 9:15 p.m. In the summertime, there are departures from 10:30 a.m to 10:30 p.m.

• €14 per adult
• €9 per child (from 4 to 12)
• free for children under 4 and babies.

Snacks on board: crepe or cookie + beverage (€5), sandwich (€7), glass of champagne (€8)

Departure gate: Pont-Neuf, right in the historic centre of Paris, on the Île de la Cité

Metro and RER: a 2-minute walk from Pont-Neuf (M7), a 7-minute walk from Louvre (M1), a 12-minute walk from Cité (M4), an 8-minute walk from RER Châtelet and a 6-minute walk from RER B St-Michel

Commentary: French. With its free mobile app “ Vedettes du Pont-Neuf ”, you will have access to live commentaries in other languages . You can also print commentaries and itineraries from their website in other languages (English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Dutch, Swedish and Danish).

• The company’s environmental commitment
• It is possible to eat on board

Information and Booking

As its name suggests, the concept of the company is to offer a river bus network .

There are nine stops where you can hop on and off the boat to discover the capital at your own pace.

You pay a 24-hour pass to hop on and off as much as you want during that time.

You can also get a 48-hour pass if you need more time to visit. If you book online, you will have to print your ticket if you want to embark.

Departure times: From Wednesday to Sunday, a departure every 15 minutes from 11:40 a.m to 6:30 p.m (the last departure is at the Tour Eiffel departure gate).

• €21 for a 24-hour pass per adult and €8 per child (between 3 and 15 years old).
• €23.50 for a 48-hour pass per adult and €10 per child.
• Free for children under 3 and babies.

Departure gate: At any of the nine stops

• Tour Eiffel
• Les Invalides
• Musée d’Orsay
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Cathédrale Notre-Dame
• Jardin des Plantes
• Hôtel de Ville
• Champs-Elysées

Subway and RER:

• For the Tour Eiffel departure gate: a 10-minute walk from Bir-Hakeim (M6), an 8-minute walk from Trocadéro (M9), an 8-minute walk from RER Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel
• For the Les Invalides departure gate: a one-minute walk from Invalides (M3), a 6-minute walk from Alma-Marceau and Iéna (M9) and a 5-minute walk from RER C Pont de l’Alma
• For the Musée d’Orsay departure gate: a 6-minute walk from Assemblée Nationale (M12) and a 4 minute-walk from RER C Musée d’Orsay
• For the Saint-Germain-des-Prés departure gate: a 4-minute walk from Saint Germain des Prés (M4)
• For the Cathédrale Notre-Dame departure gate: a 5-minute walk from Saint-Michel (M4), a 3-minute walk from Maubert – Mutualité (M10) and a 5-minute walk from RER B Saint-Michel—Notre Dame
• For the Jardin des Plantes departure gate: a 5-minute walk from Jussieu (M7), a 2-minute walk from Jussieu and Gare d’Austerlitz (M10), a 2-minute walk from RER C Gare d’Austerlitz
• For the Hôtel de Ville departure gate: a 6 minute-walk from Hôtel de ville (M1 and M11)
• For the Louvre departure gate: a 13-minute walk from Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre (M1 or M7)
• For the Champs-Elysées departure gate: a 7-minute walk from Concorde (M1) and a 5-minute walk from Champs-Elysées – Clémenceau
• With the pass, you can hop on and off the Batobus as much as you want
• The concept is original

Information and Booking (Exclusive: Save up to 10% with a combined ticket to the Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Grand Gallery of Evolution or the Zoo)

Les Vedettes de Paris

The Vedettes de Paris boats are the smallest cruising boats on the Seine, which is perfect for those who are looking for smaller groups.

A real travel guide will explain the history of Paris landmarks, its secrets and multiple anecdotes about the capital.

It is possible to hop off after 30 minutes to visit the nearby neighbourhoods and to hop on again without paying anything extra.

Departure times: One departure every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

• €20 per adult
• €9 per child (from 4 to 11)
• Free for children under 4 and for babies.

Snacks on board: €8 for a glass of champagne, €5 for a crepe or cookie, €7 for a sandwich + a cookie + a drink

Departure gate: Next to the Eiffel Tower

Metro / RER: a 10-minute walk from Bir-Hakeim (M6), an 8-minute walk from Trocadéro (M9) and an 8-minute walk from RER C Champ de Mars – Tour Eiffel

Commentary : French and English. For other languages, please download the free mobile app “ Vedettes de Paris ”.

• The visits are guided by a real person
• The more intimate atmosphere of this cruise

Comparison table of the discovery cruises on the Seine

Do i have to make a booking for the cruise in advance.

No, it is not compulsory but it is better to do it to be sure to have a seat. You can buy your tickets at the ticket office up to 15 to 20 minutes before boarding.

When do I receive confirmation of my cruise booking?

Immediately.

Are there any stops during the cruises?

No, there are no stops, except for the Batobus company.

Is luggage allowed on board?

Bulky luggage (other than handbags, backpacks and computer bags) is not accepted for the safety of all. Please feel free to leave them in public or private luggage lockers .

Are pets allowed onboard?

No, animals are not accepted, except for guide dogs. However, Batobus does accept dogs as long as they are kept on a leash with a muzzle or in a bag for small dogs.

Are there toilets onboard?

No, except for Bateaux Parisiens (toilets on board and toilets for the disabled on the dock).

Are cruises canceled if it rains or snows?

Snow and rain do not disrupt traffic. However, if the water level is too low or too high, the Batobus boats will not set. But this is extremely rare.

Is it possible to eat onboard?

No, not on the discovery cruises. There are special lunch and dinner cruises but a reservation is required. However, Vedettes de Paris and Vedettes du Pont-Neuf sell snacks on board if you are a bit hungry.

Are there any cruises on Sundays and bank holidays?

All companies have cruises on Sundays and bank holidays, except for government restrictions. However, Bateaux Parisiens company has no cruises after 5 p.m on the second Monday of January.

Do you recommend a day or night cruise?

We recommend the late day cruises, which are unforgettable with the city lights and the setting sun. And if you are lucky, you will see the Eiffel Tower sparkle (every hour for 10 minutes when it’s dark).

Can I cancel a cruise and get a refund?

You can get a refund if you cancel 72 hours in advance.

Can I change the date of a booking?

Yes, it is possible. You must make the request 72 hours (or at the latest 24 hours) before boarding. The new date must not exceed 6 months after the initial date and will be assigned according to the availability of the companies.

I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!

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CRUISE ON THE SEINE

The ultimate guide to seine river cruises in paris.

Cruises on the Seine » Plan your visit » Seine River Cruise Route – All the Details You Need to Know!

Seine River Cruise Route – All the Details You Need to Know!

What is the typical Seine River cruise route? Where are the stops, and what are the key sights you will see? Here is everything you need to know about the Seine River cruise route map.

• By: Ryan Mitchell

Gliding slowly down the River Seine through the heart of Paris on a river cruise is one of the best ways to take in the breathtaking beauty of the “City of Light.” As the sights and grandeur of Paris unfold along the riverbanks, a Seine cruise promises an unforgettable perspective on this iconic city.

The Seine river cuts Paris in two, with the Right Bank to the north and the Left Bank to the south. It provides sustenance, borders, perspective, poetry—and now also cruise ships ready to give both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers fresh eyes to Paris through a voyage along the water. Whether you take a quick one-hour tour or leisurely all-day outing, prepare to enjoy Paris at its most charming, romantic, and inspiring from aboard your Seine River cruise.

Typical Seine River Cruise Route map

Though routes can vary slightly, most sightseeing cruises (Like this Cruise by Bateaux Parisiens or this Cruise by Bateaux Mouches) begin or end their roundtrip loop at the Port de la Bourdonnais, nestled at the foot of the Eiffel Tower .

Gliding away, passengers are treated to glittering views of the “Iron Lady” herself while the boat slips eastwards. The ornate Musée d’Orsay soon comes into sight on the Left Bank, its grand architecture now home to the world’s largest collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Further along the river, boats float by the renowned Louvre Museum , passengers catching glimpses of I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid and the museum’s sprawling classical buildings.

Just beyond, the awe-inspiring Notre Dame Cathedral appears, its Gothic towers and architecture reflecting beautifully in the Seine’s waters. Across from this iconic cathedral is the Palais de Justice complex, including the towering medieval Conciergerie that held prisoners during the French Revolution.

Heading back westwards, sightseeing boats pass under the elaborate Pont Alexandre III bridge , laden with sculptures and gilt lamps. Next comes sweeping views of the Grand Palais and its giant glass-domed hall. Finally, the cruise loops back towards the Eiffel Tower, its graceful iron latticework glinting in welcome. Passengers disembark back where their journey began – under the shadow of Paris’ most iconic monument.

Here is some of the most classical Seine Cruise you can find:

Key seine cruise route stops & coordinates.

Here are some of the main stops along a Seine River cruise route and their approximate geographic coordinates:

Choosing the Right Seine River Cruise

With dozens of boat tour companies plying the waters of the Seine through the heart of Paris, choosing the right river cruise to suit your interests and schedule can be overwhelming. Whether you want a quick one-hour highlight tour or an immersive half or full day cruise experience, there are many factors to consider.

The time of day you plan to cruise governs choices significantly. Daytime trips allow you to see top attractions in optimal light, though crowds will be thicker. Evening illuminations of landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame are spectacular but sites close earlier. Special dining cruises feature high-end multi-course meals with limited sightseeing. Budget extra time for lengthy guided tours at key stops like the Louvre or Orsay.

When evaluating operators, look for cruiselines that give audio guides in your native language, have indoor cabin seating for poor weather, and offer snacks or light meals. Review docking locations too, as some smaller boats can go places big ships can’t. Sure bets are major operators like Bateaux Parisiens, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, or Bateaux-Mouches. Read recent reviews about companies carefully regarding things like guide quality, ease of boarding, and ride comfort.

Ticket prices for Seine cruises depend on many aspects like meals, guides, duration and upgrades. An inexpensive one-hour cruise may run $15 while lavish dinner packages with tours can cost over $100 per guest. Know what you want to spend before focusing your search. Additionally, look for special family, student or senior fares. Booking ahead online saves money too compared to last minute purchases dockside.

Choosing your perfect Seine River cruise involves balancing timing, budget, amenities and more. Focus on your unique priorities whether that’s just seeing the highlights quickly or making a whole luxurious day around a special boat tour.

Making the Most of Your Seine River Cruise Experience

A Seine River cruise promises views of Paris’s majestic monuments and charming vistas accessible in no other way. With careful trip planning, you can make the most of your special on-the-water experience while in the City of Light.

If visiting Paris for a very limited time, a one to two hour highlights cruise is likely the best bet to see top sites efficiently. Capture postcard perfect shots of Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, elaborate bridges and more from unique river vantage points. Then focus the rest of your visit on exploring places like the Louvre, Arc de Triomphe or Versailles.

For more extended Paris stays, pair a half or full day Seine cruise with in-depth tours of attractions docked along the route. Disembark at places like the Musée D’Orsay to wander its impressionist masterpieces for a few hours before re-boarding. Build in time to stroll the Tuileries Garden or Napoleon’s Tomb after your boat anchors near these landmarks too. Checking opening hours is key for good planning.

Look for creative Seine souvenirs beyond the standard photos too! Reproductions of paintings seen in riverside museums, delicate Parisian marzipan confections in Eiffel Tower shapes, or even a coffee table book spotlighting the river itself make more unique keepsakes. Ask your guide for recommendations of the best shops near docks as well.

Aim for April to June or September to November for the most comfortable Paris weather and fewer crowds. But despite chillier winter air or summer heat, the views along the Seine remain glorious year-round. Dress appropriately, and the magic of gliding by Notre Dame blanketed in snow or seeing sun set behind the ornate bridges will stay with you forever, no matter the season.

More useful information about Seine River Cruise in Paris

• Come check all the Best Seine River Dinner Cruise in Paris!
• Going to Paris with kids? here are the best Seine River Cruises with Kids !
• Having a Low-Budget? Here are some Cheap Seine River Cruises with deals and discounts!
• Paris hop-on hop-off river cruise – The best way to travel in Paris!
• What is Seine Cruise Tickets Prices ?– The best Guide!

Cruise On the Seine - Who we are?

We are a group of travelers who love to explore and write about Paris. Over the years, we have gained extensive experience with cruising on the Seine River in Paris. Here, you could find all the essential information you need to know about Seine River cruises, including the different types of cruise, prices, tickets, operating hours, departure points, and many more. Bon voyage!

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• saint-petersburg

Saint Petersburg Neva Cruise & Bridge Opening 2-Hour Tour

Saint Petersburg

boating, historical, sightseeing

English, Hindi

Description

Cruise along the Neva River and pass through several bridges of Saint Petersburg on this 2-hour wonderful excursion. Check out the Mariinsky Theatre and pass sights, including New Holland Island, St Nicholas Naval Cathedral and St Isaac’s Cathedral. Also, learn about the history of Neva, its bridges, channels and Saint Petersburg’s founder, Peter the Great, by your tour guide.

Neva River Cruise

Meet your guide in your hotel anywhere in Saint Petersburg at 23:00 hrs and start the tour.

Head to Quay. Step aboard your comfortable sightseeing boat. As you ride in your boat, watch for many tops and prominent Saint Petersburg’s attractions that flank Neva’s waters. See the Peter and Paul Fortress, the city’s first building, and sail by other magnificent landmarks. Click here pics of the Summer Garden with its marble statues, and of the Aurora, the 19th-century battleship that fired the first shot of the October 1917 Russian Revolution: a blank that signalled to the revolutionaries to storm the Winter Palace. 

Catch a glimpse of the ornate Mariinsky Theatre and pass sights including New Holland Island, St Nicholas Naval Cathedral and St Isaac’s Cathedral. The amazing Russian Orthodox church, topped by a gleaming gold dome. 

Finally, the boat will pass by the Hermitage and stop in front of Palace Bridge and enjoy here the most beautiful and amazing view of the bridge opening in Saint Petersburg. Now our boat returns to the original departure jetty, where the tour ends.

Transfer back to your hotel.

What's Included

What's excluded, meeting point, cancellation policy.

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Check Availability Hide

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Grand Menshikov Palace

Menshikov began to build his residence here in 1713, at about the same time as Peter began work on his own estate at Peterhof. Menshikov seemed intent on outdoing his master in terms of scale and grandeur, and commissioned architects Giovanni Mario Fontana and Gottfried Schadel, who were already building the Menshikov Palace in St. Petersburg, to design his seaside palace. After over a decade of work, which eventually bankrupted Menshikov, the palace was completed.

Facing the sea, with a two-level terrace in front of it, this charming yellow and white building consists of a concave central block with two single-storey galleries leading to prominent octagonal pavilions, one of which houses the palace chapel. On the south side of the building, two large ancillary wings, the Kitchen Wing and the Ladies' Wing, run from the pavilions perpendicular to the central block.

Menshikov had little time to enjoy his new palace before he was arrested and exiled in 1727. The estate at Oranienbaum was passed to the state, and Menshikov's palace became a naval hospital. In 1743, the estate was presented by Empress Elizabeth to her nephew, the future Peter III, who commissioned Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the greatest late baroque architect working in Russia, to renovate the palace. Rastrelli left the exterior of the palace almost untouched, but created sumptuous interiors that have, sadly, long since been destroyed. At this time, the western pavilion became known as the Japanese Pavilion, thanks to the collection of Japanese and Chinese ceramics it housed.

The palace was altered again in 1762 by Antonio Rinaldi, who added a granite staircase and semi-circular balcony to the northern terraces and redecorated many of the interiors. After serving as a Naval Cadet College from the end of the 18 th century, the palace was used as a residence by both Alexander I and his brother Mikhail. During the 19 th century, several famous architects, including Luigi Ruska, Carlo Rossi, and Vasiliy Satsov, reworked the interiors of the palace.

Today, while the Grand Menshikov Palace is still extremely impressive from the outside, its interiors are in a parlous state, and major renovation work still needs to be done to prevent parts of the building collapsing. For visitors, there is little to see except a collection of portraits of the various owners of Oranienbaum.

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