Day Schedule

➤ Breakfast

➤ Pushkin/Tsarskoye Selo

➤ Visiting Catherine’s palace & world-famous Amber Room

➤ Troika ride experience

Catherine's Palace

Today, we visit Catherine’s Palace, an extravagant display of Baroque-era opulence. Commissioned in 1717, the Palace has had many a transformation since its original imaginings. It’s most well-known for being the summer palace of Empress Elizabeth and Catherine the Great in the end of the XVIII century, now, it’s a must-see display of Russian architecture.

Amber Room

The Amber Room, located in Catherine's Palace in Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo), is one of Russia's most iconic and mysterious treasures. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this extraordinary chamber is renowned for its walls entirely covered in amber panels, intricately backed with gold leaf and mirrors. The intricate craftsmanship of the room, along with the warm glow of amber, created a breathtaking and opulent effect that dazzled visitors during its prime.

Its creation began in 1701 and was the product of an international collaboration, with the original design by German sculptor Andreas Schlüter. The room was gifted to Peter the Great by Frederick William I of Prussia in 1716 as a diplomatic gesture to strengthen the alliance between Prussia and Russia against Sweden.

Upon its arrival in Russia, the Amber Room was set up in the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. In 1755, it was relocated to the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (now Pushkin), where the renowned Italian architect Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli expanded and redesigned the room to fit its new, grander setting. a symbol of Russian imperial grandeur. Tragically, the original Amber Room was lost during World War II, when it was stolen by the Nazis during their occupation of the area. Despite many attempts to locate the missing panels, the fate of the original Amber Room remains one of history's great unsolved mysteries.

However, the Amber Room was meticulously reconstructed in the 2000s, following extensive research and restoration efforts. While it may not be the original, the recreated Amber Room is still an awe-inspiring sight, offering visitors a glimpse into the grandeur of Russian royal life and the artistry that went into creating such an extraordinary room. The reconstructed Amber Room continues to be a highlight of Catherine's Palace and one of the most visited attractions in Russia.

Troika

The "troika" is a traditional Russian harness driving combination featuring three horses side by side, pulling a sleigh or carriage. Its origins date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. At full speed, a troika can reach 45–50 kilometers per hour, which was considered quite fast for its time. Today, we will experience this iconic winter tradition! This winter experience is sure to be memorable, immersing you in the charm and history of Russian culture! Enjoy your troika ride!