Traditional Russian Tea Ceremony in St Petersburg with Private Local Guide

Then you will explore the Mikhailovsky Garden, where you will enjoy the atmosphere of luxury and splendor. For some period of time there was hunting ground here, as Russian Empresses loved this kind of entertainment. Take splendid pictures of green garden and beautiful palace on the background or just relax walking through peaceful passes. Proceed to the Saint Michaels Castle a really magnificent and impressive structure. Originally it was home for Emperor's family, and then it became a technical school. It is a really incomparable construction, each of its façade is different, so you probably wouldn't believe they belong to same castle.

Pass by the famous monument dedicated to Chizhyk-Pyzhik, funny vodka-drinking character of Russian folk song. The tune is so simple, that it is often used by those who learn to play piano. The monument is made in shape of a small bird (“chizh”, which means “siskin”), 11 cm height, and is located on Fontanka River near bridge splendid bridge. Try to throw a coin and make a wish, and if you coin stays on a small pedestal, your wish will be fulfilled.

Your next stop is the magnificent Summer Garden, where you will wander around numerous beautiful sculptures and fountains. The atmosphere here is so inspiring that many poets dedicated their poems to Summer Garden. Pond, vases, beautiful channel are among the many wonderful things you will explore here. Even the railing of Summer Garden is so scrumptious, that it has become a symbol of St Petersburg.

Before leaving the Summer Garden look at the amazing Summer Palace of Peter the Great. Main summer residences of Russian Emperors are located in suburbs, so this Summer Palace in city center is quite modest. There are only 14 rooms there and just 2 kitchens, but it is the oldest palace in St Petersburg and nowadays you can see it in its original look.

Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Neva River embankments. Bridges, palaces on the opposite site, deep blue water – you will never forget this atmosphere. It is definitely the best place for a magnificent selfie, even if wind will mess up your hairstyle.

Just a several minutes walking through vibrant streets of St. Petersburg and you will get to the cozy Afisha bar and take part in a fascinating ritual of Russian tea drinking. You will try traditional Russian tea, called Kyakhta tea, and delivered from China. Immerse in Russian cuisine and try red caviar, homemade marshmallows, honeydew and blackcurrant marmalade. The very special offer of this place is rosans, special cake that were beloved by well-known Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky.

By the way, Dostoevsky had a sweet tooth and was a regular customer of St Petersburg confectioneries, so you can enjoy sweets made with writer’s favorite recipes. You will not only pamper your taste buds, but also have eye candies, as food is served on a tea set from the Imperial Porcelain Factory. This will make your tea party elegant and refined. This experience is so good, that it feels like a crime to touch or eat anything that looks so beautiful.