The palace you will see on this tour was designed by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the creator of the Winter Palace and Smolny Cathedral. Most of the restored interiors date back to the time of Empress Elizabeth, the daughter of Peter the Great, though there are some early 19th century interiors too. Catherine the Great chose to live in a separate wing of the palace, and even at the age of 60 she quite happily walked the length of the palace to reach the building's private church every day.

The Amber Room of the Catherine Palace is a chamber decorated with amber panels, gold leaf, and mirrors. Originally created in the 18th century, the panels disappeared during WWII. In 2003 the panels were recreated and the Amber Room reconstructed.

Step into the world of the Empresses Elizabeth and Catherine as you walk through the gilded ballrooms and imperial halls, and marvel at the luxury of the decoration. All Russian monarchs lived, worked, granted audiences, and held diplomatic receptions, gala balls, and masquerades in the gorgeous palace halls.

The park that surrounds the palace is a spectacular work of Russian gardening art of the 18th and 19th centuries, which combines masterpieces of architecture with the stunning beauty of nature.

The royal reception continues not far from Pushkin to the superb palace, and park grounds of Pavlovsk. This colossal, imperial estate was the residence of Emperor Paul I, heir to Catherine the Great. Wander the lavish royal chambers, then stroll through the beautifully landscaped English gardens, and along the river.