How to see the Hermitage, when thousands upon thousands of others want to see it too, and it's such a vast, vast museum?! No easy answer to that question. In a way, it's a "must-do" in St. P, but someone in our group summed it up best: "we saw everything, and didn't see anything." I was too stressed out about losing sight of my guide to really concentrate on much. That said, I'm glad I went.
Peterhof Palace Rating:
Peterhof is beautiful, from the gardens to the famous fountains, to the Baroque palace itself. Going on an organized tour meant that we got in first, and avoided a bunch of the crowds later. That's the only way to do it.
City Tour Rating:
St. Petersburg is so significant in the history of Russia and the former USSR. This was a small tour (25 people) to two small museums, the Kirov, and the Museum of Political History. An intimate look at history.
We did a "Vintage Tram Tour" which was Ok - guide was good - but I'm not sure it was worth paying for. Walking around the city is easy enough to do, and it's a pretty city.