This cruise was the top of my bucket list and it did not disappoint. This is a great way to see Russia if you are not young and too adventurous. This was 2nd Viking cruise (first was Danube). We got a "cannot turn down deal" of $3900 including free air! We had actually been planning to go next year, but when we were offered this rate, we grabbed it.
Started in St. Petersburg: only complaint, the tour of Peterhof Castle was an optional one and we didn't do our homework. We didn't choose it and missed the best thing in St. Petersburg! This tour should be included. St. Petersburg has so much to offer. It is a beautiful European city.
Next stop: Mandrogy is a made-up "Disney" stop. It's a little village of craftsmen. It was interesting, but not my favorite stop.
More than half the square was fenced off in preparation for festival.
Town of Pushkin is very pretty.
We got a lot of history and St. Petersburg is small enough to get a good feel for the city by driving around.