Hermitage and General Staff
Private Skip-the-Line Tour
The Hermitage houses over 3 million pieces of art, making it impossible to see and admire all of them even in a week. Our guide will lead you through the crowds of tourists along the best route to see the most remarkable artworks and masterpieces from ancient till modern times to make your Hermitage visit most spectacular and truly unforgettable!
Complete Hermitage Experience
Activity level: moderate
Duration: 4 hours
Includes pre-booked tickets
Transportation: public or car
Official licensed guide
Itinerary
Hotel Pick-up
Our guide will come to your hotel (lobby area) or any other indicated address to begin the tour from there. If you stay outside the centre area, we will take the metro with you (tickets are included). You can also book a transfer by car option.
The Winter Palace State Rooms
The Hermitage Museum was founded in 1764 by the Empress Catherine II and its main collection is now housed in the Winter Palace, the royal residence of Russian Emperors. Our journey through time starts at the famous Jordan Staircase bringing you to the Enfilade of the State Rooms of Winter Palace. Tremendous, magnificent halls truly reflect the power and glory of the Russian Empire of the 18th – 19th centuries. Within the walls of St.George Hall, Small Throne Rooms, Heraldic Hall, and Military Gallery the history comes alive!
The Winter Palace Private Quarters
While admiring the spectacular Hermitage collection, you will get a unique chance to see the lavish interiors of the Romanov family members rooms. The fabulous White Hall, Golden Living Room, Green Dining Room, Raspberry Study, Boudoir and Blue Bedroom will astonish you!
The Masterpieces of the Hermitage
The essence of our tour is to get you acquainted with the rich Hermitage collections and let you see the world-famous masterpieces. You will have a chance to appreciate the marvellous works of Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, El Greco, Titian, Lucas van Leyden, Velázquez, Goya, Anthony van Dyck, Rubens and many others.
The Pavilion Hall
We are delighted to show you the famous Peacock Clock – the all-time favourite of all tourists – Russian and foreign, children and adults alike! This art piece is truly unique: besides the sophisticated beauty of every little detail and the artwork as a whole, the clock which is over 250 years old is still functioning!
The General Staff Building of the Hermitage
The second half of our tour continues across the Palace Square in the grand General Staff Building, constructed by Carlo Rossi in Empire style. We have now time travelled to the 19th and 20th centuries art. The inside of the building only amplifies the time travel impression being very spacious, full of air and light, seamlessly combining original historical looks of the interior and modern architecture featuring a lot of glass and metal.
Impressionists Wing & Modern Art
Enjoy the immortal canvas of Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Gauguin, Monet, Picasso, Kandinsky, Malevich and others! Get impressed by the grace of the sculptures by August Rodin and Edgar Degas! And a cherry on the cake is Fabergé Exhibition where one can feast one’s eyes on jewellery pieces created by the renown master himself and other famous artists of Fabergé firm. Although you will not see many Fabergé eggs there, the exhibition is certainly worth visiting.
Hotel Drop-off
At the end of the tour we will take you back to your hotel or any other place you would prefer.
What is included?
- Personal licensed guide
- The Hermitage + The General Staff
- Pre-booked tickets
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- All taxes
- No hidden costs!