The Hermitage Museum will open at night for an evening viewing exclusively for you and your fellow Holland America guests. Czarina Catherine the Great created the Hermitage in 1764 and it now ranks among the world's finest museums. Her original purchase of 225 canvasses by Dutch and Flemish masters provided the nucleus of today's collection, which consists of almost three million exhibits and represents many cultures. The museum boasts 353 rooms, filled with masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Giorgione, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and others. Located within the Winter Palace, on the banks of the Neva River, the Hermitage Museum is a work of art in itself. As you marvel at the wonderful paintings and tapestries that adorn the museum walls, pay special attention to the spectacular staircases, marble structures, malachite columns and highly decorated floors and ceilings in this former residence of the mighty Russian Czars.

Notes:

Use of an audio headset (included) will enhance your tour experience. The Hermitage requires considerable walking and stair climbing. There is a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St Petersburg. Fees are payable in US dollars to your guide and correct change is required. Current information will be provided on board as prices are subject to change. Tour requires extensive walking. Tour is not available on all sailings.