Russia · Dining Experience

Traditional Russian Tea Ceremony in St Petersburg with Private Local Guide

3 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg. Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Private guided walking tour through central St. Petersburg
  • 02 See Mikhailovsky Palace, Mikhailovsky Garden, and Saint Michael's Castle
  • 03 Stroll through the Summer Garden and view the Summer Palace of Peter the Great
  • 04 Enjoy scenic views along the Neva River embankments
  • 05 Spot the famous Chizhyk-Pyzhik monument
  • 06 Take part in a traditional Russian tea ceremony
  • 07 Taste Kyakhta tea, red caviar, marmalade, and sweets
  • 08 Tea served on an elegant Imperial Porcelain Factory tea set

Discover a refined side of St. Petersburg on a private walking tour that combines elegant city landmarks with a traditional Russian tea ceremony. Stroll through the historic heart of the city as your guide leads you past the Mikhailovsky Palace, Mikhailovsky Garden, Saint Michael's Castle, the Summer Garden, and the scenic embankments of the Neva River.

Along the way, enjoy grand architecture, peaceful garden paths, riverside views, and charming local stories before settling into a cozy tearoom setting. There, you’ll sample traditional Russian tea alongside classic sweet and savory treats, served with an added touch of elegance on an Imperial Porcelain Factory tea set.

Discover a refined side of St. Petersburg on a private walking tour that combines elegant city landmarks with a traditional Russian tea ceremony.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Hours
Tour type Private
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Not included
Wheelchair access No
City Saint Petersburg
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

You will start your tour in front of the Mikhailovsky Palace, an elegant showpiece of the Empire style architecture. It is the home for the Russian Museum, and together with the Art Square it is the common starting point for exploring a historic heart of St Petersburg. Look around while you will be taking pictures because every building here is a masterpiece.Then you will explore the Mikhailovsky Garden, where you will enjoy the atmosphere of luxury and splendor. For some period of time there was hunting ground here, as Russian Empresses loved this kind of entertainment. Take splendid pictures of green garden and beautiful palace on the background or just relax walking through peaceful passes.

Proceed to the Saint Michaels Castle a really magnificent and impressive structure. Originally it was home for Emperor's family, and then it became a technical school. It is a really incomparable construction, each of its façade is different, so you probably wouldn't believe they belong to same castle.Pass by the famous monument dedicated to Chizhyk-Pyzhik, funny vodka-drinking character of Russian folk song. The tune is so simple, that it is often used by those who learn to play piano. The monument is made in shape of a small bird (“chizh”, which means “siskin”), 11 cm height, and is located on Fontanka River near bridge splendid bridge. Try to throw a coin and make a wish, and if you coin stays on a small pedestal, your wish will be fulfilled.Your next stop is the magnificent Summer Garden, where you will wander around numerous beautiful sculptures and fountains. The atmosphere here is so inspiring that many poets dedicated their poems to Summer Garden. Pond, vases, beautiful channel are among the many wonderful things you will explore here. Even the railing of Summer Garden is so scrumptious, that it has become a symbol of St Petersburg.Before leaving the Summer Garden look at the amazing Summer Palace of Peter the Great. Main summer residences of Russian Emperors are located in suburbs, so this Summer Palace in city center is quite modest. There are only 14 rooms there and just 2 kitchens, but it is the oldest palace in St Petersburg and nowadays you can see it in its original look.Enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of the Neva River embankments. Bridges, palaces on the opposite site, deep blue water – you will never forget this atmosphere. It is definitely the best place for a magnificent selfie, even if wind will mess up your hairstyle.Just a several minutes walking through vibrant streets of St. Petersburg and you will get to the cozy Afisha bar and take part in a fascinating ritual of Russian tea drinking.

You will try traditional Russian tea, called Kyakhta tea, and delivered from China. Immerse in Russian cuisine and try red caviar, homemade marshmallows, honeydew and blackcurrant marmalade. The very special offer of this place is rosans, special cake that were beloved by well-known Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky.By the way, Dostoevsky had a sweet tooth and was a regular customer of St Petersburg confectioneries, so you can enjoy sweets made with writer’s favorite recipes. You will not only pamper your taste buds, but also have eye candies, as food is served on a tea set from the Imperial Porcelain Factory. This will make your tea party elegant and refined. This experience is so good, that it feels like a crime to touch or eat anything that looks so beautiful.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg. 1 city · 3 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Customizable itinerary
  • Friendly local guide
  • Private walking tour
  • Multiple start times available
  • Must see and off the beaten path
  • Iconic places for photoshoot
  • Expert advice where to go and what to do after the tour
  • Meeting in the hotel lobby
  • Coffee and/or Tea

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees (if any, depends on your preferences)
  • Extra food and drinks
  • Gratuities (optional)

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Lobby of your hotel. Please provide the exact name and address of your hotel.
  • Your guide will meet you at your centrally-located hotel, hostel or vacation rental
  • You don't need to call to confirm the tour. The local supplier will contact you via email

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Saint Petersburg..

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