Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1078347
v i k i n g c r u i s e s . c o m . a u 31 Whether you choose to discover Russia onboard one of Viking's award-winning river or ocean cruise ships, you are guaranteed exclusive access to some of the country's most magnificent attractions. INCLUDED TOUR: PRIVILEGED ACCESS: THE HERMITAGE BEHIND CLOSED DOORS e Hermitage boasts some three million works of art and historical artefacts precious to Russia's heritage, but only a fraction of them are on public display. e rest are locked away in a carefully monitored facility – until now. On this captivating, eight-hour guided tour, Viking guests will view the museum's public collection before transferring off-site for Privileged Access to the secured vaults. Accompanied by a local historian, guests will then have the chance to marvel at 19th-century frescoes, treasured sculptures and Romanov furniture. Priceless gifts given to Russian royalty by countries all over the world – including a huge, gold- embroidered tent from a Turkish sultan – will be examined, before a delicious lunch is served. OPTIONAL TOUR: MOSCOW BY NIGHT Masters of light and design have worked to place bulbs and beams throughout central Moscow so that the colours of its landmark buildings and parks are on full display once the sun goes down. On this three-and-a-half-hour guided tour, Viking guests will stop in Red Square to admire the exteriors of the Kremlin, the GUM Department Store and the colourful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. After marvelling at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and its glimmering gold dome, guests will then board a small boat to view the vibrant colours of Moscow's monuments from the water. OPTIONAL TOUR: PETERHOF PALACE & PARK Designed by Peter the Great to impress visiting dignitaries, Peterhof Palace is renowned for its beautiful French-inspired interiors and magnificent gardens. On this five-hour guided tour, Viking guests will see the rone Room, gloriously adorned with glittering chandeliers, as well as the unique decorative objects of the East and West Chinese Cabinets. After strolling through Chesma Hall, which features 12 large paintings of the Battle of Chesma, guests will then explore the palace's sprawling gardens where they will see the Grand Cascade in action, with the Samson Fountain as the centrepiece. The Hermitage, St Petersburg Karine Hagen explores Russia Peterhof Palace, St Petersburg