To get to the St Peter and Paul fortress we had to pass the large squares, re-cross the rivers and be in some very busy traffic.
After we left the mini-bus we could see the artillery museum with its exhibit of a mobile nuclear missile launcher group.
5:30-6:00 pm Inside guided tour of St Peter and Paul fortress/Cathedral
As we were entering the fortress we stood and watched a rally of off-roaders leaving.
Across the square we had the first views of the cathedral.
The cathedral houses the remains of most of Imperial Russia’s emperors and empresses. In 1998 the remains of Tsar Nicholas II and his family were re-buried here.
Outside we walked back to the mini-bus across the square.
6:30pm Return to the ship or evening optional programme
Just the Canadian couple had elected to go on the optional evening programme. This was to be at the ballet and they were dropped off to be met another guide in a taxi to be taken to the theatre. The rest of us were by now pretty exhausted after our long day in and around St Petersburg.
As we passed through the modern suburbs of tower blocks and shops we watched everyone on their way home from work, shopping or simply sitting on benches. These were the only drawings I managed to see on the way back.
We said goodbye to our guide and driver and made our way back through the cruise terminal and security.