* Not far from St. Petersburg, in a place on a hill, a unique cultural ensemble of Tsarskoye Selo has been formed over three centuries. The favorite country residence of the three empresses, under Catherine II, acquires the status of the main one, and with it an unprecedented scale of investments. Comparing herself with Peter I, Catherine II sought to create a place that was not inferior to the greatness of Peterhof, while modern, reflecting the spirit of the times. The main force of attraction in Tsarskoye Selo is, of course, the Catherine Palace with the world-famous Amber Room. The palace itself is immersed in an amazing landscape, woven from a regular garden and a landscape park. In the park itself, you will find a whole scattering of park pavilions, replicas of antique statues, obelisks and columns in honor of military victories, gazebos and monuments. The history of the city is connected by numerous storylines with the creations of nature and man. Karamzin worked on his main work here, Pushkin's creative path began here, Annensky's teaching genius was revealed here, and the love of the young Akhmatova and Gumilev was born here. Translated from Latin, Genio loci means the patron spirit or genius of the place, it was this sign that marked the space around the first edition of the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum. Perhaps the students were not mistaken, and this spirit really hovers, preserves and creates. Winter program: 5 hours - Tsarskoye Selo Road - Catherine Palace - A short walk in the park 6 hours + - Alexander Palace Summer program: 6 hours - Tsarskoye Selo Road - Catherine Palace - A walk in the park 8 hours + - Alexander Palace or two small pavilions