It's difficult to not try and compare St. Petersburg with Moscow but that would be unfair as they are both fantastic cities and both very different. We seemed to have timed our trip to Russia during record high temperatures and you can tell the cities are not built for this heat. This hasn't stopped us getting out and about to see the sights. We visited a huge palace in Pawlowsk, about an hour outside of St. Petersburg. Unfortunately the personal guide we were fixed up with couldn't speak a word of English! We walked through the Palace and its gardens and managed to work on our German at the same time! The Hermitage Museum, Peter and Paul's fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral have also been highlights here in St. Petersburg. We've also had a bit of time to laze in the sunny parks here. Even though it's peak season, it doesn't feel at all touristy and especially English-speaking tourists are few and far between. We also went to the Russian Vodka Room for dinner which was very interesting!

The highlight of our time here has definitely been seeing Cirque de Soliel which happened to be in town. This one was called Curteo and of the six or so we've seen on our travels this was probably the best Cirque yet. Keep an eye out for it if it comes to a town near you! Just spectacular.

We have a 5.30am pick up tomorrow to head off to Helsinki. Have really enjoyed our time in Russia and definitely hope to return one day. Such a fascinating country.