Do they allow you to carry your knapsack/purses inside the Hermitage, Peterhof and Catherine's Palace at Pushkin? Did you have to check this in at the entrance? Someone said liquids aren't allowed as well. Can anyone advice? Thank you.

Sorry don't know, but guess taking my vodka inside is out then!

I'm considering Russia for 07 as well. The fuss connected with getting a visa is putting me off...no legal issues, but just more loose ends to keep track of. The accuracy with which some administrative stuff is done these days, leaves me thinking I'll be at the border and be sent to Siberia because of a snafu in wording by someone you paid to take care of things right, did it wrong!

Palgal.

No, they don't allow "large bags" into L'Hermitage in St Petersburg. You can check it in, but we were advised to leave ours on the bus, as the driver stayed with his bus all the times that we went on excursions. Not ONCE was ANYTHING reported missing.

You can, however take your small purse and camera or video camera, but you have to pay a fee if you want to use it inside and no flash is allowed.

And NO liquids are allowed.

Hope this answers your questions. I will gladly answer anything else if I can...

Leonie.

Palgal To be totally honest, we bought a book as there is so much to see and absorb, you really lose a lot of time if you spend it taking pictures. We couldn't take large bags inside or drinks, food. They have cafeteria style food inside that you can buy. The chocolate cake was scrumptious. We ate at the internet cafe and noticed that most tour guides also ate at that venue. The queues for the washrooms are something else.