This is a talk in two parts based on a river journey from St Petersburg to Moscow. Part 1 takes in the Palaces and Treasures of St Petersburg and a brief history of the Tsars, including Peter the Great and Empress Catherine the Great. It includes a visit to the famous Hermitage Museum (in the Winter Palace) and Catherine Palace ( the Summer palace) with all the wonderful treasures within. Plenty of beautiful pictures accompanied by interesting stories. A light hearted and colourful view of St Petersburg, the cultural heart of Russia.