A luxury Baltic cruise offers much more than plain sailing…

Walking through its opulent gold stucco-work halls and gilded staterooms, it’s not difficult to see why there was a revolution. Our tour ended with a wonderful recital by the State Symphony Orchestra of St Petersburg.

Back at the ship, the crew laid on a late-night supper of caviar, blinis… and Cornish pasties.

Peterhof Palace and gardens – Peter The Great’s summer residence, resembling a mini Versailles – was our destination the next day after a coach trip around the city. Along the way we saw the colourful Cathedral of the Spilled Blood, St Isaac’s Cathedral and the shopping street Nevsky Prospect with its upmarket designer shops.

Fortified by Werther’s Originals (this is, after all, a Saga holiday), we headed to Peterhof with its 300-acre park, 150 fountains, cascades and, during our visit, at least six wedding parties posing for photos.

The place has more bling than the whole of Hollywood and it’s a great place to wander around, enjoying the greenery and water features.

That night, as the ship set sail again I sat in a hot tub on deck, sipping champagne and watching the sky turn pink.

Bubbles, bubbly and the Baltic.. a glorious combination.

FactFile

White Nights In The Baltic aboard Saga Sapphire costs from £2,575pp for 14 nights, departing Dover on June 17, 2014.

Price includes all meals on board, including 24-hour room service, gratuities, entertainment and activities, welcome cocktail party and Captain’s dinner, travel insurance, port taxes and visas, UK mainland travel service to your departure point.

See saga.co.uk /cruises or call 0800 051 3355.