The grand imperial estate of Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar’s Village; 465 2281; eng.tzar.ru; Sadovaya ul 7) in the town of Pushkin, 25km south of St Petersburg, is often combined on a day trip with the palace and sprawling park at Pavlovsk, 4km further south. This is a pity because both are gorgeous places that deserve a day each to be fully appreciated; if you have the time it’s best to see them separately.