Is any country more defined by its national beverage than Russia? Sure, the Czechs have Pilsner and the French their red wine, but in Russia, vodka isn’t just king – it’s Tsar of the country’s drinking scene. The name itself comes from the Russian word “voda,” or “water” – if that tells you anything about how life-sustaining the spirit is. Rumour has it that locals have been quaffing the stuff since roughly the 9th century – for a time, it was even considered medicinal. Combine an evening tour of St Petersburg's Vodka Museum with a scenic cruise on the city's rivers and canals. Enjoy a visit to the small museum where you'll learn the difference between Russian and Polish vodka, how vodka is distilled and the proper way to drink it. Then have an opportunity to sample distinct vodkas paired with traditional Russian snacks. Next embark on a leisurely boat ride along St Petersburg's Neva River, taking in the illuminated city from an entirely new view.
• Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance
