The vast collections of St Peterburg’s Hermitage Museum number well into the millions and were founded when the Empress Catherine the Great acquired a number of paintings from a Prussian trader. Now, the museum is spread across six buildings and has collections that span the ages from Egyptian antiquities, classical antiquities and Prehistoric Art through to Italian Renaissance, British Fine art and modern art. It’s breathtaking location on the banks of the River Neva is simply a bonus!