Peterhof grounds and which palace?

[CJcruzer]

am booked for 3 days St. petersburg, and although we are booked to see Grand palace and Catherine Palace, I am now realizing that the hermitage, Grand palace and Catherine Palace are all designed by the same arhcitect!!

I want to keep the Catherine palace and the Hermitage - which smaller palace/palaces would you recommend to replace the Grand palace with??

I have noticed a lot of people view Monplaisir - and others see Catherine Block and Bathhouse??

My tour guide mentioned that Cottage (the most elegant of the smaller) and Bathhouse are interesting - Monplaisir was Peter's favorite, but she mentioned there;s no furniture inside???

Any suggestions/advice would be appreciated...

[pj-atsea]

I can't remember if the Grand Palace you are referring to is the Peterhof Palace. But All of the palaces seemed different to me. Catherine's Palace I think, was the most ornate. The Peterhof Palace grounds should not be missed. The gardens and fountains are breathtaking. Especially with the view of the Gulf of Finland behind the fountains. I am glad that I didn't miss that in favor of a smaller palace. But that is just my opinion. pj