Discover the Beauty of the Russian Venice - St. Petersburg - 6 days

INTRODUCTION

 

ITINERARY

Day 1 - St. Petersburg
Arrival in St. Petersburg. Transfer to the Hotel
Our driver will meet you at the airport in St. Petersburg and transfer you to your hotel. There’ll be time for you to explore on your own this afternoon and evening if you wish.

Meals: NA
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 2 - St. Petersburg
City Tour. Peter & Paul's Fortress
It is the most elegant of all the Russian cities, often nicknamed the “Venice of the North” on account of its many canals. As we tour its historic heart, you’ll see many of its oldest and most treasured buildings and monuments, including St Isaac’s Cathedral and the Church of Christ’s Resurrection (The Saviour of the Blood).

Our tour also takes us to the Peter and Paul Fortress, founded with the new settlement to protect this corner of Russia from potential invasions from the expansionist Swedes. The fortress was also used as a political prison before the Russian Revolution. These days, it’s a fascinating museum complex, one of the highlights of which is a delightful cathedral; inside you’ll find the tombs of the Romanov monarchs. This evening is free, but should you wish, we can help you secure tickets for a ballet or opera performance.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 3 - St. Petersburg
Yusupov Palace
The beautiful Yusupov Palace will always be associated with scandal, for it was here that Grigory Rasputin met his grisly fate. This influential figure, said to have wielded significant power over Tsar Nicholas II, was murdered here and the cellar where the crime took place now exhibits artefacts telling that gripping story. The splendour of the palace itself is a far cry from such horrors and you’ll delight in exploring its stunning interiors. Packed with sumptuous decor with the finest marble, gilded chandeliers and elaborate carvings dating from the 19th century, the palace offers an unrivalled glimpse into the life of a wealthy aristocratic family.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 4 - St. Petersburg
Hermitage Museum. Folklore Performance
Today is devoted to one of the world’s premier museums, The Hermitage. Originally, the building was the Tsar’s Winter Palace, the main residence of the family from the 1760s. These days it holds one of the most extensive collections of art anywhere in the world. All the famous names of the art world are represented, Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt and Picasso among them. It’s possible to be a little overwhelmed, so we’d suggest planning what you’d especially like to see in advance rather than trying to look at everything.

This evening, we’ve arranged for you to see a Folklore Show at the Nikolaevsky Palace. Entitled “Feel Yourself Russian” it encompasses the diverse and rich cultural heritage of the country, showcasing everything from the high-energy dances of the Cossacks to the sound of the balalaika, that quintessentially Russian instrument. You’ll begin to see why Russia is still an enigma, barely understood by East or West, and learn a little about the passion and feeling that characterises the country’s people.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 5 - St. Petersburg
Petrodvorets - Palace and Gardens
Today, we’ll take you to the Petrodvorets Palace (also known as Peterhof), deep in the city’s suburbs. It was constructed by Peter the Great and is best known for its stunning fountains and manicured Summer Gardens. For many, it bears a resemblance to Versailles in France, and whether you agree with that comparison or not, it’s a beautiful place to explore. Back in St Petersburg this evening, you’ll have free time to wander on your own.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

Day 6 - St. Petersburg
Departure to the Airport
Sadly, it’s time to pack and head off to the airport. You’ll be transferred by our driver for your flight home.

Meals: breakfast
Transport: minibus / coach

PRICES

Hotels 3*, St. Petersburg - Nevsky Grand
Tour start date	10 pax 1 free	15 pax 1 free	20 pax 1 free	single supplement
01/01 - 31/03	€545	€525	€475	€75
01/04 - 30/04	€645	€625	€545	€195
01/05 - 30/06	€695	€675	€595	€255
01/07 - 30/09	€645	€625	€545	€195
01/10 - 31/12	€545	€525	€475	€75

 

Hotels 4*, St. Petersburg - Petropalace
Tour start date	10 pax 1 free	15 pax 1 free	20 pax 1 free	single supplement
01/01 - 31/03	€695	€675	€625	€155
01/04 - 30/04	€945	€895	€795	€345
01/05 - 30/06	€1.045	€995	€895	€445
01/07 - 30/09	€945	€895	€795	€345
01/10 - 31/12	€695	€675	€625	€155

Note on pricing:

• All prices are in EURO per person based on the number of participants in the group
• 1 free - one free of charge participant
• Single supplement goes towards single room accommodation at hotels

INCLUDED

• Accommodation
• Excursions according to the programme
• Entrance fees
• Airport transfers
• Meals according to the programme
• Visa support letter

NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Optional excursions & services
• Travel insurance
• Tips
• Visa fees. We can assist with visas in India, UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain