MAJESTIC ST PETERSBURG
St Petersburg (5 nights)
Dates: year round, weekly
Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
It is not simply the stunning architectural design or time-respected customs that make Saint Petersburg a
destination on every genuine travel junkie's pail list. Established by Peter the Great in 1703, the city has
constantly held a notoriety for aesthetic ability and an energetic, cosmopolitan climate, enlivened by the other
awesome European urban communities – Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome and Venice – while staying something
completely and exceptionally its own. Today, St Petersburg is a vibrant city of 5 million inhabitants, attracting
thousands of tourists all over the world. This visit is a mesh presentation into Russia's staggering 'second
capital', venerated as a living gallery with terrific, mind blowing gems to be found around every corner. In five
days you'll pilgrim all the most unmissable highlights of the city and its suburbs. Take a look at daily life in the
downtown, feast your eyes on the phenomenal fortunes of the State Hermitage Museum, walk the old country
palaces and investigate stylish neighborhoods with world-class shopping and dining around Nevsky Prospect.
Tour program:
Day
1
Arrival, transfer to the hotel, check in.
Breakfast.
In the morning we will go on a panoramic city tour of St. Petersburg, the city which is called ¨Venice of the
North¨ for its numerous rivers and canals that divide Saint Petersburg into beautiful islands. We will make
several photo stops, one will be on St. Isaac’s square near magnificent St. Isaac’s Cathedral; the other in the
Field of Mars that has a unrivalled view of the Church of Our Saviour on Spilt Blood; then at the Spit of
Vasilievsky Island to enjoy the splendid panorama of the Peter and Paul fortress, the Winter Palace and the
river Neva. Afterwards, we will go for the walking tour to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the cradle of the city.
Lunch on your own
We will dedicate this afternoon to a visit of the world renowned State Hermitage museum, one of the largest
museums in the world. Its collections comprise over three million items, including the largest collection of
paintings in the world. Among the treasures of the Hermitage are works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Tiziano,
Michelangelo Buonarroti, Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Cezanne, Gauguin etc.
Day
2
Breakfast.
Today we go to the majestic summer residence of Russian Emperors: Peterhof (optional – 55 USD)
Peterhof is located on the Southern cost of the Gulf of Finland, 29 kilometers away from St. Petersburg. Here
a small house for Peter the Great was built in 1705, where the Tsar could take a rest on his way from Kronstadt
Day
to St. Petersburg. In 1714 the Emperor made a decision to turn Peterhof into his main out-of-town residence.
3
Here in the 18th and the 19th centuries a grandiose complex of eleven parks, dozens of buildings, and
pavilions with more than 200 fountains and numerous sculptures was formed in the area of over 1000 hectares.
The Grand Palace built to the Elizabeth in baroque style is a composition centre of the Ensemble. The Grand
Fountain Cascade, which is unique both technically and artistically, form a decorative pedestal for the Palace.
The Grand Cascade embellished with numerous fountains, gilded statutes, bas-relief, and vases is crowned
with the sculpture group known as “Samson Tears Open the Lion’s Jaws”, which is dedicated to the victory of
Russia in the Northern War.
As you travel to Peterhof, you will be given detailed information about the history of the Peterhof Road and the
town of Peterhof. Upon arrival, you will embark on a comprehensive tour of the Peterhof Grand Palace and
park.
Breakfast.
Today we embark on a tour to the favourite residence of Catherine II – Tsarskoye Selo (optional – 55 USD)
Pushkin – “The Tsarskoye Selo” is a brilliant monument of world architecture and park and garden artistry of
the 18th-20th centuries. A magnificent group of architects, sculptors and painters brought the desires of their
royal clients to a masterpiece. Imperial rulers from Catherine II to Nicholas II have left their mark on Tsarskoye
Selo. The compositional center of the ensemble is the Catherine Palace, a magnificent baroque-style palace.
The Great Hall of the palace and the Golden Enfilade of formal halls, among which can be found the Amber
Room, amaze with the luxury of their decoration. More than 100 architectural objects with a total area of 300
hectares occupy the territory of the Catherine and Alexander Parks: from the most magnificent palaces and
monuments, to pavilions and bridges. Strolling through the alleys of these parks, you will be treated to views of
whimsical lodges, elegant classical buildings, many monuments executed in marble, exotic constructions
designed to imitate gothic style, and also Turkish and Chinese architecture which lend the park a romantic air.
Upon arrival you will visit the Catherine Palace with Amber Room and park
Day
4
Breakfast.
Day
5
Optional tours as per list below.
Day Breakfast.
6
Your transfer to the airport is scheduled according to the departure of the plane.
Tour cost, US dollars, per pax:
Season
3* BB
4* BB
5* BB
01.05 - 30.09 + 25.12 – 10.01
470
605
1035
01.10 – 24.12 + 11.01 – 20.04
340
410
605
Hotels:
3* St Petersburg hotel or similar http://www.hotel-spb.ru/hotel-spb.nsf/main/en
4* Dostoevsky hotel or similar http://www.dostoevsky-hotel.ru/en/
5* Corinthia hotel or similar http://www.corinthia.com/hotels/stpetersburg/
Incuded:
-Accommodation: 5 nights at respective hotels or similar
-Buffet breakfast in the hotel
-Transfers (Pulkovo airport / railway stations)
-Tours and excursions in Saint Petersburg: in group
-Transport: a/c minibus or bus or private car for all the tours and transfers
-English speaking guide
-Entrances to the museums as per the itinerary
-Russian visa support letter
-Russian SIM card (balance to be settled upon arrival)
Not included:
-Air tickets
-Visa fees
-Transfers and excursions in private
-Travel insurance
-Mobile phone rental
-Optional excursions
-Tips
-Meals except breakfast. Note: we can book any of the restaurants for a dinner free of charge.
Also there is an option for HB accommodation at 3* hotels in St Petersburg, please enquire for quote and details
THE DAYS OF EXCURSIONS CAN BE SHIFTED
OPTIONAL TOURS
EVENING AT THE RUSSIAN BALLET – PRICE ON REQUEST
Lovers of art and culture will not want to miss this incredible evening at a classical theater.
St Petersburg is very famous for its reach theatrical life. Russian rules and aristocracy took a deep interest in ballet,
encouraging and supporting construction of theatres in St Petersburg. In old times, the nobility often used to have their
own private theatres in their estates. And today ST Petersburg has a big number of exquisite 19th century theatrical
buildings. There are more than 100 theatres in the city. Several theatres are world famous such as Mariinsky, Imperial
theatre on the Fontanka river, Alexandrinsky theatre, Musorgsky Opera & Ballet theatre and many others.
Elegant dress is required on this very special night, which begins with a scenic drive through this fascinating city.
As you arrive to the theatre you will be escorted to your seats. Soon the curtain will go up and you will enjoy one of the
greatest romantic ballets of all times. The repertoire of St Petersburg theatres consists mostly of world recognized
outstanding ballets like "Swan Lake", "Nutcracker", "Giselle" and "Sleeping Beauty".
You will be deeply moved by a timeless love story told in the mysterious language of classical dance.
RUSSIAN FOLK SHOW – 70 USD (STARTS 21 00)
See Russia's rich cultural heritage come to life in this celebration of traditional dance, music and song at a noted St.
Petersburg concert hall. You'll see acrobatic dancers leap and whirl across the stage in colorful Russian folk costumes.
Hear the spirited music of a Russian folk orchestra and the rousing refrains of centuries-old folk songs. Delight in the
synchronized precision of maiden round dances. Mingle with friends at a champagne reception during intermission.
PAVLOVSK (5 HRS) – 70 USD
Pavlosk is considered to be the most romantic suburb of St. Petersburg. It was founded as a summer residence of Paul I.
The British architect in the eighties of the 18th century Charles Cameron established a unique and full of artistic
expressiveness and poetic beauty ensemble to the classicism style. The Grand Palace, pavilions and sculpture
compositions are masterly blended with picturesque park landscapes stretching out along the bank of the Slavianka
River.
NO TOURS ON FRIDAYS
BOAT CRUISE (1.5 HRS) – 18 USD
This remarkable tour go to five different canals and rivers – The Fontanka, Kryukov canal, Moyka, Winter canal and,
finally, the Neva. Sites along the route include Anichkov palace, Trinity church, St. Nicolas’ cathedral, Yusupoff palace,
St.Isaac’s cathedral, the Hermitage, Winter palace, St. Peter and Paul’s fortress, Church on Spillt Blood, the Summer
Garden, St. Michael’s castle and nearly fifty bridges along the way!
TOURS RUN FROM MID-MAY TILL MID-SEPTEMBER ONLY
NIGHT CRUISE WITH SAXOPHONE MUSIC (2 HRS, STARTS 01 00) – 25 USD
Choose the most romantic trip on board of our luxury boat "Grand Marine", when the bridges are being raised! You will be
accompanied by enchanting saxophone live music! Amazing views of the night city, raised up spans of the bascule
bridges and a string of vessels that appears to be endless. Brightly lit up, a neat line of the city embankments, the Peter
and Paul Fortress, decorated with lights, the Saint Isaac’s Cathedral , striking by its monumentality, architectural
ensembles of the Palace Embankment and other attractions will open themselves up before your eyes. Live music and
exciting panorama of the night city will leave lasting and only positive impressions in your memory! A cozy atmosphere,
variety of dishes in the restaurant menu, wide range of splendid drinks and desserts from the chef will be at your service.
TOURS RUN FROM MID-MAY TILL MID-SEPTEMBER ONLY
NO ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE ONBOARD
KRONSTADT WITH SEAFORTS (5 HRS) – 80 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
We invite you to visit Kronstadt - a small picturesque sea town located on Kotlin island in the Gulf of Finland. It was a
marine shield of St. Petersburg and the capital of the Baltic fleet. Excursion acquaints you with Fortress of Kronstadt,
founded in 1704 by Peter the Great, with its rich history, full of glorious deeds (Cesme, Gangut, Tsushima, round the
world trips) and cruel tragedies associated with the Russian Navy, revolutionary and military events. Our professional
Russian-speaking guide will show you the Fortress of Kronstadt & you will see FORTS (Kronslot, Constantine,
Alexander), complex of commercial port, harbor with ships, docks, walls, Admiralty, Italian Palace, Grand Sea Cathedral
and other attractions! During the boat trip on the legendary Reeperbahn Cruise Boat (previously moored at Hamburg and
hosted rock-bands such as The Beatles) our guide will acquaint you with the unique system of Kronstadt fortifications, the
Gulf of Finland, the history of St. Petersburg’s floods. Excursion program on Fort Konstantin includes the review of Fort
building history & its architectural details
Refreshing Baltic wind, seagulls screams and the waves of Baltic, once fearsome fortresses (forts of Kronstadt) standing
proudly in the middle of the sea. These moments will make up unforgettable romantic memories of the visit to Russian
sea capital.
JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR (4 HRS) – 55 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
During this tour you will see the Great Synagogue, the Old Jewish Cemetery and will taste kosher food in Jewish
restaurant (not included). The guide will tell you the history of the Jews in Russia and the impact they had on the history
and culture of St Petersburg.
BAR CRAWL (4-5 HRS) – 16 USD
it is a bar party-tour for visitors and residents of Saint-Petersburg. Guided by expert of pub crawling, participants move
from one bar to another, get to know each other, play funny games and contests, get bonuses and cocktails in bars.
Every time we plan our route in order to visit the most exciting events: parties, concerts or dancing on the bar.
All bars are located in the same area, very close to each other, it takes maximum 5 min walking from one bar to another.
ENGLISH-SPEAKING GUIDE NOT GUARANTEED
5 SHOTS INCLUDED
BAR CRAWL FOR LGBT VISITORS (3-4 HRS) – 20 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
Despite of official propaganda, gay life in St Petersburg is quite easy to see. You will be guided to 2 gay bars, 1 night club
(either for gays or lesbians) and (optionally) to cruising club and sauna
5 SHOTS INCLUDED
ENTRY FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED
ORTHODOX HERITAGE TOUR (4 HRS) – 55 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
This tour is a good option for travellers interested in traditional Russian Orthodox religion because during it you will find
out a lot about history, traditions and present day life of Orthodoxy. You will visit 5 most beautiful churches of St.
Petersburg which are also precious for their historical and cultural significance.
St. Isaacs Cathedral - a real masterpiece of the 19th c. classicism which was the main church of the Russian Empire
since 1858 and which amazes with its size, splendour and grandeur. 4000 square metres, 12 000 people could pray here
at the same time. You will see huge granite monolithic columns on the 4 sides of the church – each of the columns is 17
meters high and weighs 114 tons and each of them was erected in only 45 minutes. 100 kilos of gold were used to gild
the main dome. During the tour you will learn about construction secrets of the cathedral and admire the inner
magnificence of the interior. Many types of marble from all over the world decorate its walls. Semi-precious stones –
malachite and lapis lazuli cover the columns of the iconostasis and multiple mosaics and frescoes adorn and enrich the
Cathedral and make an unforgettable impression. When inside please also pay attention to the huge metal and oak
doors which represent biblical subjects.
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood made in traditional Russian style of the 17th c. – so untypical for St. Petersburg
with its beautiful baroque and classical constructions. The church itself is a real miracle. You have never seen so many
mosaics in one place. All the walls, ceilings, columns, inner part of domes are covered with a tapestry of mosaics on
religious subjects and with beautiful floral ornaments in between them and an elegant carved iconostasis made of
different stones and decorated with silver and golden holy doors is a real masterpiece.
Kazan Cathedral – a present day main church of St. Petersburg which has a miraculous icon of Our Lady of Kazan – one
of the most venerated icons in Russia.
Trinity Izmailovsky Cathedral - a church with a long history which suffered a terrible fire but was not destroyed and is now
almost restored and St. Nikolas Cathedral – beautiful baroque style church loved by our citizens.
NO TOURS ON WEDNESDAYS
NOVGOROD TOUR (10 HRS) – 160 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
This is a one-day tour (by car/bus) to the Old Russian town – Veliky Novgorod that is situated 190 km from St.
Petersburg. During this tour you will visit the Kremlin which is the heart of the town. There you will see the famous
Cathedral of St. Sophia – the monument of the 11th century - with its miracle making icon. You will also be shown around
Yaroslav's Court and the old Market-place. Then you will be taken to the suburbs of the town to visit the Yuriev (St.
George) Monastery that is located on Lake Ilmen and is the oldest functioning Russian Monastery. And after that you will
have an opportunity to visit a nearby museum of “Vitoslavlitsi” – a wooden architecture museum on open air.
ORANIENBAUM (8 HRS) – 80 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
Oranienbaum is a residence which was built for the Peter the Great's friend and associate Alexander Menshikov. The
complex is notable by its huge size and splendour. There are several palaces open for visitors - Grand Menshikov
Palace, Palace of Peter III, Chinese Palace, Kammenoe zalo Pavilion and Katalnaya Gorka (roller coaster) Pavilion. The
complex is unique because Oranienbaum wasn't occupied by German troops during World War II and only here you may
enjoy an authentic architecture and art of 18th century.
During this private guided tour you will visit Grand Menshikov Palace, Chinese Palace and walk in a park.
NO TOURS ON MONDAYS
GATCHINA AND NABOKOV MANSION (8 HRS) – 80 USD
PRIVATE GUIDING
Gatchina town with its palace and park ensemble is one of the most picturesque places of interest of Russia. It’s historical
and art values are the cultural heritage of Russian people. We invite you on a captivating trip to a beautiful suburb of St.
Petersburg where you can not only adore the magnificent work of Russian architects, sculptors and gardeners but also to
admire the beauty of the Russian nature. Catherine II presented the Gatchina palace and park ensemble to her favorite
Count Orlov and after his death to her son – the great duke Paul, emperor Paul I to be. For the next 30 years Gatchina
became his favorite summer residence and turned into some kind of a military camp that even two centuries afterwards
has saved his mysterious spirit of a medieval fortress. The Gatchina Palace is surrounded by a huge park consisted of
numerous gardens: the Holland gardens, the English gardens, Silvia and others. During a nice walk in this park you’ll
admire beautiful pavilions, cascades, bridges and pergolas that communicates it an inimitable appearance.
After the main palace we will visit the Priory Palace of the Maletese order – a unique structure in Russia. Though the
knights never settled there, the castle-like mansion in Gatchina park is a monument to a controversial history of Russia.
Also we will visit the mansion of the famous Russian-American writer Vladimir Nabokov - a brilliant example of the noblemansion architecture of the XIX century. We will visit the rooms, take a walk in the park and see the beautiful natural
springs coming out of the rock.
NO TOURS ON MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS
ALL TOURS ARE PAID LOCALLY; OTHERWISE 10% SURCHARGE WILL APPLY FOR PREPAYMENT
PRICES ARE NET
PICK-UP FROM HOTELS IS INCLUDED, EXCEPT BAR CRAWLS AND BOAT CRUISE (CAN BE ARRANGED)
ALL GROUP TOURS CAN BE ARRANGED IN PRIVATE, PLEASE ENQUIRE
DAYTRIPS TO MOSCOW CAN BE ARRANGED, PLEASE ENQUIRE