Itinerary

Architecture | St Petersburg

Peter the Great was a man with a vision. He was determined to show the world that Russia was not a backward nation rooted in tradition but one that was modern and forward thinking and looking to the west, not east for its inspiration and ideals. How better to do this than to build a new city at the end of the Baltic Sea. Peter himself lived in a simple wood cabin as his city was built around him and today the legacy of his ambitions and achievements are displayed in abundance. Monumental buildings of state, great churches and Cathedrals, ornate theatres, legendary art collections, the buildings lining its canals and streets and a unique atmosphere all add up to create one of the most rewarding experiences for modern day visitors.

ITINERARY

Day 1
Fly to St. Petersburg and transfer to the centre of the city where we stay for the duration of the holiday at the 4 star Petro Palace (4 star superior Hotel Angleterre for 21 December 2012 departure).

Day 2
Begin with an introductory panoramic tour of the city and see the Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral, the simple log cabin where Peter lived as his city grew around him, the Menshikov Palace and the Alexander Nevsky Monastery.

Day 3
Today is devoted to the Hermitage, the great Winter Palace which houses one of the world’s greatest collections of paintings and decorative fine arts. Here we find Old Masters, Impressionists, antiquities, ceramics, porcelain and works by the Court jeweller, Fabergé. After a guided tour and time for an independent lunch there will be the opportunity to stay on at the Hermitage for the afternoon.

Day 4
Today visit three sumptuous palaces built for members of the Imperial family. Pavlovsk, built for the son of Catherine the Great as a private residence, the Catherine Palace at Pushkin which is a Baroque showpiece and the Alexander Palace which was the final one built for the family.

Day 5
Today visit the wonderful collection of art and icons on display in the Russian Museum housed in the Mikhaylovsky Palace. Our day will also include visits to the Church on the Spilled Blood and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. This is followed by a backstage tour of either the Mariinsky or Mikhaylovsky Theatre.

Day 6
Free to explore the city at your leisure.

Day 7
The last day of the tour is spent at the glittering palace at Peterhof with its sensational gardens that tumble down to the edge of the Baltic Sea.

Please note - This is a sample itinerary. Please ask us to create a holiday that is exactly right for you - that is our speciality!
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