A Winter Escape to St Petersburg

A 4 day city break exploring the sights and traditions of St Petersburg in the enchanting winter months. 

DAY 1
Upon arrival at St.Petersburg airport you will be welcomed to Russia in the arrivals hall by your English-speaking guide and privately transferred to your hotel.

Later today enjoy a walking tour around the city center. Visit St. Isaac's Cathedral built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. Enjoy the evening at leisure at your historic hotel The Astoria.

DAY 2
Enjoy the morning visiting the Peter and Paul Fortress, inside which was the first construction of St Petersburg put up by Peter the Great in 1703 to provide protection from the Swedes. The Fortress Cathedral is the burial place of most of Russia's Tsars and Tsarinas from the 18th century onwards, including Peter the Great. 

After a short rest you will go to the Hermitage museum situated in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace. The Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and houses 3 million pieces of artwork from the Stone Age to modern times. The main building and largest part of the museum is the rococo-style Winter Palace, residence of the Czars from 1762 to 1917. The museum was commissioned by Catherine the Great and she and her successors built the Hermitage collection in large part with purchases of the private collections of the Western European aristocracy and monarchy. By the time Nicholas II ascended the throne in 1894, he was heir to the greatest collection of art in Europe. The collection of impressionist and Post-impressionist paintings will be covered with a local specialist guide.

DAY 3
Travel to Tsarskoe Selo (renamed Pushkin in 1937 to commemorate the centenary of the famous Russian poet's death). You may visit the summer palace, created for Catherine I, expanded and redesigned for Empress Elizabeth and remodeled again for Catherine the Great. The baroque Catherine Palace, whose exterior features, golden domes and blue and white facade mouldings, suffered extensive wartime damage, but is today a masterpiece of restoration thanks to the reinstatement of the world-famous amber room that enhances the interior that gleams and glitters with mirrors, chandeliers and gilded woodcarvings. Enjoy lunch at Podvorie Dacha restaurant before returning to the hotel and enjoying an evening at leisure.

DAY 4
In the morning travel out of town to the Russian village of Shuvalovka - where you can immerse yourself in real Russian culture. This hospitable Russian Village consists of the Crafts Centre, the Traditional Log Hut and Blacksmith's and Potter's workshops. Participate in traditional Russian activities including "tag of war", pole climbing, capture of the Snow Fortress (if the weather permits) etc.

You will also have a chance to become familiar with a Russian tea ceremony that welcomes relaxation and a true moment of pleasure. You will have a chance not only to experience new tastes with an assortment of jams, pastries and confections but also to familiarize yourself with customs and history of tea-drinking in Russia.

Afterwards have a unique chance to participate in an Old Russian entertainment - riding on a Russian Troika. Three horses will take you for a ride on a big carriage painted in traditionally Russian style. The fervent ring of the bells tied to a bridle will be your accompanying music. This all will help you to immerse yourself in the bright and festive culture of the Russian people and gain an unforgettable memory of your magic time in Russia. After lunch you will be privately transferred to the airport for your return journey home.