St Petersburg Short Break

Discover the highlights of St Petersburg on this tailor-made short break offering a combination of guided tours to some of the city’s most iconic attractions and plenty of free time for independent exploration. Visit stunning palaces in the small town of Pushkin, admire colourful churches and discover renowned theatres and museums including the incredible State Hermitage Museum. This short break can be tailor-made to suit your budget and requirements.

Choose to stay in a 3, 4 or 5-star hotel and enjoy the convenience of organised transfers and transportation to the city’s main sights during the day. Perhaps spend evenings dining in the city’s fine restaurants and be sure to enjoy a ballet performance at the world-famous Mariinsky Theatre. Ask a Russia Specialist about booking tickets to this spectacular venue.

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

FLY TO ST PETERSBURG

Arrive in St Petersburg and transfer to the hotel for five nights.

DAY 2

ST PETERSBURG CITY TOUR

Depart on a morning sightseeing tour of St Petersburg visiting key sights including Peter and Paul Fortress, where Peter and Paul Cathedral, the original house of Peter the Great and the Royal Mint are located. Continue to Nevsky Prospekt, St Petersburg’smain avenue, which is dotted with impressive buildings including Kazan Cathedral and the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. Visit Admiralty building, the Summer Garden and the buildings of Marinsky Theatre. (B)

DAY 3

THE HERMITAGE

Enjoy a morning tour at the world-renowned State Hermitage Museum. Celebrating its 250th year in 2014, the museum houses over three million artefacts including paintings, sculptures and archaeological finds. Works of art are spread across several buildings with the heart of the collection located in the Winter Palace - former state residence of the Russian Tsars. Be sure to collect a free colour map at the information kiosk and continue exploring this incredible attraction at leisure after the guided tour. (B)

DAY 4

PETERHOF

Visit St Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial Estate, Peterhof. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning complex of palaces, gardens and fountain cascades is one of St Petersburg’s most popular attractions. Spend time exploring the elaborate interior of the Grand Palace where the highlights include the white and turquoise Throne Room and the richly gilded Ballroom. Be sure to discover the famous Grand Cascade, an ensemble of 64 fountains and other decorations including bronze states and bas-reliefs, which runs from the northern façade of the palace to Marine Canal. (B)

DAY 5

THE PALACES OF TSARSKOYE SELO & PAVLOVSK

Travel south of the city to the town of Pushkin to visit the palace and park at Pavlovsk, which was the former summer residence of the Russian Tsars. The romantic park that surrounds the palace is filled with pavilions, grottoes and ancient statues. Continue to the grand Imperial Estate of Tsarskoye Selo, where the main attraction in the area is Catherine Palace, the last resting place of Catherine the Great. Explore the elaborate interior of the palace including the Grand Hall, the largest state room in the palace, the Portrait Hall, where the walls are lined with portraits of Catherine I and Empress Elizabeth, and the beautifully restored Amber Room. (B)