The Palaces & Galleries of St Petersburg - 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, looking to the West, not the East for its inspiration and ideals. How better to do this than to build a new city on the Baltic Sea? Today, the legacy of his ambitions and achievements is displayed in abundance. Monumental buildings of state, great churches and cathedrals, ornate theatres, legendary art collections, all add up to create one of the most rewarding experiences for modern day visitors.

ITINERARY

• DAY 1 - FLY TO ST. PETERSBURG
  We 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 Angleterre, a Rocco Forte hotel overlooking St. Isaac’s Cathedral.

• DAY 2 - PANORAMIC TOUR
  We 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 - PAVLOVSK
  Today we visit two sumptuous palaces built for members of the Imperial family. Pavlovsk, built for the son of Catherine the Great as a private residence and the Catherine Palace at Pushkin which is a Baroque showpiece. Lunch is included.

• DAY 4 - MUSEUMS
  We 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 a visit to the Fabergé Museum which is housed in the Shuvalov Palace.

• DAY 5 - HERMITAGE, THE WINTER PALACE
  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. Our guided tour will include a special visit to the Diamond Room.

• DAY 6 - PETERHOF
  This morning we visit the glittering palace at Peterhof with its sensational gardens that tumble down to the edge of the Baltic Sea. Back in St Petersburg we have a tour of the Yusupov Palace.

• DAY 7 - FREE MORNING
  The final morning is free to explore the city at your leisure.

Included Hotels

Angleterre 4* Superior - St. Petersburg, Russia, Europe

Under the same ownership and management as its neighbour the Hotel Astoria; the Angleterre offers comfortable and stylish accommodation in a superb location in the heart of the city.