3 minute read
Russia
THE PALACES & GALLERIES OF ST. PETERSBURG
a six night holiday | 24 april, 4 september & 2 october 2020
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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.
THE ITINERARY
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 1
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 2
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 3
We visit the wonderful collection of art and icons 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 in the Shuvalov Palace.
DAY 4
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, ceramics, porcelain and works by the court jeweller, Fabergé. We will include a special visit to the Diamond Room.
DAY 5
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 6
The final morning is free to explore the city at your leisure.
tour lecturer : TATIANA SHUlgA Tatiana lives and works in St. Petersburg and has been leading
Kirker's tours to the city for several years. Her knowledge extends over all periods of the city's cultural history and its people. Tatiana Shulga writes: “Visitors are often delighted and surprised to discover how culturally important and influential St. Petersburg was in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today the city is regaining its status as one of the world’s great artistic centres. I visit the Hermitage every week and am still amazed at the depth and breadth of its unrivalled collections.”
tour information
DEPARTURE DATES & PRICES
DATE PRICE SINGLE SUPP
24 April £2,689 £398 4 September £2,728 £398 2 October £2,728 £398
Our prices are per person, based on the shared occupancy of a twin/double room. Supplement for single occupancy as shown.
FLIGHT DETAILS Flights with Finnair via Helsinki:
Depart London Heathrow 10.20 arrive St. Petersburg 18.00 Depart St. Petersburg 13.35 arrive London Heathrow 17.10
what we include
• Return scheduled flights to St. Petersburg • Six nights’ accommodation with breakfast • Four dinners and one lunch • Russian visa (supplements may apply for fast track or
non-UK passport holders)
• All entrance fees and gratuities • The services of our Tour Lecturer
