Simply St Petes – 4 days land only

Starting from	R11 990
Package Validity	Set travel dates 09 JUL 2016 - 01 OCT 2016
Duration	4 days
Destination	Russia
Starts in	St Petersburg
Ends in	St Petersburg

{tab Description}

- Arrival airport/hotel transfer
- 3 nights 3* hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily
- Assistance of an English speaking Russian tour leader
- Guided sightseeing of St Petersburg city, Peter & Paul Fortress & the Hermitage at Winter Palace
- Touring as per itinerary
- Highlights: St Petersburg, a UNESCO-listed city area including: Nevsky Prospekt, Museum & University districts, Peter & Paul Fortress, Church on Spilled Blood, The Bronze Horseman & Admiralty End

 

* Excludes entrance fees of approximately USD25 - USD30 per person

{tab Day 1}

St Petersburg

Saturday. Welcome to St Petersburg and the start of your long weekend! Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Tonight, our welcome meeting takes place where you will meet the rest of your group and tour leader. Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure, consider a beer and getting to know your fellow travellers. Overnight - St Petersburg

{tab Day 2}

Hermitage

First thing this morning we will embark on a driving tour of the city, offering an ideal introduction to all that St Petersburg has to offer. Travelling by mini bus we will drive along Nevsky Prospekt - the main stretch of the city centre, making plenty of stops for photo opportunities along the way. We will then visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, one of the oldest buildings in St Petersburg dating back to 1703. This fortress was once used as a political prison - containing the likes of Dostoevsky and Lenin’s older brother, Alexander.

Later we will enjoy a guided tour of the amazing Hermitage Museum, located in majestic Winter Palace. When you’ve had your fill of Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Monet and more, the rest of the day is free for you to explore. Why not visit some of the many impressive buildings or investigate the city's buzzing bar scene.

During our time in St Petersburg there will be the chance to join some optional evening excursions, such as a canal cruise (May to September), a traditional Cossacks performance or a night at the Russian Ballet. There may even be the chance to try your hand at preparing Russian cuisine with a cooking class.

*Note: During winter months the tour of Paul Fortress may fall on day 3 due to logistical reasons. Overnight - St Petersburg (B)

{tab Day 3}

Pukka Pass

Enjoy a free day of exploration in St Petersburg. Alternatively, there is the option to purchase our Pukka Pass for a full day of additional sightseeing - inclusive of transport, entrance fees and lunch.

Touring will include either a visit to the beautifully landscaped gardens of Peterhof on the Gulf of Finland in the summer or a tour of Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe Selo in winter (or Pavlosk Palace if Catherine Palace is closed). Often referred to as Russia’s ‘Versailles’, the gardens of Peterhof are a wonderland of greenery and flowers, sweeping vistas and ornate architectural decorations. The real highlight are the spectacular gold fountains. At Catherine Palace its the exterior and the interiors of this lavishly decorated building that really catch the eye - and the lavish Amber room is a real highlight.

Back in St Petersburg we will stop for a hearty lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant, followed by a guided tour of the interior of The Church of Spilled Blood. While the exterior is impressive, the interiors are something else, with incredible mosaics covering almost every inch of the walls and ceiling. Later there will be time to shop in the souvenir market located alongside the church. Overnight - St Petersburg (B)

{tab Day 4}

Explore St Pete's

Tuesday. Today gives the opportunity to shop for some last minute souvenirs, or time to take a leisurely walk around the city. Our city stay concludes after breakfast and hotel check-out. (B)

 

{/tabs}