Compare St Petersburg weekend break by Audley Travel vs Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Easy Pace Russia with Christmas Markets - Classic Group, Winter 2022 2023 Classic Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 4 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,573 | $ 2,225 |
| Price Per Day | $ 393 | $ 278 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Basic |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
See the many treasures of the Hermitage, one of the world's best art galleries. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, the city's first permanent building. See the Catherine Palace and marvel at the phenomenal wealth of the Tsars. Explore the beautiful canals and grand buildings of one of the world's prettiest cities. |
Set out from St. Petersburg with your local Travel Director and expert in all things Russian, on an exploration of the city's iconic architecture—including the onion-domed Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. After free time to explore picturesque Pushkin and the site of Rasputin's infamous demise, carve through the Baltic waves on a high-speed hydrofoil to the lavish grounds of Peter the Great's Petrodvorets Gardens. A speedy Sapspan train transplants you to Moscow in style, and begins a unique expert led exploration of the city—taking in the Kremlin, Red Square and Lenin's Mausoleum. |
Day 1 : St Petersburg
Today you begin your journey by boarding your international outbound flight to St Petersburg. On arriving at the airport you're met by your guide and driven by private transfer to your centrally located hotel.This evening we suggest walking along the canal outside your hotel to the Moika Kempinski. We can make a dinner reservation for you at the Bellevue Brasserie on the top floor, where you look out over the city's rooftops, spires and domes.
Day 2 : St Petersburg
This morning your private guide and driver will escort you on a half day panoramic tour of the city, including a visit to St Isaac's Cathedral. If you have a head for heights, climb the 300-odd steps to the top of the colonnade overlooking the city. You'll also visit the Peter and Paul Fortress. Your guide will explain the history surrounding this building in the heart of the city, and how it featured in the Revolution. In the afternoon your guide accompanies you on a walking tour to explore the highlights of the Hermitage art museum. Your tour lasts at least a couple of hours, but we suggest lingering longer. You may wish to visit the small ballet theatre where Catherine the Great once watched performances.
Day 3 : St Petersburg
Today is at your leisure to continue exploring St Petersburg under your own steam. We suggest following our tried-and-tested walking route. Among other sights, it takes you past the Church on the Spilled Blood with its striking kaleidoscopic onion domes, a style known as Romantic Nationalism.
Day 4 : International return flight
This morning your private guide and driver pick you up from your hotel. You'll drive out of the city to spend a few hours exploring the sumptuous Catherine Palace, before transferring to the airport for your return flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.
Day 1: Welcome to St. Petersburg
Airport transfers depart from St. Petersburg airport at 14:30 and 17:00.Meet your Travel Director and travel companions at 19:00 for a friendly Welcome Dinner served with wine at a local restaurant.
Day 2: St.Petersburg Sightseeing
Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous Alexandrinsky Theatre with a member of the production team. Visit the royal box and see an exhibition of authentic costumes. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local ceramist workshop supporting vulnerable youth. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps experience the festivities of the annual International Winter Festival where St. Petersburg showcases an array of culture from the regions of Russia, combined with Christmas traditions from all over the world?
Day 3: The City of Tsars Relaxed Start
In the little town of Pushkin, visit St. Catherine’s Palace with a Local Expert. A ‘Golden Enfilade’ of suites lead to the restored Amber Room, a truly unique and spectacular chamber solely decorated with amber panels, gold leaves and mirrors. Later, cross the Neva River to Peter and Paul Fortress, where St. Petersburg’s foundation stone was laid in 1703. With a Local Expert, visit the fortress to see the imperial tombs of the Romanov rulers and learn the secrets of Russian history.
Day 4: The Hermitage Museum Relaxed Start
Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at its fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to impressionist masterpieces.The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.
Day 5: High-Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow Relaxed Start
Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder? Later, board your high-speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you travel to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Famous for its unique history and colourful architecture, explore Moscow’s enchanting city centre and get lost in its captivating Modern art scene.
Day 6: Moscow, a Russian Revelation Relaxed Start
Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting an ornate metro station or alternatively, join your Local Expert for a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings. In your free time, why not witness the crown jewels and Fabergé Egg collection of the Imperial Russian Family? In your free time, you may like to wrap up warm and venture out to explore the dazzling festivities of the Christmas season. Snow-covered stalls are crowned with twinkling fairylights, while vendors serve warm drinks and food. When Moscow’s Journey into Christmas begins, each district becomes part of the festival, offering everything from exciting street shows and concerts, to master cooking classes of traditional Russian foods. There really is something for everyone.
Day 7: Exploring the Kremlin Relaxed Start
In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. The Christmas Markets offer plenty of unique art pieces and classic Russian ornaments. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition, or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals as well as the Armoury Chamber. Later, enjoy delicious food, great wine and wonderful company as you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner.
Day 8: Farewell Moscow
It’s time to say goodbye to Moscow and your fellow travellers. Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow's Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00.
