The Best Of Saint Petersburg

Peter & Paul’s fortress and St Isaac’s cathedral, Yussupov palace

AM - Orientation tour with Peter & Paul’s fortress and St Isaac’s cathedral In the morning after having breakfast the guest will have a chance to get acquainted with one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg remains one of the most romantic cities in Russia. Among the many poetical names applied to St. Petersburg the most common are “Northern Venice” and “Northern Palmyra. In 1991 the city was placed on the UNESCO list of world cultural heritage. With sumptuous palaces, beautifully decorated buildings, parks and the world famous Hermitage on the banks of the Neva river, the city is Russia’s very popular destination, drawing visitors from all over the world throughout the year. Peter and Paul’s Fortress Standing on a small island at the centre of the Neva delta, the fortress was founded in 1703 by Peter the Great and is the oldest building in St Petersburg. Up to 1917, the fortress was mainly used for holding political prisoners, such as Dostoyevsky, Lenin’s brother Alexander and Peter the Great’s own son Alexei. At the heart of the fortress is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul, with its landmark gold spire, where all of Russia’s pre-Revolutionary leaders were buried, apart from Peter, Ivan IV and Nicholas II. St Isaacs Cathedral Is the main church of the city. Commissioned in 1818 by Alexander I, this imperial cathedral with its opulent interior and huge gold dome by its height occupies the 4th place in the world among domed cathedrals. The massive granite columns had to be transported from Finland on purpose built ships and rail and the dome is covered in nearly 100kg of gold; inside, there are 10 malachite columns and a beautiful iconostasis. For visitors with energy to spare, it is possible to climb the several hundred steps of the spiral staircase to the colonnade for a fabulous view of the city Time for lunch PM – Yussupov palace visit. The Yusupov Palace is arguably the most interesting and beautifully preserved palace in the city. Built in the 1740s and then bought by Catherine the Great for one of her ladies in waiting, it was eventually purchased by Prince Nikolai Yusupov in 1830 for 250,000 roubles. A fortune at the time. Subsequently it was here that Prince Felix Yusupov planned and carried out the murder of Rasputin. All the rooms are beautifully restored and full of art, while the highlight must surely be the exquisite private theatre, built for Zineida Yusupov, where such renowned artists as Anna Pavlova and Shaliapin have performed.

Hermitage museum, Boat ride

AM- Hermitage museum Admire the wonderful collection of the world’s biggest museum – Hermitage. Today, the museum has over 2 million exhibits within its four buildings and attracts around 3 million visitors a year. The exhibitions are diverse with works by Da Vinchy, Raphael, Rembrandt, an impressive collection of impressionists and largest collection of Titians in existence. Enjoy the quietness of the place by special privileged early entrance arranged for yourself! Time for lunch PM – Boat ride. The city of St Petersburg looks completely different from the water. The city is situated on 42 islands and washed by the river Neva’s channels. The granite embankments with the slopes and piers have become pedestals for the magnificent palaces like the Winter, Marble, Mikhailov, Mariinsky, Stroganof, Yusupov Sheremetyev. Board the boat. The lower deck has got a roof to protect the clients from the wind and rain. For those who would like a breath of air, there is an open air terrace on the upper deck. (it is possible to hire a private boat for the guests) – (available May – October)