Day 1:

Arrive St Petersburg Pulkovo Airport late afternoon. Transfer to hotel. Dinner at the hotel is included tonight. After dinner, your introduction to this remarkable city is a boat trip on the river Neva. Passing the spectacular 18th century facades of the Hermitage Museum and the Admiralty on the way out to the mouth of the Baltic, you will return as the sun finally sets on the city late into the evening.

Day 2:

A morning sightseeing tour highlights the short history of this amazing city – its palaces and cathedrals, the monument to Peter the Great who founded the city and after time for lunch a visit to the Hermitage Museum. One of the world’s great art museums, a visit to the Hermitage is a highlight of any trip to St Petersburg.

Day 3:

A full day excursion today to see two of the great gems of Russia’s imperial past. First stop is Catherine’s Palace in the nearby town of Pushkin. This masterpiece of baroque architecture astonishes visitors with its opulent decoration, including the recently restored Amber Room. Lunch is included at the delightful Podvorie restaurant, with its traditional Russian cuisine and decor. This afternoon’s visit is the charming palace of Tsar Paul I, with its elegant classical colonnades and staircases.

Day 4:

There is time this morning for a visit to the beautiful gardens at Peterhof, Peter the Great’s majestic palace on the Baltic coast. The gardens feature some spectacular fountains and wonderful views as well as quaint arbours and summer houses. After time for lunch transfer to St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport for the flight home.