City highlight tour incl. Peter and Paul fortress

Compared to the ancient cities of Europe or Russia, ST-Petersburg, which celebrated its 300 anniversary in 2003, is really a youngster. But not too many cities in the world can compete with a number of historical places and architectural beauty of the former Russian capital. It is a real challenge to squeeze into a 3 hour tour all the “must see” of ST-Petersburg. But from the very first minute you start feeling overwhelmed with the grandeur, taste and mystery of this place, full of great shades and memories.

The town was conceived and built according to the rational plan of Peter the Great; its architects designed not simply buildings but whole ensembles among which are the world famous Palace, Arts, Senate and ST Isaac Squares. Though the city center is really a mixture of buildings constructed at different times, one can not escape the impression of the divine unity, harmony of stone and water.

There is the amazing Nevsky Prospect, the city’s busiest street, which runs for 4.5 km. Today you can find along it modern restaurants, movie theatres, and bank offices together with splendid palaces of the ex-Russian aristocracy, theatres and museums. It is also a major shopping area of the city.

You are offered a choice of visiting Peter and Paul Fortress with the Cathedral of the same name, from which the town of Peter started in 1703, hastily transformed into the capital of the vast Russian empire few years later.  The cathedral became the burial place of the Russian emperors and members of the family from Peter the Great onwards. There is a magnificent wooden icon stand created in 1722-26.

 ST-Isaac Cathedral is a great work of the late period classical architecture. It used to be the principal place of worship in ST-Petersburg before the October Revolution of 1917. Having been built between 1818 and 1858, ST Isaac is one of the major achievements of Russian construction techniques of that time. The cathedral is richly decorated with sculptures, high relieves, oil paintings and mosaics. 

The other place of interest is the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, a rare example of the traditional Russian church in ST-Petersburg. The church was built on the spot where the Russian emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881 and richly decorated with mosaics.

Additional

Availability:
May-September: any day
October- April: any day except Wednesdays

Hotel pick-up and drop off Transportation by chauffeured car or mini-van English, French, German or Spanish speaking guide assistance along the way. Other languages upon request. Entrance fees to Peter and Paul Cathedral

For cancellation up to 3 days, a full refund will be given. For cancellation up to 1 days, 50% refund will be given.