Imperial Splendors of St. Petersburg
October 15 – 22
This exclusive tour of Peter the Great's beautiful 18th century city - on foot, by coach, by hydrofoil and boat - includes extras like meetings with contemporary artists and scholars and special behind-the-scenes access to well-known sites. Explore the world-class Hermitage Museum, displaying one of the world's finest art collections. Learn about the horrific 900-day Siege of Leningrad during WWII with Assistant Professor of Russian Studies Nikolai Firtich. Cruise graceful canals that give St. Petersburg the name, "Venice of the North". Visit Peter's summer palace, Peterhof, with its cascades of gravity-fed fountains; the Fortress of Peter and Paul, one of the first structures built in St. Petersburg; and Catherine's Palace, including the fully restored Amber Room with special access to its storage rooms. Attend a memorable ballet or opera performance at one of the city's wonderful theaters. Visit the private studio of two renowned local artists to see some of their work and discuss current events over tea. And enjoy an exclusive reception and meeting with the vice director of Catherine's Palace.
Accommodations
6 nights at the Helvetia Hotel, St. Petersburg
Trip Details
Duration: 7 days
Activity Level: Moderately Active
Price: $2,995 per person, double occupancy (airfare additional)
Single Supplement: $595
Travel Company: MIR Corporation
Optional post-tour to Moscow
October 22 - 25
Join us as we continue the trip to magnificent Moscow. Here, UNESCO-listed Red Square and the Kremlin, remind modern Russia of its medieval past. Descend into the extravagantly decorated Metro stations under the city, and visit the Cold War Museum. Discover Russian art from the 11th century to the present at the Tretyakov Gallery and experience the dynamic spirit of the country's modern capital.
Accommodations
3 nights at the Marriott Tverskaya Hotel, Moscow
Trip Details
Duration: 4 days
Activity Level: Moderately Active
Price: $1,495 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: $295