ST.PETERSBURG WEIHNACHTEN 5 TAGE

In the morning you start exploring the “Venice of the North”, as St. Petersburg is often called. In 1703, Tsar Peter the Great founded this city on the swampy delta of the Neva River to “open a window to Europe”. To do so he brought the best Italian and French architects of his time to Russia. Now, the former royal capital with its Baroque-Classicist masterpieces belongs to the most beautiful metropolises in Europe. At the same time, the city becomes modern, lively and open-minded. Around 5 million people live in St. Petersburg that attracts them with its mixture of old-fashioned charm and modern vibes. Especially in winter, during the Christmas, celebrated in Russia on January 7, the city shines with magical warm light. You will admire such sights as the Winter Palace, the Admiralty, the Decembrist Square or the Nevsky Prospect. We also can not miss religious symbols of St. Petersburg: Isaac’s Cathedral with its mighty gold dome and Savior on the Blood with its colorful domes. We also have lunch at traditional Russian restaurant. We also have a tour through Peter and Paul fortress. The history of the city begins with the construction of this fortress. It was never used as military facility, but now due to its imposing mightiness it is considered a strong tourist magnet. Here are also buried Russian Emperors since 18th century.  Dinner at the hotel.

Today we drive to Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin). It is a remarkable edifice of the Russian Baroque style, with richly decorated interiors including the world-famous Amber Room, which was restored by the Tercentenary of St. Petersburg in 2003 after its mysterious disappearance. Afterwards we enjoy a typical Russian horse ride – troika sleighs, with three animals pulling the carriage. Then we have lunch at traditional restaurant and come back to St. Petersburg. You have free time here. This magical winter evening we advise you to spend at exquisite Mariinsky Theater, watching opera or ballet among the once imperial splendor. Dinner at the hotel.

After the breakfast we urge to Hermitage. The largest and most famous museum in the country is housed in the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian tsars. The art collection has more than 2.5 million exhibits from various eras and countries and covers an area of around 46,000 square meters. It would take ten years to pay just two minutes to each object. So we focus only on the most outstanding items. In the afternoon, after the lunch, we pay a visit to the Fabergé Museum dedicated to the famous Russian goldsmith and jeweler Carl Fabergé and his ornate precious objects. You can marvel some of the world-famous Fabergé eggs. Until the Revolution 1917, the Fabergé was the official designer of the Russian imperial court, another royal customer was the Queen of England. Today the Russians celebrate the Christmas Eve. Families gather around the table with 12 dishes, symbolizing 12 apostoles. The believers spend several hours at the Christmas church service. Engaging bustles with lanterns on the evening streets complement to the holiday atmosphere.

In the morning you still have some time to take a walk through this beautiful city and buy some souvenirs. Afterwards we drive to the airport. We hope you have discovered St. Petersburg, its culture and nature, joyfully celebrated Christmas Day and will keep you emotions for your lifetime. We are always happy to become your devoted companion for your future travels!