Holidays By Land & Sea  Saint Petersburg In-Depth (3 days) |
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Saint Petersburg In-Depth (3 days)
TOUR 1 –SAINT PETERSBURG IN-DEPTH 3 DAYS Day 01 August 31 – Saint Petersburg. Upon the ship's arrival and Immigration control, our local experienced English-speaking guides will be meeting you at the pier to start your first full day tour – your acquaintance with one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Included: experienced English-speaking guides, air-conditioned deluxe coaches/drivers, entrance fees per itinerary, lunch, VAT
This morning, after breakfast aboard REGATTA, you will meet your English- speaking expert gudes who will meet you on the pier. Your exciting morning begins with a visit to Yusupov Palace, one of the city’s most elegant residences was once home to Russia’s wealthiest family. However, its elegant classical exterior belies a sinister past. Here, in the quiet underground chambers, Yusupov and his cohorts spent hours attempting to carry out the assassination of Rasputin. The former monk had become dangerously powerful, enjoying considerable influence over the ruling monarch, which some believe, was due to his ability to stop the bleeding of Nicolas’ only heir, Alexi, who was afflicted with hemophilia. When Rasputin did not succumb to poisoned cake, Yusupov and his men attempted to shoot him several times, and, failing to produce the desire effect, ended up drowning him in the nearby canal. The wax effigies of the participants of the world-famous murder are found in the palace’s basement where the events took place. Following this incredible visit, you will have a delicious lunch (included) at the beautiful Aquarelle Restaurant with excellent views of Saint Petersburg. This afternoon you will visit –Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city founded in 1703 by Peter I and later turned into a political prison in which many opponents, from Peter I’s son to Russian writer Dostoevsky were imprisoned. On the grounds of the Fortress there is Peter and Paul’s Cathedral, where you can see the Royal Tombs from Peter I to the last emperor of Russia – Nickolas II. To complete the perfect day, you will visit the Church of the Spilled Blood, built at the beginning of the XX century on the spot where emperor-liberator who abolished serfdom in Russia, Alexander II was assassinated. The interior and exterior of the church is decorated with unique mosaics designed by the most prominent Russian artists. Included: experienced English-speaking guides, air-conditioned deluxe coaches/drivers, entrance fees per itinerary, lunch, Ballet tickets, VAT Day 03 September 02 – Saint Petersburg. (The Grand Finale) This morning after breakfast aboard REGATTA, you will visit the world famous Russian museum – the Hermitage . This museum which ranks right up there with the Louvre in Paris, Metropolitan in New York and British museums. Holds one of the largest art collections in the world. Your guides – specialists in classical art – will show you the highlights of the museum, rooms of such great masters as Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Renoir, Monet, Matisse, etc. Housed in five buildings, one of them – the Winter Palace – was formerly the imperial residence. Following your morning visit to the Hermitage, you will have the wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside to visit the most famous summer residence of Russian tzar Pushkin . At first you will visit one of the most attractive sights outside the metropolitan area – Pushkin –You will be invited to stop for lunch at the Old Tower Restaurant located inside the walls of a 19th century Monastery known as Feodorovsky Gorodok (An authentic Russian Tasting Lunch is included) During lunch you will be entertained by a Russian Folklore Troupe performing Russian Folk songs and dances. Your final day in Russia will conclude with an impressive visit to Catherine Palace with its world famous Amber Room, ("TAX BOAT 2009" Guests use the VIP entrance – to avoid waiting in line). The Palace is a favorite residence of Catherine the Great. Exquisite decorative objects, furniture, unique collections of porcelain, amber, arms, decorative bronze, sculptures etc. are on display in the sumptuous Catherine Palace – a sample of Russian baroque art. Then it is back to REGATTA and a fond farewell to an extraordinary visit of St. Petersburg and Russia. 3 days Saint Petersburg (as described above) and your Russian Tourist Visa – ***$1,099.00 per person (cash or check) $1,296.82 per person (credit card)
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