St Petersburg Holidays
Why you should visit St Petersburg
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The unrivalled art collections of the Hermitage
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To experience a gentle introduction to Russia
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A chance to explore the Palace of Peterhof - the summer residence of former Russian Tsars
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Visit the Yusupov Palace, the place where Prince Felix Yusupov planned and carried out the murder or Rasputin
Our specialists ‘Must Do’
Enjoy a peaceful canal trip to see St Petersburg’s beautiful palaces and buildings from the river. It is these canals that sometimes gives St Petersburg the name ‘Northern Venice’.
A little more about St Petersburg
St Petersburg is a vibrant and bustling Russian city of ideas which has firmly established itself as one of the major cultural centres of the world. It was here the Russian Revolution was instigated and it was here that democracy was encouraged when change was required.
The city has a striking array of neoclassical and baroque architectural delights in the form of its many spectacularly designed palaces and museums, most of which were renovated for its 300th anniversary in 2003. The city has a different feel from that of Moscow; it takes on more of the western perspective, allowing the feeling of a more European styled city.
Due to commendable building restrictions, there are still relatively few good hotels to choose from, which has traditionally resulted in St Petersburg being an expensive place to visit. In the last few years, however, the options have improved and a number of small private bed and breakfast hotels have emerged which are excellent and represent very good value in comparison. Alternatively, it is possible to rent very smart, fully renovated, apartments for a few days.
St Petersburg offers a ‘window to the west’; its bohemian inspired atmosphere allows travellers to view a very different side of Russia.
When to go
Spring is a wonderful time to visit with long evenings and warm days but be prepared for a price increase during the White Nights Festival. September is another good time, some rain but less crowds. For snow, travel between December to March but be prepared for some of the marble statues to be covered and the canals to be frozen. The summer palace of Peterhof turns off its wonderful fountains but the Catherine Palace, when covered with snow can be explored by troika.
For further information on St Petersburg, or advice on planning your holiday to Russia, please contact Sally and Paul on 01285 651 010.