TOUR S - EVERYDAY ST PETERSBURG
Excursions
- £60 - £70
- approx. 8 hours
- Limited capacity
- Medium
Dramatic political, economic and social changes in Russia have attracted the attention of the world. Yet, the fact remains that few westerners really understand life in today’s Russia. Our tour allows us a unique look inside a country's life affected by the collapse of the Communist regime and subsequent liberalisation.
Our tour will start with a panoramic sightseeing tour of St Petersburg. The main sights will be seen and will include photo stops at St Isaac’s Square, dominated by the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, The Cathedral of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood and our coach will briefly pause at the cruiser Aurora, which signalled the start of the October Revolution in 1917 by firing a single blank shot. After a souvenir shop visit also, we shall have lunch in a central restaurant and then our experience will really begin.
The St Petersburg underground, known as the Metro, is certainly worth a visit. The first plans to build a metro in St Petersburg were drawn in 1899, but were not implemented due to the outbreak of WWI and then the Revolution of 1917. In 1941 construction work began on the Leningrad metro, but a few months later the USSR was forced to enter WWII. After the war the construction work resumed and the first metro line was opened on November 15th, 1955 linking all the five railway stations of the city. From the moment it opened it was acclaimed as one of the best in the world not only because of its efficiency and cleanliness, but also for its architecture. Today it is the quickest, safest, most reliable and comfortable means of travel. The older stations are richly decorated with polished granite, marble of various colours, stainless steel, bronze, aluminium, synthetic materials, glass, various mosaics, reliefs and sculptures. The new stations are mostly simple and modern in design, but not less impressive. Each station has its own unique design.
After our underground journey we will leave the Metro at one of the central stations and find ourselves close to the Kuznechny Food Market. Our guide will take us to the market and show us the huge variety of food sold there as well as the friendly atmosphere. We will have the chance to sample some of the food.
Before the October Revolution of 1917, there were over 100 orthodox cathedrals and churches in St Petersburg. After the Revolution, the numbers became fewer and fewer for various reasons - some were blown up and destroyed, others used as warehouses or turned into museums. There were only a few active churches in St Petersburg (then Leningrad) at the end of 1980’s. After the beginning of Perestroika, the process of reviving the churches started and renovation and reconstruction began. Now there are about 40 active churches and we will have a short visit to one this afternoon.
Before returning to our ship, we will visit Nevsky Prospect. The street is lined with magnificent architectural ensembles and offers a wealth of cultural interests - cathedrals and churches, theatres and cinemas, the Small Philharmonic Concert Hall, the City’s National Public Library, cafés, restaurants and night clubs. It is also the main shopping area of St Petersburg. Some of the best shops can be found around Gostiny Dvor Arcade and Passage. The street always teems with people until late into the night right through the year.
TOUR NOTES: The panoramic driving tour is the same as Tour A and sights passed may also be seen on other St Petersburg tours. Walking is required during the afternoon and steps will be encountered. Please note that the order of the itinerary is subject to change. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as is an umbrella in case of rain. Guests should dress conservatively for the church visit (shorts are not permitted, and shoulders should be covered). We will have approximately one hour of free time on Nevsky Prospect, where Roubles and credit cards are generally accepted. US Dollars and Euros should also be accepted at the Market and souvenir shop. Please be mindful of pickpockets in the city.
DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2011 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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