ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

A visit to St Petersburg is always a rewarding and unforgettable experience. By European standards it is a young city – in 2003, St Petersburg celebrated the 300th anniversary of its foundation – yet wherever we look there are reminders of an eventful history.

A visit to St Petersburg is always a rewarding and unforgettable experience. By European standards it is a young city – in 2003, St Petersburg celebrated the 300th anniversary of its foundation – yet wherever we look there are reminders of an eventful history.

St Petersburg is situated on the banks of the Neva River and the numerous islands of its delta. The rich tapestry of the city comes alive as our coach travels along its bustling avenues and embankments.

Our first photo stop will be at St Isaac’s Square, dominated by the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral which has one of the largest domes in the world, covered with gold. In the centre of the square is a monument to Nicholas I. We pass Palace Square, the main square of the city in which the Alexander Column stands – an important focal point for this architectural ensemble. On the northern side of the square is the picturesque Winter Palace, a Baroque vision in green and white.

Driving across the Neva River we shall see the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, flanked by the two Rostral Columns, once used as beacons to guide ships through the busy port. We can enjoy the magnificent view of the Neva River at its widest, and the Naval Museum (formerly the Stock Exchange). In front of us stands the Peter and Paul Fortress, the first structure to be built in the new city. In the centre of the fortress is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul with its needle thin spire.

The coach briefly pauses at the cruiser Aurora which signalled the start of the October Revolution in 1917 by firing a single blank shot. The Cathedral of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood now comes into view, one of St Petersburg’s main landmarks, built on the site where Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. It is a riot of colour – the large, textured cupolas and stylised peaks herald it as a jewel of St Petersburg. From here we reach the Nevsky Prospekt – St Petersburg’s main thoroughfare which is lined with palaces, churches and theatrical buildings, as well as numerous shops.

We travel past Decembrists’ Square – the name of which alludes to the momentous event in Russian history when, in 1825, liberal-minded army officers attempted to stage a coup with the aim of overthrowing the Tsar. In the square stands the graceful statue, the Bronze Horseman, portraying Peter the Great on horseback – a fitting tribute to the founder of the glorious city of St Petersburg.

TOUR NOTES: Please note that the order of the itinerary is subject to change. This is a driving tour to see some of the many highlights St Petersburg has to offer – inside visits are not included. There will be approximately 30 minutes for you to purchase traditional Russian gifts in a good souvenir shop (US Dollars and Euros are accepted); complimentary tea, coffee and vodka will be offered here. Walking is limited, however a few steps may be encountered.

DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2009 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC CRUISES