Saturday. Welcome to St Pete’s and the start of your long weekend! Arrival transfer from St Petersburg Airport, transfer to hotel and check in. Tonight, our Welcome Meeting takes place where you can meet other group members also staying in St Pete’s for the weekend. Remainder of the evening at leisure, consider a beer and a chat with newly met friends. Overnight - St Petersburg

Today we take a city tour that takes us to the main sights. We drive along colourful Nevsky Prospekt, the main avenue of St Pete’s from which most main attractions can be easily reached. There’ll be a stop at the famous Church on Spilled Blood (viewed from outside from the Nevsky prospect side for photo opportunities) and Peter and Paul Fortress, the oldest building in St Petersburg, which was built in 1703. This fortress was once used as a political prison - containing the likes of Dostoevsky and Lenin’s older brother, Alexander. Later we enjoy a guided tour of the amazing Hermitage art collection, located in the grand sky blue Winter Palace. When you’ve had your fill of Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Monet and more, the rest of the day is free for you to explore.

Why not visit some of the many impressive buildings, or take a boat ride along the canals. Later you can investigate St Pete’s buzzing bar and jazz club scene, watch the world famous Russian ballet or enjoy the energetic Cossacks cultural performance show (book and pay locally). Overnight - St Petersburg (B)

A free day to explore on your own. Alternatively, opt to join one of our optional group excursions.

Pukka Pass - Enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing Touring will include, dependent upon opening hours and availability, either a visit to the gardens of Peter the Great’s palatial Peterhof which overlooks the Gulf of Finland (in summer) or a visit to Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe Selo in winter (or Pavlosk Palace if Catherine Palace is closed). We then stop for lunch at Tinkoff Beer Restaurant where we can enjoy a hearty meal, some beer tasting and a tour of the Tinkoff brewery. After lunch we continue with a guided tour of the interior of The Church on Spilled Blood with time to shop in the souvenir market located alongside the church. Entrance fees, lunch and transport are all included, payable at time of booking.

Peterhof Summer Gardens (summer) or Catherine Palace or Pavlovsk Palace (winter) - Take our morning tour to one of these sights dependant upon the time of year. In the summer, immerse yourself in the wonderland of Peterhof Park and gardens with its beautiful lakes, shaded glades and elaborate fountains, overlooked by the Grand Palace. In the winter be dazzled by Catherine Palace, with the famous Amber room and Catherine Park as highlights. Pavlovsk Palace is also sumptuously decorated and you will be enchanted by the lakes, rivers and classical statues and temples of its woodland park. Payable at time of booking. Overnight - St Petersburg (B)

Tuesday. Today gives the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, or time to take a leisurely walk around the city. Our city stay concludes after breakfast and hotel check out at 12 noon. (B)