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 and a visit to 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, participate in one of a number of group optional excursions.

Pukka Pass - Enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing taking you to St Isaac Cathedral - one of the largest in the world and to the Peter and Paul fortress. Built in 1703 and therefore the oldest building in St Petersburg, this fortress was once used as a political prison - containing the likes of Dostoevsky, Trotsky and Lenin’s older brother, Alexander. In summer we visit the beautiful fountain laden Summer Gardens at Peterhof and in winter either Pavlovsk or Catherine Palace. Entrance fees, lunch and transport are all included, payable at time of booking.

Peterfhof 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. The wonderful exterior and carefully restored rooms of Catherine Palace will dazzle visitors, 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. Book and pay locally. 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)