Imperial St Petersburg
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7-14 October 2008 with Keith Miller |
Until the fall of Communism, St Petersburg remained throughout the 20th-century as if it were preserved; decaying, certainly, but mercifully escaping the rigours of planning and urban development which spoilt so many other great cities. Today the city is returning to its former splendour with a great deal of restoration taking place everywhere, thus ensuring that St Petersburg can once again be ranked amongst the world's greatest cities.
Founded in the first years of the 18th century by Peter the Great, St Petersburg was, for the next two hundred years, the epicentre of the Romanov dynasty, the capital city from which they ruled their vast Empire until the Russian Revolution in 1917. Throughout this period, St. Petersburg, which was intended by Peter I to show the world that Russia was a European rather than an Asian country, grew in stature. One sumptuous palace after the other was built, and then filled, with priceless treasures which had been bestowed on or acquired by the Imperial family. Our tour will follow the progress of St Petersburg from its earliest days, starting with a visit to the humble log cabin used by Tsar Peter himself as he watched his city being built before him, and will continue until the last days of the Russian Empire.
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Itinerary
| Day 1 |
(Tuesday): We begin with Titan's VIP Home Departure Service™ to the airport. Fly from London Heathrow to St.Petersburg and transfer to the four star Ambassador Hotel; this will be our base for the duration of the St Petersburg tour. |
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| Day 2 |
This morning we will visit The State Hermitage Museum which houses one of the world's greatest art collections. The Hermitage was founded in 1764 by Catherine II as her own personal museum, it contains almost three million items; the rooms in which the matchless collections of decorative and fine arts are displayed are almost as impressive as the treasures they hold. For the afternoon you can either take some free time to explore St.Petersburg independently, or you could choose to stay on at The Hermitage Museum in order to see still more of the collection. |
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| Day 3 |
Today will be spent in St.Petersburg; our visits will include the Peter and Paul Fortress, with its own Cathedral in which we find the tombs of the Romanov dynasty, the Menshikov Palace, the Yusopov Palace, and the Alexander Nevsky. |
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| Day 4 |
We will see two of the great Imperial palaces, the monumental Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo with its rich interiors designed by Rastrelli, and Pavlovsk, built in neo-classical style by Charles Cameron. The famous Amber Room at the Catherine Palace is ranked as one of the treasures of the world, and we are indeed fortunate that this breathtaking sight is now accessible to all who come to Russia as visitors. We will also see the nearby Alexander Palace where the last Tsar lived up until his exile to Siberia.
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| Day 5 |
Today is a free day for you to explore the wonderful city of St Petersburg at your own pace. Our lecturer, Keith Miller, will go back to The Hermitage Museum with those who wish to make a return visit to this outstanding collection. Canal trips are also available as an optional.
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| Day 6 |
We spend time today in Peterhof, founded by Peter the Great on the southern shores of the Gulf of Finland. This impressive Palace was built as an Imperial summer residence and its unique fountain and cascade system creates an outstandingly beautiful garden with terraces that run right down to the water's edge. Here, also, Peter built a simpler villa, Monplaisir. In the nearby attractive town of Galina, we can see Palaces, Follies and ornate Pavilions built for the imperial courtiers and often overshadowed by the better known sites. They nonetheless make an interesting and rewarding visit.
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| Day 7 |
Today, visits to the Kazan Cathedral, the baroque Cathedral of St Nicholas, St. Isaac's Cathedral with its massive golden dome and the Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood, with its unique architecture, are all included as is a visit to the Russian Museum where the whole history of Russian art comes alive.
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| Day 8 |
We transfer to the airport for our return flight to London Heathrow. On arrival in London, Titan staff will greet you and transfer you to the Titan transport for your return journey home to your front door.
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Over the years 