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The majestic City of St. Petersburg is celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2003 and everyone is invited to come and join the celebrations and experience the unique holiday atmosphere. You could be mistaken for thinking that you’ve walked straight into heaven, for Peter, the city’s patron saint, is the keeper of the keys to the gates of Paradise. Situated on the banks of the river Neva, St. Petersburg is relatively young compared to some of the other European capitals. Yet it has been the scene of many incredible events over its short history and has so much to offer to all its guests. Its splendour, beauty and charm never fail to enchant visitors. Don’t miss out on the chance of a lifetime! St. Petersburg is not only the country’s “northern
capital” but could also be described as its marine capital.
Two crossed anchors form the city’s emblem - sea and river
anchors. Peter the Great believed that anchors were the keys to
Paradise. We are pleased to be able to
offer you a package which includes accommodation in the excellent
4-star Hotel Neptune in addition to a fascinating sightseeing programme
For more information on the Hotel Neptune, please see our St. Petersburg hotel section or the hotel’s own website www.neptun.spb.ru Programm: Three Centuries of St. Petersburg Day 1. Day 2. Day 3. Day 4. Day 5. Should any changes to the programme be required, we will be pleased to develop something new to meet your individual requirements.
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Today you will spend the whole day exploring St. Petersburg. Breakfast
will be followed by a sightseeing tour when you will visit the Peter-and-Paul
Fortress with its cathedral – the burial place of the Russian
Royal Family. You will see the city’s other main attractions
including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Admiralty and the famous
Bronze Horseman. A drive along Nevsky Prospect, the main street
of St. Petersburg, will be followed by a look at the famous cruiser
Aurora, whose one shot signifying the beginning of the October Revolution
changed the country’s history for ever. Looking at all the
beautiful parks, monuments and squares of St Petersburg, it is hard
to believe that much of the city was destroyed during World War
II. St.Petersburg (Leningrad at that time) survived a 900-day siege
and refused to surrender despite the awful hardships endured by
its inhabitants. Hundreds of thousands of its citizens perished
and now lie buried in the Piskarev Cemetery. 
Today’s
highlight is an excursion to the town of Pushkin, the former summer
residence of the Russian Tsars, 
(formerly
known as Tsarskoye Selo or “Tsar’s Village”).
An enthralling walk through the “Golden Amphilade” of
state rooms of the Catherine Palace will allow you to feast your
eyes on one of the world’s unsurpassed wonders, the recently
restored Amber Room. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity
to take a look backstage at the Marinsky Theatre or to watch talented
young artists rehearsing their ballet steps. Finally, what better
end to the day than dinner at the Backstage Restaurant . The restaurant
boasts a fascinating location next to the Theatre and combines elegant
table arrangement and contemporary cuisine with an unforgettable
array of old theatre properties from Aida's sphinxes to an original
dancer’s practice barre. Placido Domingo is among the list
of distinguished guests who have dined there. 
The
Yussupov Palace will be your first stop today. The fascinating history
and artistic treasures of the palace never fail to impress, while
the cellar of the palace which witnessed the death of Rasputin is
still shrouded in mystery. The breathtaking and spectacular city
of St. Petersburg is reflected in the waters of its numerous rivers
and canals. Why not take a boat trip along St. Petersburg waterways,
remembering to drop a coin to return here again and make a wish
as you pass under one of its bridges. 
