Intourist Russia & Beyond 2012 (page 29)

ST PETERSBURG TAILOR MADE 1) CHOOSE YOUR AIRLINE... With a number of air carriers operating from major UK airports there are a range of options for everyone. Known as the Venice of the North due to its extensive canal system, St Petersburg is now becoming a must for travellers looking for a city break or a two centre trip in combination with Moscow. Customise your holiday to St Petersburg to make it extra special! We have produced a step by step guide to creating your break; follow the steps and your journey can begin... Direct from London British Airways, Aeroflot/Rossiya Airlines Indirect from over 10 UK airports Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Austrian Airlines IntouristUK can offer very competitive flights with numerous carriers in order to suit your preferences. You also have the luxury of choosing between economy and business class; we have something available for every taste and budget! 2) SELECT A HOTEL... 3) PLAN YOUR EXCURSIONS... Here are our favourites; see page 31 for more options. 3* Dostoevsky This hotel was opened in 2003 and is centrally located just off Nevsky Prospekt. The Dostoevsky hotel has 207 rooms of various categories and provides good facilities for disabled clients. Visit the 7th floor Raskolnikov Bar-- with wide panoramic windows offering a magnificent view over Vladimirsky Prospect and Vladimirsky Cathedral. 4* Ambassador This building dates back to the 19th century, but internally has a distinctly more modern and luxurious feel. Many of the rooms offer a view of St Petersburg's historical centre, and the hotel has an array of 4* facilities, including a fitness centre and swimming pool. 5* Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria Opened in 1912, and purchased by the Rocco Forte Collection in 1997, the Astoria is perfectly located in the heart of St Petersburg. Within walking distance of Saint Isaac's Cathedral, the Hermitage and the Mariinsky Theatre, this hotel has been visited by many celebrities and guarantees the 5* facilities and comfort one expects from the Rocco Forte group. CITY TOUR Explore Russia's most elegant city with this fascinating tour which introduces the major attractions in St Petersburg. Nevsky Prospekt, St Isaac's Cathedral, the Admiralty, the Church of the Spilt Blood and Peter and Paul's Fortress, where many of the Romanovs have now been laid to rest, are all included. The stunning view across the Neva River can also be enjoyed. HERMITAGE (The Winter Palace) One of Russia's best known sights with arguably the greatest number of secret treasures. Masterpieces from artists such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt and Kandinsky make the Hermitage a memorable visit. The guide service lasts for 2 hours after which tourists are welcome to explore the museum on their own. CATHERINE'S PALACE (Pushkin) Named in honour of Catherine the Great this is one of the most impressive European palaces and has been the subject of a thousand iconic images of Russia. The Amber Room is one of the most famous and stunning rooms in the palace. Some of its grand panels were taken by the Nazis during World War II and were never found again, giving this intricate room an intriguing history. PETERHOF (Petrodvorets) The imperial summer residence on the Gulf of Finland, about 30km from the city. In its landscaped gardens there are roughly 200 spectacular fountains which operate in summer. YUSUPOV PALACE Standing on the Moika River this was once the residence of the wealthy and respected Yusupov family. It is also the location of one of the most dramatic events in Russian history - the murder of Grigory Rasputin. Wander around the beautifully refurbished interior and the story of Rasputin will unravel. For a fuller list of exciting excursions, visit www.intouristuk.com. 4) ...AND PICK A DATE! Arrange your trip to coincide with any one of the exciting events below! For a full list of events in 2012, visit our website. WINTER: Arts Square Winter Festival; Performances in various theatres throughout the city (December-January) Russian Winter Festival; Troika rides, folklore shows, winter activities (December-January) SPRING: Russian Ballet Summer Season (April-September) City Day; celebrations for St Petersburg's official birthday (27th May) SUMMER: White Nights, natural event (June-July) Stars of the White Nights Festival at the Mariinsky Theatre (May-July) AUTUMN: International Early Music Festival (October) St Petersburg Open; Men's tennis tournament at Petrovsky Stadium (October) Visit www.intouristuk.com for many more travel ideas and great value special offers 29