For the space of 300 years St. Petersburg has been traditionally the center of the cultural and high life of the country. It was in winter that the outstandingfirst nights, balls, and exhibitions were held there.

The standard of entertainment has never faltered since the old days. Fairs and festivals for popular audiences flourish as ever. When snow turns tree branches into silver silhouettes, drifts down to dust the granite embankments of the rivers, and puts the white lace on the grilles of the gardens a fairy tale comes to life.

Day 1

Arrival in St. Petersburg. Transfer to the hotel. Traditional Russian "Bread & Salt" welcome with a glass of vodka by a folklore group. Check-in (fruits and mineral water are complimentary in hotel rooms). Dinner.

Day 2

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of the city including a visit to the Peter the Great's house. Lunch in a city restaurant. A night tour of the Peter & Paul Cathedral, specially opened for the group. A concert of sacred music in one of the cathedrals (a glass of Champagne is served in the open air afterwards.

Day 3

Breakfast. A stroll along the Nevsky prospect. Visit to the farmer's market downtown. Metro ride. Tour to the Russian museum. Dinner at the Russian families' homes.

Day 4

Breakfast. Attendance of the ballet master class. Lunch in a downtown restaurant. Tour of the Hermitage including the Golden Treasury.

Day 5

Breakfast. Trip to the town of Pushkin for visiting the Great Catherine's Palace and its famous Amber Room, proceed to Pavlovsk for a troika ride in the park. Lunch at the "Podvorye" Russian restaurant.

Day 6

Breakfast. All day trip to Novgorod, sightseeing tour of the city, visit to the Kremlin, and the Cathedral of St.Sophia, museum of icons, Yaroslavov Torg - the old trade center of the city. Lunch in a Russian restaurant, afternoon trip to the Yurievsky Monastery, and to the museum of the wooden architecture in the open air.

Day 7

Breakfast. Sightseeing tour of the literary St. Petersburg including a visit to the museums of Dostoevsky and Pushkin. Tour of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery. Farewell dinner in the city in a former Palace.

Day 8

Breakfast. Check-out. Transfer to the airport. Departure.