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Heroes and Heroines Cultural Centre of the World
A proud city with a striking array of neoclassical and baroque architectural delights.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
A Short Break to St Petersburg
Over five days explore Russia’s beautiful imperial capital and some of the world’s finest palaces and museums spread throughout the city.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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2Bohemian Contrast and Western Opulence
St Petersburg offers a ‘window to the west’; its bohemian-inspired atmosphere allows travellers to view a very different side of Russia.
3Roots in Russia
Steppes Travel began in Russia. We have a wealth of knowledge for the country that ‘inspired us’ and therefore suggestions beyond the ordinary.
4The Jewels of St Petersburg Tour
Join Katya Galitzine to explore a very different side of St Petersburg on the Jewels of St Petersburg Tour departing 26th February 2020.
Why we like it
We can arrange exclusive access and private tours of many of the sites combined with wonderful musical, ballet or opera performances, a private party in a palace and even a wedding. We would definitely recommend a peaceful canal trip to see St Petersburg’s beautiful palaces and buildings from the river. It is these canals that give St Petersburg the name ‘Northern Venice’.
Days 1-5
St Petersburg
Days 1-5
St Petersburg
St Petersburg is a vibrant and bustling Russian city of ideas which has firmly established itself as one of the major cultural centres of the world.
Now for the details
St Petersburg
Once the capital of Russia, before the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, and extolled by many great Russian poets and artists, St Petersburg is regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Cosmopolitan and cultured, it boasts an architectural identity and bohemian ambiance unique to the city. It is a dazzling place, and it is easy to see why it is known to some as ‘Northern Venice’. Your guide will accompany you around The Hermitage, the Peter and Paul Fortress and the fine cathedral of St Isaac, with its celebrated golden dome.
Palaces Aplenty
Whilst staying in the city, enjoy a day at the Peterhof Palace, former summer residence of the Russian Tsars and home to an extensive formal 18th century garden and number of other smaller palaces in the grounds. Another option is to explore the Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe. Only an hour from the city, this palace offers a dazzling display of gilt and glorious parquet. The finest of all the rooms is the restored Amber Room, the original panels of which disappeared during WWII never to be found, creating an enduring mystery.
When To Go
Spring is a wonderful time to visit with long evenings and warm days but be prepared for a price increase during the White Nights Festival. September is another good time, some rain but fewer crowds. For snow, travel between December to March but be prepared for some of the marble statues to be covered and the canals to be frozen. The summer palace of Peterhof turns off its wonderful fountains but the Catherine Palace, when covered with snow, can be explored by troika.
Jewels of St Petersburg Tour
Join Katya Galitzine to explore a very different side of St Petersburg on the Jewels of St Petersburg Tour departing 26th February 2020. Absorb the splendour of the Tsars with a focus on some of the jewels and treasures of pre-Revolutionary Russia. Accompanied by Princess Katya Galitzine, this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the highlights of St Petersburg and gain a personal insight into the countries fascinating history through the Galitzine family experiences. Katya’s expertise and insight will open doors and your eyes to a very different side of St Petersburg.
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £1,600 Per person
When to travel
Russia in January
Russia experiences particularly cold winters, with minus temperatures not uncommon for many regions. The continuing cold winters will see many cities including St Petersburg and Moscow transformed into a winter wonderland as the snow settles on these cities.
Russia in February
Due to the predictability of Russia’s extreme winters, public transport systems are well prepared for snowy conditions meaning travelling through winter is not uncommon, particularly as temperatures slowly start to warm up in February.
Russia in March
Spring begins in Russia in March however not as you would typically expect, with snow still on the ground. We recommendation travelling during the winter months or from May, as you will be greeted with melting, dirtier snow in March and the beginning of April.
Russia in April
Throughout April, Russia will experience relatively cold temperatures and cloudy days, however, temperatures can range from -25°C in some regions and reach 25.C in others due to the sheer size of the country.
Russia in May
A perfect time to avoid the crowns prior to Russia’s peak season whilst still experiencing a pleasant climate.
Russia in June
Depending on your exact location, June can be the perfect time to travel to Russia, with temperatures starting to rise throughout the country ad summer begins.
Russia in July
As summer begins in Russia, many locals travel to the countryside and so cities will be much quieter with long, sunny days and very little humidity.
Russia in August
During the peak of summer, cities such as Moscow can experience high temperatures of up to 37°C with other regions generally still warm but with more comfortable conditions.
Russia in September
As summer draws to a close, temperatures will drop and due to this milder climate, sightseeing can become more comfortable yet not be as cold as visiting during winter.
Russia in October
Autumn and spring are typically short in Russia as the country experiences the two extremes – summer and winter. October can be an unpredictable month to travel to the country in terms of climate.
Russia in November
Prior to the beginning of winter, days can be unpredictable with temperatures averaging as low as 2°C, with November experiencing more rainfall depending on your exact destination.
Russia in December
Throughout Russia, December brings harsh winter conditions but can also be the ideal time to see Russia’s spectacular, iconic winter wonderlands.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise sets us apart. So too our curiosity. A curiosity of the world and of you, and your passions. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary?
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