Open the magic of theatre world: Backstage tour of the Maryinsky Theatre
No visit to St Petersburg would be complete without a visit to the Maryinsky Theatre, home to the Kirov ballet and opera company. Small groups can take an exclusive backstage tour of the Maryinsky Theatre which lasts about 1 hour. The group will see how a performance is engineered, the rooms where the dancers and singers prepare for a performance and how the scenery is made. There will also be an opportunity to see scenery painted by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries. The tour may be combined with the performance, followed by late dinner in the themed "Backstage" restaurant.
Anichkov palace
This is a beautiful palace in the heart of the city, favoured by the Romanov family as a city home (away for the imperial splendour of the Winter Palace). The palace was built in 1741, being the first stone building on Nevsky Prospect.
Yusupov palace
Originally built for Count Shuvalov, was bought by Catherine II for one of her ladies in waiting and was eventually bought by Prince Nikolai Yusupov in 1830 for 250,000 roubles! It was here that Prince Felix Yusupov planned and carried out the murder of Rasputin.
Palace on Liteyny
Built in the mid 19th century for Princess Dolgoruki, this palace is unique in St. Petersburg, as the only palace which has been restored specifically as a venue for functions, congresses.
Marble palace
Another St Petersburg highlight, just off Palace Embankment, along from the Winter Palace, with wonderful views of the Neva River from the windows of the beautiful Marble Hall. It was built in 1768-85 for Catherine the Great's lover, Grigory Orlov.
Fly as Joule Verne's hero: Balloon rides
These are possible in the park adjacent to Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, or from Palace Square and St Isaac's Square in the city, but can only be done first thing in the morning or early evening
Be a guest of the royal family: Private performance at the Hermitage Theatre
This beautiful private theatre is adjacent to the Hermitage / Winter Palace. In the past it was exclusively used for the members of the emperor's family. Its location means that it is combines well with dinner or cocktails at the Marble Palace for a sumptuous St Petersburg evening. The theatre can be hired for a private performance.
Admire romantic tour: Canal rides in St Petersburg
The city of St Petersburg looks completely different from the water, and a canal ride will show the visitor several parts of the city which are missed during a city tour by coach. The city is situated on 42 islands, being washed by more than 90 rivers, Neva 's arms and channels. The granite embankments with the slopes and piers have become peculiar pedestals for the magnificent palaces: Winter, Marble, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich (Neva), Mikhailov, Mariinsky, Stroganof, Yusupov (Moyka), Anichkov, Sheremetyev, Dukes Beloselski-Belozerski (Fontanka). A private boat is rented for the guests. The lower deck has got a roof to protect the clients from the wind and rain. There are tables and chairs there. During the tour a cocktail (canapes and champagne) is served inside. A group of musicians (jazz or folk) accompanies the guests during the tour. For those who would like a breath of air, there is an open air terrace on the upper deck.
LUXURY TRAVEL
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