ST PETERSBURG

THE VENICE OF THE NORTH

St.Petersburg was founded in 1712 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg the city was the capital of the Russian State until his death in 1725 when the mantle was handed over to Moscow, but it still remains to be the countries cultural & political heart. However the city retained its regal court with Empress Anna Ivanovna, Catherine the Great and Empress Elizabeth all returning at some stage to this to the splendour of this beautiful city. After the death of Lenin the city name was changed to Leningrad as a tribute to the man that had changed the face of Russia forever. As with most pasts of Russia WWII left it's devastation on Leningrad, with the now famous seize which lasted from September 1941 until January 1945 before finally calling it a day retreating defeated and beaten. After WWII Leningrad underwent a complete rebuilding programme, which lasted some 15 years, after which it's population returned and it reclaimed it's proud place in Russian hearts. The final twist of this famous city comes after the fall of the Soviet Union when it's residents voted to change the name from Leningrad to St.Petersburg.

The city is studded with glittering palaces, many delightful museums, and some stunning cathedrals. But the cities historical heart is PALACE SQUARE, here you will find some of world's most beautiful examples of period buildings and built by some of the finest architects & artists that Europe had to offer who created many truly stunning buildings and beautiful tree lined avenues beautiful squares. The city's major thoroughfare is NEVSKY PROPEKT AVENUE, along which is where most of the city's attractions, museums, shops and theatre’s can be found.

Worldmark's range of services include:-

Due to our extensive oversea's network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.

* Discounted hotels.
* Discounted fares with British Airways & Transero.
* Tourist Invitation / Support within hours.
* Business Invitations / Supports.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire

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We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-

The Astoria,Nevskij Palace,Grand Europe,Reniassance,D'Angelterre,Radisson SAS,Pribltiskaya,Moskva,Okhitinskaya,Oktyabrskaya,Rossija, and St Petersburg.

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FREE Tourist Invitation.

Worldmark Travel offer a tourist invitation / support FREE of charge to any person who books any Moscow or St.Petersbug hotel package with this office.Please note that normal visa & consulate fees still apply.

Some of St.Petersburg's most popular attractions include:-

Winter Palace

Former residence of the Royal family and dates back to the 18th century.

The Hermitage

One of the biggest museums in the world.It dates back to 1764 and has over 2.7 million exhibits.

The Marble Palace

Constructed in 1785 and is home to a permenent Art exhibition.

Russian Palace

Over 300,000 works of art by Russian painters, with exhibits dating back to the 11th century.

St.Iassac's Cathedral

One of the tallest and most beautiful buildings in Russia.It took over 40 years to build and is decorated with 150 paintings,62 mosaics and sculptures.

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Typical tours and excursions include:-

CITY TOUR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:-

Nevsky Prospeckt @ Neva embankment @ The Summer Garden @ Field of Mars @ Square of Arts @ Palace Square @ Peter & Paul Fortress.

MUSEUM TOUR HIGHTLIGHTS INCLUDE:-

The Winter Palace @ the Small Hermitage @ the Old Hermitage @ the Grand Hermitage.

OTHER TOURS INCLUDE:-

Peter & Paul Fortress Tour @ Yusupov Palace Tour @ Petrodvorets @ Pavlovsk and Pushkin.

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Other destination suggestions:-

Petrodvorets

This is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and is endowed with as much culture as Paris, with the charm & character of Prague and the history of Rome. St.Petersburg is actually home to some 42 small islands, which are connected by over 500 bridges. The area's climate is reflected in the city's close proximity to the Gulf of Finland, this ensures that St.Petersburg's winters are extremely cold and their summers are sunny & warmer.

Sitting just west of St.Petersburg was Peter the Great's elegant retreat, which was home to a number of beautiful palaces & lush gardens and stunning, fountains until WWII when the invading German army devastated the area. But it has since been rebuilt to it's former glory and is a must see for any visitor that wishes step back in time to sample to grand life of the Tsars & Emperors.

Kirovsky Islands

A collection of beautiful islands which can be found to the north of the city centre.They were once home to elegant stylish playgrounds for Royality but today they are lush green spaces offering boating lakes,picnic areas,scenic walks,and beautiful mansions.

Pushkin

The beautiful former summer palaces of Catherine the Great,Empress Elizabeth which have been lovingly restored to their former glory after the destruction of WWII.

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The "White Nights"

This is not only the best time to visit St.Petersburg, but also the busiest. This yearly event takes some getting used to but it is a beautiful way to see the city. During the months of May to early July the cities nights are as bright as the days, depending of course on the weather. The city is a host to many festivals and events that surround this unique phenomenon, and the crowds gather downtown until the early hours to pass the night away.

In simple layman's terms, the white nights are caused by the sun not sinking low enough beneath the horizon to make the sky darken, but beware that any bad weather could spoil the fun.

You have to book in advance to stay at most hotels during this period and rates will be higher than at other times of the year.

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Travel Warning / Information

Please refer to the Moscow page for this information.

Health Information

Please refer to the Moscow page for this information.

Please refer to the relevant visa / invitation pages.

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WORLDMARK TRAVEL
1st Floor
The Arena
24 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9FH

Tel:- 020 7 922 0670 Fax 020 7 401 2545
E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworldwide.com

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