Friday 18 May 2012. St Petersburg airport to hotel transfer. The remiander of the day offers free time. Consider heading out to see some of the city's many impressive buildings, or take a boat ride along the canals. Later you can investigate St Pete’s buzzing bar and jazz club scene, watch the world famous Russian ballet or enjoy the energetic Cossacks cultural performance show (book and pay locally). Overnight - St Petersburg

Today we take a city tour that takes us to the main sights. We drive along colourful Nevsky Prospekt, the main avenue of St Pete’s from which most main attractions can be easily reached. There’ll be a stop at the famous Church on Spilled Blood (viewed from outside from the Nevsky prospect side for photo opportunities) and Peter and Paul Fortress, the oldest building in St Petersburg, which was built in 1703. This fortress was once used as a political prison - containing the likes of Dostoevsky and Lenin’s older brother, Alexander. Later we enjoy a guided tour of the amazing Hermitage art collection, located in the grand sky blue Winter Palace. When you’ve had your fill of Matisse, Picasso, Cezanne, Monet and more. At 9pm this evening we set of for our Night at the Museums Event, accompanied by our guide, with private transportation and inclusive of entrance fees.

Over thirty of St Petersburg’s most respected museums and art galleries will stay open from 9pm on 19th May 2012 until 6am the following morning for this wonderful annual event, which is accompanied by unique exhibitions, street art and performances around the city. The city of the tsars becomes a hive of late night activity as people flock to see some of the St Pete’s finest cultural offerings and take advantage of the wonderful Russian ‘White Nights’ when the sun barely sets!

In 2011 the Night at the Museums was devoted to space exploration and we visited the following museums: The Museum of Political History, the Planetarium, the Geological Museum, The Gallery of Modern Art and St. Isaac’s Cathedral where we enjoyed a classical music performed by the city Symphony Orchestra. Please note that the list of museums to stay open is yet to be confirmed. Overnight - St Petersburg (B)

A free day to explore on your own. Alternatively, opt to join one of our optional group excursions.

Pukka Pass - Enjoy a full day of guided sightseeing Touring will include, dependent upon opening hours and availability, either a visit to the gardens of Peter the Great’s palatial Peterhof which overlooks the Gulf of Finland (in summer) or a visit to Catherine Palace at Tsarskoe Selo in winter (or Pavlosk Palace if Catherine Palace is closed). We then stop for lunch at Tinkoff Beer Restaurant where we can enjoy a hearty meal, some beer tasting and a tour of the Tinkoff brewery. After lunch we continue with a guided tour of the interior of The Church on Spilled Blood with time to shop in the souvenir market located alongside the church. Entrance fees, lunch and transport are all included, payable at time of booking.

Peterhof Summer Gardens- Take our morning tour to beautiful Peterhof Park and gardens with its beautiful lakes, shaded glades and elaborate fountains, overlooked by the Grand Palace. Payable at time of booking. Overnight - St Petersburg (B)

Tuesday. Today gives the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, or time to take a leisurely walk around the city. Our city stay concludes after breakfast and hotel check out at 12 noon. (B)