New Year’s Eve in St Petersburg
Harriet is here to help give you the inside track.
See out the year in style at a St Petersburg ball, and spend a few days exploring Peter the Great's 'window to the west' as you ring the New Year on a five-day short break.
Itinerary at a Glance:
- Visit the Hermitage before it opens to the public
- Enjoy a magical performance at the Mariinsky Theatre
- See in the New Year at a lavish Russian ball
Why Book with Original Travel?
When To Travel
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
Day 1: Arrive in Russia
Welcome to Russia! When you touch down in St Petersburg today you will be met by one of our on-the-ground team for the 45-minute private transfer to your hotel.
You will have some time to settle in and freshen up before heading out to explore and find somewhere for your first St Petersburg supper. Our local Concierge is on hand to recommend and book a table at the restaurant of your choice.
Day 2: City of Tsars
After breakfast this morning, you will meet your expert local guide at your hotel for a tour of imperial St Petersburg's highlights.
The city was built by Peter the Great (though upwards of half-a-million serfs did the heavy lifting) in 1703 as a testament to Russia's strength as an empire. As you explore the sites - including the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress, where most tsars are buried - you will gain an understanding of what drove Russian tsars (mostly a burning desire to leave Russia's provincial roots behind and join the west) to the extremes they reached. This evening, we have booked you tickets for a magical performance at the Mariinsky Theatre, home to arguably the best ballet company in the world.
Day 3: New Year’s Eve
Early this morning, you will head to the Hermitage Museum, which is housed in the one-time Winter Palace.
With a private guide, you will explore the world's second largest museum before the crowds arrive. This afternoon you will head back to your hotel to get ready to don your glad rags for the exclusive Imperial Ball at the Hotel Astoria, an enormously glamourous way to see in the New Year.
Day 4: Blow Away the Cobwebs
Fresh air is a tried and tested hangover treatment (though not a guaranteed cure), so early this afternoon your driver and guide will meet you for a trip out of the city to visit Pushkin and in particular the Catherine Palace, the summer home of the tsars.
With your expert guide you will explore the rococo palace, which was rebuilt almost entirely from scratch after it was destroyed by Nazi soldiers following the siege of Leningrad (St Petersburg), and blow away some of the cobwebs left over from last night.
Day 5: Home Time
Today say goodbye to Russia as you head to the airport for your flight home.
All of the holidays we create are completely tailor-made to you
A Rough Idea of Price
This Itinerary
If you would like to book the exact itinerary mentioned above, during mid-season and staying in our preferred room category at our preferred hotels. Ask us if you would also like us to arrange your international flights.
From
$3,170pp
Bells & Whistles
If you are looking for something extra special and would like to stay in top room categories at some of the most luxurious hotels we work with, and add more activities and guiding.
From
$3,805pp
Harriet is our expert for this itinerary and, as a seasoned traveller, has the inside track on the most memorable adventures.