Train Travel from Helsinki to St. Petersburg

Majestic palaces, extravagant mansions, and richly decorated cathedrals create a regal ambience in St. Petersburg - one of the most beautiful cities on the globe. A tour guide will accompany you throughout the trip, which introduces you to the major sights of the city in four days.

CZARIST COLORS

After boarding the very early Finnish "Sibelius" train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg at 7:23 am you will enjoy breakfast. Upon arrival in the "Venice of the North" at 2.05 pm, the tour takes you to the Bronze Horseman, Admiralty, Nevski Prospekt and Palace Square. On Palace Square you will admire the harmonious unity of St. Petersburg. The architects of the city gave colors an essential role in their plans and this magnificent Russian city owes much of its special atmosphere to these painted facades. The tour continues to the very roots of St. Petersburg. The city was founded by Peter the Great, as he laid the foundation of the first fortress on an islet in 1703. This island, the Peter-and Paul Fortress, has become the chief monument to its founder's reign. Overnight at Hotel Ibis or similar.

ALONG CANALS AND BOULEVARDS

The day begins with an excursion to the Hermitage. The Hermitage was established in the year 1764, as Catherine II bought paintings made by famous Dutch painters. After the revolution in 1917 the amount of exhibits tripled and now it contains 2,400,000 pieces of art. The Hermitage collection offers art lovers special highlights such as Leonardos, Raphaels and Titians. After lunch, which is served in a local restaurant back to the hotel.

18TH CENTURY LUXURIOUS PALACE

In the year 1708 Peter I gave his wife Catherine Aleksejevna an estate in the outskirts of St. Petersburg. As the summer residence of Russian Czars for two centuries Zarskoje Selo, later Pushkin, was developed into one of the most magnificent and richest residences in Europe by the most famous architects and craftsmen of the time. Lunch in a local restaurant and return to the city center where you will visit the third largest Cathedral in whole world: the Cathedral of St. Isaac. The cathedral was designed by a French architect Auguste Monferrand and the construction took 40 years, from 1818 to 1858. Leisurely afternoon can be put to good use by wandering in the city like any other citizen having a day off.

TIME FOR REFLECTIONS

Time for optional sightseeing before lunch at the hotel. Transfer to the train departing at 4:32 pm. Arrive in Helsinki at 8.48 pm where the tour ends.

Notes