Created by Peter the Great in 1703 to be his "window on Europe", St Petersburg combines its fascinating Russian heritage with a distinctly European outlook. It is the biggest among the northern cities (occupying more than 600 sq. km with over 4.5 inhabitants) and the most northern among the big ones. A city of infinite charm with majestic palaces, cathedrals, river embankments, beautiful parks and innumerable bridges. For almost two centuries it was the capital of the Russian Empire. No longer a capital city, it still preserves its imperial grandeur. Peter the Great founded this city of canals, often referred to as the "Venice of the North". It was planned and built with the help of leading architects from all over the world, and the result is an unique eclectic blend of European and traditional Russian styles. Today St. Petersburg is a treasure house of architecture - beneath these northern skies, the traditional forms of Old Russian churches were enriched with borrowings from Classical and Western European religious architecture. Discover one of the world's greatest open-air museums: the Winter Palace, a pearl of the Russian baroque architecture, Palace Square, Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, and summer residences of the Russian Czars. Considered the cultural heart of modern-day Russia, St Petersburg is rapidly regaining its reputation as one of the great cities in the world.
‘St. Petersburg's White Nights a whole moment of bliss! Is that not enough for an entire human life?’ Dostoyevsky
Every summer, a unique and wonderful thing happens in St.Petersburg. It is a wonder of nature known as the White Nights, at its best in June and June. Situated at roughly 60 degrees north latitude, St. Petersburg is neighboured by Finland and Estonia and is on similar latitude to the southern tip of Greenland and Seward, Alaska. Many far-north areas of the world experience weeks and months of total darkness, countered by periods of total light. St. Petersburg is slightly different - a difference which has enchanted residents and visitors for centuries. During the White Nights a brief twilight descends on the city and region creating a mystical, and to many, a romantic affect. Because of the city's high latitude the sun does not set completely to create total darkness. Twilight blends into dawn creating a silvery blue glow. This eerie lighting attracts tourists who take to the streets, along with the locals, to enjoy a variety of entertainment and merry making. This celebration runs about three weeks, from late June to mid-June, between midnight and 4am. On such nights the City seems to sink into a silvery-blue haze that comes from nowhere. Lovers stroll along the banks of the Neva, and when the school year ends graduates will dance and sing all night beside the gilded River.
Nevsky Prospekt, 4.5km long, spans from Admiralty, at the Neva River, to Alexander Nevsky Monastery, swarms with revellers during the White Nights festival. Its stately architecture- from Baroque to modern- provides a stark contrast to the countless partygoers, visitors and vendors. Life on this dynamic boulevard goes on until the wee hours of the morning, and you will doubtless spend considerable time along Nevsky, originally used to deploy the military. 
LIVE offers a choice of hotels to suit your budget. The3* Moscow hotel is located at the opposite end of Nevsky Prospekt to the Hermitage- a 40 minute walk or 10 minute train ride. The Comfort hotel is a small good value property between St Isaacs Cathedral and the Hermitage. The new 4* Petro Palace is again in the middle of all the City’s famous sites. The Astoria is a 5* situated directly opposite St Isaacs Cathedral. Every night sees Neva Jazz cruises, several ballet and operas and LIVE Travel will help you make the most to your time with ticket bookings and recommendations.

27 June- fly to St Petersburg & transfer to your chosen hotel, evening at leisure and/or to discuss plans with Phil Haines.
28 June- Breakfast, City Tour including Peter and Paul Fortress. Afternoon free.
29 June- Breakfast, Full day Petrodvorets (Peterhoff) tour with lunch included- beautiful palace and parks with the world famous fountains - memories of the sights at Petrodvorets will remain with you forever.
30 June- Day at your leisure to enjoy, e.g., the Hermitage - probably the greatest museum and art gallery in the world- an unbelievable collection of Monet, Van Gogh, Leonardo Da Vinci & Gaugin in one of the world's most beautiful palaces.
1  July-   At leisure until airport transfer and departure for London.

COSTS – Moscow Hotel £720, single supp = £150, Petro Palace Hotel £850 single supp = £200, Comfort Hotel £850, single supp = £150, Astoria Hotel £1250, single supp= £420. Includes: Flights, B&B hotels, meals, transport & excursions as shown. The air holiday & flight is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6151.
Excludes visas £35 + £25 LIVE Travel fee, local airport taxes, insurance (available throughLIVEfor £20), meals not mentioned in the itinerary, tips, drinks and other items of a personal nature, optional excursions and activities.