Itinerary – 5 day Deluxe Visa Free Tour to St Petersburg

“…We loved everything. The accommodations were fantastic.  Both tour guides were knowledgeable and shared so much with us. Transportation ran smoothly and no delays. Would recommend upgrading to Commodore. It was well worth the money.  Thank you for a wonderful experience…”

Day 1 – Depart Helsinki (Friday)

You may check in from 15.00 hrs, so please arrive in good time for your 18:00 hrs departure from Helsinki Sea Port West Terminal*, aboard overnight ferry M/S Princess Anastasia.  Enjoy the dining and entertainment facilities on board, as you sail across the Gulf of Finland towards Russia.

Check in: from 15.00 hrs West Terminal 1, West Harbour, Helsinki
*IMPORTANT: In 2020 Ms Anastasia will depart from Makasiini Terminal, South Harbour, Helsinki

Overnight on the ferry.

Day 2 – St Petersburg (Saturday)

After breakfast on the ferry, enjoy priority disembarkation at 09.00 hrs. You will be met at the exit of the ferry terminal by our guide to commence your panoramic tour of the beautiful city of St Petersburg.  Today, whilst passing by some of the highlights of the city, the true highlight is our visit today is the world famous State Hermitage Museum: A guided visit of the Hermitage museum and the magnificent collection of art in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the largest museums in the world, founded in 1764; its collection includes over 2.7 million items, including masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Rodin, Rembrandt and Rubens. The Gala rooms of the Winter Palace, a former royal residence, are open for visitors.

After todays’ tour, your guide will accompany you to your hotel (at around 17.00- 17.30 hrs) where you check in for 2 nights.
Evening at leisure to enjoy your first evening exploring this magical city.

Entrances today: Hermitage Museum

Overnight at your hotel.

Day 3 – St Petersburg (Sunday)

After breakfast at your hotel, your day is your own, at leisure to explore independently.

Alternatively, you may pre-book to join us on our OPTIONAL tour (not included) to Catherine Palace and Peterhof Lower Gardens: 
Departing at 09.30 hrs, today we visit two of St Petersburg’s dazzling highlights: Our guide will meet you in reception for a tour which includes a visit out of town to Catherine Palace, in the town of Pushkin (formerly Tsarskoye Selo), 29km south of St. Petersburg. The construction of the palace for Empress Catherine started in 1717. A park in the French style was laid out around the palace and in the middle of 18th century Tsarskoye Selo became the official royal residence. This palace is famous for the ‘Amber Room’, now completely restored to its former glory and for the mirrored hall.
We also visit Peterhof Lower Gardens* (or Menshikov Palace when fountains are closed).  We visit the beautiful gardens of Peterhof.  This magnificent estate on the Gulf of Finland is remarkable for the sheer variety of styles encompassed in its garden layout and features. Representing nearly two centuries of European aristocratic fashion executed to the highest standards, Peterhof is like an encyclopaedia of park design through the age of empire. Particularly impressive is the fact that the master landscapers and garden designers who worked on the estate at Peterhof managed to overcome the extremely inclement conditions of the northern climate to create a wonderland of greenery and flowers, sweeping vistas and ornate architectural decorations

Return to your hotel at approx 17.00 hrs. There will be time to stop for tea/coffee/lunch (at your own expense, not included)

Optional Tour: Catherine’s Palace, Peterhof Lower Gardens (or Menshikov Palace when fountains are closed)

n.b.:
The fountains in Peterhof Gardens are not operational from October to early May, at these times, Peterhof Gardens tour will be replaced with Menshikov Palace.

Overnight at your hotel.

Day 4 – St Petersburg (Monday)

10.00 hrs: After breakfast and check out, your guide will meet you in reception. Today we visit three different locations in the city, Peter and Paul Fortress which guards the city of St Petersburg, and is located on the island, facing the Hermitage museum. The Cathedral here is the oldest building in St Petersburg and now houses the remains of the last Romanov tsars.  Included today is a tour of the Church on the Spilled Blood, with five domes, it is St Petersburg’s most elaborate church with a classic Russian Orthodox exterior, and an interior containing 7000 sq m of mosaics.  Its colloquial name refers to the assassination attempt on Tsar Alexander II on the same spot in 1881.  Time is allowed for you to visit the exquisite *Faberge Museum, the worlds largest private Faberge collection housed in a former noble residence, the Shuvalov Palace, in the centre of the city. Pre-booking is no longer possible, payable locally.

After todays’ tour, your guide will take you to the ferry port for embarkation at approx. 17.00 hrs. Ferry departs 19.00 hrs.

There will be time to stop for tea/coffee/lunch (at your own expense, not included)

n.b.
* Please note that visitors to the Faberge museum will be provided with audio guides (pay locally)

Entrances today: Peter and Paul Fortress, Church on the Spilled Blood.

Overnight on the ferry.

Day 5 – Arrive Tallinn (Tuesday)

Enjoy breakfast on board before arrival in Tallinn at 09:00 hrs
Your tour concludes on arrival in Tallinn today*.

n.b. Days, timings and order of visits may change due to local conditions.
All services subject to availability and confirmation.

*See our 2 night Tallinn package with arrival transfer and introductory walking tour.

The 72 hour Visa Free St Petersburg tour is the perfect way to enjoy a city break to St Petersburg, without the cost or time required to obtain a Russian visa.
This is a Russian government initiative and is available to foreign visitors of any nationality*, travelling by ferry from Helsinki and departing by ferry on the designated Visa Free St Petersburg programme.

*IMPORTANT:
Your passport must be valid for minimum 6 months after exit date from St Petersburg.
If you require a visa to enter Finland, it must be multi-entry type.
If you have official residency status, as a foreigner, you must show proof of residency.
If you were born in Russia and now have a foreign passport – you are eligible for Visa Free travel ONLY if you have formally renounced your Russian Citizenship.

Accommodation

We use one of St Petersburg’s leading 5 star deluxe hotels for our programme, *5 star Deluxe Belmond Grand Hotel Europe.

AMAZING SPECIAL OFFER – Complimentary upgrade to next available room type (Belmond Grand Hotel Europe only).
Subject to availability at time of booking.

Belmond Grand Hotel Europe has played a central role in the life of the city for 140 years. A truly iconic building, it stands on Nevsky Prospekt among the city’s great architectural treasures. Adjacent to Arts Square, it is one of the most glamorous hotels in St Petersburg, Russia. We’re deeply connected with the worlds of theatre, music and dance.  The hotel with 266 rooms and suites offers 5 restaurants, including an exclusive Caviar Bar and the beautiful L’Europe restaurant, where one of the city’s best ‘champagne breakfasts’ awaits you!  The gym (open 24 hours a day, seven days a week) is equipped with the latest cardiovascular and resistance training machines. Yoga classes are also available. Finish off your workout with a relaxing session in the sauna and plunge pool.  For the ultimate pampering experience, visit CARITA Beauty Salon. Services include a hair stylist, or just unwind with facials, massages, body treatments and nail care. Open daily 9.00 am–9.00 pm

*Due to high occupancy levels at certain busy times of the year, we reserve the right to use similar hotels.

As an alternative, we may use another of St Petersburg’s leading 5 star deluxe hotels, such as Kempinski Hotel Moika 22.

Situated in the heart of the city on the Moika River, in the aristocratic mansion built in 1853, Kempinski Hotel Moika 22 is close to Palace Square and the Hermitage museum. The hotel is just five minutes’ walk from the Nevsky Prospect and close to all major sights and shopping.  Guests are greeted with a unique, personalised European service in all 200 rooms and suites. The Wine Cellar and Von Witte bars serve meals. Breakfast is served in the lobby breakfast restaurant. A Spa and Fitness Centre offers guests a relaxing setting for mind, body and energy-restoration treatments, a gym, whirlpool bath with city view, sauna and steam room.

*Due to high occupancy levels at certain busy times of the year, we reserve the right to use similar hotels.

Ferry MS Princess Anastasia – St Peterline

Deck Plan

Princess Anastasia is a modern passenger ferry with a total passenger capacity of 2 500 seats. On board there are 834 cabins and a car deck for 580 cars. The guests aboard the ferry can enjoy the advantages of comfortable cabins and a wide range of entertainment to please any taste: restaurants, bars, Duty Free shop, SPA, gym, beauty salon, cinema and playroom for children. The show programme aboard the ship is presented by St. Petersburg Music Hall Ballet Theatre and by a famous night club network.

Our Deluxe Tours use only upgraded double cabins: Suite, Deluxe and Commodore.
IMPORTANT; All upgraded cabins have 1 x Double bed, there are no twins.
If you need a twin, you may take a Suite and one person may use the sofa bed.
These come with extra benefits – please review here :

Onboard Payments: Euros, Russian roubles, US dollars and Swedish kronas are accepted currency.
There are no ATMs, however there is an exchange office where the afore-mentioned currencies are accepted.
Visa, MasterCard and Amex are accepted, however Amex is not accepted in some of the bars.

Suite (Outside double Suite):

1-4* persons on Deck: 6 (26.4 sq m) 

Luxury apartments with sea views
In your living room, decorated with paintings, there are comfortable sofas and armchairs, LCD TV and a minibar
The bedroom is separate, with a double bed (not twin)
Air-conditioning, private en-suite sh/wc with hair-dryer
Complimentary mini-bar with beer, wine and soft drinks
Delicious breakfast with champagne
Complimentary access to the Internet
Priority Disembarkation
VIP lounge in St Petersburg port
*Sofa may be extended to use as extra bed for up to 2 children under 12 years

Deluxe Cabin (Outside double Cabin):

1- 2 persons on Decks: 5, 8 (16.4 sq m)

Queen size bed only (not twin)
Flat screen TV, comfortable armchairs and mini-bar in the sitting area
Private en-suite sh/wc and hairdryer
Complimentary mini-bar with beer, wine and soft drinks
Access to VIP lounge Bar onboard
Delicious breakfast with champagne
Priority Disembarkation
VIP lounge in St Petersburg port
Children aged 7 years or older must have a separate bed in the cabin, as for an adult

Commodore Cabin (Outside double Cabin)

1- 2 persons on Decks: 5, 6 (12 sq m)

Double bed only (not twin).  Flat screen TV, comfortable armchairs and mini-bar in the sitting area
Private en-suite sh/wc and hairdryer
Complimentary mini-bar with beer, wine and soft drinks
Delicious breakfast with champagne
Priority Disembarkation
Special check-in desk in St Petersburg port
Children aged 7 years or older must have a separate bed in the cabin, as for an adult

Deluxe Visa Free St Petersburg (5 days)
Departure Dates and Prices 2020 (per person in EURO)
based on two persons in upgraded cabin (with double bed)

Subject to availability (minimum 2 persons)
Tour starts on selected Fridays throughout 2020

n.b. no twin cabins, all upgraded cabins are double bed only
Single supplement applies, see price table

n.b. Tour not available during:
International Forums and UEFA football match days

Optional Supplements:

Optional tour Day 3:
€185 per person:  (minimum 2 persons)
Tour including Catherine’s Palace with Amber Room, Peterhof Lower Gardens
(n.b.: Peterhof fountains are not operational before May and from October, at which times, Peterhof Gardens will be replaced with a tour to Menshikov Palace)

Tallinn – 2 night package (4 or 5 star Hotel)
Meet our guide on arrival in Tallinn, a transfer will take you to your hotel to drop your luggage, then with our guide, explore Tallinn’s charming Old Town on our walking tour. (Hotel upgrade available, please see below).
Visit the historic Town Hall Square and learn how the weather-vane got its name and what was invented in the Town Hall Pharmacy. You will see medieval churches, the city’s oldest building – the Dominican Monastery (dating from 1246), the city walls and enjoy the views from Toompea Hill. You will also visit the Parliament of Estonia and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. St. Catherine’s Passage is one of the Old Town lanes and St. Catherine’s Guild is a collection of craft workshops, where traditional artists create and sell glassware, hats and other goods. After this introduction to Tallinn, you are free to explore independently.

Tallinn Package Price per person in Euros (in 4 star Hotel dbl/twin):
225 EUR per person (minimum 2 persons)*
120 EUR per person – Single room supplement (minimum 2 persons)
409 EUR per person – Single price for solo travellers

*Upgrade to 5 star Hotel Schlossle or Hotel St Petersbourg in the Old Town of Tallinn from only €105 per person  (subject to availability).

Includes:
– Arrival Transfer
– 2 hour walking tour
– 2 nights in 4 star Nordic Hotel* (or 5 star hotel additional fee)
All tour dates in 2020
Subject to availability

Deluxe Visa Free Helsinki – St Petersburg – Tallinn
Price Includes:

• Ferry tickets Helsinki – St Petersburg – Tallinn. MS Princess Anastasia. (Two nights on board in selected cabin)
• Priority disembarkation
• Complimentary mini-bar in your cabin (beer, wine and soft drinks)
• 2 nights in 5 star hotel (Belmond Grand Hotel Europe or similar)
• Breakfast daily (hotels and ferry)
• Champagne with breakfast on MS Anastasia
• Free Wi-Fi in Belmond Grand Hotel Europe (or similar)
• Free Wi-Fi in Suite (only) on MS Anastasia
• Professional Guide for excursions and transfers
• Transportation to/from hotel
• City tour
• Tours to include :
  Peter and Paul Fortress
  Hermitage museum
  General Staff Building
  Church on the Spilled Blood
• Transportation for excursions
• Harbour fee
• Fuel fee

 Not included:

• International Flights
• Optional Excursion Day 3
• Entrance fee to Faberge Museum (pay locally)
• Gratuities / tips for guide and driver
• Any meals, beverages, sightseeing entrance fees not specified in the inclusions
• Wi-Fi on the ferry in Commodore or Deluxe Cabin (pay locally)
• Photo and video charges at museums and places of interest
• Extra personal costs incurred at the hotel
• Hotel registration fee payable locally in St Petersburg

Note: For information on connections between Helsinki Airport, Railway Station and Port please see the Helsinki Port Website.
Please check in notes for details of your terminal, which changes in 2020.

Notes

• 1. Tour operates with minimum 2 persons
  2. Your passport must be valid for minimum 6 months after exit date from Russia
  3. New style UK passports must be signed before arrival in Russia
  4. You may not stay ashore more than 72 hours
  5. You may not travel outside the St Petersburg region
  6. 72 hour Visa Free applies to all nationalities, including those holding valid multi-entry visa for Finland*.
     *n.b. Persons born in Russia may enter on other passports ONLY if they have formally renounced their Russian Citizenship
  7. You must be in possession of all required documentation to check in (valid passport, residency permits etc)
  8. We reserve the right to substitute an alternative hotel in St Petersburg of similar standard if the featured hotel is not available due to high occupancy.
     If no similar hotels available, we will offer an alternative. This may incur a supplement depending on availability.
  9. Itinerary  may change due to local conditions.
  10. It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure that they arrive in good time for the ferry.
      If you miss the ferry, 100% cancellation fee applies to all services; similarly, passengers must be at the hotel at the specified pick-up time for the departure transfer.
  11. All bookings are subject to availability.
  12. Onboard Payments: Euros, Russian roubles, US dollars and Swedish kronas are accepted currency.
      There are no ATMs, however there is an exchange office where the afore-mentioned currencies are accepted.
      Visa, MasterCard and Amex are accepted, however Amex is not accepted in some of the bars.
  13. We are not responsible for any changes in the Mobylines ferry schedule
  14. West Terminal 1, West Harbour, Helsinki Port Website