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Last Stop:Saint Petersburg (Part 3)




RUSSIA'S vastness can be a bit daunting and if you only have a few weeks to spare there's only so much you can see but don't leave RUSSIA without making a last stop to the beautiful and cultural stimulating city of SAINT PETERSBURG.

Surrounding over a hundred islands and filled with canals Saint Petersburg is often referred to as the "Venice of the North." It's a beautiful city with breath-taking architecture that just can't be beat. So make your last stop Saint Petersburg and fill your days with memories that will stay with you for years to come.

On your first day head to the The State Hermitage Museum. With over 3 million works of art you'll see paintings, sculpture, and graphic works. There's also the Winter Palace (the former state residence) of Russian emperors and The Menshikov Palace to visit. The main museum complex is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:30am-6:00pm and Wednesday from 10:30am-9:00pm. The State Hermitage Museum as of this writing is always closed on Mondays.

The following day follow your way to the glistening cupola of St. Isaac's Cathedral. With a dome dominating the skyline of Saint Petersburg you can climb up the 300 steps to the observation walkway at the base of the dome and see spectacular views of the city. The famous St. Isaac's Cathedral was built as the main church of the Russian Empire. It consists of granite columns and is decorated with many icons. Approximately 14,000 worshippers can be accommodated  at St. Isaac's Cathedral.

A good spot to eat near St. Isaac's Cathedral is the Cafe Idiot. This was a favorite restaurant of famous Russian writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. With an added addition of vegetarian dishes the Cafe Idiot is quite a popular place to eat. Afterwards head to Peter & Paul Fortress. Situated on the Neva River St. Petersburg was founded at this citadel which was built by Peter the Great.

On your third day in Saint Petersburg why not enjoy some ballet, opera or theater productions. The legendary Marlinsky Theater has some of Europe's best talent performing on its stage and this is the place to come for first rate productions.

 Marlinsky Theater
http://www.mariinsky.ru/en

Surrounded by water Saint Petersburg is interlaced with a web of canals, channels, and rivers. A boat cruise is an ideal way to capture great vistas of Saint Petersburg's classical architecture. A visit to Saint Petersburg just isn't complete without saving a day for a boat trip or river cruise.

Boat Cruises
Website for boat trips and river cruises (click on Boat Cruises)

One of the best places to stay in Saint Petersburg is The Grand Hotel Europe. It's a luxury hotel with lots of class. Other options are Talean Imperial Hotel, Pushka Inn, Nevsky Inn or the Hostel Luna. It's all a matter of whether you prefer top notch accommodations vs a simple budget hostel.

The outskirts of Saint Petersburg are home to the palaces and estates of former noble residences. Some of the most popular ones to visit are Catherine, Konstantine, Lomonsosov, and Peterhof. Treat yourself to an imperial experience by visiting one or all of the opulent palaces.


                                   Take a tour of one of the "Imperial Palaces"near Saint Petersburg


Saint Petersburg serves as a grand last stop before departing Russia so make your last stop:

                                          S A I N T    P E T E R S B U R G
Getting by in Saint Petersburg: 

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How are you?-Kahk dee lah
My name is-Men-yah zah voot
Please: Shah-loos-tah
Thank You-Spah-see bah
Yes-Dah
No-Nyet
I speak only English-Yah gab-vah ryoo tol' kah pay-ahn glees-kee

Who-Ktoh
What-Shtoh
Where-Gdyeh
When-Kahg-dah
Why-Pah-chee-moo

Where is: Gdyeh

Where is metro-station? Gdyeh meet-rah stan-tsee yah meet rah

Where is hotel? Gdyeh gahs tee nee tsah

                                 
                        A boat trip or river cruise is a top attraction in Saint Petersburg



























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