Capital of Russia at the height of its Imperial era (1723-1918), St Petersburg is a dazzling mixture of baroque, rococo, classical and belle-epoque buildings created by Europe’s leading architects of the day. Nevsky Prospektis the city’s main Parisian-style avenue, and radiating from it are grand boulevards and canal embankments lined with the former palaces of Russia’s aristocracy. These days Nevsky is lined with world-name shops, alongside eateries priced from serf through to Grand-Duke… plus java-joints, internet cafes, museums, churches, theatres and more.

All of Russia was once ruled from the Winter Palace (on Palace Square) -Empress Catherine the Great kept her private art-collection in the adjoining “Hermitage” annexe, but these days the world-famous Hermitage Collection(Ancient and Western Art) is displayed throughout the Winter Palace itself too. Prefer Russian Art? Don’t miss the Russian Museum - the greatest collection in the world. St Petersburg is arranged over a network of islands, linked by bridges. As well as hundreds (literally) of palaces, the adventurous can find all kinds of attractions to visit - house-museums of famous people, churches, synagogues, cemeteries of the famous, and museums of every kind (including the Museum of Bread, the Museum of the Political Police, and the universally-popular Vodka Museum).

Stay a little longer to find time for the ring of Summer Palaces of the Nobility which surrounds the city – Peterhof, Tsarskoe Selo, Pavlovsk and others. Then dance the night away in Petersburg many nightclubs – or let the pros dance for you at the Mariinsky Ballet.

Including a tour to St Petersburg as part of your Russia Experience holiday is a decision you won't regret. St Petersburg has something for everyone, and its rich history is reflected in its stunning architecture