St Petersburg Music & Discovery

from £820pp

Based on 5 days

Suitable for Secondary Schools

Overview

*Please note tours to Russia are currently suspended*

St. Petersburg has always been and for a long time will remain one of the musical capitals of the world, with its exceptional orchestras, venues and music of all genres.

Since Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703, and throughout its tumultuous history, music has been a constant companion to visitors and residents alike.  The city has seen revolution, war, and famine, not to mention three name changes, with music providing solace during those difficult times.

Students can learn about St Petersburg’s rich musical history through a large variety of visits, and there is even the opportunity for your students to perform a musical concert!

Your group will have the support of a local, Russian-speaking guide throughout their stay. 

Our Suggested Itinerary

Visas are not included but we can provide information and assistance if required.

  1. Day 1

    Flight to St Petersburg.

    A private coach and expert guide will take you from the airport to your accommodation, but not before a brief Coach Tour of St Petersburg and an insight into its history.  You will drive by Nevsky prospect, the Admiralty Building and the Bronze Horseman.

    Arrive and settle into your accommodation.

  2. Day 2

    In the morning, board your coach ready to enjoy a day of visits with your expert guide.

    First, stop at the Hermitage State Museum.  See the place where the Provisional Government was arrested by the Bolsheviks alongside the other magnificent State Rooms and impressive art collection.

    Then move on to the Peter and Paul Fortress.  Built by Peter The Great, the fortress notoriously served as a high security political jail; the list of famous residents included Dostoevsky, Gorky, Trotsky and Lenin's older brother, Alexander.

    Afterwards, visit Saint Isaac's Cathedral, also known as Isaakievskiy Sobor, and is the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the city.

  3. Day 3

    Begin the day with a visit to The Sheremetev Palace, now used as part of the State Museum of Theatre and Musical Art, which has restored the facades of the building and uses it to house a collection of historical musical instruments.

    Then visit the Rimsky-Korsakov House-Museum.  This early-19th-century wooden house was the composer’s childhood home until the age of 12.

    In the afternoon, take a walk around the National Library of Russia Musical fund.  The National Library of Russia in Saint Petersburg is not only the oldest public library in the nation, but also the first national library in the country.

    Round off your day with a performance in Central Park of Culture and Leisure, on Elagin Island.

  4. Day 4

    In the morning, pay a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra Necropolis.  The monastery contains the graves of the writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, famous composers Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Modest Mussorgsky, and Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov, and numerous other luminaries.

    Afterwards, head over to the Shalyapin Museum, which gives a beautifully rounded portrayal of Russia’s most famous opera singer.

    After lunch, stop to see the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, the stunning memorial to Alexander II, built by his son Tsar Alexander III to commemorate the spot on which he was assassinated.

    Spend the evening experiencing a Classic Musical Concert!

  5. Day 5

    Spend your last morning visiting Catherine Palace.  The vast baroque Catherine Palace, named after Peter the Great's wife, is the centrepiece of the Tsarskoe Selo.

    Afternoon/evening flight home.

School Trip Accommodation

Accommodation

There is a surprisingly good choice of accommodation in Russia suitable for school groups.  We will recommend the best option for your group size and age, and of course your budget.  All accommodation we use is audited, and our auditing regime is verified by independent experts. 

Want a quick quote?

St Petersburg Music & Discovery

from £820pp

Based on 5 days

Want to visit Russia, but not this itinerary?  Just get in touch and let us know what you want.  Just Request a Quote and let us know which changes you'd like.