St. Petersburg

        After leaving the port we will set off for a fascinating sightseeing bus tour of this important Russian town. We will take in the city’s key attractions before stopping to take photographs at the Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood, frequently called the “Spilled Blood” Cathedral ! Our tour will take us along the famous Nevsky Prospective to St. Isaac Cathedral which we will visit inside. Enjoy a lunch of typical Russian cuisine before enjoy a 1-hour coach drive to Petrodvorets – also known as Peterhofs - considered one of the loveliest of the tzars’ summer residences with its wide park, a dazzling array of glittering fountains and manicured gardens. Time at a souvenir shop is scheduled.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair; long periods of walking on uneven ground involved. The order of the visits may vary. For 2-day calls in St. Petersburg this tour is foreseen on following dates:
MSC Lirica: 17 & 28 May 2012 + 07 June 2012
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012
MSC Opera : 08 & 18 May 2012

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 169.00 (Adults) AUD$ 118.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 225.00 (Adults) NZD$ 158.00 (Children)

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      During this comprehensive tour of St. Petersburg you will see the University, the Decembrist's Square, the Admiralty and cross the Holy Trinity Bridge to the Peter and Paul Fortress which we will spend time visiting. We will drive past the Field of March and enjoy photo opportunities at the Church of our Saviour of Spilled Blood, known as the “Spilled Blood” Cathedral. Leave the bus and enjoy free time to shop before continuing the tour to the famous Nevsky Prospective and to a restaurant to enjoy a typical Russian lunch. The highlight of the excursion will be a visit to the Hermitage, the world-class museum home to three million major works of art by renowned Italian, Dutch and French artists.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair; long periods of walking on uneven ground and steps at the Museum involved. The order of the visits may vary. For 2-day calls in St. Petersburg this tour is foreseen on following dates:
MSC Lirica: 16 & 27 May 2012 + 08 June 2012
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012
MSC Opera : 08 & 19 May 2012

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 157.00 (Adults) AUD$ 110.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 209.00 (Adults) NZD$ 146.00 (Children)

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    A great all-round city tour. Our first stop will be St. Isaac’s Square to admire St. Isaac’s Cathedral. You will then visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, located on a small island in the Neva river delta. The fortress, better known as the Cathedral of the Saints Peter and Paul was built between 1712 and 1733 and has been the burial church of the Romanov dynasty. We will return to the port via Nevsky Prospective, the city’s main thoroughfare. Time is scheduled during the excursion for souvenir shopping.

Please note: for 1-day calls this excursion always takes place in the morning and can be combined with following half day afternoon tours: SPT05 and SPT07
For 2-day calls this tour is run on following dates and can be combined with half day tours that not always are run on the same day. Combinations are:
MSC Lirica: 16 May 2012: SPT03 (pm on 1st day) can be combined with SPT04/SPT05 (both am on 1st day) or SPT07 (am 2nd day)
MSC Lirica: 28 May 2012 : SPT03 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT05 (pm on 1st day) or SPT07 (pm on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica: 07 June 2012: SPT03 (pm 1st day) can be combined with SPT04 (am 1st day) or SPT05 (am 1st day) or SPT07 (am 2ndday)
MSC Poesia: 22 August 2012 : SPT03 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT05/SPT07 (both pm on 2nd day) and SPT06 (1st day)
MSC Opera : 08 & 18 May 2012: SPT03 (pm 1st day) can be combined with SPT04 (am 2nd day) or SPT05/SPT07 (both pm 2nd day)

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 68.00 (Adults) AUD$ 48.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 90.00 (Adults) NZD$ 63.00 (Children)

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      After a 1-hour drive you will reach Catherine’s Palace that is considered one of the masterpieces of world architecture. The stunning 300 metres long baroque façade is adorned with a profusion of Atlantes sculptures, columns, pilasters and ornamental framings. Enjoy plenty of time to visit the Palace and marvel at the famous Amber Room which was once considered to be the “eighth wonder of the world”. Visit the park and ground before returning to the ship.

Please note: for 1-day calls this excursion always takes place in the morning and can be combined with following half day afternoon: SPT05, SPT06 and SPT07. This tour  involves walking on uneven ground so is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair.
For 2-day calls this tour is run on following dates and can be combined with half day tours that not always are run on the same day. Combinations are:
MSC Lirica : 16 May 2012: SPT04 (am 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm 1st day) or SPT06 (pm 2nd day) or SPT07 (am 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 28 May 2012 : SPT04 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT05 (pm on 1st day) or SPT06 (am on 1st day) or SPT07 (pm on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica: 07 June 2012: SPT04 (am 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT07 (am 2nd day)
MSC Poesia: 22 August 2012 : SPT04 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT05 or SPT06 or SPT07 (all pm on 2nd day)
MSC Opera : 09 May 2012: SPT04 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT05 or SPT07 (both pm on 2nd day)
MSC Opera : 18 May 2012: SPT04 (am 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm 1nd day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT07 (am on 2nd day)

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 72.00 (Adults) AUD$ 50.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 95.00 (Adults) NZD$ 67.00 (Children)

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        This excursion includes a visit to Yussupov Palace, built between the XVIII and the XIX centuries. You will admire the wealth of the Empire which spans from Soviet Russia to the present day Republic. St. Petersburg is also known as the “Venice of the North”, a title that will seem well-earned as you embark a scenic canal cruise admiring the sumptuous houses and opulent villas that lie along the river banks.

Please note: for 1-day calls this excursion always takes places in the afternoon and can be combined with following half day morning tours: SPT03 and SPT04. This tour  involves walking on uneven ground so is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair.
For 2-day calls this tour is run on following dates and can be combined with half day tours that not always are run on the same day. Combinations are:
MSC Lirica : 16 May 2012 : SPT05 (am on 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT07 (am on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 27 May 2012 : SPT05 (pm on 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 or SPT04 (both am on 2nd day) or SPT06 (am on 1st day) or SPT07 (pm on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 07 June 2012 : SPT05 (am on 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT07 am on 2nd day)
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012: SPT05 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 or SPT04 (both am on 2nd day) and SPT06 (pm on 1st day)
MSC Opera : 09 May 2012 : SPT05 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT04 (am on 2nd day) or SPT06 (am on 2nd day)
MSC Opera : 18 May 2012 : SPT05 (am on 1st day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT07 (am on 2nd day)

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 81.00 (Adults) AUD$ 57.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 108.00 (Adults) NZD$ 76.00 (Children)

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    A visit to the Baltic port of St. Petersburg, often named The Venice of the North, is always an unforgettable experience and this is the ideal excursion for all those wishing to learn more about this amazing city and see the sights, but do so in a short and stress-free amount of time. The outstanding architectural beauty of St. Petersburg is definitely worth capturing for posterity and photo stops will be made at the city’s main attractions. Take St. Isaac’s Square, for instance, and the co-located St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which boasts the third-highest cupola in the world. Or the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, celebrated for its colourful façades and onion-shaped domes. Time to browse and shop for a memento in a souvenir store will also be included before you head back to your ship.

Please note: guided shopping is during this tour. For 1-day calls this excursion always takes place in the afternoon and can be combined with following half day morning tours: SPT03 and SPT04. All the sites will be visited from outside.
For 2-day calls this tour is run on following dates and can be combined with half day tours that not always are run on the same day. Combinations are :
MSC Lirica : 17 May 2012 : SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT04 (am on 1st day) or SPT05 (am on 1st day) or SPT07 (am on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 27 May 2012 : SPT06 (am on 1st day) can be combined with SPT04 (am on 2nd day) or SPT05 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT07 (pm on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 08 June 2012 : SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT04 (am on 1st day) or SPT05 (am on 1st day) or SPT07 am on 2nd day)
MSC Poesia : 21 & 22 August 2012: SPT06 (pm on 1st & 2nd day) can be combined with SPT04 (am on 2nd day) or SPT05 or SPT07 (both pm on 2nd day)
MSC Opera : 09 May 2012 : SPT06 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT05 or SPT07 (both pm on 2nd day)
MSC Opera : 19 May 2012 : SPT06 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT04 (am on 1st day) or SPT05 (am on 1st day) or SPT07 (am on 2nd day)
SPT07 - CANAL CRUISE & PETER

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 47.00 (Adults) AUD$ 33.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 63.00 (Adults) NZD$ 44.00 (Children)

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    Start your tour with a fascinating cruise along the canals of St. Petersburg to admire the historic houses and palaces that lie like jewels along the river banks. We will continue our trip with a visit inside Peter and Paul Fortress, located on a small island in the Neva river delta. Built between 1712 and 1733, the fortress Cathedral is the burial church of the Romanov dynasty.

Please note: for 1-day calls this excursion always takes places in the afternoon and can be combined with following half day morning tours: SPT03 and SPT04. This tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair as walking on uneven ground is involved.
For 2-day calls this tour is run on following dates and can be combined with half day tours that not always are run on the same day. Combinations are:
MSC Lirica : 17 May 2012 : SPT07 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT04 (am on 1st day) or SPT05 (am on 1st day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 28 May 2012 : SPT07 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (am on 2nd day) or SPT04 (am on 2nd day) or SPT05 (pm on 2nd day) or SPT06 (am on 2nd day)
MSC Lirica : 08 June 2012 : SPT07 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT04 (am on 1st day) or SPT05 (am on 1st day) or SPT06 (am on 2nd day)
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012: SPT07 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (am on 2nd day) or SPT04 (am on 2nd day) or SPT06 (both pm on 1st day)
MSC Opera : 09 May 2012 : SPT07 (pm on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT04 (am on 2nd day) or SPT06 (am on 2nd day)
MSC Opera : 19 May 2012 : SPT07 (am on 2nd day) can be combined with SPT03 (pm on 1st day) or SPT04 (am on 1st day) or SPT05 (am on 1st day) or SPT06 (pm on 2nd day)

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 68.00 (Adults) AUD$ 48.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 90.00 (Adults) NZD$ 63.00 (Children)

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        The tour begins with a drive west to Petrodvorets – also known as Peterhofs – the former summer home of Peter the Great. Built in the early XVIII century by the Italian architect Bartolomeo Rastrelli, Petrodvorets is considered to be the most dazzling of all the Russian tzars’ summer residence. After visiting the magnificent Palace, we will follow our dedicated guide to the Lower Park where we will admire the beautiful fountains. Set in 300 acres of parkland, the fountains are a key feature of these world-class gardens. After lunch, the day continues with more superlative sights as we visit the famous Hermitage Museum, home to three million works of art by Italian, Dutch and French artists and where we will look around the grand reception rooms of the Russian royalty.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair as long walking on uneven ground and steps at the Museum are involved. The order of the visits may vary. For 2-day calls in St. Petersburg this tour is foreseen on following dates:
MSC Lirica: 17 & 27 May 2012 + 08 June 2012
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012
MSC Opera : 08 & 18 May 2012

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 155.00 (Adults) AUD$ 109.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 279.00 (Adults) NZD$ 195.00 (Children)

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                This tour of St. Petersburg actually begins with a visit to Catherine Palace, which is located about a 1-hour drive away in Pushkin and is generally considered to be an architectural masterpiece. You will have time to explore the opulent Palace and especially its famous Amber Room – once hailed as the eighth wonder of the world due to its amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors  – as well as the generously dimensioned palatial park and grounds. Once back in St. Petersburg, a visit to St. Isaac’s Cathedral is next. When it was completed in 1858, it was the largest church in the Russian Empire. After a typically Russian lunch, you will also visit the Hermitage Museum as well as the 18th-century Peter and Paul Fortress. The tour is rounded off by a 1-hour boat cruise down the River Neva, during which Russian sparkling wine and snacks will be served. Do take your camera with you to capture the many breathtaking sights of this beautiful Baltic city.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair as long walking on uneven ground and steps at the Museum are involved. The order of the visits may vary. This tour is foreseen only for 2-day calls in St. Petersburg and only on following dates:
MSC Lirica: 27 May 2012 + 07 June 2012
MSC Opera : 08 & 18 May 2012

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 215.00 (Adults) AUD$ 151.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 286.00 (Adults) NZD$ 200.00 (Children)

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          Having played an essential part in Saint Petersburg’s city life and fortunes ever since the time of Peter the Great, the beautiful River Neva continues to be important for the metropolis to this day. Upon leaving your ship, a local boat will take you on an evening pleasure cruise down the river. The many beautiful sights along the way make it well worth your while to take your camera. The cruise route will take you past the 18th-century Peter and Paul Fortress, the stately Winter Palace and Hermitage buildings, the elegant Grand Duke’s Palaces and the imposing Marble Palace. The boat will also approach the famous Cruiser Aurora, a prominent attribute of Russian naval history and currently a much-visited museum ship, as closely as possible. A colourful display of traditional Russian dances and songs rounds off your river cruise, during which you will also be served Russian sparkling wine and delicious Russian snacks.

Please note: this tour foreseen only for 2-day calls. It is not foreseen on 27 May 2012 (MSC Lirica). This tour starts at approx. 20h00 and can be combined to any half day excursion (run in the morning or in the afternoon) or to following full day tours (SPT01 / SPT02 / SPT13 / SPT19 / SPT20) if they are run on the first day of call. This tour cannot be combined with the tour SPT14.

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 88.00 (Adults) AUD$ 62.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 117.00 (Adults) NZD$ 82.00 (Children)

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      Russia and particularly St. Petersburg are the home of ballet. Russian rulers and aristocracy took a deep interest in ballet, encouraging and supporting the construction of theatres in St. Petersburg. This night-time excursion will give you an opportunity to savour the thrill of visiting the ballet and enjoying one of the timeless romantic stories told in the mysterious language of classical dance. Russian champagne will be served during the intermission to round off your experience of an art form that has been indelibly shaped by Russian culture – a performance of Russian ballet. Your tour concludes with your drive back to the ship, during which time you can admire the beautiful cityscape of St. Petersburg by night.

Please note: this tour foreseen only for 2-day calls. This tour starts at approx. 19h00 and can be combined to any half day excursion (run in the morning or in the afternoon) or to following full day tours (SPT01 / SPT02 / SPT13 / SPT19 / SPT20) if they are run on the first day of call. This tour cannot be combined with the tour SPT14.

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 88.00 (Adults) AUD$ 62.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 117.00 (Adults) NZD$ 82.00 (Children)

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              This exclusive trip gives you an opportunity to see the highlights of the Russian capital in just a single day. The tour begins with a drive to St. Petersburg airport where an assistant will help you to check in and board a plane for a one-hour flight to Moscow. At Moscow airport you will be greeted by a local guide who will accompany you during the whole trip. Your excursion starts with a drive to the centre of Moscow. On your way you will see how the years of communism affected people, life and the city’s architecture. Your first stop will be the at the world famous Red Square. Stretched out along the Kremlin’s eastern wall, this place has been the arena of many historical and political events. By the way, the word “red” refers neither to the colour of the bricks nor to the country’s communist past. In fact, the Russian name of the square is “Krasnaya”, which can mean “red” and “beautiful”, with the latter meaning originally having been intended. Your excursion will continue with a short ride to the breathtakingly beautiful Moscow metro, each station of which is ornately decorated with mosaics, crystal chandeliers, marble columns and marble walls. A restorative coffee break in one of Moscow’s best restaurants will follow. Then your tour will continue with a visit to the Kremlin, an old fortress and Russia’s most important historical and political centre. Your walking tour of the Kremlin will include all the most important sights: you will visit the Armoury Chamber with the treasury of Russian tsars and then one of the three cathedrals. The next leg of the tour is a panoramic coach ride that will take you past some of Moscow’s most famous landmarks until you reach the vantage point at Sparrow Hills, which affords a wonderful view of the whole city. Your camera should be at the ready to capture these unforgettable sights on film. Dinner will be served in a top Moscow restaurant: the Writer’s Club. The building is more than one hundred years old and boasts delightful interiors, antique balustrades and warm fireplaces. You will then return to the airport for the flight back to St. Petersburg. It will be past midnight by the time you return to your vessel.

Please note: this tour is foreseen only for 2-day calls by MSC Lirica and MSC Opera. It is not offered for 2-day call by MSC Poesia. The flight to Moscow is not a private flight but a regular flight. This tour can only be prepaid and cannot be booked online or during your cruise. Reservations will be accepted up to 2 weeks before each day of call. The visit to the Kremlin – the official seat of the Russian Government – and the Red Square can be changed / limited in case of official visits on the day of call even with no advice. On the call of June 07, 2012 the visit to the Kremlin will be replaced with a visit to the New Maiden Convent and a cruise on the river.

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 1.418.00 (Adults) AUD$ 1.418.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 1.890.00 (Adults) NZD$ 1.890.00 (Children)

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        This is certainly a day when you should have your camera at the ready as we will set off for an unforgettable trip around one of the most beautiful cities in the Baltic. Our first stop will be in Pushkin, a town founded in the 18th century as summer residence of the Russian tsars. Here we will visit Catherine’s Palace, which dates back to 1717 when Catherine I of Russia asked the German architect Braunstein to build a summer palace. Over the years, the plans for the Palace were expanded and then, founded to be outdated by Empress Elizabeth, were replaced by a much grander edifice in a lavish Rococo style. We will spend time visiting this sumptuous residence and its glorious park. More sights are in store in St. Petersburg as we visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, which, when it was built in 1818-1858 was the largest church in the Russian Empire. Break from sightseeing with a delicious typical Russian lunch. Art lovers will be in their element during the afternoon, which includes nearly two hours in some of the halls of the world-class Hermitage Museum, home to three million works of art. The final attraction of the day is the Peter and Paul Fortress; built in 1703, this former citadel of the town sits on a small island in the Neva River. Round off the day with a little free time for shopping before returning to the ship.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair as long walking on uneven ground and steps at the Museum are involved. The order of the visits may vary. This tour is foreseen for MSC Magnifica and MSC Poesia 1-day calls. For 2-day calls this tour is foreseen only on 17 May 2012 (MSC Lirica) and on 22 August 2012 (MSC Poesia). This tour is not for guests onboard MSC Opera.

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 208.00 (Adults) AUD$ 146.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 277.00 (Adults) NZD$ 194.00 (Children)

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        A visit to St. Petersburg is always an unforgettable experience and this is certainly a day when you should have your camera at the ready. Leave the port and drive to Pushkin for an interesting visit to Catherine’s Palace, one of the masterpieces of world architecture. The stunning 300 metres long baroque façade is adorned with a profusion of Atlantes sculptures, columns, pilasters and ornamental framings. Enjoy plenty of time to visit the Palace and marvel at the famous Amber Room which was once considered to be the “eighth wonder of the world”. Enjoy a short visit to the park and ground before reaching a restaurant for a delicious typical Russian lunch. Your afternoon will begin with with a fascinating cruise along Neva River: a good opportunity to take photographs of some of the main tourist sites such as the Spit of the Basil Island, Peter & Paul Fortress and famous Cruiser Aurora as closely as possible. Back on the ground enjoy a bus sightseeing tour around one of the most beautiful cities in the Baltic with views of St. Isaac’s Square and of the Spilled Blood Cathedral. A short stop in a souvenir shop will conclude your day out in St. Petersburg.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair as long walking on uneven ground and steps are involved. The order of the visits may vary. For 2-day calls in St. Petersburg this tour is foreseen on following dates:

MSC Lirica: 16 & 28 May 2012 + 08 June 2012
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012
MSC Opera: 09 & 19 May 2012

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 157.00 (Adults) AUD$ 110.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 209.00 (Adults) NZD$ 146.00 (Children)

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      In its most authentic form, Russian folk dances and songs originated as a type of home-grown musical entertainment in cities, towns and villages throughout the country. As such, these dances and songs have enjoyed a long and interesting history. In their more modern incarnation, however, these traditional dance moves have been combined and supplemented with more formally prescribed styles of movement such as ballet, contemporary dance and in some cases even gymnastics and acrobatics. A lively and enjoyable performance featuring tuneful singers, graceful dancers and rhythmic musicians awaits you during this evening out on the town. Russian sparkling wine will be served during the intermission to round off your experience of an art form that has been indelibly shaped by Russian culture. Your memories of this joyous display of traditional Russian folklore are sure to stay with you long after your return to port.

Please note: this tour foreseen only for 2-day calls. This tour starts at approx. 19h00 and can be combined to any half day excursion (run in the morning or in the afternoon) or to following full day tours (SPT01 / SPT02 / SPT13 / SPT19 / SPT20) if they are run on the first day of call. This tour cannot be combined with the tour SPT14.
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Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 68.00 (Adults) AUD$ 48.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 90.00 (Adults) NZD$ 63.00 (Children)

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      A coach drive will take you to downtown area and to the Bronze Horseman monument, one of the most famous monument to the founder of St. Petersburg, Peter the Great. From this square you will begin your walking tour along the Neva River embankment towards the main square of the city. You will admire some sights on the Neva’s opposite bank including the Academy of Arts, the impressive building of Peter the Great’s 12 Ministries. As you approach the Palace Square, make sure to have your camera at the ready to take photographs of this magnificent ensemble where every building is a masterpiece of architecture. This square is considered to be the main square of the city and serves as a good example of how different styles can be combined in the most elaborate wat. On the northern side of he square stands the picturesque Baroque Winter Palace built in 1754-62 by Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Across the square, on the southern side you will admire the yellow-and-white building of the former Imperial Army General Staff. Here you will board the coach to reach the Spilled Blood Cathedral. With its marvellous Russian-style multi-coloured, onion-domed church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 01, 1881. After the visit you will walk to the Square of Arts, dominated by the famous monument to Alexander Pushkin. The square itself is a remarkable architectural ensemble and has become one of the most important cultural centres of the city. Your tour will conclude with a short sightseeing bus tour of the city ending at the port.

Please note: this tour is not recommended for guests with mobility problems or in a wheelchair as long walking on uneven ground and steps are involved. The order of the visits may vary. For 2-day calls in St. Petersburg this tour is foreseen on following dates:

MSC Lirica: 17 & 28 May 2012 + 08 June 2012 always in the afternoon
MSC Poesia : 21 August 2012 in the afternoon
MSC Opera: 08 May 2012 & 19 May 2012 always in the afternoon

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 51.00 (Adults) AUD$ 36.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 70.00 (Adults) NZD$ 49.00 (Children)

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    Leave the port and reach a souvenir salon where your workshop will take place. Each visitor will receive a wooden nesting doll, paints, brushes, work-station and expert supervision. After your class you will take your Matryoshka home as a souvenir. Next you will have the opportunity to look for a perfect souvenir in the store including a selection of Russian products. After enjoying a cup of coffee or a tasteful tea you will reach the Museum of the Contemporary Russian Art “Erarta”. The museum is located in a 5-storey building on Vasilievsky Island and is the largest private gallery in Russia representing the modern art. You will visit the museum and admire some of the works of over 140 contemporary artists from all over Russia.

Please note: for 2-day calls in St. Petersburg this tour is foreseen on following dates:
MSC Lirica: 17 & 27 May 2012 + 08 June 2012 always in the morning
MSC Poesia : 22 August 2012 in the morning
MSC Opera: 09 May 2012 & 19 May 2012 always in the morning

Price per person Starting from: AUD$ 80.00 (Adults) AUD$ 56.00 (Children)

Price per person Starting from: NZD$ 106.00 (Adults) NZD$ 74.00 (Children)

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