ENCHANTING ADVENTURES IN THE HEART OF ST. PETERSBURG THIS WINTER
A visit to the iconic Belmond Grand Hotel Europe opens up countless things to do in St Petersburg, Russia. Step out of the hotel’s grand doors to delve into the city’s fascinating history and explore its rich culture. Or simply stay put and immerse yourself in a world of wonderful Russian cuisine.
FIGURE SKATING WITH AN OLYMPIC CHAMPION
In 1969, champion figure-skater Tamara Moskvina swept across the ice at the Soviet national championships, landing a coveted podium spot. Become a student for the day at Tamara’s skating club at St Petersburg’s Ice Arena, where you’ll learn to twirl, sweep and dance your way across the sparkling surface. Olympic champions will guide you around the rink in an an introduction class unlike any other, so you can take home a new skill as well as lasting memories.
ICE SCULPTURE MASTERCLASS
Each winter, the iconic Peter and Paul Fortress welcomes an enchanting spectacle on the banks of the river Neva. The Ice Sculpture Festival is an unmissable display by Russia’s finest ice craftsmen.
In celebration, you have a chance to carve your own magical sculpture with the help of our expert ice artists. Using crystal clear blocks from the Shuvalovo lakes of Ozerski, you’ll learn the secret art to this chilling craft.
ST PETERSBURG TOUR
Where can you explore the world’s largest collection of Fabergé works? How did 3,500-year-old Egyptian sphinxes emerge in St Petersburg? Which street is built according to the ancient rule that its width should equal the height of the buildings lining it?
Belmond’s expert guides will divulge all this and more on a fascinating city tour.
AN EDUCATION IN RUSSIAN AVANT-GARDE ART
Indulge in a tour of the ‘One step to Malevich’ exhibition, conducted by the Russian Museum’s curators. Tour No.1 explores the works of P. Konchalovsky, V. Kandinsky and K. Malevich. Tour No.2 features main halls of Mikhailovsky Palace, Andrey Rublev’s medieval icons, 18—19th century portraits and mosaics.
Visit on a Tuesday for exclusive access.
PRIVATE BOX AT MIKHAILOVSKY THEATRE
In 1866 Johann Strauss II performed the Gypsy Baron at the Mikhailovsky, occupying room No. 26 at Belmond Grand Hotel Europe during his stay—and he’s not the only world-famous musician to have graced the hotel.
Today, guests have the opportunity to view Mikhailovsky Theater performances from the best seats in the house—the hotel’s private box.
EXPLORE CATHERINE PALACE
A staggering 100kg of gold was used to adorn the façade of this iconic St Petersburg palace. Wander the halls to soak in the grandeur of architect Bartholomeo Rastrelli’s ‘Golden Enfilade’ of chambers, including the dazzling Amber Room.
A half-day tour of the palace’s enchanting Rococo interiors is sure to leave you spellbound.
CAVIAR MASTERCLASS
Learn about Russia’s ‘black gold’ with our exclusive classes, led by undisputed caviar and vodka master Alexander Dmitriev. Find out how to discern different varieties’ nuances to pair with the perfect vodka. Explore how Russian vodka was first crafted and—perhaps most importantly—how to drink it without suffering the next day.
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