The glamour of imperial Russia is still very much alive in Saint Petersburg, the city built by Peter the Great and further enriched by the generations of Tsars. Often called "the Venice of the north", St. Petersburg is lined with rivers and canals adding that extra flair to the majestic architecture designed by the greatest western and Russian masters. The city's cathedrals are so breathtaking with their colorful mosaics and elaborate Russian Orthodox traditions that they will leave you speechless. Known as Russia's cultural capital, St. Petersburg is where Russian music, ballet and art are at their finest! The Hermitage alone, spanning over a number of luxurious palaces. features one of the world's most expansive art collection of all times and you can easily spend days exploring it. The classic performance art and the contemporary underground scene co-exist and feed off of each other to create that exciting feeling of indulgence. Visit the city during its famous White Nights when the day is endless and so is the line up of adventures!
The glamour of imperial Russia is still very much alive in Saint Petersburg, the city built by Peter the Great and further enriched by the generations of Tsars. Often called "the Venice of the north", St. Petersburg is lined with rivers and canals adding that extra flair to the majestic architecture designed by the greatest western and Russian masters. The city's cathedrals are so breathtaking with their colorful mosaics and elaborate Russian Orthodox traditions that they will leave you speechless. Known as Russia's cultural capital, St. Petersburg is where Russian music, ballet and art are at their finest! The Hermitage alone, spanning over a number of luxurious palaces. features one of the world's most expansive art collection of all times and you can easily spend days exploring it. The classic performance art and the contemporary underground scene co-exist and feed off of each other to create that exciting feeling of indulgence. Visit the city during its famous White Nights when the day is endless and so is the line up of adventures!
The astonishing blue, white and gold facade of Catherine Palace is only surpassed by the fascinatingly rich interior! This summer residence, named after Catherine, the wife of Peter the Great who succeeded him, was actually the brainchild of their daughter, Empress Elizabeth who commissioned the expansion of the original palace. It was supposed to be as grand as Versailles... And it was! Today, it is perfectly preserved with its enormity in size and splendor! The absolutely breathtaking rococo design with gold elements, bright colors, exquisite mosaics and furnishings, paintings and sculptures... Every corner of this incredible palace is a masterpiece and it truly showcases the grandness and wealth of imperial Russia!
The best way to get a complete view of the majestic St. Petersburg, its palaces, cathedrals, monuments, nearly 400 bridges and green areas is through a boat cruise on the Neva River. You can relax and enjoy the view, hear the history, learn about architecture and even dine in style or dance the nigh away while cruising the blue waters... Whatever you decide is your type of experience, St. Pertsburg will not disappoint with its magical appearance from the Neva River.
Considered to be Russia's main street, Nevsky Prospekt is the ultimate high-end experience. Brand name boutiques and fancy restaurants, trendy bars and upscale nightclubs, magnificent palaces and luxury condominiums, museums and cathedrals adorn the 3 miles long avenue and make the place to be and be seen in St. Petersburg.
Built by Peter the Great as the center of a new modern capital city, Peter and Paul Fortress is the birth place of St. Petersburg. The fortress actually never fulfilled its intended defense function but it did go through many uses throughout the centuries, all reflected in its variety of architecturally different buildings. Within the walls is St. Petersburg's oldest cathedral, Peter and Paul, which fascinates with its powerful facade and richly decorated interior. Nearly all Russian Imperial rulers are buried inside Peter and Paul Cathedral. The complex has so much to see, do and explore, from historic buildings to old traditions and new popular spots.
The Russian Museum features one of the largest collections of Russian fine art in the world consisting of thousands of items from the 10th to the 21st century. The massive collection is displayed in an impressive building complex consisting of Benois Wing, The Marble Palace, Mikhailovsky Palace, Mikhailovsky Castle, Stroganov Palace and The House of Peter the Great with its impressive Summer Garden.
The astonishing vision of a magical palace with gorgeous gardens and overflowing fountains is just a short trip outside of St. Petersburg. Peterhof Palace was built and designed for Peter the Great as his Summer Palace and the wishes of the tsar were followed closely throughout the construction. The palace itself is reminiscent of Versailles but the gardens will leave you absolutely speechless with their out-of-this-world beauty and countless fountains.
Take a romantic stroll along the gorgeous gardens designed for Peter the Great with him personally overseeing the project. Following strict geometrical forms, the Summer Gardens are a wonderful display of rare plants, exquisite statues and overflowing dreamy fountains. Go, relax and take in the fresh air and all that beauty, just like the Russian Tsars did.
The outstanding single domed St. Isaac Cathedral rises 333ft tall over St. Petersburg and commands admiration with its 19th century late Russian Neo-Classic facade and even more astonishing interior of colored marble, exquisite paintings, frescoes and semiprecious stones. The main iconostasis is especially powerful with its single-stone malachite and lapis lazuli columns, while the main altar is adorned with a rarely seen in an Orthodox church stained-glass Risen Christ.
The astonishingly beautiful Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built in memory of Tsar Alexander II who was assassinated at this very spot in 1881. The gorgeous colorful onion domes, richly decorated in gold and mosaics are just a sneak peak into the architectural and artistic value of the church. Inside, is Russia's most incredible mosaic collection with stunning visions of color and exquisite craftsmanship.
Catherine the Great, one of the most passionate art collectors of all times, founded the Hermitage Museum to house her private collection. Later, in 1852, the museum was opened to the public and today its constantly growing collection consists of millions of items of which a few hundred are on display across the numerous buildings of the museum surrounding the Palace Plaza and beyond. Some of the most notable structures are the Winter Palace, home to Russian tsars for a couple of hundred years, the Old and New Hermitage, the Small Hermitage and more. The wealth of art which the Saint Petersburg's largest museum holds includes masterpieces by artists like Michelangelo, Da Vinci and Picasso. This world class museum, one of the largest in the globe, can take days to explore so plan ahead!
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Asia is such an incredible destination with countless treasures to discover. Here are some of the best places to visit where natural beauty, cultural diversity and outstanding architecture will make the experience absolutely unforgettable.
Known for being one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is surprisingly lesser known for its beaches... That means, now is the time to visit them! Enjoy the sand dunes, blue warm waters, palm trees and spectacular vistas before they become overcrowded. Here are the absolute best beaches to escape, relax and forget about everything else!
Known for being one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, Vietnam is surprisingly lesser known for its beaches... That means, now is the time to visit them! Enjoy the sand dunes, blue warm waters, palm trees and spectacular vistas before they become overcrowded. Here are the absolute best beaches to escape, relax and forget about everything else!
Let's be honest, The Midwest is not precisely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking "where to go next?"... We will however prove the opposite! There is so much to see and do in the US Midwest, that will blow your mind - from incredible architecture to mesmerizing nature, history, shopping and wonderful warm people who will make your travel escape a wonderful experience. Here are the top 10 places to visit while there.
Let's be honest, The Midwest is not precisely the first destination that comes to mind when thinking "where to go next?"... We will however prove the opposite! There is so much to see and do in the US Midwest, that will blow your mind - from incredible architecture to mesmerizing nature, history, shopping and wonderful warm people who will make your travel escape a wonderful experience. Here are the top 10 places to visit while there.
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!
Myrtle Beach is the ultimate family vacation destination! The center and entertainment mecca of the Grand Strand with miles of beautiful brown-sugar colored sandy beaches that invite for all day fun-in-the-sun and reveal breathtaking scenery at night for all romantics taking a quiet walk. Sit by the water and enjoy an outstanding meal or go on a shopping spree. Take the family and venture to the classic amusement parks or learn while you play at the cool museums. Why not a great round of golf by the scenic oceanfront?! Whatever you do, you'll create wonderful memories for a lifetime!