Treasures of the Hermitage

This most beautiful of Russian cities was the vision of Peter the Great who, in 1703, ordered its construction beginning with the Fortress of Peter & Paul, a stronghold guarding the mouth of the Neva River; later bringing the finest European architects to create an elegant ensemble of palatial buildings. Built on a hundred islands and criss-crossed by canals and innumerable bridges, it is a city of infinite charm with palaces, churches and cathedrals.

The magnificent collection of European art in the Hermitage was founded by Catherine the Great with many old masters and a fine collection of French impressionists, now enhanced by works removed from Germany during the Second World War. The shot fired by the cruiser Aurora, in October 1917, signalled the start of the October Revolution and the storming of the Winter Palace initiating, in stark contrast to the imperial rule of the Romanovs, more than 70 years under Soviet commissars. The common denominator is perhaps that in both periods there was little personal freedom with the Russian people subjected to authoritarian rule. Since the fall of communism, St. Petersburg has been restored to its former glory.

In the Russian countryside at Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), lies the great blue and gold rococo Catherine Palace reflecting the contrasting styles of the Italian, Rastrelli, and the Scot, Cameron. The nearby Pavlovsk Palace is an elegant Palladian mansion by Cameron.

VJV Exclusive Event - Private Ballet Performance

On dates indicated † we have arranged exclusively for our guests, a gala ballet performance featuring artistes from the Mariinskiy (Kirov), Mussorgsky or other leading companies. Russian champagne and caviar is served during the interval.