18 May 2011

School tours to St Petersburg - customising an itinerary

Nigel Baker, Director of Studies at Truro School, travelled to St Petersburg in April 2011 for 6 days with a group of 40. Our standard tour lasts 5 days, however Nigel wanted to extend this in order to see as much as possible. His interest in Russia has brought him to the country on multiple occasions in the past, yet, as these trips were always to the Two Capitals, he preferred to dedicate this trip solely to one city and explore St Petersburg further.

The standard programme was enriched with a list of additional museums and sightseeing as per Nigel's request. So, besides visiting the famous Yusupov Palace, Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress and Catherine's Palace in Pushkin, Truro School also toured the Smolny Institute, Alexander Nevsky Lavra (including 2 cemeteries and the church), St Isaac’s Cathedral (including the colonnade with its amazing views), Alexander Palace in Pushkin, the Siege of Leningrad Museum at Rumyantsev Palace, and the Russian Museum.

Within their 6 day programme Nigel and his students also managed to visit a service at Kazan Cathedral and stop at Chesme Church on the way to Pushkin.

Truro's full programme did not stop there, for not only were they eager to maximise their daytime activities, but also their evening entertainment. Following on from the busy and informative daytime excursions, Nigel and his students relaxed by enjoying a traditional Russian folklore show, a renowned Russian ballet at the Mikhailovsky Theatre and even some bowling!

Russian City Breaks relished the challenge of customising this tour to suit Truro School's requirements and the opportunity to help provide them with, what they considered to be, an unforgettable experience. Nigel concluded that every aspect of the trip was excellent and he would recommend this itinerary to other teachers, should they be interested in the enchanting history of Russia's Northern Capital.

Would you like a similar trip organised for your school? Please email us at info@russiancitybreaks.co.uk and we will be happy to advise you.