Countries

Four Things You Need to Know Before You Travel to Israel

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured | Tags: Israel, Middle-East

Anyone who is lucky enough to get to travel to Israel will want to prepare for their trip by studying and reading up on the country. This will ensure that you are prepared for unexpected surprises and that you aren’t taken unaware. While the best way to get to know a country as diverse and interesting as Israel is to travel to it and see what it has to offer, there are a few things that you will want to know before stepping on the plane for your visit.

The Beaches Are Amazing

Visitors will want to pack a bathing suit, especially if they are going to be visiting Tel Aviv, as this city alone has 14 km of coastline. This is impressive and means that there is a beach for everyone to stop in and see. There are 13 beaches in this small space, each with their own theme, which means that you will want to plan ahead when swimming so that you choose the right beach for your visit.

Private Tours Are a Wonderful Option

While a lot of people love the thrill of trying to travel through Israel on their own, it’s actually a much better option to hire professionals for a private tour. Private tours in Israel ensure not only that the traveler is safe when on vacation, but also that they know all of the best places to visit. This reduces the stress that you may feel when traveling to a foreign country. Booking a private tour will ensure that you get the most out of your trip to Israel and that you can really relax and enjoy yourself.

Tel Aviv and Jerusalem Are Both Worth the Visit

When you’re lucky enough to travel to Israel, you will want to make sure that you have time to visit both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Unlike many cities in other countries that all seem similar, these two cities are completely opposite and offer different experiences to travelers. Jerusalem is known for being a religious city that is a great option for anyone looking for a religious and holy experience. Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is full of nightlife and has free-spirited citizens who love to party and celebrate. Both are definitely worth the visit.

Consider Clothing When Visiting Certain Sites

Any visitor to a religious spot will want to make sure that they are dressed appropriately so that they don’t stick out and look disrespectful. Having appropriate clothing on hand when visiting orthodox locations or religious spots will ensure that visitors are dressed in an acceptable way. This will ensure that you don’t feel uncomfortable or out of place in any way.

Israel has something to offer any traveler who is lucky enough to visit this incredible, varied, and friendly country. Before planning a trip, however, you need to make sure that you know what to expect and that you are prepared for the trip. This will ensure that you make plans that you are happy with and that you are able to fully enjoy your time in this gorgeous country.

22 Oct 2020

Things You Should Know Before Visiting Angola

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: Africa, travel

Africa is a continent made up of many countries with beautiful destinations you can pick for your holidays. All the African regions which consist of East Africa, South Africa, Central Africa, West Africa, and North Africa have beautiful sites or places you can visit. One country you should visit is Angola.

This Southern African nation has so many beautiful things to see, including waterfalls and beaches. The Cathedral of the Holy Savior is one place you can visit. It is a historic church built in the year 1628 and is situated in the country’s capital of Luanda.

You can also visit Kissama National Park situated in the Northwest region of the country and have a look at the different animal species. Another historic site one can visit in Angola is the Fortress of São Miguel which was built by the Portuguese in 1576. To tour the country, you must have the right documentation to certify your type of stay.

One document you should have is the Angolan tourist visa. You can get it from the country’s immigration agency or seek the services of different visa agents who will help you acquire one. There are several things you should know before visiting this beautiful African nation. They include:

Hospitality

Angolans are a very hospitable people. They will make you feel at home immediately when you touch down at the airport. You will find people who are ready to host you for as long as you want. They will also keep you entertained with their beautiful traditional dances while donning their traditional wear.

The Candongueiros

There are several things you are likely to come across while in Angola, especially in the capital of Luanda. The candogueiro is one of them. They are shared taxis which are usually in the form of a van with specific colors. The candogueiros are meant to transport people from different spots in the city or the country. You can take a ride in one of them and enjoy the experience.

Giant Sable Antelope

Angola is the only place in the world where you can find the giant sable antelope. This animal species was declared extinct but it resurfaced some years back. They are found in Luanda and the Cuango Rivers in Angola. You can visit the country and have a look at this beautiful animal.

Official Language

Angola is a Portuguese-speaking nation, and it is also their official language. The country is a former Portuguese colony which tells you why it is their official language. There are other local languages spoken in the country which include Tchokwe, Kikongo, Kimbundu, and Umbundu.

Mãe Grande

It is a Portuguese term that refers to an elderly woman. The elderly people there are given the kind of respect they deserve, and that is why they have such respectful titles. This shows how well they relate to the elderly. You can use such a term if you come across an older woman to display some respect.

14 Jan 2019

5 Exciting Group Weekend Escapes Near San Diego

Author: Jeremy | Category: United States | Tags: Bus Rental, road trip

San Diego County has several beautiful cities, all of which are along its Coast. They include La Jolla, Solano Beach, Coronado, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar and Cardiff by the Sea .Each of these beautiful smallest cities have abundant sunshine and lots of great beaches to visit.

San Diego County in California is the southwestern most county in the United States. With a fast-growing population of more than 3 million, it is currently California’s second most populous County. With a good rainfall and lots of sunshine, San Diego County is one of those beautiful counties in the United States. The city boasts a mild climate along its coast and a nearly year-round gentle breezes and cooler evenings.

San Diego’s also great City for families. There are many Great Schools, and fun activities for families to do, and it is home to the World Famous San Diego Zoo.

Nestled along the coast of Southern California, San Diego is just short drive from countless spas, resorts, and beaches that are perfect for a group getaway. This post will highlight 5 of the best. In fact San Diego has more than 70 miles of coastline, making water activities a primary pastime.

Because of its many wonderful attributes San Diego attracts many tourist groups throughout the year. They rent a charter bus or minibus and come to the city to partake in its abundance of amenities and activities. San Diego County has several beautiful cities, all of which are along its Coast. They include La Jolla, Solano Beach, Coronado, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Del Mar and Cardiff by the Sea .Each of these beautiful smallest cities have abundant sunshine and lots of great beaches.

Here are some of the best San Diego weekend escapes.

Lake Arrowhead

Two hours North of San Diego, High up in the San Bernardino Mountains is Lake Arrowhead that is a year-round vacation destination. During the winter it is one of California’s most popular skiing destinations. Each week hundreds of thousands of people come the ski and Snowboard the trails of Lake Arrowhead and nearby Big Bear. During the summer months, Lake Arrowhead is filled with hikers And bikers on its hundreds a Mountain trails. Lake Arrowhead is a large beautiful Lake and the town of Lake Arrowhead has a wonderful selection of art galleries, small restaurants, and quaint hotels. There’s also a large and luxurious Lakeside Resort call the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa, it is always ready to pamper guests.

Sequoia National Park

Sequoia National Park is the home of the largest trees in the world, the Redwoods. The Redwood trees in the park or is oldest 3500 years and represent some of the oldest living things on the planet. Mini of the trees are 300 ft tall and some eyes wide is 30 ft in diameter. Some trees are uses tunnels through which cars can drive. The park also has campgrounds, and for lodges with visitors can stay as long as they wish.

The park is located in central California which is about a five-hour drive from San Diego. The park receives visitors from all around the world because of its beauty and also there is another national park called Kings Canyon National Park right next door.

Palm Springs

Only about three hours from San Diego is the oasis in the desert, Palm Springs. Palm Springs County includes the cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, and La Quinta and each is a great place to spend some time. The area has more than 100 golf courses of all levels and so it can be considered a golfer’s paradise. Palm Springs is also known for its great spas. With hundreds of top end resorts you can be pampered and pleased during your entire stay here.

Rosarito Beach, Mexico

San Diego is only 30 minutes from the Mexican border camisole it is convenient to take a trip to Mexico from the county. For those interested in a real Mexican weekend getaway, Rosarito Beach provides the perfect location. This small City offers beautiful beaches, lots of fresh seafood, and Mexican music played by mariachi bands that strolled along the sand. Your group can find lots of exciting things to do in the city because it is designed to accommodate American tourists. One popular activity is to go fishing for everything from tuna to sailfish whatever fish you catch, can be cooked and served at many of the restaurants in Rosarito Beach. There’s also a very vibrant nightlife in the city with bars, nightclubs, and discotheques that open till the early morning hours.

Catalina Island

To get a view of island life in Southern Catalina, take a visit to beautiful Catalina Island. Catalina sits about 26 miles off the coast of California and is easy to get to from San Diego. Visitors drive north from San Diego to Dana Point which is about 30 minutes and then take the Catalina Express catamaran service to the island.. The boat ride is about 90 minutes. Catalina boasts an abundance of beautiful small hotels, fantastic restaurants, lovely beaches, and lots of outdoor activities including hiking, scuba diving, snorkeling, in water skiing. It also hosts a world-renowned jazz festival in the month of October. Finally, this great fishing off the Catalina Coast.

05 Jan 2019

Max’s Holiday in Hawaii

Author: Jeremy | Category: United States | Tags: travel, usa

Summer holidays were approaching and Max made sure that this was the best vacation of his life. He had planned to go to Hawaii with his best friend, Archie. Hawaii was no strange place for Max because he loved the place and had been there several times. But this vacation was going to be the wildest for him because Hawaii had an age limit of 21 for vaping and he was also turning 21 this summer and he wanted to party hardest for its celebration.

Last year, when Max went to celebrate his birthday in Hawaii, he couldn’t enjoy his party to the fullest because of the limitations that came with his age. Actually Max had started smoking at a small age of 14. He liked how the cigarettes could leave his anxiety so quickly. But when his mother found out about him falling prey to the sick habit, he instantly took him to the narcotics specialist who then suggested him to resort to vape until he can completely give up the habit. Since then Max has been using vape for the last one year.

Max liked vaping because it was not only helping him quit smoking but also creating less detriments to his health as compared to the actual cigarettes. As the day approached when he was to leave for Hawaii, his mother reminded him to carry his ID so that he could use vape responsibly and legally. The hotel that they were staying had a view of luxurious beach. They reached the hotel in the evening. Max sat on the beach chair and looked into the sunset and proudly took his e-cigarette or vape out and took a puff. He was not afraid to do so this time. It was okay for him to vape now in Hawaii.

The next day, they had planned to go see the volcanic mountains. All geared up, Max and his friends went on to hike the mountains. Max was really scared because the last time when he came to Hawaii and went to the mountains, Max couldn’t breathe well and they had to cancel their plan. Max had just started using vape then. Amidst the mountains, enjoying the scenic beauty, Max almost forgot that he had problems with breathing last time. This year he was able to complete his hike. He realised that vape that helped him regain his stamina and was causing less effects to his health. Moreover, Max was happy that vape was helping him quit the awful habit of smoking completely.

The following day, they had planned to go snorkelling. Max was so happy to snorkel around the sea and not have the urge to smoke like he had before. Using vape had been helping him a lot. He was more confident and vaping was also helping him with his social life. He was less scared and was even more confident talking to girls. And now at Hawaii, Max was having the best day of his life. He was at the place he loved most in the world and was with his best friends and celebrating finishing another milestone in his life.

As Max was about to return the day, he sat by the balcony of his hotel, vaping and thinking about his life. He was glad that he had chosen to quit the awful habit of smoking and resorting to vaping for the betterment of his life.

25 Sep 2018

Book a Rugby Tour to See the Most Exciting Sport in the World Up Close

Author: Jeremy | Category: England | Tags: sports, tours

If you love sports with non-stop action and you enjoy traveling to the world’s top cities, you should book a Rugby Tour.

Rugby is a sport that has one of the most loyal fan bases in the world. Most people don’t understand why this is the case, until they see a rugby match. The sport is a combination of the things that sports fans love; fast paced action, hard-hitting, great strategy, heroes and villains, and lots of exciting scoring. Although this describes several different sports, Rugby might be the sport that puts all of these factors together best.

The sport is played for fun and professionally all around the world, with the most popular professional teams in Western Europe and many island nations including Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Also, rugby South Africa’s most popular sport and Rugby stars are treated like Superheroes there. Rugby players must have a combination of strength, stamina, agility, and speed and be excellent on offense and defense in order to consistently win matches.

There are variations of the sport, but the most popular styles are Rugby Union and Rugby League. Each has its own distinct rules and gameplay, but use the same oval ball that is ran, thrown and kicked down a field and carried or kicked into a goal area for a score. There is a debate about which style is superior but Union is generally accepted as the more exciting game.

Rugby Union has Several International Professional Tournaments

Rugby Union is played domestically in many countries and is also competed internationally fir trophies and prizes by the most active Rugby nations. The most prominent tournaments are the Rugby Six Nations which includes, France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, England, and Wales and the Rugby World Cup which features the top 20 world teams and annually features national teams from England, Wales, France, Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland and the UAE.

Rugby Sevens is Now in the Olympics

Rugby Sevens is an even faster version of Rugby Union where each team only has seven players competing instead of fifteen per side, and the two halves are only seven minutes each as opposed to the forty minute halves in a standard Rugby Union match. The game relies heavily on strategy and speed and is often decided in the final minutes of a match. Sevens requires very versatile players who can quickly change speed, direction and offensive / defensive positioning. There are in-country Rugby Seven leagues and an international league that competes in the World Rugby Seven Series for both an international trophy and entry in the Olympic Games. The first Rugby Sevens Olympic matches were held in Rio in 2016 where perennial powerhouse Fiji beat England in the finals.

Living With the Lions Sports Travel provides International Rugby Tours

Talking about a sport can never truly give you a sense of its excitement, the only way to appreciate it, is to experience it live. For this reason, die hard Rugby fans travel around the world to see matches and cheer for their favorite players and teams.

If you live in the UK, Living with the Lions Sports Travel provides England Rugby tours where fans and newbies can experience the best Rugby matches featuring the world’s best teams. They offer all-inclusive travel packages with great seats at the best matches, and a chance to go shopping, sightseeing and dining in great cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Cape Town, Dubai and Vancouver. Living with the Lions even picks you up at the airport, and takes you to the matches. A Living with the Lions Rugby Tour is the best way to enjoy the most exciting sport in the world.

31 Mar 2018

Avoid Airports During Your Upcoming Vacation Time and Drive Instead

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, United States | Tags: Car, Car Repair, road trip

When pondering vacation plans, most of us involuntarily recall disastrous and stressful experiences flying and nearly missing flights. If you are trying to steer clear of stressful travel this summer, there are many “staycation” options or destinations that your family mobile can easily get you to. Don’t forget to take it into your local autozone for a good spruce before you hit the open road, because there’s nothing worse than a sweet summer day turned sour and getting stuck waiting for your AAA guy to show up.

If you reside on the West Coast region of the county and are pining to reconnect with the great outdoors, a great option for you and your family is Yosemite National Park. From most places in California, you can reach this destination in less than a day by car and, if you’re feeling adventurous, camping in this beautiful park is the experience of a lifetime. For those who need their shut eye indoors, the Yosemite Valley Lodge is quaint and cozy, as well as located just a short walk from the Yosemite Falls trail. In order to get the full experience, I recommend staying for at least 4 or 5 days and if your schedule allows, even a week, giving yourself sufficient time and flexibility to enjoy relaxing breaks in the valley in between hikes.

Some tips for your upcoming road trip can really help it to go over as ideally as possible. First off, clean and check your car before departing. Even if you clean your car before, try cleaning it out when you stop at gas stations in order to avoid an uncomfortable environment. Second, pack light so that you can save some room for souvenir shopping and any other treasures your travels may place in your path. Third, take a real map and a sharpie on board. Though it is extremely easy and practical nowadays to just type the destination into google maps, track your trail on a big traditional map and when it’s all said and done, you’ll have a cool keepsake to hang up on your wall. Additionally, consider getting a gas card so that you can reap the benefits of all the gas guzzling you’ll be doing on your trip, accumulating points you can use in hotel stays and the like. Last but not least, plan but don’t over plan. It’s important to have an idea of what stops you will make and of course your key destinations, but the awesome thing about road trips is that you are allowed the flexibility to make your itinerary as you go. Be spontaneous and don’t forget to take pictures of even the unexpected moments as they come.

Take into account the pros and cons of traveling on four wheels this summer and look into unique and famous sights across the country that can help you check off a few bucket list items and have a summer that will go down as a memorable one.

26 May 2017

5 Must-See Attractions in St. Petersburg

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: Russia, Russian destinations, Russian travel, St.Petersburg, travel destinations, travel idea, travel tips, visit Russia

Whilst not a country famed for its tourism, Russia is becoming more and more, an ideal destination for travelers looking to step outside the most well known of the worlds idyllic destinations.

St. Petersburg is a vibrant and charming city, whose largely untouched history and strong cultural personality shine through in almost all of its attractions. These are just five of the best, which are sure to give first-time visitors a fantastic insight into life and culture in Russia.

photo: Arian Zwegers

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

By far one of the most famous attractions in the city, this church is both aesthetically stunning and historically relevant. Although built 200 years later, its design is highly reminiscent of the famed St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow – an image that has for long defined Russia to the outside world.

Incredibly, it was built to mark the spot where Russian Monarch, Alexander II, was stabbed in a fatal assassination attempt by rebel group, The People’s Will. Now its winding spirals and colorful columns provide joy for visitors of all ages.

Winter Palace

Photo: Creative Commons

The Winter Palace, and the surrounding Palace Square, is another much-loved attraction by visitors to the city. Not only is the building a dominating force on the surrounding area, with intricate architecture and bright colors drawing all eyes in its direction, it also is a politically pivotal structure that has had much influence on the city’s 300 year culture.

Many tours are available and the building is now also the site of the world famous Hermitage museum, so visitors can gain an in depth understanding of the Palace’s history and the importance it has played.

State Russian Museum

For the visiting intelligentsia, and lovers of art and culture, this museum is an essential stop. Rivaling the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow for the greatest, and most comprehensive, collection of Russian art anywhere in the world, it’s the ideal spot to soak up some of the country’s greatest creative triumphs.

It houses collections from the historical icon paintings, right up to installations from trailblazing artists of the present day. The adjacent Marble Palace is also used for temporary exhibits, and recently showcased the Ludwig Collection of modern art.

Peterhof

Photo: Alberto Garcia

This largely overlooked municipal town, located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, is known locally as the Russian Versailles. Home to the breathtaking Peterhof Palace, and surrounded by a picturesque park and gardens, it’s the ideal spot for a tranquil afternoon stroll.

Dripping with golden statues and endless, charming water features, the grandeur of this site is something that can only be appreciated with your own two eyes. It’s easily accessible by train or only an hour’s drive from the city center, so makes for a perfect day-excursion for any visitor.

Summer Garden

If you want to soak up the natural beauty of the masterfully sculpted botanical Russian parks, without traveling so far, then the Summer Garden makes a fantastic local alternative. Located just next to St. Michaels castle, this site is easy to get to using the inner-city metro.

The gardens were created on a unique island, bordered by the Fontanka, Moika, Neva River and the Swan Canal, allowing for cool waterside breezes, and making it the perfect stop for a relaxing summers day. The site also houses a tea and coffee shop so you can grab a quick drink, and bite to eat, whilst taking in its natural beauty.

The charms of Russia are still largely under the radar of the mainstream traveling community, making it the perfect time to visit! Book your St. Petersburg holiday now, before it becomes overrun with crowds of tourists!

20 Jul 2016

3 Surprisingly Affordable Luxury Vacations

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries, Featured | Tags: affordable, China, Crete, luxury, Portugal, trips, vacations

When you speak of a luxury holiday, most people would instantly wince at the thought of it because of the expenses that are involved. Surprisingly however, not all luxury breaks need to punch holes on your wallet. You can enjoy lavish holidays without spending too much, specifically in the three destinations that will be mentioned below.

Crete

With many luxury hotels and extravagant villas, Crete is one of the best destinations that you can consider for your next holiday. The good news is that you do not have to spend a fortune just to enjoy the luxuries that it can offer. With a length of about 350 kilometers, the island is one of the most scenic you can ever hope to find and is gifted with an abundance of beaches.

The rich history of Crete adds up to the reasons why it is popular amongst luxury travelers who are on a budget and want to experience a holiday in the Greek islands. Aside from its rich past, it also offers a wide array of exhilarating water activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, fishing, and wind surfing. If you want to play golf, you can also find several golf courses in the island, regardless of your skills. It is also home to great restaurants, many of which can be enjoyed at affordable prices. One thing’s for sure, a holiday in Crete won’t disappoint.

Portugal

Excellent value for money is perhaps one of the best things that you can get when you visit Portugal. With fascinating towns, charming villages and pristine beaches, Portugal is a popular destination in Europe because it is cheaper than most of its neighboring countries, yet it can offer an equally stunning holiday and is ideal for families. If there is only one place you can visit in the country, it would most probably be The Algarve.

If you are looking for cheap resorts that can offer the exceptional services, some of the options that you can consider include the Oporto Surf Camp, the Vilanova Resort, Clube Alvorferias, the Balaia Mar Hotel and the Atlantico Golfe Hotel. There are also many villas that can be rented, which can offer cheaper alternative to hotels if you are traveling as a large group.

China

It is impossible to run out of activities that you can do in China. More than just the multiplicity of attractions, its popularity can be attributed to the fact that China offers a luxury holiday experience in a manner that is budget-friendly. Whether you choose to explore one of its cosmopolitan cities or its native provinces, you can have an unforgettable experience without feeling guilty about your spending.

When in China, you should not miss seeing the Great Wall and The Forbidden City if you happen to be in Beijing. For those who are looking for a more urban feel and vibrant nightlife, Shanghai should be included in the itinerary. More so, the surrounding provinces will also be ideal for those who want to experience more serene holidays. Whether it is affordable hotels or self-catering accommodations, you will have lots of choices in China.

02 Dec 2015

The most popular holiday destinations in the USA

Author: Jeremy | Category: United States | Tags: attractions, las vegas, Miami, NYC, usa

Seeking to get away on an exciting holiday in the near future? Across the pond, the most popular holiday destinations in the USA contain a variety of experiences that are certain to fulfill you, as each of the places mentioned below will appeal to a certain sort of person.

So, what are you waiting for, take advantage of these unbeatable American Holiday offers, and get overseas to see any one of the following holiday destinations in the USA…

1) New York City

If there is any one city you visit in America, be sure to make it the Big Apple. Easily the most cosmopolitan city in the United States, the challenge won’t be finding things to do, it will be determining what attractions and sights to cut and which ones to keep during your time in this dynamic place.

If you love food, then visiting Chinatown and Williamsburg in Brooklyn will yield good finds.

Culture hunters will have a multitude of museums to jump between, and shows on Broadway to take in.
Those that are fans of landmarks will be busy checking out the view of the top of the Empire State Building, scoping out the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry, and strolling through the relative peace of Central Park.

Long story short, you won’t have a hard time keeping busy in NYC.

2) Miami

Seeking some sun on your American holiday? If you are looking to insert a little rest and relaxation into your itinerary, then stopping in Miami is a must.

With miles of beach lying along the subtropical Atlantic or on Biscayne Bay, you’ll have your pick of what type of experience that you are looking to have, from quiet and serene to lively and youthful.

Once the sun sets, Miami really comes into its own, with nightclubs boasting a scene that is the stuff of legends.

When you aren’t looking to veg out on a sun lounger, the Miami area offers much in the way of culture, as it has Cuban and Haitian neighborhoods that are brimming with restaurants and shops that are indicative of their nationality.

3) Las Vegas

Looking to really let loose on your time off in America? If this is your goal when heading to the USA, there is no better place to go than Las Vegas.

Billed as being the Entertainment Capital of the World, this shining city in the desert has resorts that cater to kids, and shows featuring entertainers from Penn and Teller to Celine Dion.

Of course, this says nothing of this city’s gaming options, which allow those that are inclined to do so to employ their money in a variety of ways in the hope of winning more at the end of the night.

21 Nov 2015

Want Luxury? 5 Reasons You’ll Love St. Petersburg

Author: Jeremy | Category: Countries | Tags: attractions, Europe, luxury, Russia

When you think of a decadent, luxurious holiday destination, Russia might not be the first place that springs to mind. But you may be pleasantly surprised to find out what St. Petersburg has to offer to the discerning tourist with a taste for the finer things. The former imperial capital of Russia and second largest city, St. Petersburg is also a major cultural centre and bustling metropolis, home to some incredible and unique tourism hotspots. Below, we list out the reasons you’ll love St. Petersburg if you are an unapologetic lover of all things luxury…

1) Hermitage Art Gallery

Housed in the awe-inspiring Winter Palace which was built for Empress Elizabeth by Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the Hermitage Art Gallery is home to one of the biggest art collections in the world, with 360 rooms exhibiting some of their 3-million strong catalogue of artworks and exhibits. Founded by Catherine the Great in 1750, the vast collection at the Hermitage is considered by some to be the most comprehensive overview of Western European art, so naturally this trip may require a little forward planning to see everything you want to see – see https://www.hermitagemuseum.org for more information.

2) Ballet

A visit to Russia would simply not be complete without seeing the ballet – and the original Mariinsky Theatre, where many of the greatest works of Russian ballet & opera were first performed, is the perfect choice. Founded in 1860, the Mariinsky continues to stage both modern and classic performances – see what’s on during your trip at http://www.mariinsky.ru/.

3) Nightlife

St. Petersburg is often referred to as the ‘beer capital’ of Russia, and many breweries and distilleries call it home. There is a great nightlife scene in St. Petersburg, and some bars & nightclubs are so exclusive you may find yourself turned away IF you have not booked in advance! The Mayakovsky bar on Pochtamtsky per 5 offers sophisticated cocktails, smooth jazz, moody lighting and sumptuous velvet interiors – ideal for a classy evening out.

4) Hotels

St. Petersburg’s many hotels offer a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets, but to truly revel in the old-school splendour of mother Russia, you could do much worse than stay at the 5-star Corinthia, boasting a spa and workout room, multilingual staff, full concierge service and lounge bar, the Corinthia captures the true essence and grandeur of its historic location at Nevsky Prospect, and offers the ultimate in Russian hospitality, comfort and decadence.

5) Dining

With so many amazing cultural destinations in St. Petersburg, you can expect the very best of their cuisine too. Russian food may not be a byword for fine dining, but the eateries offering traditional fare in St. Petersburg will blow you away. One of the leading high-end restaurants in St Petersburg, ‘L’Europe’ located in the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe on Nevsky Prospekt effortlessly blends handsome turn-of-the-century décor with flawless haute cuisine, offering a mix of Russian and European cuisine, including a sumptuous caviar and champagne brunch on Sundays.

04 Aug 2015