New Year's trip to the northern lands: St. Petersburg and Veliky Novgorod

On this New Year's tour to St. Petersburg, you have a great opportunity to get acquainted with the palaces of the city on the Neva, learn about how their owners celebrated Christmas in the old days, and compare their traditions with modern ones. 

You will visit Peterhof, one of the imperial residences, and also, if desired, you can spend New Year's Eve at a festive banquet. The final point of the trip will be a trip to Veliky Novgorod, where you will participate in a fabulous New Year's Eve in Vitoslavlitsy.

Location

Russia, Saint Petersburg
from
$128
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
4 Days
3 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 30 December, 2025 – 2 January, 2026
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
  • Premium
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 1 to 50 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Group meet at
Russia, Saint Petersburg
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
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Tour highlights

The Imperial luxury of Peterhof
Appreciate the fabulous winter landscapes and the splendor of the interiors of Peterhof palaces
Medieval Veliky Novgorod
Immerse yourself in ancient Russia and visit the unique Vitoslavlitsy open-air museum
Time Travel
The Petrovskaya Aquatoria mock-up Theater offers a unique journey through the history and architecture of St. Petersburg on a scale of 1:87

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - St. Petersburg Palaces and their Owners Bus Tour

    Arrival in Saint Petersburg.

    Hotel accommodation on your own or individual transfer (please specify prices).

    10:10 Meeting at Ladoga Railway Station at the escalator in the center of the hall (by prior request). Group transfer to the hotel.

    11:00 Meeting at the Moscow Railway Station at the monument to Peter the Great (by prior request). Group transfer to the program at the Kort INN hotel.

    Meeting with the guide in the hotel lobby, a sign with the name of the tour:

    • 11:15 departure from the Saint Petersburg Hotel;
    • 12:00 departure from the Court INN hotel (including for guests from the Ambassador, Theater Square, Express Sadovaya, Admiralteyskaya hotels).

    Bus tour "Palaces of St. Petersburg and their owners".

    Sometimes it seems that all the buildings in our city are palaces. Of course, this is just an appearance, but there are really a lot of them in St. Petersburg.

    But there is no palace without painting, sculpture, balls, music, a cozy garden or park. This is the atmosphere that surrounds the owners of the palaces, to whom this tour is dedicated.

    14:30 Excursion to the Yusupov Palace, one of the rare noble mansions in St. Petersburg, where not only the state apartments, the halls of the art gallery, the miniature home theater, but also the luxurious living quarters of the Yusupov family have survived, retaining the warmth and charm of the former owners.

    16:00 Continuation of the bus tour.

    17:00 Transfer to the base hotels until 18:00.

    Additionally (to order in advance):

    New Year's Eve banquet in hotels.

    Additionally (to order in advance):

    21:30-02:30 Bus tour "Celebrating the New Year in St. Petersburg".

    On this New Year's Eve, St. Petersburg fulfills wishes. We will read his secret signs together and, of course, celebrate the New Year: we will make a wish on the Palace Square, drink a traditional glass of champagne and take unforgettable photos for memory. Pleasant treats, surprises and breathtaking views of the modern city are waiting for you.

    Let's plunge into the atmosphere of celebration and magic, and start the new year with unforgettable impressions. (2900 rubles. adults; 2600 rubles. school, art., pence., children 5-6 years old for free). Start and end addresses of the tour: Oktyabrskaya Hotel, Ligovsky ave., 10; Moscow Hotel, Alexander Nevsky Square, 2.

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  • Day 2 - Bus tour "Winter holidays". Petrovskaya Aquatoria
  • Day 3 - Excursion to Peterhof with a visit to the Peterhof Palace
  • Day 4 - Excursion to Veliky Novgorod. Completion of the tour
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Upscale
  • Premium

The tour provides accommodation in hotels in St. Petersburg to choose from.

An excursion package without accommodation (the guide will be waiting for such tourists in the lobby of the Dostoevsky hotel): 11 250 rub. (if you take separate excursions).

Basic hotels (hotels where the group gathers):

COURT INN 4*. Buffet breakfast. Address: nab. 166 Griboyedov Canal, the nearest metro station is Sadovaya, Sennaya Ploshchad, Spasskaya. It is located in the historical center of St. Petersburg, a 10-minute walk from the Mariinsky Theater and the island of New Holland. Check-in time: 14:00 check-in, 12:00 check-out. Early Check-in + 100%. 

Check-in datesDouble with twin beds /with a double bedTriple (2 main+additional beds)Triple room (2 main+d.k.reb. 0-11)Single room
 Deluxe
31.12.2420250189001725026250

St. Petersburg 4*. Breakfast "the buffet." Address: Pirogovskaya nab. 5/2. The nearest metro station is Lenin Square. All conditions for a comfortable stay are created here — there is air conditioning, refrigerator, TV, hairdryer, tea/coffee in the rooms, kettle, safe, heating, terrace, mini-bar. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar, a gym, a sauna, and a conference room. And you'll probably want to relax by the pool — it's here too. And indoor. Check-in time: 15:00 check-in, 12:00 check-out, Early Check-in before 08:00 + 100% Early Check-in after 08:00 + 50%.

Check-in datesDouble with twin beds /with a double bedSingle roomAn adult for an additional one. beds in the 2nd roomSingle roomDouble with twin beds /with a double bedAn adult for an additional one. beds in the 2nd roomSingle roomDouble with twin beds /with a double bed
 Standard with a view of the courtyardStandard with a view of the Neva RiverDeluxe suite with a view of the Neva River
31.12.242220033000172504695029100172507125041250

Hotels from which guests independently approach the starting point of excursions:

Admiralteyskaya 3*. Buffet breakfast. Address: Alexandra Blok Street, 8. Nearest metro station: Sadovaya/Spasskaya/Haymarket Square. An 11-minute walk to the Court INN hotel. Check-in time: 14:00 check-in, 12:00 check-out. Early Check-in 07:00-14:00 + 50% (without breakfast). 

Check-in datesDouble with twin beds /with a double bedSingle roomAn adult for an additional one. beds in the 2nd room
 Art Admiral
31.12.24195002610016500

The Ambassador is 4*. Buffet breakfast. Address: ave. Rimsky-Korsakov, 5-7. Nearest metro station: Sadovaya/Spasskaya/Haymarket Square. In the historical center, a 10-minute walk to the Mariinsky Theater and St. Isaac's Square. Check-in time: 14:00 check-in, 12:00 check-out. Early Check-in 07:00-14:00 + 50% (without breakfast). 

Check-in datesDouble with twin beds / with a double bed Single room
 Standard
31.12.242250031200

Express Sadovaya 4*. Buffet breakfast. Address: 62 Sadovaya Street. The hotel is located in the city center, in the historical building of the XVIII century Nikolsky rows. Within walking distance of the main attractions: the Mariinsky Theatre, the Hermitage, St. Nicholas Cathedral. Check-in time: 14:00 check-in, 12:00 check-out, early check-in 100% of the fare.

Check-in datesDouble with twin beds /with a double bedTriple (2 main+additional beds) AdultSingle Adult
 Standard Attic
31.12.24231002145031950

Theatre Square 4*. Buffet breakfast. Address: 62 Sadovaya Street. The hotel is located in the city center, in the historical building of the XVIII century Nikolsky rows. Within walking distance of the main attractions: the Mariinsky Theatre, the Hermitage, St. Nicholas Cathedral. Check-in time: 14:00 check-in, 12:00 check-out.

Check-in datesDouble with twin beds /with a double bed Four-seaterTriple (2 main+additional beds)Single roomDouble with twin beds /with a double bed Four-seater TripleSingle room 
 Standard AtticImproved
31.12.242355019800210003270026250213002295038250

Discount for children aged 5-16: 800 rubles .

Discount for students (Full-time Russian State Universities) and pensioners (if you have a pension certificate on the tour): 200 rubles 

Additional payment for foreign entrance tickets to Peterhof (excluding RB): 1,650 rubles.

Cort Inn 4* or St. Petersburg 4* Hotel or 3 nights
Cort Inn 4*

Cort Inn is located in Saint Petersburg, 2.8 km from the city center.

All conditions for a comfortable stay are created here — there is air conditioning, refrigerator, TV, hairdryer, iron, tea/coffee in the rooms, kettle, safe, heating. You can choose any of the 273 currently available rooms on Yandex. Travel. Cleaning is done every day.

The hotel has a restaurant, a gym, and a conference room.

Each guest will have Internet access, you can upload photos, send a file or call your family by video.

Plan your trip so that you can check into the hotel exactly. Check-in here starts at 14:00, you need to leave before 12:00. Even if you arrive late at night, you will be met at the 24-hour front desk and will be helped with accommodation. There is an elevator inside. Necessary facilities are available for people with special needs.

If you have a car, you can leave it in the parking lot. If you get there on your own, use the transfer service.

At your service: dry cleaning, laundry, room service, concierge service, luggage storage, express check-in/check-out.

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Another option
St. Petersburg 4* Hotel

The luxurious St. Petersburg 4* Hotel has a convenient location in the central part of the northern capital, near the Neva River embankment. There is a magnificent view from here. Guests have a unique opportunity to relax in comfortable conditions with a variety of services. For convenience, guests have access to Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The Oceanclub Fitness & Spa is located on site with a gym, swimming pool and sauna.

The number of rooms is represented by more than 500 rooms. The hotel offers accommodation in one of the rooms from budget to Deluxe and Executive Suites. All rooms have soft and comfortable beds, as well as slippers and bathrobes, a hairdryer, and a work desk. Bathrooms are located in the rooms.

Guests can enjoy unique snacks and drinks at the Meeting Point Lobby Bar, which is open 24 hours a day. There is also a Bering restaurant in the hotel, which offers buffet breakfasts. The guests have a unique opportunity to visit the two-level restaurant "La Vue" with 350 seats. The room is divided into 7 halls, including a wine cellar, a tasting room, a living room and a terrace.

It is possible to hold a corporate event and a business meeting right at the hotel. For this purpose, guests are provided with several large and modern conference rooms of various capacities. The conference rooms are equipped with the necessary appliances and equipment. A special hall is proposed, which is divided into several sections.

The hotel has an advantageous location in the business center of St. Petersburg. There are two metro stations and city attractions nearby: the Sampsonievsky Bridge, Pirogovskaya Embankment, the KvadraT Gallery and the famous Aurora Cruiser Museum. A fast charging station for Zevs electric vehicles is installed in the parking lot.

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Another option
Admiralteyskaya 3 Hotel*

The Admiralteyskaya Hotel is a unique hotel located in the historical center of the cultural capital of Russia, where every corner is saturated with myths, legends, stories, intrigues, secret connections and real adventures.

The room stock is divided into categories. Family and double rooms are available for accommodation. Maximum occupancy is up to five people. Each room has everything you need: soft mattresses, crisp white linen, fluffy towels, modern appliances and free Wi-Fi.

The restaurant serves buffet breakfast, which is included in the price of your stay. You can also always order lunches and dinners for an additional fee.

For those who are used to being constantly at work, there is a small meeting room, as well as a spacious conference room. Both are equipped with modern appliances.

Free secure parking is at your service around the clock (available upon prior reservation, the number of places is limited). The Mariinsky Theatre and the Conservatory, the Yusupov Palace and the island of New Holland, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Neva River embankments are located next to the hotel.

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Another option
The Ambassador Hotel

The Ambassador Hotel is located in St. Petersburg on Rimsky-Korsakov Avenue and has a four-star status. Guests are offered a wide range of services that will make the quality of their stay only higher. The caring staff is always ready to help with any questions that arise. Each guest can visit the fitness center, restaurant, solarium, swimming pool or sauna, as well as go for a massage. Choose a suitable accommodation option based on photos and reviews of the Ambassador Hotel. And by displaying the hotel on the map, you can see not only the address, but also the nearest infrastructure facilities.

The room fund is designed so that everyone can choose comfortable conditions and a suitable budget. There are both standard rooms and suites available for you. In any case, each of them has a sleeping and living area, as well as a bathroom. Upon prior request, it is possible to stop by with your pet. Cleaning is carried out daily, so you will always be clean and cozy.

The price includes breakfast, which is served for you every morning in the restaurant, so that you are full of energy from the beginning of the day. Lunch and dinner can be ordered for an additional fee.

For the convenience of guests, there is a 24-hour business center, executive car rental and express check-in. Event facilities include a conference center and meeting rooms. A round-trip airport shuttle is available at an additional cost.

Nearby are the Museum of Railway Transport, the Griboyedov Canal, the Bolshoy Obukhov Bridge and the Fontanka River.

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Another option
Express Sadovaya 4*

Express Sadovaya Hotel is located in the Admiralteysky district on the banks of the Griboyedov Canal, in the Nikolsky Rows building. It offers internet access, as well as a parking space.

The rooms are presented in the categories "Standard" and "Superior", where up to three people can stay. The private bathrooms have a set of towels for each vacationer. Smoking is strictly prohibited in the rooms.

Breakfast can be purchased at an additional cost. A variety of dishes are available for lunch and dinner. There are several food establishments in the vicinity of the hotel.

In winter, guests can enjoy an ice rink, a Venetian carousel, ice mini golf and curling in the courtyard, as well as jazz concerts. There are several metro stations within a 20-minute walk: Sadovaya, Spasskaya, Sennaya Ploshchad, Baltiyskaya and Pushkinskaya. The distance to Pulkovo Airport is 12.8 km, to Baltiysky Railway Station is 1.5 km.

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Another option
Theatre Square 4*

The 4-star Theatre Square Hotel is located in the Nikolsky Rows of St. Petersburg. It offers free internet access, luggage storage. You can check in at any time, as the reception is open around the clock.

Standard and family rooms are available. You can check in either alone or with a family of up to six people. The rooms are equipped with double, single and bunk beds. Each room has its own bathroom with shower and toilet.

For an additional cost, you can purchase breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Vacationers can listen to live jazz concerts, and in winter - ice skating and the Venetian carousel, ice mini golf and curling. There are several interesting sights within walking distance. There is a metro station about a 15-minute walk away, from where you can get to anywhere in the city. The Kryukov Canal runs across the street from the hotel. The distance to Pulkovo Airport is 12.9 km, to Baltiysky Railway Station is 1.5 km.

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Tour conditions

Group
From 1 to 50 tourists
Minimum age
5 years old
Duration
4 days 3 nights
Group meets at
Russia, Saint Petersburg

Included in price

  • accommodation (when choosing a rate with accommodation);
  • breakfast after overnight stay (when choosing a rate with accommodation);
  • guided tours and daily transportation services according to the program;
  • tickets to museums according to the program;
  • guide support.

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to St. Petersburg and back;
  • meals not specified in the program + breakfast, when choosing a rate without accommodation;
  • accommodation, when choosing a rate without accommodation;
  • the resort fee of 100 rubles/person/day will be paid by the guests directly at the hotel, and cannot be included in the tourist package (from 04/01/2024 in St. Petersburg);
  • additional excursions on request;
  • New Year's banquet optional;
  • private transfer (to be booked in advance);
  • personal expenses.

It's important to know

Are there discounts for the tour?

Discount for children aged 5-16:  800 rubles .

Discount for students (Russian State full-time universities) and pensioners (if there is a pension certificate on the tour): 200 rubles.

Are plane/train tickets included in the tour price?
What are the check-out hours at the hotel?
What is the program of the New Year's banquet at the Moscow Hotel?
New Year's banquet at the Azimut Hotel
New Year's banquet at the hotel "Novotel"
New Year's banquet at the Cosmos Pribaltiyskaya Hotel
New Year's banquet at the St. Petersburg Hotel
New Year's banquet at the Oktyabrskaya Hotel
New Year's Banquet at the Grand Hotel Emerald

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification
  • from
    $128
    30 Dec, 2025 – 2 Jan, 2026 4 days 3 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now

Reviews

  • A
    Anna
    about provider
    13 Feb, 2025
    My daughter and I took the St. Petersburg Collection tour for 7 days, and I highly recommend it for first-time visitors to the city like us. The tour is well-designed, allowing you to see the main attractions in a short period of time. A great advantage is that you can join on any day. Everything was well-organized—excellent guides, comfortable buses, and provided radio headsets for better communication. There were no delays or long waits. The schedule was planned in a way that left plenty of free time in the evenings for walks or additional sightseeing. The tour package includes hotel accommodation, with several options to choose from. I stayed at the Rossiya Hotel near Pobeda Park and was very satisfied. The rooms were clean, with daily housekeeping, fresh towels, and air conditioning—which was perfect given the pleasant temperatures of 24–30°C during our stay. A buffet breakfast was included—simple but sufficient to start the day. It was really convenient, as we would bring a small snack for the day and have dinner somewhere in central St. Petersburg. The hotel is within walking distance of the blue metro line, making it easy to reach the city center without transfers. There’s also a supermarket nearby, along with plenty of street food options. It’s also worth mentioning that additional excursions are available. We took a boat trip to the forts of Kronstadt and joined a nighttime tour to see the city's famous drawbridges—both were unforgettable experiences
  • E
    Elena
    about provider
    12 Feb, 2025
    First and foremost, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our personal manager in Big Country, Ksenia, for carefully selecting a tour that matched our preferences and for swiftly handling the changes to our group size. We had six unforgettable days on the banks of the Neva River! A huge thank you for the well-organized excursions, led by true professionals—Irina and Olga. We would be delighted to recommend traveling with Big Country to our friends and family!
  • M
    Margarita
    about provider
    12 Feb, 2025
    Many thanks to Big Country for the tour—everything was top-notch! We’ll definitely be back. Thank you!