Spend New Year’s Eve in glorious St. Petersburg, where guests can do their best Anna Karenina impression at the Tsar’s Ball. Glide across the floors at Catherine Palace during this gala event featuring a gourmet dinner, live music and late night waltzing.
For four days, guests will explore the 300-year-old imperial capital envisioned by Peter the Great, visiting Alexander’s Palace, the Gold and Malachite Rooms at the Winter Palace, majestic St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Usupoff Palace. “Nobody loves New Year’s Eve like the Russians do – it’s the most festive holiday of the year, with parties, presents, and champagne toasts,” said MIR Corporation Founder Douglas Grimes. “This celebratory tour revolves around New Year’s in glorious St. Petersburg, with Moscow merrymaking and a visit to 12th century Suzdal to round out the festivities.”
Join a backstage tour at one of St. Petersburg’s premier theaters before enjoying an evening ballet or opera performance. For a more low-key option guests can ring in the New Year by feasting, raising toasts and singing songs in a Russian home. Other highlights include an exhilarating horse-drawn sleigh ride and a tour of the Kremlin’s Diamond Fund with exclusive access.
MIR Corporation’s 8-day “Siberian Winter Escapade” tour is also perfect for the adventurous traveler who’s seen it all. On UNESCO-listed Lake Baikal, race teams of sled dogs, ice-fish and sweep across the lake by hovercraft. In Ust-Ordynski, discover one of Siberia’s Buddhist monasteries. Participate in a sunrise shaman ceremony at Olkhon Island’s best-known spot, Shaman Rock. And dine in the home of an indigenous Buryat family on Olkhon.
MIR Corporation has specialized in Russia travel for more than 25 years and offers an array of exciting winter tours ranging from Trans-Siberian Rail journeys, to more traditional excursions. One unique NYE tour runs December 29, 2013 – January 7, 2014 and starts at $5,595. i To learn more, call 800-424-7289 or visit http://www.mircorp.com/tour_wwl.asp.