White Nights in St. Petersburg: Boat Excursions with the Grand Hotel Europe
February 15, 2010 By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Booking a trip to St. Petersburg for the White Nights Festival? During the last 10 days of June, the sun never sets and St. Pete's celebrates with music, festivals, and ballet performances at the Mariinsky Ballet and Opera Theater. Built by Peter the Great, the Russian city on the Neva has earned its nickname as the "Venice of the North." The rivers and canals of St. Petersburg and the Gulf of Finland offer a romantic means to view the city.
Last summer the Grand Hotel Europe debuted a fast luxury speedboat, the Katarina, for guest excursions. The hotel is already known for its extensive transportation fleet-- its fleet of limousines is the largest in Europe-- and the Katarina is another welcome addition. Purchased in Venice, the boat has interiors paneled with precious woods and fine upholstery. While aboard the vessel, guests are treated to hors d'oeuvres paired with exclusive drinks prepared by the Grand Hotel Europe's Executive Chef, Anatoly Ivanov.
