New year Tsars Ball

When most people imagine a classic Grand Ball they think of Vienna, but this spectacular tradition has now been revived in St Petersburg and the city is vibrant with anticipation each New Years Eve as it plays host to the most extraordinary Ball seen in the city since the days of the Tsars.

Immerse yourself in the splendour of the Tauride Palace - venue for this memorable event. Originally built in 1783 by Catherine the Great for one of her lovers, Grigory Potemkin, who was given the title Prince of Tauride. The exterior of this fine palace is original and the ballroom, of breathtaking proportions, is one of the largest in St Petersburg. The ballroom is transformed for this glittering event. into the most beautifully arranged setting for an evening fit for a Tsar!

Guests will be transported from the Grand Hotel Europe to the Palace for an evening of fine cuisine and lavish entertainment. A five course dinner with champagne and caviar in abundance will be prepared by French chefs - as in the days of Catherine. Service par excellence will ensure your satisfaction and the continuous programme of entertainment will leave you with lasting memories. Ballet dancers and musicians of the Kirov companies will perform cameos, along with choirs, folklore singers and artists and other entertainers of the very highest calibre.

A black tie/ballgown affair in the steps of the Tsars, with guests from around the world, truly a memorable event

GRAND HOTEL EUROPE

Conveniently located just 7 km north of the city centre, this contemporary Russian 4* hotel has over 1500 air-conditioned rooms all with private bathroom, telephone and colour TV. All the services you might need can be found here, including money exchange, shopping, sauna, bowling alley, news stand, business centre, post office, hairdressers plus a wide range of bars and restaurants which offer a variety of Russian, Ukrainian and European cuisine. Most of the guest rooms have mini-bars or refrigerators. Additional services, soft drinks, mineral water, hot coffee or tea from a samovar are available upon request. The nearest metro station (VDNKh), renowned for its outstanding design, is just opposite the hotel. The Intourist desk is at your disposal for information and sightseeing.