Hermitage Theatre of Classical Russian Ballet Performance and Private Backstage Tour

Visit: Hermitage Theater, Dvortsovaya Emb., 34, St. Petersburg 191186 Russia

Your private backstage tour will begin at 4:30pm with pickup from your hotel lobby by a skilled driver. From there, you will be transported to one of the oldest theaters in Russia, the Hermitage Ballet Theatre of Saint-Petersburg.

Built on the foundation of Peter the Great's Winter Palace and designed by Giacomo Quarenghi, the Hermitage Ballet Theatre opened its doors in November 1785. Many of St. Petersburg's "beau monde," including members of the Russian imperial family, have taken delight in the elite performances presented by the European opera and ballet troupes. Many masquerades, ballet and opera performances, and costume balls transpired here. In 1989 Russian classical performances were added to the playbill such as Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Giselle, The Nutcracker and other masterpieces of the Academy of Russian Classical Ballet.

You will be enveloped by silver and velvet, mirrors and crystal, painting and fretwork, refined interiors, luxurious decorations and a great cast. Your tour includes access to the make-up rooms where you can see the creation of various artistic images and grasp the feelings of the main heroes. You can enter ballet classes and see the dancers as they practice elements of ballet choreography. You will have the unique chance to visit the wardrobe workshop where costumed characters and assistants prepare each artistic element.

The ballet performance begins at approximately 8pm. During your excursion you will have a unique chance to talk to one of the famous ballet dancers, which will make you feel close to the amazing world of Russian ballet. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture pictures to make your meeting more memorable. You will delight in the awesome atmosphere of the Hermitage Ballet Theatre while enjoying an apéritif accompanied by salmon roe, bread-and-butter or sweets in the theatre café. You may reserve a table before the performance if you choose.

After your refreshment break you will attend a breathtaking performance of the Hermitage Ballet Theatre. The average performance duration is 2-2.5 hours.

Your private tour concludes when the performance ends.

Duration: 5 hours

• Interview with the ballet dancer
• Professional art historian guide
• Hotel pick-up
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Guaranteed skip-the-line entrance
• Entry/Admission - Hermitage Theater
• Guaranteed to skip the lines

• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Food and drinks
• DVD and souvenirs (available to purchase)
• Hotel drop-off

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Minimum age is 6 years
• A dress code is required to enter museums and theaters. No shorts or t-shirts allowed. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
• This tour as a shore excursion: additional payment US$ 100 for blanket visa and rountrip private transfer cruise ship - tour attractions - cruise ship (US$ 100 for all the travellers, not per person). Minimum 2 travellers required. Details needed for blanket visa: passport name, number, date of birth and country for all the passengers. Please send them shortly after the booking. Booking should be made at least 7 days before the ship arrival date.
• Most travelers can participate
• Face masks required for travelers in public areas
• Face masks required for guides in public areas
• Face masks provided for travelers
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
• Gear/equipment sanitized between use
• Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
• Guides required to regularly wash hands
• Regular temperature checks for staff
• Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
• Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons

Traveler pickup is offered
Departure Point: Your accommodation in St. Petersburg
Directions: Your hotel/hostel/ship lobby
Dates: Daily, except Mondays. The Mueseum is closed on January 1 and May 9.
Return point: Concludes at the Hermitage Ballet Theatre

4:30 PM

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

5 hours