St Petersburg: Swan Lake Ballet at the Hermitage Theater

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

Choose your required tour option on booking. Then, start your 3-hour experience with a private pickup from your St. Petersburg hotel or the cruise port, or make your own way to the Hermitage Theater, one of the five Hermitage buildings on the banks of the River Neva.

Commissioned by the Empress Catherine II, who became known as Catherine the Great, the theater was completed in 1787. One of St. Petersburg’s most beautiful, it was used by the Russian imperial family for private performances and boasts a small, chamber auditorium known for its magical atmosphere and intimacy.

On arrival, admire the handsome neoclassical façade, and step inside to absorb the gilded interior and sense of occasion. Then, take your seat and enjoy a charming performance of Swan Lake, one of the world-famous ballets by Pyotr Tchaikovsky.

Lose yourself in the rousing music of the St. Petersburg State Governor's Symphony Orchestra, and admire the exquisite 1895 choreography of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, brought to life by the virtuoso dancers over the three acts and four scenes.

After the performance, join in the enthusiastic applause, and take your leave of the theater. Your experience ends when you travel independently back to your hotel, or enjoy a drop-off back to the start point (your hotel or cruise port), depending on your selected tour option.