Here is an outlined "Table of Contents" of excursions that the June/July Institute of Humanities and Fine Art Study Abroad in St. Petersburg, Russia experienced during 2006. This should be a close approximation of what to anticipate for those interested in the 2007 program. Note: nearly every excursion photo can be clicked for more detailed information about that particular event (or you may click More), plus there are web links for almost all of the excursions for additional information from the Internet.

		Monday, June 5, 2006
Peter and Paul Fortress		The Peter and Paul Fortress was founded by Peter I in 1703. Besides the ancient fortifications, on the grounds of the island fortress one can visit the SS Peter and Paul Cathedral of the early eighteenth century (architect D. Trezzini), where the burial vaults of Peter the Great and all succeeding Russian tzar (including Nicholas II) are located. Click for More information about the Peter and Paul Fortress or check out a web link at Peter and Paul Fortress.
		Wednesday, June 7, 2006
Cruiser Aurora		During the bus tour around St. Petersburg, one stop was at the Cruiser Aurora. Completed in 1900, the vast cruiser was put into active service in 1903. It was later converted into a training ship and at the start of the Siege of Leningrad it was sunk to protect it from German forces. The ship was raised in 1944, 950 days later and has been a museum since 1956. Click for more information about the bus tour or check out the Cruiser Aurora web link.
		Friday, June 9 & Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Hermitage		The State Hermitage is one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. The museum is located in five historic buildings, including the Winter Palace, the former residence of the Russian tzar. The collections of the Hermitage number over three million items from prehistoric to modern times. Magnificent works of art embracing prehistoric culture, Egyptian art, Scythian gold, and Western European paintings. Visit More of the Hermitage or web page at Hermitage.
		Saturday, June 10, 2006
Pskov		To say that Pskov is an old city is an understatement it celebrated its 1100 year anniversary in the year 2003. It is one of the oldest cities in Russia and though it's alive with business and development, one cannot but help notice its timelessness. Beautiful Russian buildings and Cathedrals stand out against the sky in their own charming manner. There are also ancient fortresses and monasteries which are worth visiting. More information is available and the official website of Pskov.
		Monday, June 12, 2006
Slavonic Springs		Thirty miles west of Pskov, near the border of Estonia, resides the towns of Izborsk and Pechory. The fortress at Izborsk is older than Pskov, which was created in the 7th century and within its walls is the St. Nicolas Cathedral that inspired architectural design into the 15th and 16th centuries. Near Izborsk, mineral rich Slavic Springs flow while the monasteries in the town of Pechory are created within caves. Please click more information to learn more.
		Friday, June 16, 2006
St. Isaac's Cathedral		The former principle cathedral of the Russian capital (architect A. Montferrand), it is the largest cathedral in St. Petersburg (capacity of 10,000). The cathedral is graced with 1112 solid granite columns weighing up to 114 tons each, and about 400 relieves and bronze sculptures. The observation platform on the colonnade provides a magnificent view of the city. Look at More information about this amazing cathedral or visit a web link at St. Isaac's Cathedral.
		Saturday, June 17, 2006
Oreshek		Schlüsselburg (earlier Oreshek) fortress is a unique historic monument, located on an island in the Neva. It was established in 1323 and played a very important role in Russia's history. In 1612 Sweden captured Oreshek and ruled over it for 90 years. In 1702 Peter the Great recaptured the fortress and renamed it to Schlüsselburg (Key Town). From 1702 to 1917 it was a political prison, where members of royal family, members of revolutionary movements and different writers had been kept. More.
		Friday, June 23 & Monday, June 26, 2006
Russian Museum		Opened in 1898 in the Mikhaylovsky Palace (architect C. Rossi), the Russian Museum houses nearly 400,000 exhibits. It maintains the largest collection in the country of Russian art, from ancient icons to the avant-garde painting of the twentieth century. Click for More information or go to Russian Museum for other Internet resources.
		Saturday, June 24, 2006
Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo)		Tsarskoe Selo is located 15 miles (25 km) south of St. Petersburg. This small town flanks two gigantic palaces, set amidst parkland: the glorious Catherine Palace (left) and the Alexander Palace, where the last tzar and tsaritsa dwelt. Tsarskoe Selo is also associated with the great poet Alexander Pushkin, who studied at the town's Lycee. In 1937, the name was changed to Pushkin, to commemorate the centenary of the poet's death. Click More or visit Tsarskoe Selo.
		Saturday, June 28, 2006
Canals		St. Petersburg is known as the "Venice of the North," and is famous for its rivers, canals and bridges. All the waterways in the center resemble canals whether they are man-made or not, having been lined with granite embankments during the reign of Catherine the Great. More pictures and information are available.
		Friday, June 30, 2006
Church of Spilt Blood		Built in 1907 as a memorial church to honor Russian Emperor Alexander II, on the exact spot where he was murdered by a terrorist (on the Griboedov Canal). The cathedral is an example of "Russian Style" architecture and decorative art at the turn of the century. The interior, covered entirely with mosaics (over 7,000 sq.m.), was created according to the design of 30 artists. See More of the church or check out the web link at Church of the Savior on the Spilt Blood.
		Tuesday, July 4, 2006
Peterhof		Peterhof is a jewel of the Russian art, a town of parks, palaces, and fountains. In the past it used to be an exquisite summer residence of Russian tzars. Verkhniy (upper) Garden and Nizhniy (Lower) Park, genuine masterpieces of landscape design, number over 150 fountains, 5 monumental cascades. In August 2000, after 60 void years, the Lviniy (lion's) Cascading Fountain was launched again, the second of its size. Enjoy More of Peterhof or check out material on the web Peterhof.
		Saturday, July 8, 2006
Lake Beauty		One of the most scenic places to visit outside of St. Petersburg during late-spring or summer is Lake Beauty. People get out of the city and spend all day camping or enjoying the tranquility of nature. For couples Lake Beauty is a great romantic getaway, for groups of friends and families it is the place where they celebrate, relax on the sandy beach or roast shish-kebab on the open fire and socialize with drinks. More pictures and details are available to view.
Listed below are some of the previous year’s excursions around Russia. These tours can vary from year-to-year, therefore it’s possible to experience these activities on your upcoming trip.
		Tuesday, May 15, 2001
U.S. Consulate		In Honor of the Participants in the Hertzen State Pedagogical University/University of Northern Iowa Conference "New Concepts of Higher Education in the 21st Century". More information is available. Consul General Paul Smith
		Sunday, May 20, 2001
Gatchina Palace		This ensemble consists of the Gatchina Palace and the park-the first landscaped park in Russia. On display: gala halls of the XVIII century, exhibition of Western-European and Russian paintings and arms of the XVII-XIX centuries. The romantic feature of Gatchinsky Palace is an underground tunnel to the lake. The pride of the park are the unique pavilions "Beriozovy Dom" (Birch House) and "Pavilion Venery" (Pavilion of Venus). Tour More of Gatchina or visit web Gatchina.
		Sunday, May 27, 2001
Oranienbaum		In 1743, Oranienbaum became the summer residence of the future emperor Peter III. A fortress ensemble with a petite palace was constructed for him to the design of architect A.Rinaldi. Later, A.Rinaldi was commissioned by the Empress Catherine the Great to erect the Chinese Palace and the Katalnaya Gorka (Sliding Hill) with a pavilion. Oranienbaum is famous for its landscape parks dating back to the XIX century. See More of Oranienbaum or view web material at Lomonosov.
		Tuesday, June 4, 2002
Alexander-Nevsky Monastery		The Alexander Nevsky Monastery and Cemetery was founded by Peter I in 1710. This monastery is named after Alexander Nevsky, prince of Novgorod, who defeated the Swedes in 1240 and this monastery is allegedly located at the site of the legendary battle. The monastery complex includes the Church of the Annunciation, the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a theological seminary, and several cemeteries. More pictures and information are available. Web link Alexander Nevsky Monastery.
		Saturday, June 14, 2003
Novgorod		Despite its name, Novgorod ("New City") is Russia's oldest city, founded, according to legend, by the Varangian (Scandinavian) Prince Rurik in 862 A.D. By the end of the tenth century it had developed into an important commercial center thanks to its favored position on the River Volkhov, which flows north into Lake Ladoga and onto the Gulf of Finland - part of an ancient trade route stretching from Scandinavia to Greece. More information available or visit web link at Novgorod.
		Thursday, June 26, 2003
Summer Palace		One of the first stone buildings of St. Petersburg (architect D. Trezzini), located on the grounds of the Summer Garden laid out by the order of Peter the Great. The interior decoration of the early eighteenth century style offers a nice selection of Russian and Western European paintings and decorative and applied art of the late 17th-early 18th centuries, as well as personal belongings of Peter the Great. More details available about Summer Place or go to this web link Summer Palace.
		Saturday, June 18, 2005
Staraya Ladoga		During the 8th century, Ladoga served as a trade route where the town was founded. The city became a suburb of Novgorod in the 12th century and became fortified. In 1164, Ladogay withstood a siege by Swedish troops. In honor of this victory the Church of St. George was built. The 18th century became a crucial time for Russian armies to campaign in Ladoga which led to the founding of St. Petersburg. Historical information of Staraya Ladoga or click for More information.
		Saturday, June 25, 2005
Pavlovsk		This palace-and-park ensemble of the late XVIII-early XIX centuries was used as a summer residence of Paul I and his family. The landscape park, one of the largest in Europe, covers the area of 600 ha. The works of the palace-and-park ensemble on the winding banks of the Slavyanka river lasted for 50 years. The formation of the collections of the Pavlovsky Palace was closely connected with the trip of its owners over Europe in 1781-1782. Click More or visit web page Pavlovsk.