| Trip Itinerary |
|
| Day 1 USA - Helsinki |
|
| VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Helsinki. |
| Day 2 Arrive Helsinki |
|
Arrive in Finland’s capital, Helsinki, for a relaxing two-night stay. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with your Tour Director and travel companions. Dinner Included |
| Day 3 Helsinki |
|
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes views of Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building and visits to the colorful Market Square, the Sibelius Monument and the unique Rock Church of Temppeliaukio. Scandinavian Breakfast Included |
| Day 4 Helsinki - Tallinn |
|
Today we board our ship to cross the Baltic Sea and arrive in Estonia’s beautiful capital city, Tallinn, where our sightseeing includes walking through the well preserved streets of the old hanseatic quarter with its medieval walls and 15th-century Luhike Jalq Gate, plus a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. For dinner this evening, enjoy the freedom of your Dine-Around program, and choose from a selection of restaurants recommended by your Tour Director. Scandinavian Breakfast and Dine-Around Included |
| Day 5 Tallinn - Riga |
|
Today we enjoy a scenic drive along the Gulf of Riga and finish the day in the Latvian capital of Riga, our home for the next two relaxing nights. Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 6 Riga |
|
Our sightseeing tour of Riga visits the 13th-century Dom Cathedral with time to admire the medieval architecture of the Tris Brali. Buffet Breakfast Included |
| Day 7 Riga - Vilnius |
|
Our first stop this morning is to view the summer palace of the Duke of Kurland in Rundale. We cross the border into Lithuania, the largest and most densely populated of the Baltic States, to view the 'Hill of Crosses' in Siauliai – a symbol of resistance against Soviet occupation. Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 8 Vilnius |
|
During your included sightseeing of Vilnius, see the Gedimino Square with its towering Cathedral dating from 1784. Visit the Jesuit University and see the incredible 'Gates of Dawn.' Later, visit the medieval Castle in Trakai. Buffet Breakfast Included |
| Day 9 Vilnius - Minsk |
|
Depart Lithuania on our way to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, also known as White Russia. Sightseeing will include both the Leninsky Prospect and Victory Square. Tonight, enjoy local Belarus cuisine at dinner with Russian Champagne. Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included |
| Day 10 Minsk - Smolensk - Moscow |
|
From Minsk, we cross the Pripet Marshes on our way to Smolensk. Continuing along the historic road to Smolensk, we follow a route traveled throughout history by countless others including Napoleon’s retreating Grande Armée in the grim winter of 1812. We then arrive for a leisurely three-night stay in Russia’s historic capital and largest city, Moscow. Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included |
| Day 11 -12 Moscow |
|
Two full days in Moscow with guided sightseeing that includes Red Square where we view St. Basil’s many-domed cathedral built by Ivan the Terrible, Lenin’s Tomb and the Kremlin Wall. A special highlight visit will be made to the Armory inside the Kremlin, once the treasure chamber of the Czars! Buffet Breakfast Included |
| Day 13 Moscow - St. Petersburg |
|
A highlight of the tour and something completely different: we take our reserved seats for our train journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg! Crossing the River Volga we make our way through a land once inhabited by the famous Russian composer Tchaikovsky and an inspiration for many of his works. Then we arrive for a leisurely three-night stay in St. Petersburg. Buffet Breakfast and Lunch Included |
| Day 14 -15 St. Petersburg |
|
Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is considered to be Russia’s most magnificent city. Russian Baroque architecture will intrigue you, as we travel along Nevsky Prospect viewing St. Isaac’s Cathedral and visiting the Czar’s Winter Palace. A special highlight visit takes us to the famous Hermitage Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of fine art. The next day is free to explore on your own. On your last evening enjoy a festive Highlight Farewell Dinner! Buffet Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Included |
| Day 16 St. Petersburg - USA |
|
We bid farewell to Russia. Buffet Breakfast Included |
| |