Northern Capitals & Russia
18 Days from $5,575 per person
An all-embracing journey of Scandinavia, the Baltic, Russia, Lithuania and Poland, showcasing Baroque splendor, fine design and historic conflicts and resolutions.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
An all-embracing journey of Scandinavia, the Baltic, Russia, Lithuania and Poland, showcasing Baroque splendor, fine design and historic conflicts and resolutions.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Welcome to Berlin
On arrival at Berlin's Tegel Airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10:30 am or 12:30 pm. With the afternoon free, perhaps walk along the bustling Ku' Damm, shopping center of West Berlin, which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West. At 6 pm, join your Travel Director and travel companions at a local restaurant for your Welcome Dinner.
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Day 2: The Spirit of Berlin
In the morning, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the Unter den Linden past the Humboldt University and Opera House. Stop a while on Museum Island before passing Brandenberg Gate, a symbol of the reunification. See Norman Foster's glass dome which crowns the Reichstag building before embarking on a journey through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure or relaxing at your hotel.
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Day 3: Across the Sea to Copenhagen
Depart Berlin and continue through northern Germany to Rostock for the sea crossing to Denmark. A peaceful journey through Danish countryside brings you to the capital, Copenhagen. In the evening, delight in the enchanting atmosphere of the famous Tivoli Gardens.
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Day 4: Wonderful Copenhagen
With a Local Expert, begin your sightseeing with a visit the Christiansborg Palace, seat of the Danish Government, to marvel at the opulent interior. Journey past Copenhagen Cathedral and the university to see Rosenborg Castle, the Renaissance Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace, home of the royal family. Visit the waterfront to admire Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid gazing across the harbor. The rest of the day is at leisure.
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Day 5: To Stockholm, City of Islands
Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet, during the short ferry crossing to Sweden. Your journey then continues through fertile farmlands, dotted with neat farmhouses and barns. Travel along the shores of peaceful Lake Vättern to Stockholm, beautifully situated on an island-studded bay.
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Day 6: Stockholm and Baltic Cruise
With a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its impressive Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall, covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets. Cross the harbor to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace. In the afternoon, board your cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Finland. Enjoy dinner on board and then take in the breathtakingly beautiful sea views from the comfort of your A-Class, sea-view cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer.
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Day 7: Fashionable Helsinki
Disembark your Baltic cruise and explore Helsinki, the trendsetting city of top fashion and design, alongside a Local Expert. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the modern Church in the Rock, which has been cut right into a boulder in the center of Helsinki. Continue to the Sibelius Monument and Finlandia Hall in the new quarter.
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Day 8: St. Petersburg
From Helsinki, you will travel through rural lands and villages, following the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Tonight, dine in a local restaurant.
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Day 9: The Gardens of Petrodvorets
Join a Local Expert to see the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood and the bustling main street of the city, Nevsky Prospect. Cruise by hydrofoil along the Baltic shore to Peter the Great's summer residence of Petrodvorets, which for over 200 years was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Alight to explore the grand gardens and see cascading fountains.
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Day 10: High Speed Train to Moscow
Visit the opulent Winter Palace with your Local Expert. This is the former home of the Tsars, but now houses the Hermitage Museum. Witness a treasure trove of magnificent works of art, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. Board your high-speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours.
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Day 11: Moscow, a Russian Revelation
Join your Local Expert in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings, for an insightful tour. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral while in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum. Enter the Kremlin to visit one of its cathedrals. Explore the Metro stations, rich in marble, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers, often referred to as underground art museums. With the afternoon at your leisure, why not visit the Kremlin Museum to gaze at the treasury of the Tsars? In the evening, don't miss the chance to absorb the atmosphere and admire the magic of the Red Square and the Kremlin at night.
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Day 12: Moscow at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxed start and a full day set aside to explore Moscow at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or enjoy an Optional Experience in Zagorsk, the renowned center of ancient Russian art and architecture.
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Day 13: Minsk, the Supreme Soviet City
Depart Moscow and pass near Borodino as you follow the route taken by Napoleon's retreating army in 1812. Stop in Yartsevo, Smolensk Oblast for an included lunch, then enter Belarus and continue to the capital, Minsk, rebuilt after the war in utmost Soviet style.
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Day 14: Minsk Sightseeing and Vilnius
Your Local Expert will take you along wide avenues, passing gargantuan concrete buildings, a legacy of Minsk's Soviet past. Lenin still stands in front of the Government headquarters! See the obelisk in Victory Square honoring the heroes of World War II and the Church of St. Simon and Helena. Continue to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. In the evening, you can choose from a variety of hand-selected local restaurants on your Dine-Around Evening.
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Day 15: Island Castle of Trakai
Sightseeing in the morning starts at the Baroque church of St. Peter and St. Paul. See the neoclassical cathedral before joining your Local Expert for a leisurely walk through the Old Town. See the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn. Visit the splendid Trakai Castle, built on a fortified island at the beginning of the 15th century and now faithfully restored in all its glory.
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Day 16: Rejuvenated Warsaw
Pass lakeside Augustow during a scenic journey through Masuria, a region blessed with a plethora of lakes and forests. Your destination will be the Polish capital, faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War II.
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Day 17: Exploring Warsaw
Join a Local Expert for an exploration of the city. Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, before walking to the Market Square in the Old Town. In the evening, join your newfound friends and Travel Director for a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy a fine selection of local dishes and wine.
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Day 18: Depart Warsaw
Your transfers will arrive at Warsaw airport at 7:30 am and 10 am.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 May 19 | 1 Jun 19 |
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$5,595pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 22 May 19 | 8 Jun 19 |
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$5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 29 May 19 | 15 Jun 19 | $5,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 5 Jun 19 | 22 Jun 19 |
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$5,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Jun 19 | 29 Jun 19 |
|
$5,750pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Jun 19 | 6 Jul 19 |
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$5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 3 Jul 19 | 20 Jul 19 | $5,625pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 10 Jul 19 | 27 Jul 19 |
|
$5,625pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 17 Jul 19 | 3 Aug 19 | $5,625pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 24 Jul 19 | 10 Aug 19 | $5,625pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 7 Aug 19 | 24 Aug 19 | $5,575pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 14 Aug 19 | 31 Aug 19 | $5,575pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 21 Aug 19 | 7 Sep 19 | $5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 28 Aug 19 | 14 Sep 19 |
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$5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 4 Sep 19 | 21 Sep 19 |
|
$5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 11 Sep 19 | 28 Sep 19 | $5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 18 Sep 19 | 5 Oct 19 | $5,650pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $1,430 per person
Triple Room Discount $120 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $208 per person.
Airport Transfers: On arrival at Berlin's Tegel Airport. transfers operate at 10:30 am and 12:30 pm. Return transfers on the last travel day arrive at Warsaw airport at 7:30 am and 10 am.
Important Visa Information: Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your travel specialist at the time of booking to assess your specific requirements. Visas cannot be issued at borders in Europe.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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Cultural Enrichment
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
Included Quality Dining
17 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch, 7 Dinners with Wine, all with tea or coffee.
Signature Experiences
- Minsk: Gain an understanding of Minsk's Soviet past as you are led through the city with your Local Expert. See the wide avenues and gargantuan concrete buildings. Pass Lenin, standing in front of the government headquarters. In Victory Square, see the obelisk honoring the heroes of World War II and the Church of St. Simon and Helena.
- Vilnius: Led by your Local Expert, explore the Old Town to see the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn.
Top Rated Highlights
- Cross the Baltic Sea from Germany to Denmark by ferry • Cruise the Baltic Sea from Stockholm to Helsinki • Cruise by hydrofoil to Petrodvorets • Travel by Sapsan train from St. Petersburg to Moscow
- Visit Tivoli Gardens and Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen • Stockholm's City Hall • the Metro stations of Moscow • Church of St Peter and St Paul in Vilnius
- City tours of Berlin, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Moscow and Warsaw, all with Local Experts
- See Opera House, Museum Island, Brandenberg Gate, Reichstag building and Tiergarten in Berlin • Rosenborg Castle, Renaissance Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen • Øresund Bridge • Kronborg Castle at Elsinore • Gamla Stan and Royal Palace in Stockholm • Church in the Rock, Sibelius Monument and Finlandia Hallin Helsinki • Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg • Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin and Lenin's Mausoleum in Moscow • Trakai Castle • Old Town, Palace of Culture, Chopin Memorial and Ghetto Heroes Memorial in Warsaw
- Berlin: With your Local Expert, travel along the Unter den Linden to see Humboldt University, the Opera House and Museum Island. Pass Brandenberg Gate and view the Reichstag building before traveling through Tiergarten.
- Rocstock: Cross the Baltic Sea from Germany to Denmark.
- Copenhagen: Make the most of the long summer nights at Tivoli Gardens, the famous entertainment park.
- Copenhagen: With a Local Expert, witness the regal interior of Christiansborg Palace, with its stunning tapestries, furnishings and décor. See the cathedral, university, Rosenborg Castle, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, Amalienborg Palace and Hans Christian Andersen's Little Mermaid on the harbor.
- Øresund Bridge: Cross this magnificent feat of engineering. It's the longest road and rail bridge in Europe, spanning 8 kilometers.
- Elsinore: See the Kronborg Castle, referred to as the home of Hamlet.
- Stockholm: Led by your Local Expert, venture to Gamla Stan, the medieval heart of the city to see the cathedral and the Royal Palace.
- Stockholm: Venture inside City Hall, the fabulous Gyllene salen, the Golden Hall is covered with 18 million gilded mosaic tiles and the Blå hallen, the Blue Hall, is the venue for the Nobel Prize banquets.
- Cruise: Admire the beautiful views from your high-class, sea-view cabin as your cruise through the largest archipelago in the world, from Stockholm to Helsinki.
- Helsinki: Visit the Church in the Rock as you explore with your Local Expert. See the interesting Sibelius Monument and Finlandia Hall.
- St. Petersburg: Guided by your Local Expert, see the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospect, the bustling main street of the city.
- Petrodvorets: Cruise by hydrofoil to visit the epic formal gardens of Peter the Great's Summer Palace, bursting with cascades, sparkling fountains and golden statues.
- St. Petersburg: Explore the spectacular Hermitage Museum with a Local Expert, one of the world's great repositories of European art and housed in the stunning former Winter Palace of the Tsars.
- Sapsan Train: Sapsan in Russian, translates to falcon. Relax in modern luxury and comfort while you swoop by rail from St. Petersburg to Moscow in just four hours.
- Moscow: Explore this fascinating capital with your Local Expert. Visit Red Square to admire the landmark buildings of St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin and Lenin's Mausoleum.
- Moscow: Explore the opulent Metro stations, described as 'underground museums.'
- Vilnius: Visit the church of St Peter and St Paul and see the cathedral.
- Trakai: Take in the idyllic lake setting as you cross the wooden footbridge to the red-brick Gothic castle.
- Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city's highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Łazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
- Scenic Drives: Delight in the beautiful scenery as you travel through the Danish Countryside, along Lake Vättern, the Gulf of Finland and through Augustow and Masuria.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Berlin
Potsdam & Sanssouci Excursion
Drive to Potsdam for a guided tour of the beautiful Cecilienhof Palace where the Potsdam Declaration was signed in 1945. Then it's on to another UNESCO World Heritage site; the magnificent grounds of Sanssouci Palace to stroll amid the famous terraced gardens of Frederick the Great.
Adult Price: €48
Copenhagen
North Zealand Castle Tour
Drive along the scenic coastal road of the Danish Riviera to the castles of North Zealand. See Fredensborg, the summer residence of the Royal Family, then visit Fredriksborg, the largest Renaissance palace in Scandinavia. It's now a museum, so the tour through the beautiful rooms is an encounter with the kings and queens who shaped the country's history. En-route, pass through picturesque villages of half-timbered houses and thatched roofs.
Adult Price: €51
Traditional Danish Dinner
Home to some of the world's best restaurants, Copenhagen is currently experiencing a culinary renaissance. Make the most of the long summer evenings and join us for a traditional Danish meal in the heart of Copenhagen. Two glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks are included with your meal.
Adult Price: €69
Stockholm
Vasa Galleon
When the Vasa was launched in 1628, it was arguably the world's most powerful warship. Bristling with 64 cannon and carrying some 300 men, it was built to strike the fear of God into the enemy. Unfortunately, it sank on its maiden voyage. Raised from Stockholm harbour in 1961, this grand galleon remains almost wholly preserved, along with 700 wooden sculptures and ornaments. Your visit will provide a unique insight into early shipbuilding techniques and everyday life on board a 17c naval vessel.
Adult Price: €38
Swedish Summer Dinner
This evening, we dine "Swedish Style." Savour a succulent three-course meal with beer, wine & soft drinks. Soak up the atmosphere of the traditional surroundings while enjoying its history and design.
Adult Price: €64
Helsinki
Russian Dinner In Helsinki
As the capital city in a former Grand Duchy of the Russian Tsarist empire, Helsinki has always been famous for its Russian restaurants – even amongst the Russians. Tonight we enjoy an evening of authentic, pre-revolution Russian cuisine in an atmosphere of times gone by.
Adult Price: €65
St Petersburg
Catherine Palace
The little town of Tsarskoe Selo, now called Pushkin, houses Russia's most beautiful palace. Even from the outside, its awesome grandeur overwhelms the senses. Walking through the 'Golden Enfilade' of state rooms is like stepping into another world. Feel the presence of Catherine the Great reflected in the sumptuous gilded stucco, mirrors, and amber. The restored Amber Room is a truly unique monument with your local expert providing the historical context.
Adult Price: €60
Imperial Splendours and Architectural Gems
With our Local Specialist we'll take a tour of two iconic churches. The Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood, built to commemorate the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, has one of the country's most intricate displays of mosaic icons. Not to be outdone, St Isaac's Cathedral is the fourth-largest cathedral in the world. Designed by a French architect, its immense interior is comprised of malachite and other precious materials, gathered from all parts of Russia.
Adult Price: €44
Neva River Cruise
Due to its many islands, canals and bridges, St. Petersburg is known as ‘the Venice of the North’ and the best place to view it is from the water. Soak up the romantic atmosphere with a cruise along the River Neva. Sip champagne as the Winter Palace and the Peter and Paul Fortress drifts by - it's a photographer’s dream and a wonderful introduction to the former imperial capital!
Adult Price: €46
Peter & Paul Fortress
Join a local expert for a visit to the island stronghold where St. Petersburg's foundation stone was laid in 1703. Built as a defence against Swedish attack, the fortress served as a political prison for the Tsars' opponents, including Peter's own rebellious son, Alexei. A fascinating walk through Russian history takes you from the riverside walkway, still lined with cannon, inside the bastions to the ornate church, housing the imperial tombs of the Romanov rulers. A must-see during your visit to St. Petersburg!
Adult Price: €29
Yusupov Palace
Don't miss this chance to visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and scene of Rasputin’s murder. Hear the fascinating story of the Siberian monk and his influence on the Imperial Family as you are led through the beautifully restored interiors to the room where his murder took place!
Adult Price: €49
Russian Folklore Show
Come and hear the balalaikas ringing out! A spectacular evening of traditional music, song and dance! This fun-filled show will have you clapping along to the rollicking Cossack dancers and girls in brightly coloured costumes as they sing their sweet harmonies.
Adult Price: €58
Russian Ballet Performance
With its flawless, graceful movements, heartfelt music and spectacle, Russian ballet can conjure up a range of powerful emotions. While in St. Petersburg, there may be the opportunity to attend a ballet performance. This optional experience is subject to the availability of tickets and performance. Pending on availability and the venue, the price may vary from €80-€110. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.
Adult Price: €110
Moscow
Russian Mosaic
The complex history of Russia is fixed in the soul of the people and this experience focuses on historical events that have shaped the nation. Drive out to the Borodino Panorama Exhibition which brings to life the Battle of Borodino, one of the most important events in Russia's history - immortalised in Tolstoy's epic "War and Peace". Then, head to Poklonnaya Hill where we find Victory Memorial Park with monuments dedicated to the memory of the victory over the Nazis in WWII. If Borodino Panorama Exhibition is closed, we will visit the Central Museum of Great Patriotic War, located in the Victory Park.
Adult Price: €42
Moscow By Night
As the sun goes down Moscow takes on a completely different complexion. A local expert shows you the major monuments of this bustling city by night. Admire the evening magic of the famous Red Square once the day time crowds have dispersed - the floodlit towers of the Kremlin, twinkling Gum Department Store and magical domes of St Basil's Cathedral bathed in romantic light.
Adult Price: €29
Excursion to Sergiyev Posad
A wonderful excursion takes you to Sergiyev Posad (known as Zagorsk in the Soviet era), renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture. For centuries it served as a place of pilgrimage and the religious capital of Russia. Within the old walled city, admire the fairy-tale golden and blue domes of the Troitse Sergiyevo Lavra, one of the most beautiful of all monasteries. Afterwards, enjoy time to browse for locally made Russian handicrafts, wooden toys and Matryoshka dolls at the local market.
Adult Price: €53
Kremlin Treasuries
Walk within the walls of the Kremlin to visit the treasure chest of the Imperial Russian family in the Armory. With your guide, you'll witness the staggering collection of Tsarist artefacts, be it bedazzling crown jewels, jewel-studded thrones or the world-famous Fabergé Eggs!
Adult Price: €52
Vilnius
KGB Museum Visit
The former KGB headquarters are a grim reminder of the regime of terror that existed under Soviet occupation. A local expert takes you through the emphatically named Museum of Genocide Victims which recounts the Soviet years of political oppression and the partisan fight for independence. In the basement, reflect while in the cells used for the torture and imprisonment of dissidents right up until the late 1980's.
Adult Price: €30
Lithuanian Dinner And Entertainment
Take your seats for a fun-filled evening of traditional entertainment and hearty Lithuanian cuisine. Expect delicious dishes prepared according to age-old recipes, an authentic atmosphere and colourful folklore entertainment featuring traditional dancers, musicians and songs.
Adult Price: €62
Warsaw
Chopin Concert
The spirit of Warsaw and the music of Chopin go hand in hand. In a concert venue located in the centre of Warsaw, enjoy an exclusive private recital of his music performed by a celebrated Polish pianist. Champagne is served during the intermission.
Adult Price: €46
Wilanów Palace
To the Polish people, Wilanów is more than just a palace – it's a national treasure, the embodiment of an era from which much has been lost. Join a local expert for a guided visit to the ‘Polish Versailles’. Walk within the baroque royal residence to admire the stunning collection of furniture, portraits and china which forms part of the National Museum.
Adult Price: €34
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Scandinavian countries, Germany, Russia, Poland, Lithuania and Belarus must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. Travelers visiting Russia and Lithuania will need an entry visa. We will send you application forms to complete to obtain your visa prior to departure. Visa costs and entry requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov to learn more. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering Scandinavia, Belarus, Poland and Germany.
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Currency
The currency in Germany, Finland, and Lithuania is the Euro. Other countries on this trip have their own currencies as follows: in Denmark it is the Danish Kroner, in Sweden it is the Swedish Krona, in Russia it is the Ruble, in Belarus it is the Belarusian Ruble, and in Poland it is the Zloty.
While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find better exchange rates in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
Russian food is rich and hearty, with a strong preference toward soups, herring, pickled vegetables, savory pancakes and rye breads. Try specialties such as beef stroganoff, borscht soup (beetroot soup) and pelmeni (meat dumplings). Russians love sweets and pride themselves on their desserts, especially the traditional ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts). Vodka is popular and is often served straight or can be flavored with herbs and spices.
Scandinavian cuisine focuses heavily on seafood. Try a traditional ‘smørgasbord’ with a selection of meat, fish, salads, hot dishes, puddings and cheeses. Sample dishes prepared with a variety of seafood including smoked salmon, cod, herring, sardines and mackerel. Popular meats include reindeer, lamb and fowl. Coffee and milk are very popular, along with lager. Aquavit is the local spirit, and is usually served chilled. Wines and other spirits are imported products and are very expensive.
Traditional German cuisine is rich and delicious. Try specialties including a variety of bratwurst with sauerkraut, cold cuts, spätzle and potato dumplings. For dessert you cannot miss the world famous Black Forest Gateau. Beer is a big part of German culture; sample a variety of German offerings including pilsner, Kölsch and sour beers.
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Packing
Russia’s continental climate varies dramatically, with temperatures reaching the high 80s during summer heat waves and normally plummeting to single digits during winter months. We recommend packing layers to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. It’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
When dining out it is appropriate to leave 5-10 percent gratuity if a service charge has not already been added to your bill.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend the equivalent of €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
-
Important Visa Information
Visas are required for this trip. Please speak to your Travel Specialist at time of booking to assess your specific requirements.
