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Northern Capitals & Russia

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Tour Pace: Active
St. Petersburg, Russia
Tour Style: Premium

Discover how these countries have been shaped by conflict, from the Thirty Years' War to the end of the Cold War. Experience Baroque splendour and marvel Scandinavian design.

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  2. On arrival at Berlin's Tegel Airport, your transfer will leave for your hotel at 10:30 & 12:30. You can walk along the bustling ‘Ku'damm' the shopping centre of West Berlin, which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West. Later, join your Tour Director for a Welcome Reception and an opportunity to get to know each other over a pleasant evening of dinner and wine.
    meal(s):WD
    hotel:Swissotel, Berlin (2 nights).

  3. In the morning, sightseeing with a Local Expert takes you along the Unter den Linden past the Humboldt University and Opera. Stop a while on Museum Island before passing the Brandenberg Gate, symbol of the reunification. See Norman Foster's glass dome which crowns the Reichstag building before a journey through the Tiergarten. Spend the afternoon at leisure.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Swissotel, Berlin.

  4. Depart Berlin and continue through northern Germany to Rostock for the sea crossing to Denmark. A peaceful drive through Danish countryside brings you to the capital of Copenhagen. At night, take in the enchanting atmosphere of the famous Tivoli Gardens.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen (2 nights).

  5. With a Local Expert, begin your sightseeing with a visit to the Christiansborg Palace to marvel at the opulent interior. Journey past the cathedral and university to see the Rosenborg Castle, Stock Exchange, Amalienborg Palace and of course, Hans Christian Andersen's ‘Little Mermaid' gazing across the harbour. The rest of the day is at leisure.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Radisson Blu Scandinavia, Copenhagen.

  6. Enjoy a view of Kronborg Castle, reputedly the Elsinore home of Hamlet, on the short ferry crossing over to Sweden. Your journey will take you through fertile farmland, dotted with neat farmhouses and barns. Drive along the shores of peaceful Lake Vattern to Stockholm, beautifully situated on an island studded bay.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Hilton Slussen, Stockholm.

  7. With a Local Expert, visit the imposing City Hall with its Golden Room (where the annual Nobel Prize presentation banquet takes place), then cross into 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 cabin, while the northern sun hangs over the horizon, showing almost no sign of setting in mid-summer.
    meal(s):BB, DW
    hotel:Cruising.

  8. Helsinki has recently gained a reputation as a global trendsetter for its top design, fashion, stunning architecture and luscious parks. Disembark your Baltic cruise and with a Local Expert, visit the astonishing modern ‘Church in the Rock', which has been cut right into the rock in the centre of Helsinki. Also see the Sibelius Monument and Finlandia Hall in the new quarter.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Crowne Plaza, Helsinki.

  9. From Helsinki, drive through rural lands and villages, following the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Cross into Russia near Vyborg. Then continue through stretches of beautiful forests to St. Petersburg.
    meal(s):BB, L
    hotel:Solo Sokos Palace Bridge, St. Petersburg (2 nights).

  10. Join a Local Expert to see the 'Church of Our Saviour on the spilled blood' and the bustling 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 fabulous gardens and cascading fountains.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Solo Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge, St. Petersburg.

  11. Visit the Winter Palace with a Local Expert. This is the former home of the Tsars, but now housing the Hermitage Museum. Witness a treasure trove of magnificent works of art, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. Next, board your high-speed Sapsan train to Moscow.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Marriott Grand, Moscow (3 nights).

  12. With a Local Expert, your sightseeing begins in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral while in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum. Walk inside the Kremlin walls to visit one of the cathedrals and explore the Metro stations, rich in marble, mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers. Why not visit the Kremlin Museum to gaze at the treasury of the Tsars this afternoon?
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Marriott Grand, Moscow.

  13. A full day is set aside to explore Moscow at your own pace. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or enjoy an optional experience in Zagorsk - renowned as a centre of ancient Russian art and architecture? Don't miss the chance to admire the evening magic of the Red Square and the Kremlin.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Marriott Grand, Moscow.

  14. Leave Moscow and pass near Borodino to follow the route taken by Napoleon's retreating army in 1812. Stop in the region of Smolensk for an included lunch, before entering Belarus and continuing to the capital of Minsk, rebuilt after the war in supreme Soviet style.
    meal(s):BB, L, DW
    hotel:Renaissance, Minsk.

  15. Guided sightseeing will take you along wide avenues, past 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 honouring the heroes of World War II and the Church of St. Simon and Helena. Continue to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. At night, enjoy the freedom and selection of restaurants on your Dine-Around evening.
    meal(s):BB, DA
    hotel:Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius (2 nights).

  16. Sightseeing in the morning starts at the Baroque church of St. Peter and St. Paul. See the neo-classical cathedral before joining a Local Expert on a leisurely walk through the Old Town. See the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn; the former Soviet KGB headquarters are a reminder of more recent events. Next, visit the splendid Trakai Castle, built on a fortified island at the beginning of the 15th century, now faithfully restored in all its glory.
    meal(s):BB
    hotel:Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel, Vilnius.

  17. Pass Suwalki and lakeside Augustow on a scenic drive through Mazuria, a region endowed with a plethora of lakes and forests. Your destination will be the Polish capital, faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War II.
    meal(s):BB, DW
    hotel:Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw (2 nights).

  18. In the morning, join a Local Expert for a city tour past the ‘wedding cake' Palace of Culture and a stroll through Lazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Then take time to reflect at the Memorial of the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto. Finally, walk to the Market Square in the Old Town. This evening join your friends for a fine selection of local dishes plus wine at your Celebration Dinner.
    meal(s):BB, CD
    hotel:Radisson Blu Centrum Hotel, Warsaw.

  19. Your transfers will arrive at Warsaw Airport at 07:30 & 10:00.
    meal(s):BB
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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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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.
Thank you for your interest in this tour. If no dates are displaying, please call our reservations line at 1-877-622-9109 for more information

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 $1,270 p.p.

Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $158 per person.

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.

Early Payment Discount: Pay in full to save the amount listed above. For details, click here.  .

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.

Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.

  • Professional Travel Director Professional Travel Director
  • Sightseeing with Local Experts Sightseeing with Local Experts
  • Cultural Enrichment Cultural Enrichment
  • Expertly Selected Hotels Expertly Selected Hotels
  • VIP Access VIP Access
  • WIFI on Coach and in Hotels WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
  • Hotel Tips Hotel Tips
  • Most Meals Most Meals
  • Personal Flight Options Personal Flight Options

INCLUDED QUALITY DINING

17 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 2 Lunches (L); plus 1 Welcome Dinner (WD), 3 three-course table d'hôte Dinners (DW), 1 Dine-Around (DA) and 1 Celebration Dinner (CD) all with wine, plus tea or coffee.

Signature Experiences

Copenhagen:

  • Make the most of the long summer nights at Tivoli Gardens, the famous entertainment park.
  • With a Local Expert, witness the regal interior of Christiansborg Palace, with its stunning tapestries, furnishings and décor.

Stockholm:

  • Venture inside City Hall, the fabulous Gold Room is covered by 25 million gilded mosaic tiles.

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.

High Speed Train:

  • ‘Sapsan' in Russian means ‘falcon'. Relax in modern luxury and comfort while you swoop by rail from St. Petersburg to Moscow in just four hours.

Moscow:

  • With a Local Expert, walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress, see St. Basil's Cathedral and explore the opulent Metro stations.

Trakai:

  • Take in the idyllic lake setting as you cross the wooden footbridge to the red-brick Gothic castle.

Reviews

Saturday, September 16, 2017
Northern Capitals & Russia
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : good
Vacation : Hotel and food are good and trip selected scenes are what we like to see.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Northern Capitals & Russia
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : They answered all questions and addressed possible problems in a professional and pleasant manner.
Vacation : A wonderful experience and a terrific travel value
Saturday, June 24, 2017
Northern Capitals & Russia
Service:
Vacation:
Service rating : I didn't like the visas application and the company they recommended was very expensive I have AAA and some of the travelers use them for half the price. I wish I know that. And I was planning to go with 8 more people but have hard time communicating before the deadline.
Vacation : It was nice but in Berlin it was so rushed just 2hours for so much to see we didn't have time for pictures or souvenir , and the same in Belarus. The Previous tour it was better, and the group was 40 people so the Guide was so busy if I need anything from him I will think twice before asking
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  • 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.  

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 48 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.

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

Adult Price: € 48.00

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.

Copenhagen

North Zealand Castle Tour

Adult Price: € 51.00

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.

Traditional Danish Dinner

Adult Price: € 65.00

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 dinner Danish style in the heart of Copenhagen. Two glasses of wine, beer or soft drinks are included with your meal.

Stockholm

Swedish Summer Dinner

Adult Price: € 64.00

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.

Vasa Galleon

Adult Price: € 38.00

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.

Helsinki

Russian Dinner In Helsinki

Adult Price: € 65.00

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.

St Petersburg

Catherine Palace

Adult Price: € 49.00

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.

Neva River Cruise

Adult Price: € 44.00

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!

Peter & Paul Fortress

Adult Price: € 27.00

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!

Russian Folklore Show

Adult Price: € 48.00

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.

Yusupov Palace

Adult Price: € 49.00

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!

Russian Ballet Performance

Adult Price: € 81.00

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 €75-86.

Moscow

Moscow By Night

Adult Price: € 29.00

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.

Russian Mosaic

Adult Price: € 42.00

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 Victory Park Complex - an emotional tribute to those who fell on the battlefronts of a war. Continue with a visit to the Borodino Panorama Exhibition which brings to life the Battle of Borodino, one of the most important events in Russia’s history and immortalized in Tolstoy’s epic, ‘War and Peace’. Finally at the Novodevichy cemetery, see memorials to such greats as Khrushchev, Chekhov, Mayakovsky, Prokofiev and Eisenstein(On occasions when Borodino is closed we will visit the Memorial Park complex instead).

Excursion to Sergiyev Posad

Adult Price: € 50.00

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.

Imperial Splendour

Adult Price: € 49.00

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!

Vilnius

KGB Museum Visit

Adult Price: € 30.00

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.

Lithuanian Dinner And Entertainment

Adult Price: € 60.00

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.

Warsaw

Chopin Concert

Adult Price: € 46.00

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.

Wilanów Palace

Adult Price: € 34.00

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.

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