Itinerary for: Best of Finland Russia & the Baltic States 2010 (SCEH)
- St. Petersburg
- Novgorod
- Tver
- Moscow
- Minsk
- Vilnius
- Siauliai
- Riga
- Tallinn
- Helsinki
Day 1:
Welcome to Helsinki, capital of Finland. This afternoon after check-in there’s time to relax and unwind. This evening, we will enjoy a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelling companions.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Seaside
Day 2:
This morning it’s an early departure for our journey into Russia, passing the timber centre of Kotka. Then the forests of Karelia lead to the former city of the Tsars, St. Petersburg. This evening we will enjoy complimentary champagne with dinner. Later, maybe visit a theatre for a Russian folklore show? (Scandinavian breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Park Inn Pribaltiyskaya (3 nights)
Day 3:
Featured on our sightseeing tour are the Tsar’s Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the statue of Peter the Great and a visit of the Peter and Paul Fortress. During our time in St. Petersburg we will also enjoy an included visit to the Hermitage Museum to see one of the world’s largest and most valuable art collections. (Buffet breakfast / Buffet breakfast)
Day 4:
This afternoon our drive takes us across the vast Russian plains to ancient Novgorod. On our arrival an orientation tour shows us the Kremlin Fort and grounds, Millennium Monument and the St. Sophia Cathedral. Dinner is at our hotel tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Beresta Palace
Day 5:
After breakfast, we will delight in a full day’s scenic drive through picturesque villages to the Tver region. On our arrival we’ll enjoy an included lunch. Then our journey takes us on to Klin, once home of Tchaikovsky, before arriving in Moscow. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya (3 nights)
Day 6:
On our first day our sightseeing tour features such highlights as St. Basil’s domed cathedral, Red Square and a visit to the Kremlin. Then during your time at leisure in Moscow perhaps take an optional excursion to visit the Tsar’s Treasury Chamber or maybe the St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market? During your stay in Moscow, your Tour Director will also share with you a Hidden Treasure of this fascinating city. Tonight maybe enjoy an evening at the exciting Moscow State Circus! (Buffet breakfast / Buffet breakfast)
Day 7:
Today we follow in the steps of Napoleon’s retreating army in 1812, passing near Borodino and making a stop in the Smolensk region for an included lunch. Then we’re off to the border between Russia and the independent state of Belarus en route to Minsk. Here an orientation shows us the Hero’s Hill Memorial as well as other highlights of this city. Tonight, we enjoy a dinner of traditional cuisine at our hotel. (Buffet breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Europe
Day 8:
This morning via Osm’any we head toward the border with Lithuania, then on to the capital, Vilnius. Our guided walking tour takes in views of the Bishop’s Palace, now the Presidential Palace, and the university. We also visit the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul which has exceptional sculptural decoration. Then we walk to the Gates of Dawn, the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa, the former Jewish Ghetto, the cathedral and new Royal Palace excavations. We will also see the Church of St. Anna and the site of the synagogue destroyed by Hitler in the last war. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Reval Lietuva
Day 9:
After an early lunch we depart from Vilnius with our first stop being a visit to Siauliai and the Hill of Crosses – symbol of resistance against Soviet occupation. Later, we arrive at the Latvian border and ancient Riga, Latvia’s capital, made famous by the stories of Baron von Münchhausen. Dinner is at our hotel tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Reval Latvija (2 nights)
Day 10:
We tour this city in the shadow of the 14th century castle of the Livonian knights with a local guide. We visit St. John’s Church and the Dom Cathedral dating back to the 13th century, and see the State Art Museum. Riga has long been one of the most thriving cities on the Baltic – within the extensive old town are narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque churches, 19th century municipal buildings and Hanseatic warehouses, which we will see on the walking section of our sightseeing tour, as well as the Tris Braili where we may admire the medieval architecture. Later, there’s free time to explore before we enjoy a Highlight Dinner of local specialities in a restaurant tonight. (Buffet breakfast / Highlight dinner)
Day 11:
Today’s drive takes us along the Gulf of Riga and into Estonia. Then we travel via Parnu, a popular vacation resort of sandy beaches, as we head to the Estonian capital, Tallinn, for the night. Tonight, maybe take a stroll through this charming town. (Buffet breakfast / Dinner)
Hotel: Reval Olumpia
Day 12:
Our morning sightseeing tour in this pretty town explores the beautifully preserved streets of the old Hanseatic Quarter with its ancient battlements and the 15th century Luhike Jalq Gate. We also visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the old town hall before we board our ship for the sea-crossing to Helsinki in Finland. On our arrival this evening, sightseeing reveals Finlandia Hall, the Senate and Market Squares, broad boulevards and the domed Russian church. Tonight we get together with our Tour Director and fellow travellers for a Farewell Dinner. (Buffet breakfast / Farewell dinner)
Hotel: Radisson Blu Seaside
Day 13:
After breakfast this morning, bid farewell to your Tour Director and new-found friends as our tour comes to an end. (Scandinavian breakfast)
Free airport transfers:
Transfers on Day 1 at Helsinki Airport will operate at 10.00, 14.00, 16.00 and 17.30. Passengers arriving later should make their own way to the first hotel. Return transfers on the last touring day will arrive at Helsinki Airport at 07.00 and 12.00.