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Best of Finland Russia and The Baltic States 2013

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Red SquareSt Basil's Domes CathedralSt Isaac's Cathedral
Red Square
St Basil's Domes Cathedral
St Isaac's Cathedral
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Guest Experiences

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Trip Itinerary

  • Day 1

    ARRIVE HELSINKI

    Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland! Relax after check-in. Tonight, meet your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive.


    Meal(s): (Welcome Reception)

    Hotel: Scandic Grand Marina (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 2

    HELSINKI - ST. PETERSBURG (3 NIGHTS)

    Follow the coast along the Gulf of Finland and cross the border into Russia. Travel through the forests of Karelia to St. Petersburg. Later, consider seeing a Russian folklore show.


    Meal(s): (Scandinavia Breakfast)

    Hotel: Holiday Inn (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 3 to Day 4

    ST. PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Your Local Guide shows you the city’s sights including the Tsar’s Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Statue of Peter the Great. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress. Your time in St. Petersburg also includes a visit to the Hermitage Museum to see one of the world’s largest and most valuable art collections. There is plenty of free time to see more sights and shop for Russian souvenirs.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 5

    ST. PETERSBURG - HIGH SPEED TRAIN - MOSCOW (3 NIGHTS)

    Take a train across part of the vast Russian landscape towards the capital city.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

    Hotel: Radisson Blu (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 6 to Day 7

    MOSCOW SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    You have two days to explore the delights of Moscow! On the first day, your sightseeing tour with a Local Guide includes St. Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square plus a visit to the magnificent Kremlin. There is plenty of time to explore on your own, relax and shop for souvenirs. You might also like to join an optional excursion to the Tsar’s Treasury Chamber, or the St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

  • Day 8

    MOSCOW - MINSK (2 NIGHTS)

    Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon’s retreating army of 1812, passing near Borodino and stopping for lunch in the Smolensk region. Cross the border into Belarus and continue to Minsk, where you view the sights including Hero’s Hill Memorial during your orientation. Tonight, dine on traditional cuisine at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

    Hotel: Hotel Europe (S)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 9

    MINSK SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    A full day to explore the Belarusian capital city. This evening, enjoy a special Be My Guest Dinner of local specialities.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest)

  • Day 10

    MINSK - VILNIUS

    Drive west and cross the border into Lithuania, arriving later in the capital, Vilnius. Your Local Guide shows you the sights during your walking tour, including the Bishop’s Palace and the University. Explore the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, featuring exceptional sculptural decoration. Walk to the Gates of Dawn, the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa, the former Jewish Ghetto, the Cathedral and new Royal Palace excavations. Finish at the Church of St. Anna and the site of the synagogue destroyed during World War II. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Radisson Blu (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 11

    VILNIUS - SIAULIAI - RIGA (2 NIGHTS)

    Leave Vilnius after lunch and visit the Hill of Crosses at Siauliai. Later, arrive in the ancient city of Riga, Latvia’s capital, made famous by the stories of Baron von Münchhausen. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Radisson Blu (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 12

    RIGA SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME

    Riga is a beautiful historic city on the Baltic coast. The extensive old town contains narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque Churches, 19th century municipal buildings and Hanseatic warehouses. Your Local Guide takes you on a sightseeing and walking tour, which includes the State Art Museum, the Tris Braili and a visit to St. John’s Church and the Dom Cathedral, dating back to the 13th century. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs in the old town. This evening, join your companions for a Highlight Dinner of regional specialties at a local restaurant.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

  • Day 13

    RIGA - TALLINN SIGHTSEEING

    Follow the Gulf of Riga north into Estonia, and travel via Parnu, a popular beach resort to Tallinn. Admire the sights of Tallinn with your Local Guide. Explore the beautifully preserved streets of the old Hanseatic Quarter and 15th century Luhike Jalq Gate. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Old Town hall. Dine tonight at your hotel.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

    Hotel: Radisson Blu (SF)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 14

    TALLINN - HELSINKI

    Enjoy a leisurely morning in this charming and atmospheric town. Later board the ferry and cross the sea to Helsinki in Finland. Meet your Local Guide and admire Finlandia Hall, the Senate and Market Squares and broad boulevards during your sightseeing tour. Join your travelling companions for a special Farewell Dinner this evening.


    Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

    Hotel: Scandic Grand Marina (F)

    M: Moderate, D: Deluxe, SF: Superior First Class, F: First Class. For further details please see the notes section below.
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  • Day 15

    DEPART HELSINKI

    Say goodbye to newfound friends at the end of your memorable and exciting trip. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.


    Meal(s): (Scandinavia Breakfast)

What's Included

Insider Experiences

  • Be My Guest Enjoy a dinner of local specialities on a farmstead near Minsk not far from the mixed forests where partisans fought during the last war. Anatoly and his wife will welcome you to their farmstead and show you the house and grounds. Anatoly’s daughter will prepare a delicious meal. He will recount stories of his life in Minsk and sing a few rousing songs along with his accordion.
  • Local Guide in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki.
  • Hidden Treasure Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure experience, unique to your itinerary, courtesy of your expert Travel Director.

Sightseeing Highlights

  • St. PetersburgView the Winter Palace, St Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt. Visit St Peter and Paul Fortress and the Hermitage Museum with your Local Guide.
  • MoscowSee Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and visit the Kremlin with your Local Guide.
  • MinskOrientation includes views of the Hero’s Hill Monument.
  • VilniusView Gediminas Square and Tower with your Local Guide. Visit the courtyards of the Jesuit University.
  • SiauliaiVisit the Hill of Crosses.
  • RigaWhile sightseeing with your Local Guide, visit St John’s Church and Dom Cathedral and see the State Art Museum.
  • TallinnSightseeing with your Local Guide includes views of the old Hanseatic quarter and Luhike Jalq Gate. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
  • HelsinkiSee Finlandia Hall, the Senate square and Market square with your expert Local Guide.

Dining

  • 14 breakfasts including:

  • 2 full Scandinavian breakfasts in Helsinki.
  • 12 hot buffet breakfasts elsewhere.
  • 1 lunch in Russia.

  • 8 evening meals including:
  • Welcome Reception with your Travel Director in Helsinki including welcome drinks and a light meal.
  • 4 three-course dinners.
  • Be My Guest Dinner of Belarussian specialities on a farmstead near Minsk.
  • Highlight Dinner with wine in Riga.
  • Farewell Dinner with wine in Helsinki.

Travel Highlights

  • First Class hotel accommodation featuring twin rooms and private facilities.
  • All hotel service charges and tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes included.
  • Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach with reclining seats and an on-board restroom.
  • Ferry across the Gulf of Finland.
  • High speed train between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
  • Rail service is reserved in standard class.
  • Porterage is included at train stations.
  • The services of a professional Travel Director throughout your journey.
  • Audio HeadsetsProvided throughout your tour to enhance your included sightseeing experiences.
  • A travel wallet with your documentation.
  • Complimentary keepsake photo.

Airport Transfers

  • For full details on transfers, please click here.
Disclaimer
  • These prices are LAND-ONLY and are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
  • All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
  • For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page. Conditions can be found in the footer under Information.
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Hotel Class Key
  • SF= Superior First Class, F = First Class, MF = Moderate First Class, ST = Superior Tourist, D = Deluxe and MD = Moderate Deluxe.
  • Hotels are subject to change.
Notes
  • * For single travellers purchasing the twin-share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.
  • ^Twin-share option not available for trips to South America., Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey.

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