Baltic & Russian Explorer - 16 day tour

Sunday. At Vilnius airport you'll be met and transferred to our hotel in the city centre. The rest of the day is at free to spend at leisure, exploring Lithuania's charming capital. A welcome meeting will be held this evening, in the lobby at approximately 7pm.
Overnight: Vilnius

Vilnius is renowned for its incredible medieval architecture and large number of churches. This morning we head out on a guided tour of the old town, taking in Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, the Peter and Paul Church, St Anna's Church , the Old University and the Gates of Dawn.

This afternoon is free for you to stroll around the city or join an optional excursion to Trakai, the medieval capital of Lithuania. Here you'll visit the magnificent Trakai Castle which stands on an island in Lake Galve. This evening there's an optional folklore dinner at a 19th Century style restaurant .
Overnight: Vilnius  |  Breakfast

Vilnius - Riga (Latvia). Today we begin our journey north, stopping to visit Lithuania's revered Hill of Crosses, a unique pilgrimage site in Northern Lithuania, where over 100,000 crosses of varying sizes stand on a small hill. Crossing into Latvia we then continue north to the magnificent Rundale Palace, which was built for the Duke of Courland. We enjoy a guided of this beautiful Baroque palace which dates back to 1736 and is surrounded by manicured gardens. Then we drive across the rolling hills of Southern Latvia to Riga, arriving in the capital late afternoon.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

This morning we take in the highlights of Riga, the largest of the Baltic capitals. Founded in 1201, Riga is renowned for its kaleidoscope of architectural styles which are evident on our walking tour of the Old Town. We take in Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church and the Swedish Gates, along with other fascinating parts of the city which demonstrate its rich history. This afternoon is free for you to further explore Riga independently or to join an optional excursion to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian seaside resort. This evening there's an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Spend the day at leisure in Riga or join optional excursions. Visit stunning Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda on the optional excursion this morning. Learn about the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before returning Riga.

This afternoon there's an optional trip to the Riga Motor Museum, to see its impressive collection of vintage cars, and this evening there is an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant Three.
Overnight: Riga  |  Breakfast

Riga - Parnu - Tallinn (Estonia). Our tour continues along the coastal highway today, crossing the border into neighbouring Estonia and travelling on to the beautiful summer resort town of Parnu. We enjoy a short tour of Parnu before making our way through the lush forests of Northern Estonia en route to Tallinn. Arriving in Estonia's enchanting capital this afternoon, the rest of the day is free to relax or explore.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

This morning we discover the delights of Tallinn, the fairy-tale capital, with its incredibly picturesque Unesco-listed Old Town, cobblestone streets and Medieval architecture. Starting at Toompea Castle we make our way to the Dome Church and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, built between 1894 and 1900 in a typical Russian Revival style. Then we visit the striking, medieval Old Town Hall which dates back to the early 1400s.

This afternoon is free to stroll around the city, soak up the scenery and enjoy a spot of shopping. Alternatively there's an optional excursion to Kadriorg Park and a visit to the KUMU, the award winning new Estonian art museum. Then this evening there's an optional medieval dinner at the 'Maikrahv' restaurant.
Overnight: Tallinn  |  Breakfast

Tallinn - Helsinki. This morning there's an optional excursion to Lahemaa National Park, where we visit Palmse Manor, a memorial to the von Pahlen family, and Sagadi Manor. The tour ends with a visit to the charming 16th century Vihula Manor and the Vodka Museum. After a break for lunch we head back to Tallinn to take the ferry to Helsinki. Enjoy the scenery en route as we travel through the Finnish archipelago en route to Finland's seaside capital.
Overnight: Helsinki  |  Breakfast

This morning we explore Helsinki, Finland's trendy capital which is fast becoming one of Scandinavia’s hottest destinations. Our guided tour takes us around the harbours and Senate Square with its Lutheran Cathedral, we will also see the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall and the Sibelius Monument before visiting the famous Church-in-the-Rock.

In the afternoon there's an optional excursion to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress, a cultural gem set on an island. For the final night of our tour there's an optional Finnish dinner at Restaurant Salve.
Overnight: Helsinki  |  Breakfast

Helsinki - St Petersburg (Russia). Today we bid farewell to Finland as we drive across the border into Russia, travelling via Vyborg en route to St Petersburg. Arriving late afternoon, check in to our hotel and spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: St Petersburg  |  Breakfast

This morning we explore the beautiful city of St Petersburg. Its imperial palaces and museums enjoy worldwide fame, while the Neva River and the many canals have deservedly given the city the title of Venice of the North. On our sightseeing tour we explore Peter & Paul Fortress and admire many of the city's most iconic buildings, included magnificent St Isaac's Cathedral, Nevsky Convent, the grand Winter Palace and the exquisite Church on Spilled Blood.

This afternoon there's an optional excursion to Catherine Palace at Tsarkoe Selo, which is famous for its spectacular Amber room, bedecked in gold and amber. This evening enjoy an optional visit to the Nikolaevsky Palace to watch a Russian folklore show, with Russian champagne and snacks.
Overnight: St Petersburg  |  Breakfast

Enjoy a free day exploring St Petersburg or join our optional excursions. This morning there's an optional excursion to Peterhof and the Grand Palace on the Gulf of Finland. Often referred to as the 'Russian Versailles’, Peterhof is most famous for its gardens with the spectacular Grand Cascade, gold fountains and sweeping vistas.

Returning to the city centre there's an optional tour of the Hermitage Museum this afternoon, which houses one of the biggest and best art collections on earth. Then this evening you can sample some tasty Russian cuisine at our optional dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti.
Overnight: St Petersburg  |  Breakfast

St Petersburg - Moscow. There's an optional cruise along the canals of St Petersburg this morning before we board the high speed train to Moscow around midday. Take in the Russian landscapes along the Volga River as our train heads south to the capital. We arrive into Moscow late afternoon and check into our hotel. Spend the evening at leisure.
Overnight: Moscow  |  Breakfast

This morning take in the highlights of Russia’s vibrant capital city on a guided tour. We take in legendary Red Square, home to spectacular St Basil’s Cathedral, Theatre Square, home of the Bolshoi Theatre, and Sparrow Hills with Moscow University. We will also enjoy a tour of the Moscow Kremlin grounds and one of its gold-domed cathedrals.

This afternoon there's an optional tour of the Moscow Metro including the historic and stations on the Ring-Line. These extravagant stations date back to the Stalinist era, with incredible statues, marble pillars and chandeliers. The tour also includes a guided stroll along the famous pedestrian Arbat Street. The evening offers an optional Moscow-by-night river cruise aboard the beautiful White Flotilla.
Overnight: Moscow  |  Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Moscow or join an optional full day excursion to the quaint Golden Ring town of Sergiev Posad, where we visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the most important Russian monastery and the spiritual heart of the Russian Orthodox Church. The whole Lavra has been beautifully restored for the 700-years celebrations of the birth of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
Overnight: Moscow  |  Breakfast