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15-day Finland, Russia & The Baltics Guided Holiday

Book and pay by 18 Dec 2019 to save!
  • history
    DURATION
    14 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    14 nights

Take in Russia's must-see cities plus Eastern Europe's hidden gems on this 15 day trip. Admire the indomitable spirit of Mother Russia in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Wander through the ancient Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius and Tallinn's Hanseatic Quarter.

Tour Highlights:

  • CONNECT WITH LOCALS - Anatolij and his family welcome you to their Belarus farmstead for a traditional 'Be My Guest' dinner, rousing accordion choruses and, of course, a few shots of vodka. (Day 9)
  • DIVE INTO CULTURE - Admire the impressive collection of artefacts and art collected by Russia's tsars and tsarinas since the mid-18th century. (Day 3)
  • LOCAL SPECIALIST - For included sightseeing in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Minsk, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki

Photos

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Slide 1 of 7
Your tour starts and ends in Helsinki, Finland

Inclusions/Exclusions

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Your tour includes:

  • 14 nights accommodation
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • 22 meals- 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners (including Be My Guest)
  • All transport as shown in itinerary
  • Ferry across the Gulf of Finland
  • High-speed train between St. Petersburg and Moscow (rail service is reserved in standard class)
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with wi-fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Optional Experiences and free time
  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • Handcrafted Highlights
  • VIP entry to many sights
  • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing

Sightseeing Highlights:

  • VISIT the St. Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Kremlin in Moscow, the Peter and Paul Church in Vilnius, the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn
  • VIEW Red Square in Moscow, Nevsky Prospekt and St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg and the Finlandia Hall in Helsinki

Itinerary

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Day 1 - Arrive Helsinki (Welcome Reception)

Welcome to Helsinki, the cool capital of Finland, whose sophisticated streets and laidback atmosphere are yours to enjoy, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travel companions for an orientation drive to see the city's iconic sights followed by a Welcome Reception.

Hotel - Scandic Grand Marina

Day 2 - Helsinki – St. Petersburg (B, D)

Follow the beautiful shoreline along the Gulf of Finland, crossing the border into Russia. We journey through the lush forests of Karelia to the imperial city of St. Petersburg - our home for the next three nights. You will have the option of admiring the 'Venice of the North', taking to its waters and navigating the city's canals by boat, or perhaps indulge in the delicious flavours of a traditional pie at the Stolle bakery, while you wander through the city's narrow lanes and grand boulevards this evening. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

Hotel - Solo Sokos Vasilievsky (3 Nights)

Day 3 - St. Petersburg Sightseeing and Hermitage Museum Visit (B)

Join a 'Local Specialist' this morning to explore the city's iconic sights including the Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Statue of Peter the Great, whose inspired vision for this city saw it evolve into an elegant metropolis to rival even the most sophisticated of European capitals. Then visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, built to protect the city against invading forces in the 18th century, and the spectacular Hermitage Museum to see one of the world's largest and most valuable art collections. Admire the exquisite works of da Vinci, Rembrandt and Vermeer which hang proudly on its magnificent Baroque and Rococo walls.

Day 4 - St. Petersburg Free Day (B)

Spend the day exploring St. Petersburg, admiring the ornate golden domes and colourful mosaics of cathedrals and churches. Consider joining an Optional Experience to a high-energy Russian folklore show.

Day 5 - St. Petersburg – High-Speed Train – Moscow (B, D)

Board a high-speed Sapsan train that will take you across the vast Russian landscape to the capital city. Delve into the tumultuous and captivating history of Moscow, an ancient city that oozes grandeur. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

Hotel - Azimut Olympic (3 Nights)

Day 6 - Moscow Sightseeing (B)

Join a 'Local Specialist' for a sightseeing tour of the imposing Red Square - the site of grand celebrations, fierce fighting and beautiful architecture. See the domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, before venturing beyond the red walls of the Kremlin for a memorable visit to the seat of Russian power.

Day 7 - Moscow Free Day (B)

Immerse yourself in the kofe culture of Moscow, before taking to its streets to learn about the city's triumphs and defeats. You have a full day at leisure to explore the sights. Stroll along the flower-lined boulevards of Gorky Park, admire the exquisite underground art and history showcase that is the Moscow Metro, or consider an Optional Experience to the Tsar's Treasury Chamber or St. Sergius Monastery and its handicraft market.

Day 8 - Moscow – Minsk (B, L, D)

Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon's retreating army of 1812, passing near the 'bloody battlefields' of Borodino, before stopping for a lunch in the Smolensk region. We cross the border and journey to Minsk, the cosmopolitan capital of Belarus and our home for the next two nights. This evening we dine on traditional cuisine at our hotel. Later, consider visiting the Old Town and indulging in the honey flavours of the local medovukha drink.

Hotel - Crowne Plaza (2 Nights)

Day 9 - Minsk Sightseeing and Free Time (B, Be My Guest)

This morning, we join our 'Local Specialist' to see the iconic sights of Minsk, including the Hero City Memorial, built to commemorate the city's status as one of the Hero Cities of the former Soviet Union. Consider a visit to the Saint Elizabeth Convent during your free afternoon to see its beautiful stained glass and religious icon workshop. This evening, 'Connect With Locals' and join Anatolij and his family in their Belarus farmstead for a traditional 'Be My Guest' dinner. Enjoy rousing accordion choruses and, of course, a few shots.

Day 10 - Minsk – Vilnius Sightseeing and Free Time (B)

We journey west and cross the border into Lithuania, arriving later in the capital Vilnius, renowned for its beautiful Baroque façades. Join a 'Local Specialist' on a leisurely tour past the city's iconic sights. See the Bishop's Palace and the University, the oldest university in the Baltics, founded in 1579. Explore the 17th-century Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, built on the site of a temple to the pagan goddess of love. Walk to the Gates of Dawn, the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa and former Jewish Ghetto, passing the Cathedral on the way.

Hotel - Courtyard by Marriott City Center

Day 11 - Vilnius – Siauliai – Riga (B, D)

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Vilnius, departing the city after lunch. Our first stop is the extraordinary Hill of Crosses at Siauliai. This site features thousands of crosses, each mysteriously claiming its place since the mid-19th century. We arrive in the ancient city of Riga later, where we will spend the next two nights. This evening, after dinner, maybe take to the streets to explore the Latvian capital's inspiring Gothic spires.

Hotel - Mercure Centre (2 Nights)

Day 12 - Riga Sightseeing and Free Time (B)

Stroll through the winding medieval streets of Riga's UNESCO-listed Old Town - with one of the world's finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings and a Hanseatic trade history we will have an opportunity to explore during a sightseeing and walking tour with a 'Local Specialist'. Spend the rest of the day discovering the sights on your terms. Admire the skyline from the comfort of a canal boat, view the 14th-century House of the Blackheads or indulge in the herbal flavours of the city's favourite Black Balsam at a traditional city tavern - the choice is yours.

Day 13 - Riga – Tallinn Sightseeing and Free Time (B)

We follow the Gulf of Riga north into Estonia, and travel via Parnu, a popular beach resort for Tallinn residents. Explore the beautifully preserved streets of Tallinn's old Hanseatic Quarter with a 'Local Specialist'. See its 15th-century Luhike Jalg Gate and visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a symbol of Russian power, with its magnificent gold-plated dome.

Hotel - Nordic Forum

Day 14 - Tallinn – Helsinki Sightseeing and Free Time (B, Farewell Dinner)

We board a ferry this morning, crossing the Baltic Sea to Helsinki where we'll meet a 'Local Specialist' for a sightseeing tour past the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and Market Squares, and the café-lined Esplanadi. This evening, we toast to an unforgettable northern adventure, joining our fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner.

Hotel - Clarion

Day 15 - Depart Helsinki (B)

Our time together has come to an end. We say a fond farewell to newfound friends at the end of a memorable trip. Airport transfers are available (conditions apply).

Dates and Prices

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Please note prices may vary and are subject to availability at time of booking.

Advertised pricing is based on twin share accommodation for selected departures from May-Sep 2020.

Twin share - WAS from $5225 per person - NOW FROM $4708 per person

Solo Traveller - WAS from $6565 - NOW from $5924

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 198 for more details.

Accommodation

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Your accommodation includes:

  • Scandic Grand Marina, Helsinki
  • Solo Sokos Vasilievsky, St. Petersburg (3 nights)
  • Azimut Olympic, Moscow (3 Nights)
  • Crowne Plaza, Minsk (2 Nights)
  • Courtyard by Marriott City Center, Vilnius
  • Mercure Centre, Riga (2 Nights)
  • Nordic Forum, Tallinn
  • Clarion, Helsinki

FAQs

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Airport Transfers - Helsinki:

The following times show the schedule for free airport transfers in Helsinki.

From Helsinki Airport to Hotel - 10.00am; 2:00pm and 4:00pm

From Helsinki Hotel to Airport - 7.00am and 12.00noon

T&Cs

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Travel at 60 booking conditions apply.

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