The Best Of Russia, Baltic States & Warsaw
SPECIAL OFFER
2012 Earlybird – Save 10% off advertised prices in double occupancy or single occupancy accommodation when you book and pay your tour in full by 31 May 2012. Offer is valid on new bookings only and subject to availability. Contact us for more details and full booking terms on this 2012 Earlybird Special.
| Duration: | 13 days / 12 nights |
| Routing: | Moscow – Tver – Novgorod – St Petersburg – Tallinn – Riga – Vilnius – Warsaw |
Day 1, Saturday: Moscow
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax. Welcome dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2, Sunday: Moscow
As one of the largest cities in the world Moscow is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. Sightseeing begins at the Red Square, dominated by St. Basil’s Cathedral and by the massive red walls of the Kremlin. Visit the Armory Museum; proceed to see the Moscow University and the popular Arbat shopping district. Continue with a drive along the wide boulevards and then stroll through GUM, Russia’s largest department store. The rest of your day is at leisure. You may choose to take part in an optional tour by night of Moscow and its subway. (B)
Day 3, Monday: Moscow – Tver – Novgorod
After an early breakfast, depart for Tver, an ancient trading port nestled on the banks of the Volga River. The city offers fascinating treasures, including Putevoy Dvorets, built for Catherine II as a resting place on her journeys from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of this remarkable city. End the day in historic Novgorod, founded almost twelve centuries ago. (B,L,D)
Day 4, Tuesday: Novgorod – St Petersburg
A morning sightseeing tour of Novgorod starts at the Kremlin with a visit to St Sophia Cathedral. Then, cross the river via a pedestrian bridge to visit the Yaroslav Court. In the afternoon, travel north to St Petersburg, the former capital of the Romanov Czars. Upon arrival enjoy a first sightseeing tour of the city starting with the visit of Peter and Paul Fortress, quarter of the City museum and its cathedral, which houses the crypt of the Russian emperors. Next, visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral. (B,D)
Day 5, Wednesday: St Petersburg
There is not many cities in the world that can match the grace of St Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe’s best architects, craftsmen and artists to build and decorate it. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges, it is often referred to as “Venice of the North”. This morning sightseeing tour will feature highlight: the world-famous Hermitage, which houses many treasures from the Czarist era. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B)
Day 6, Thursday: St Petersburg – Tallinn
Journey to Estonia, where your first stop is Narva. Continue to Tallinn, capital of Estonia and situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. (B,D)
Day 7, Friday: Tallinn – Riga
On a walking tour of the Upper and Lower Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Next, visit Toompea Castle and see the 14th century gothic Town Hall. This afternoon, on to Riga, the capital of Latvia. (B,D)
Day 8, Saturday: Riga
During your sightseeing tour, see Riga Castle, the magnificent Dome Cathedral, St. Jacobs Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Parliament building, Liberty Monument and the district of Art Nouveau houses. Your afternoon is free. (B)
Day 9, Sunday: Riga – Vilnius
Morning departure for Vilnius, capital of Lithuania. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B,D)
Day 10, Monday: Vilnius
The city of Vilnius is located on the confluence of the Neris and Velnele Rivers. In Old Vilnius, visit Peter and Paul Church and St. Anna’s Church. View Vilnius University, dating back to 1570, Gediminas’ Tower in the Upper Town and Vilnius Castle. The afternoon is free or you may take an optional excursion to Trakai. (B)
Day 11, Tuesday: Vilnius – Warsaw
Cross the border into Poland and day’s end. (B,L,D)
Day 12, Wednesday: Warsaw
This 700 year old capital of Poland is a symbol of nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, summer residence of the last king of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture (known as a “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for relaxing, shopping, a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B)
Day 13, Thursday: Warsaw
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. (B)
Tour Includes:
• Transfers Airport – Hotel – Airport at start & end of tour
• 12 nights in first class hotels
• Service charges & hotel taxes
• Breakfast Daily, 2 Lunches & 7 Dinners (B, L, D)
• Air-conditioned motor-coach
• Professional English speaking Tour Director
• Luggage handling
Sightseeing Tours Included:
• Moscow
• St Petersburg
• Riga
• Warsaw
• Novgorod
• Tallinn
• Vilnius
Hotels:
• Moscow: Marriott Grand (SF) or similar
• Novgorod: Park Inn Veliky Novgorod (F) or similar
• St Petersburg: Holiday Inn (SF) or similar
• Tallinn: Meriton Grand (SF) or similar
• Riga: Radisson Blu (SF) or similar
• Vilnius: Novotel (SF) or similar
• Warsaw: Holiday Inn (SF) or similar
| Per Person NZ$ | Twin Share | Single |
| Apr 28 May 12, 26 Jun 23 Jul 07, 28 Aug 25 Sep 08, 22 Oct 06 | 3,882 | 5,234 |
All prices are subject to amendment any time
