Tour Details - Best of Finland Russia and The Baltic States 2012

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.(Welcome Reception)

Follow the coast along the Gulf of Finland and cross the border into Russia. Travel through the forests of Karelia to St. Petersburg. This evening, enjoy complimentary Russian sparkling wine with dinner at your hotel. Later, consider seeing a Russian folklore show.(Scandinavian breakfasts / Dinner)

Your expert 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.(Buffet Breakfast/Buffet Breakfast)

Take a train across part of the vast Russian landscape towards the capital city. On arrival, dine at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

You have two days to explore the delights of Moscow! Your guided sightseeing tour on the first day 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 optional excursions to the Tsar's Treasury Chamber, or the St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market.(Buffet Breakfast)

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.(Buffet Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)

A full day to explore the Belorussian capital city. You will also enjoy a memorable Be My Guest dining experience with local cuisine.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner)

Drive west and cross the border into Lithuania, arriving later in the capital, Vilnius. Your expert 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 in the last war.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

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.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

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 expert 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.(Buffet Breakfast / Highlight Dinner)

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 expert 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.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

This morning consider a leisurely stroll through this charming and atmospheric town. Later board your ship and cross the sea to Helsinki in Finland. Admire Finlandia Hall, the Senate and Market Squares, broad boulevards and the domed Russian church during your guided sightseeing tour. Celebrate this evening with your travelling companions at a Farewell Dinner.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

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