The Baltic States, Russia & Scandinavia - 2023

Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

A morning of sightseeing with a Local Guide to enjoy the famed charms from the past and present, including the Little Mermaid statue and the Rococo Amalienborg complex of royal palaces. In the afternoon, head to Gedser for the 2-hour ferry crossing to Rostock. Then, onward by road to Berlin.
Today’s Distance by coach: 286 mi/ 460 km

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Berlin or join the optional sightseeing—a must for all who wish to experience the German capital’s fascinating mix of history-laden past and confident present. This afternoon, cross the Oder River into Poland on the way to Poznan.
Today’s Distance: 180 mi/ 290 km

Touring eastwards this morning through pleasant agricultural lowlands, reach the Polish capital, Warsaw. Discover the city on your own, or find out more about its sights and history on the optional sightseeing tour. This is an excellent introduction to Warsaw’s historic center, and you’ll see why Warsaw is considered a phoenix “par excellence,” as European cities go.
Today’s Distance: 190 mi/ 305 km

Journey northeast towards Augustów and Suwalki to reach the biggest of the three Baltic states, Lithuania. Overnight in quaint Vilnius—the pretty wedding-cake capital since the 13th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today’s Distance: 311 mi/ 500 km

On the included sightseeing walk, discover the historic streets of the old town. Later, enjoy some leisure time or take the optional excursion to visit medieval Trakai Castle on the shores of a picturesque lake. This evening, how about an optional Lithuanian folklore dinner?

An interesting journey as you travel right across Lithuania into Latvia for a stop in Pilsrundale to visit the restored baroque Rundale Palace, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace was built by the great architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. Enjoy more lovely countryside before reaching the capital of Latvia, Riga.
Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km

On the included tour of the old city with a Local Guide, walk through the narrow streets to the town center. Founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, head of the Order of Teutonic Knights, Riga still boasts a multicultural population.

Visit the lively historical seaside town of Parnu, then take a stroll on the sandy beach before continuing to Tallinn.
Today’s Distance: 193 mi/ 310 km

Start the day with an included walking tour to appreciate Tallinn’s history and beauty. The Old Town, now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is certainly the most interesting part of the city. Worth noting are the Hanseatic merchant houses, the mile-long town wall, the medieval Town Hall, and the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads.

Drive east today towards the border town of Narva and cross into Russia. Then, start the journey to St. Petersburg, considered by most travelers to be Russia’s most fascinating city.
Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km

St. Petersburg was created in 1703 by the iron will of Peter the Great. He made it the capital of all the Russias and ensured that it should rival any other European capital in splendor, beauty, and distinction. An included city tour with a Local Guide introduces you to the palaces, parks, monuments, squares, wide boulevards, and 600 bridges that delight visitors with their symmetrical beauty. Choose from a range of optional excursions available to complete your St. Petersburg experience.

Realize the huge expanse of Russia as you take a last glimpse of St. Petersburg. Then, set off north, traveling through dense pine forests dotted with numerous lakes. Cross into Finland and head for Helsinki.
Today’s Distance: 255 mi/ 410 km

Included sightseeing of the Finnish capital covers the Empire-style palace on Senate Square and the cathedral. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. This evening, embark on the ferry to Stockholm. On board, you can enjoy music, dancing, and shopping.
Today’s Distance by coach: 31 mi/50 km

Dock in Stockholm, perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals. The effect of its crystalline waters flowing through the city’s intersecting canals gives a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. Your city sightseeing takes in all the highlights including the city hall.

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.