Itinerary

Day 1:
(Sat.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Warsaw, Poland. (Sun.) Time to rest or to explore Poland’s most dynamic cosmopolitan city before you meet your Tour Director and traveling companions at 6 p.m. for a welcome dinner. (D)

Day 3:
Warsaw. (Mon.) Hear about the tormented, often tragic history of this important gateway between East and West. See the medieval STARE MIASTO (Old Quarter) with its market square and the 14th-century CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN, a masterpiece of postwar reconstruction. Sightseeing also features the “wedding cake” Palace of Culture and Science, neoclassical Lazienki Palace, and the remnants of the Jewish ghetto. In the HISTORICAL MUSEUM watch a moving film showing the city before and after wartime destruction. Afternoon at leisure. Why not join an optional Polish dinner and folklore show tonight? (BB)

Day 4:
Warsaw–Vilnius, Lithuania. (Tue.) The next five days are dedicated to the three small Baltic Countries which quite recently regained their independence. Each has its own language and distinct culture. Today travel to Lithuania, the largest and southernmost of the three. Late afternoon arrival in the capital, Vilnius, once the splendid center of the mighty Grand Duchy of Lithuania. (BB,D)

Day 5:
Vilnius. (Wed.) Vilnius’ picturesque historic nucleus is clustered around the remains of a castle built by Prince Gediminas in 1323. Your Local Guide will accompany you on a walk from Kutuzov Square through narrow winding lanes to the OLD UNIVERSITY, founded by Jesuits in 1569. A special visit has been included to the KGB Museum. The rest of the day is at leisure; you may wish to join an exciting optional excursion. (FB)

Day 6:
Vilnius–Riga, Latvia. (Thu.) Enjoy a scenic drive from the River Neris through a landscape alternating dark forests, swamps, fertile black earth fields, and lush pastures. Stop at the Hill of Crosses memorial site on your way to the Baltic port of Riga, the Latvian capital. (FB,D)

Day 7:
Riga. (Fri.) All day in the Latvian capital. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the historic center on the right bank of the Daugava River and a walking tour of the Old Town and the JUGENDSTIL QUARTER. Afternoon and evening at leisure with lots of things to do. Optional excursions are available. (FB)

Day 8:
Riga–Tallinn, Estonia. (Sat.) Trace the coastline of the Gulf of Riga past the Estonian health resort of Pärnu, a site inhabited since the early Stone Age, on your way to Tallinn, capital of the smallest of the Baltic Countries. This afternoon, sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Hanseatic Old Town, with its 15th-century Lühike Jalg Gate, and visits to the TOWN HALL and the onion-domed ALEXANDER NEVSKY CATHEDRAL. (FB,D)

Day 9:
Tallinn–St. Petersburg, Russia. (Sun.) Cross the river at the historic town of Narva and enter Russia. Then continue to St. Petersburg where you will stay for the next three nights. (FB,D)

Day 10:
St. Petersburg. (Mon.) Few cities in the world match the grace of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great. Construction began in 1703, and the city eventually spread over 100 islands linked by 700 bridges. It suffered severe damage during the revolution of 1917 and later during World War II. Your Local Guide will show you how the city has been restored to its former splendor. Drive along elegant Nevsky Prospect, then admire ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL with its gilded dome and marble columns. Highlight today is a visit to magnificent CATHERINE PALACE (if closed, visit PAVLOVSK PALACE instead). (FB)

Day 11:
St. Petersburg. (Tue.) Today, visit the Winter Palace complex, now housing the world-famous HERMITAGE MUSEUM. Among the exhibits are celebrated works by Rembrandt, Da Vinci, and the major French impressionists. Afternoon and evening at leisure. Exciting optional excursions are available. (FB)

Day 12:
St. Petersburg–Moscow. (Wed.) Transfer to the railway station and board the first-class EXPRESS TRAIN to Moscow. (FB,D)

Day 13:
Moscow. (Thu.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes RED SQUARE, the center of this 850-year-old city. At its core is the Lenin Mausoleum and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Inside the KREMLIN, a city-within-a-city, admire the medieval towers, cathedrals, and palaces. At the ARMORY MUSEUM see treasures such as Ivan the Terrible’s throne. Of course you will also see the Bolshoi Theater. (FB)

Day 14:
At Leisure in Moscow. (Fri.) Another day to further explore this fascinating city. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your traveling companions to celebrate the success of your vacation. (FB,D)

Day 15:
(Sat.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

WARSAW
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, visit Stare Miasto, St. John Cathedral, and the Historical Museum

VILNIUS
Guided sightseeing, visit the Old University and the KGB Museum

HILL OF CROSSES
Stop at the memorial site

RIGA
Guided sightseeing, visit the Jugendstil Quarter

TALLINN
Guided sightseeing, visit the Town Hall and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

NARVA
Morning stop

ST. PETERSBURG
Guided sightseeing, visit Catherine Palace (if closed, visit Pavlovsk Palace instead), St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the Hermitage Museum

ST. PETERSBURG-MOSCOW
By express train (first-class)

MOSCOW
Guided sightseeing, visit Red Square and the Armory Museum in the Kremlin; farewell dinner
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark. (Sat.) Time to rest or to start exploring Denmark’s capital. At 6 p.m. meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 3:
Copenhagen. (Sun.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide includes the Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange. Visit the lavish ROYAL RECEPTION ROOMS in Christiansborg Palace and take pictures of Amalienborg Palace and of the wistful LITTLE MERMAID. Tonight visit TIVOLI GARDENS, the city’s colorful amusement park (mid-April through mid-Sept.). (FB)

Day 4:
Copenhagen–Stockholm, Sweden. (Mon.) From Elsinore beneath Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle take a FERRY to Helsingborg, and drive through the Swedish Lake District past industrial towns like Linköping, Saab headquarters, on your way to Stockholm. (FB)

Day 5:
Stockholm. Night Ferry to Finland. (Tue.) Stockholm is settled on 14 islands between Lake Mälar and the Baltic. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, and the blue and gold chambers in the CITY HALL, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. In the late afternoon, board your ship for the overnight BALTIC SEA CRUISE to Finland. (FB)

Day 6:
Helsinki. (Wed.) After breakfast on board, a Local Guide shows you the City Hall and Parliament House, the Presidential Palace, the grand railroad station, the LUTHERAN CATHEDRAL, the Olympic Stadium, and the SIBELIUS MONUMENT. Stop at the OPEN AIR MARKET. (FB,D)

Day 7:
Helsinki–St. Petersburg, Russia. (Thu.) Along the coast to Hamina and the Russian border. After completing frontier formalities, cross the Karelian Isthmus on the way to St. Petersburg. (FB,D)

Day 8:
St. Petersburg. (Fri.) Founded by Peter the Great, construction began in 1703, and the city eventually spread over 100 islands linked by 700 bridges. It suffered severe damage during World War II, when a cruel 900-day siege claimed nearly a million victims. Sightseeing with a Local Guide today shows how the city has been restored to its former splendor. Drive along elegant Nevsky Prospect, admire ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL, and continue to Pushkin, home of Russia’s last czar, and visit magnificent CATHERINE PALACE (if closed, visit PAVLOVSK PALACE instead). (FB)

Day 9:
St. Petersburg. (Sat.) Today visit the Winter Palace complex. Formerly the residence of the czars, it now houses the world-famous HERMITAGE MUSEUM with celebrated works by Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, and the major French impressionists. Optional activities are available. (FB)

Day 10:
St. Petersburg–Novgorod. (Sun.) Today drive to Novgorod. Orientation features the restored Kremlin and venerable churches dating as far back as the 11th century. (FB,L,D)

Day 11:
Novgorod–Tver–Moscow. (Mon.) Through the Valdai Hills to Tver on the Volga, the “Mother River” of Russia, where you will have lunch. Then via Tchaikovsky’s Klin on to Moscow. (FB,L)

Day 12:
Moscow. (Tue.) Follow your Local Guide to RED SQUARE, the center of this 850-year-old city. At its core is the Lenin Mausoleum and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Inside the KREMLIN, a city-within-a-city, admire the medieval towers, cathedrals, and palaces. At the ARMORY MUSEUM see treasures such as Ivan the Terrible’s throne. O course you will also see the Bolshoi Theater. (FB)

Day 13:
Moscow–Smolensk. (Wed.) Travel via Borodino, site of the cruel battle between Napoleon’s Grand Armée and the Russian Army in 1812, to Smolensk. Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the impressive town walls, the 17th-century USPENSKY CATHEDRAL, and the monument to General Kutuzov, the brilliant strategist who conquered Napoleon’s military genius. (FB,L,D)

Day 14:
Smolensk–Minsk, Belarus. (Thu.) Through Katyn Forest and the White Russian plains to Minsk, the Belorussian capital. After lunch enjoy sightseeing with a Local Guide in historic Minsk. Post-war architects were given carte-blanche to reconstruct a showcase city: 67 percent of Minsk was destroyed during World War II. (FB,L,D)

Day 15:
Minsk–Brest–Warsaw, Poland. (Fri.) Have lunch in Brest, best known for the Treaty of Brest- Litovsk, on your way to Warsaw, Poland’s beautiful capital. (FB,L,D)

Day 16:
Warsaw. (Sat.) Your Local Guide takes you to the medieval STARE MIASTO (Old Quarter), the 14th-century CATHEDRAL OF ST. JOHN, the Palace of Culture and Science, Lazienki Palace, and the Marszalkowska residential development. In the HISTORICAL MUSEUM watch a moving film showing the city before and after wartime destruction. Tonight maybe an optional Polish dinner and polka party? (BB)

Day 17:
Warsaw–Poznan–Berlin, Germany. (Sun.) Stop in the river port of Poznan for a short orientation drive, then on to Berlin. Tonight is your chance to sample Berlin’s fine restaurants! (BB)

Day 18:
Berlin. (Mon.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide in the once-divided metropolis includes the Ku’damm, the restored Reichstag, monumental Brandenburg Gate, Charlottenburg Palace, the 210-foot Victory Column in vast Tiergarten Park, and a visit to the KAISER WILHELM MEMORIAL CHURCH. Drive along Unter Den Linden Boulevard, and pass the German State Opera House and Checkpoint Charlie. In the afternoon an optional excursion to historic Potsdam is available. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with wine at a local restaurant. (BB,D)

Day 19:
(Tue.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (BB)

Dates & Prices

COPENHAGEN
Welcome dinner; guided sightseeing, the Little Mermaid; visit the Royal Reception Rooms in Christiansborg Palace; Tivoli Gardens (mid-Apr. to mid-Sept.)

ELSINORE
Ferry crossing with a view of Hamlet’s castle

STOCKHOLM
Guided sightseeing, visit the City Hall

STOCKHOLM-HELSINKI
Baltic Sea overnight crossing in first-class two-berth cabins with private facilities

HELSINKI
Guided sightseeing, Sibelius monument, visit the Lutheran Cathedral and the Open Air Market

ST. PETERSBURG
Guided sightseeing, visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Catherine Palace (if closed, visit Pavlovsk Palace instead), and the Hermitage Museum

NOVGOROD
Orientation

TVER
Included lunch

MOSCOW
Guided sightseeing, visit Red Square and the Armory Museum in the Kremlin

SMOLENSK
Guided sightseeing, visit Uspensky Cathedral

MINSK
Guided sightseeing

BREST
Included lunch

WARSAW
Guided sightseeing, visit the Stare Miasto, St. John’s Cathedral, and the Historical Museum

POZNAN
Lunch stop

BERLIN
Guided sightseeing, visit Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church; farewell dinner at a local restaurant
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Fri.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Oslo, Norway. (Sat.) Welcome to the land of fjords, lakes, and mountains, of thundering waterfalls and gleaming glaciers, of Viking tales and long summer days. You have arrived in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, inhabited by hardy, friendly people with ready smiles. Today you may want to rest or start exploring lively Oslo. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink hosted by your Tour Director.

Day 3:
Oslo–Lillehammer. (Sun.) Motor north and, after a picture stop at Eidsvoll where the country’s democratic constitution was signed in 1814, proceed along lovely Lake Mjøsa. Via the iceskating center of Hamar you reach Lillehammer, proud host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Time here for lunch and a leisurely walk along Storgata. In the afternoon visit the unique MAIHAUGEN OPENAIR MUSEUM. A Local Guide explains the rich collection of ancient Gudbrandsdal farms, sod-roofed dwellings, workshops, tools, and weapons. (FB,D)

Day 4:
Lillehammer–Loen. (Mon.) A spectacularly scenic day starts with a morning drive through the wide Gudbrandsdal Valley, the lush dairy and timber land of Ibsen’s drama Peer Gynt. Shoot your pictures of the lonely stave church of Lom, then climb above the tree line to 5,000 feet, the culminating point on your itinerary. Admire the breathtaking panoramic view from the Dalsnibba lookout above Geirangerfjord. In the afternoon enjoy a one-hour CRUISE past the famous “Seven Sisters” cascade. Dock at Hellesylt and head south via Lake Hornindal to peaceful Loen. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Loen–Stalheim. (Tue.) Follow the shoreline of the innermost branch of Nordfjord to Utvik, then cross the mountains to the serene Våtedalen Valley and pristine Lake Jølster. The mountain scenery gets more rugged as you approach the tunnel underneath Jostedalsbreen, Europe’s largest glacier. Stop at the Brævasshytta to view one of the mighty tongues which radiate from the main glacier into the surrounding valleys. Next, visit Fjaerland''s excellent NORWEGIAN GLACIER MUSEUM to satisfy your curiosity about one of nature''s most impressive features and watch a thrilling five-screen film. In the afternoon, you''re in for a real treat. Enjoy a two-hour CRUISE on spectacular Sognefjord. Land at Gudvangen and continue to Stalheim, high above the majestic Nærøydal Valley. (FB,D)

Day 6:
Stalheim–Bergen. (Wed.) This morning, pass Tvindefoss Waterfall and see the popular lakeside resort of Voss before arriving in pretty Bergen. During your orientation tour hear about its 11th-century origins and its association with the Hanseatic League. Afternoon at leisure. Stroll through the colorful fish market and the narrow lanes of ancient Bryggen, and ride the funicular up to Mount Fløyen. (FB)

Day 7:
Bergen–Telemark. (Thu.) Cross Hardangerfjord by FERRY from Kvanndal to Utne and drive through the orchards along Sørfjord, whose tranquil splendor inspired Grieg’s Morning Mood. More scenic delights: thundering Låtefoss, the star among waterfalls, and the wild Hardangervidda mountain plateau where Fridtjof Nansen prepared for his polar expeditions. Along the northern shore of Lake Totak into rustic, unspoiled Telemark. (FB,D)

Day 8:
Telemark–Oslo. (Fri.) Look forward to VEMORK, scene of the daring sabotage action celebrated in The Heroes of Telemark. Learn all about the dramatic events of 1943 from your Local Guide, and also gain an insight into the technology of hydroelectric power generation, one of the pillars of Norway’s economy. Leave the narrow Rjukan Valley via Lake Tinnsjø, where saboteurs sank a ferry loaded with heavy water, dashing Nazi hopes of winning the race for the atomic bomb. Before returning to Oslo in the afternoon, admire HEDDAL STAVE CHURCH, the largest of the country’s remaining medieval wooden churches. (FB)

Day 9:
Oslo. (Sat.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the National Theater, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Stroll through magnificent FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland’s 193 extraordinary bronze and granite sculptures and visit the modern CITY HALL. In the afternoon an optional excursion to see relics of Norway’s glorious seafaring past is available. Tonight, celebrate the success of your journey with a farewell dinner at your hotel. (FB,D)

Day 10:
(Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices

OSLO
Welcome drink

LILLEHAMMER
Orientation; guided visit to the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum (from mid-May onwards)

GEIRANGERFJORD
Boat cruise

FJAERLAND
Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum and watch a five-screen film

SOGNEFJORD
Boat cruise

BERGEN
Orientation

HARDANGERFJORD
Ferry crossing from Kvanndal to Utne

TELEMARK-OSLO
Guided visits of Vemork and the Heddal Stave Church

OSLO
Guided sightseeing, visit Frogner Park and the City Hall; farewell dinner
 

Itinerary

Day 1:
(Tue.) Board your overnight transatlantic flight.

Day 2:
Arrival in Stockholm, Sweden. (Wed.) Time to rest or to start exploring Sweden’s capital. At 6 p.m. meet your traveling companions for a welcome drink hosted by your Tour Director.

Day 3:
Stockholm. (Thu.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Royal Palace, Riddarholm Church, and the festive blue and gold chambers in the CITY HALL. Afternoon at leisure. An optional outing to the fascinating Wasa Ship Museum is available. (FB)

Day 4:
Stockholm–Huskvarna. (Fri.) Enjoy the Swedish countryside during a comfortable drive south via Lake Mälar and the old garrison town of Örebro to historic Vadstena. Continue along Lake Vättern to Huskvarna, noted for its sewing machines and bicycles. (FB,D)

Day 5:
Huskvarna–Copenhagen, Denmark. (Sat.) Cross by FERRY from Helsingborg to Denmark and enjoy vistas of Hamlet’s Kronborg Castle at Elsinore. Continue to Copenhagen, capital of Denmark. Afternoon sightseeing with a Local Guide features the Church of Our Savior and the Stock Exchange on the way to Christiansborg Palace where you visit the elegant ROYAL RECEPTION ROOMS. Drive past the National Museum and the Royal Theater, and snap pictures of Amalienborg Palace and the LITTLE MERMAID statue. Tonight you may wish to join an exciting optional excursion to Tivoli Gardens. (FB)

Day 6:
At Leisure in Copenhagen. Overnight Cruise to Oslo Harbor, Norway. (Sun.) Full day at leisure to further explore this pretty city, to relax, or to join exciting optional excursions. In the late afternoon board your ship for the overnight CRUISE to Norway. (FB)

Day 7:
Oslo Harbor–Telemark. (Mon.) After disembarkation, stop to admire the Heddal STAVE CHURCH, the largest of the country’s remaining medieval wooden churches. Via Lake Tinnsjöen—where saboteurs sank a ferry loaded with heavy water, ruining Nazi hopes of winning the race for the atomic bomb—enter the Rjukan Valley. Then the highlight of today: a guided visit of VEMORK, scene of the daring sabotage action celebrated in The Heroes of Telemark. Learn about the dramatic events of 1943 and gain insight into the technology of hydroelectric power generation, one of the pillars of Norway’s economy. Continue to rustic, unspoiled Telemark. (FB,D)

Day 8:
Telemark–Bergen. (Tue.) Today, see thundering Låtefoss Waterfall, and continue via Odda and the orchards along Sorfjorden, whose tranquil splendor inspired Grieg’s Morning Mood. Cross Hardangerfjord by FERRY from Utne to Kvanndal, and arrive in picturesque Bergen. (FB)

Day 9:
Bergen. (Wed.) During your orientation tour learn about Bergen’s 11th-century origins and its association with the Hanseatic League. Time later to stroll through the narrow lanes of ancient Bryggen and to ride the funicular up to Mount Fløyen. (FB)

Day 10:
Bergen–Flam. (Thu.) This morning a scenic drive to Gudvangen. Next, the highlight of today: a leisurely CRUISE on one of Norway’s most famous and splendid fjords, the Sognefjord. Arrive in the late afternoon in Flam for your overnight stay. (FB,D)

Day 11:
Flam–Myrdal–Oslo. (Fri.) Today experience breathtaking Norway: start the day with a ride on the famous FLAM TRAIN to Myrdal and see the magnificent Kjosfossen Waterfall. Then change to the Bergen-Oslo TRAIN which takes you across the Hardanger National Park and through the beautiful Hallingdalen Valley to Norway’s capital, Oslo. (FB)

Day 12:
Oslo. (Sat.) Sightseeing with a Local Guide features the National Theater, Parliament, and the Royal Palace. Stroll through magnificent FROGNER PARK with Gustav Vigeland’s sculptures and visit the modern CITY HALL. Afternoon and evening at leisure to relax or to shop for sweaters! You may wish to join an optional excursion to see relics of Norway’s glorious seafaring past: elegant Viking ships, Thor Heyerdal’s Kon-Tiki raft, and more. Tonight, a farewell dinner has been prepared at your hotel to celebrate the success of your vacation. (FB,D)

Day 13:
Oslo. (Sun.) Your homebound flight arrives the same day. (FB)

Dates & Prices