• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 17

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner in Minsk including champagne and vodka (HD)
• 15 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 3 Lunches (L) and 6 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

17 Days ~ Poland ~ Lithuania ~ Latvia ~ Estonia ~ Russia ~ Belarus

Tour Pace
This tour moves at a leisurely pace with two-night stays in Warsaw, Tallinn and Vilnius, plus a couple of three-night stays in Moscow and St Petersburg. This allows ample time for in-depth exploration, as well as leisure time to shop, relax or indulge in optional excursions.

DAY 1 – WED – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Warsaw.

DAY 2 – THU – WARSAW AT LEISURE
Welcome to Warsaw! On arrival, there are complimentary transfers to the tour hotel. In the evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Westin.

DAY 3 – FRI – WARSAW SIGHTSEEING
Join a guided tour to take in the highlights of Warsaw, which was faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War Two. Pass the ‘wedding cake’ Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial in Lazienki Park, before stopping at the imposing Ghetto Memorial and continuing to the reconstructed Old Town. Walk to the Market Square to watch a fascinating film about the reconstruction of the city. Then spend time at leisure. (BB)

DAY 4 – SAT – WARSAW – VILNIUS
Pass lakeside Augustow and Suwalki on a scenic drive through Mazuria, a region of lakes and vast forests. Cross into Lithuania and continue to the capital city of Vilnius.
Hotel: Reval Lietuva. (BB,D)

DAY 5 – SUN – VILNIUS SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing starts in the baroque church of St Peter and St Paul before moving on to see the neo-classical cathedral and joining a local guide for a leisurely walking tour of the Old Town. See the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn, and the former Soviet KGB headquarters, a reminder of grim and relatively recent events. Finally, enjoy a highlight visit to the island castle of Trakai. (BB)

DAY 6 – MON – VILNIUS – RIGA
Head north to visit the ‘Votive Hill of Crosses’ near Siauliai, the symbol of resistance against the Soviet occupation. Then it’s on to Riga in Latvia.
Hotel: Reval Latvija. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – TUE – RIGA – TALLINN
A tour of Riga’s Old Town includes a visit to the Domkirk and shows you the city walls. See the House of the Three Brothers, the oldest in Latvia, as well as the nearby Swedish Gate and the castle of the Livonian Knights. Now drive along the shores of the Gulf of Riga and cross the Estonian border. Continue through Pärnu, famous for its mud baths, to reach Tallinn.
Hotel: Reval Park. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – WED – TALLINN SIGHTSEEING
Tour the Old Town, including the market square with its old German Weighing House, Pharmacy and Town Hall. The energetic among the group can walk up Toompea Hill to the castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Don’t forget to also visit Tallinn’s shops for fine amber and silver jewellery. (BB)

DAY 9 – THU – TALLINN – ST PETERSBURG
Head east to the town of Narva, dominated by the mighty Hermannsburg fortress. The river Narva at this point forms the border with Russia, which you cross on your way to St Petersburg – a city of architectural, historic and artistic interest. Enjoy a champagne dinner in the evening.
Hotel: Pribaltiskaya. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – FRI – ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING
On a sightseeing tour, see the fortress of St Peter and Paul, St Isaac’s Cathedral and the cruiser, ‘Aurora’. See the splendid cathedral of Kazan, then tour one of the world’s greatest museums, the spectacular Hermitage. (BB)

DAY 11 – SAT – ST PETERSBURG
See the memorial to World War Two’s siege of Leningrad en route to visit the fabulous gardens and fountains of Peter the Great’s summer residence at Petrodvorets. (BB)

DAY 12 – SUN – ST PETERSBURG – MOSCOW
The day is at leisure to relax or shop along bustling Nevsky Prospekt. Lunch is included at a local restaurant, allowing time for last-minute sightseeing. Early evening, transfer to the station for a five-hour train journey to Moscow - a city which has captivated the imagination of travelers for centuries.
Hotel: Sovietsky. (BB,L)

DAY 13 – MON – MOSCOW SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour takes in Red Square, seeing St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb. Walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals before exploring the Metro stations. There is free time afterwards to shop for souvenirs. (BB,D)

DAY 14 – TUE – MOSCOW AT LEISURE
A full day is set aside for you to explore Moscow at your own pace. Visit the Gum department store or the Kremlin museum to gaze at the treasury of the Tsars. (BB)

DAY 15 – WED – MOSCOW – MINSK
Drive towards Smolensk and the Belarus border. Continue to Minsk, rebuilt in supreme Soviet style after the war. An orientation tour takes you along wide avenues and past gargantuan concrete buildings – a legacy of Minsk’s Soviet past (Lenin still stands in front of the Government headquarters). Tonight enjoy a Highlight Dinner, complete with champagne and vodka.
Hotel: Planeta. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 16 – THU – MINSK – WARSAW
Head south-west to Brest, one of the USSR’s ‘Hero Cities’ during World War Two. After lunch, cross the border to return to Warsaw.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,L,D)

DAY 17 – FRI – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to the airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Afternoon train from St Petersburg to Moscow
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 19

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner in Vitebsk (HD)
• 17 Buffet Breakfasts (BB), 3 Lunches (L) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners,or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

19 Days ~ Germany ~ Denmark ~ Sweden
Finland ~ Russia ~ Belarus ~ Lithuania ~ Poland

Tour Pace
This extensive tour which visits eight countries moves at a lively pace and has two-night stays in the five major cities of Copenhagen, St Petersburg, Moscow, Vilnius and Warsaw. Seasoned travelers will know that border crossing formalities can extend the length of some driving days.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Berlin.

DAY 2 – SUN – BERLIN AT LEISURE
On arrival at Berlin’s Tegel Airport, there are complimentary transfers to your hotel. Later, why not walk along the bustling ‘Ku-damm’, the shopping centre of West Berlin which during 40 years of division, became the shop window of the West and the envy of the East? In the evening, meet your Tour Director for a Welcome Drink.
Hotel: Berlin. (D)

DAY 3 – MON – BERLIN – COPENHAGEN
On a sightseeing tour, see the Reichstag building, Brandenburg Gate and follow the Unter den Linden to the Alexanderplatz. Leaving Berlin, drive to Rostock and set sail for Denmark. A peaceful drive leads to Copenhagen. In the evening, visit the famous Tivoli Gardens.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Scandinavia. (BB)

DAY 4 – TUE – COPENHAGEN SIGHTSEEING
Begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Christiansborg (the Danish Parliament Building) to marvel at the opulent interior. Then see the Rosenborg Palace, Stock Exchange and Amalienborg Palace (where the reigning Monarch resides) and, of course, Hans Christian Andersen's 'Little Mermaid' gazing across the harbour. This afternoon is at leisure. (BB)

DAY 5 – WED – COPENHAGEN – STOCKHOLM
From the ferry to Sweden, see Hamlet’s Kronborg castle at Elsinore. The journey then passes through fertile farmlands and along the shores of Lake Vattern to Stockholm.
Hotel: Scandic Alvik. (BB)

DAY 6 – THU – STOCKHOLM – O’NIGHT CRUISE
With your local guide, visit the imposing City Hall with its Golden Room (where the annual Nobel Prize presentation banquet takes place), then cross into the medieval heart of the city to see the Cathedral and the Royal Palace. There is the option of visiting the Wasa Ship, before boarding your luxury cruise ship for the overnight voyage to Finland. (BB)

DAY 7 – FRI – HELSINKI SIGHTSEEING
Disembark in Helsinki and visit the ‘Church in the Rock’, Sibelius Monument and see Finlandia Hall in the new quarter.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Plaza. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – HELSINKI – ST PETERSBURG
Follow the coast along the Gulf of Finland and cross into Russia near Vyborg. Drive through beautiful forests on the way to St Petersburg.
Hotel: Sokos Vasilievsky. (BB,L,D)

DAY 9 – SUN – ST PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING
See the ‘Church of Spilled Blood’, Nevsky Prospect and the cruiser ‘Aurora’. Then a highlight: a visit to the Winter Palace, former home of the Czars, but now housing the spectacular Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s greatest art collections. (BB)

DAY 10 – MON – ST PETERSBURG – MOSCOW
Travel to the nearby village of Petrodvorets to see the beautiful gardens of Peter the Great’s Summer Palace with their magnificent fountains. Return to St Petersburg to board your comfortable afternoon train to Moscow, arriving in the evening.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,L)

DAY 11 – TUE – MOSCOW SIGHTSEEING
A sightseeing tour takes in St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Tomb in Red Square; walk inside the Kremlin walls to visit one of the cathedrals, and explore the Metro stations which Stalin called “palaces for the people”. There is also time to shop. (BB)

DAY 12 – WED – MOSCOW AT LEISURE
A full day is set aside to explore Moscow at your own pace. Consider visiting the Kremlin museum to gaze at the treasury of the Tsars. (BB)

DAY 13 – THU – MOSCOW – VITEBSK
Head west to Smolensk before entering Belarus. Take a scenic drive to Vitebsk, a fascinating city with cobbled streets. Vitebsk is also known as the birthplace of Marc Chagall. Enjoy a Highlight Dinner of traditional cuisine.
Hotel: Luchesa. (BB,L,HD)

DAY 14 – FRI – VITEBSK – VILNIUS
Enjoy tea from a samovar as you see Marc Chagall’s childhood home and visit the museum housing over 150 of his original works. Continue to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. En route, stop in the ancient Slavic capital of Polotsk.
Hotel: Reval Lietuva. (BB,D)

DAY 15 – SAT – VILNIUS SIGHTSEEING
Sightseeing starts in the baroque church of St Peter and St Paul; it's simple exterior hiding a most spectacular interior decoration. See the neo-classical cathedral before joining a guide on a leisurely walking tour of the Old Town. See the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn; the former Soviet KGB headquarters are a reminder of more recent and grim events. Now enjoy a highlight visit to the splendid Trakai Castle, built on a fortified island by Grand Duke Vietautas at the beginning of the 15th century. (BB)

DAY 16 – SUN – VILNIUS – WARSAW
Pass Suwalki and lakeside Augustow on a scenic drive through Mazuria, a region of lakes and vast forests. Arrive in Warsaw, the capital of Poland.
Hotel: Sheraton. (BB,D)

DAY 17 – MON – WARSAW SIGHTSEEING
On your guided tour you will see the Chopin Memorial in Lazienki Park, St John’s Cathedral and the memorial to the Warsaw uprising. Warsaw was faithfully rebuilt after the devastation of World War Two; walk in the reconstructed Old Town to the Market Square where you will enjoy a fascinating film, about the reconstruction of the city. (BB)

DAY 18 – TUE – WARSAW – BERLIN
Drive across the Polish plains, pausing in the town of Poznan, with its medieval town square, before crossing the German border at the River Oder and returning to Berlin.
Hotel: Berlin. (BB,D)

DAY 19 – WED – RETURN TO USA
The tour ends with transfers to Berlin’s Tegel Airport. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• One way overnight train from St Petersburg to Moscow
• 49 seater sightseeing & transfer coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 9

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner with champagne in St Petersburg (HD)
• 7 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) 2 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

9 Days ~ Russia

Tour Pace
This leisurely tour introduces you to the two major Russian cities, allowing plenty of time to explore the onion-domed cathedrals, majestic palaces and fantastic museums at your own pace. The overnight train journey to Moscow effectively gives you an extra free day in St Petersburg.

DAY 1 – SAT – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to St Petersburg.

DAY 2 – SUN – ST PETERSBURG
Welcome to St Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, expressly to be the new capital of Tsarist Russia. In only 20 years of concentrated effort the city rose from the desolate Neva marshes, under the personal supervision of the Tsar himself from his house beside the river. Although the city was virtually destroyed during World War II's 900 day seige, it has been lovingly restored and abounds in important monuments and beautiful buildings. Complimentary arrival transfers depart from St Petersburg airport at 14:00 and 17:00. Meet your Tour Director in the evening for a Welcome Drink before dinner.
Hotel: Ambassador. (D)

DAY 3 – MON – ST PETERSBURG
A sightseeing tour takes in St Isaac’s Cathedral, the fortress of St Peter and Paul, Decembrist’s Square, Nevsky Prospekt Boulevard, the great cathedral of Kazan and the Winter Palace – former residence of Russian tsars. See the memorial to the Nazi siege of Lenningrad during World War Two and the cruiser ‘Aurora’, whose crew signalled the outset of the Russian Revolution, at anchor on the Neva River. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore, shop or relax.  This evening perhaps take a cruise through the centre of Peter the Great’s capital while enjoying champagne, caviar and vodka? (BB)

DAY 4 – TUE – ST PETERSBURG
Catherine the Great once lamented about her vast art collection, “the only ones to admire all this are the mice and me”. Thankfully, this is no longer true because today you visit the Hermitage, one of the world’s greatest museums. Located in the Winter Palace, wander through this fabulous collection of paintings and objets d’art, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. St Petersburg is a city of incomparable architectural, historic and artistic interest; spend the rest of the day exploring it at your own pace, or join an optional excursion to the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin’s murder? (BB)

DAY 5 – WED – ST PETERSBURG – OVERNIGHT TRAIN
Visit the fabulous gardens and fountains of Peter the Great’s summer residence at Petrodvorets. For over 200 years, Petrodvorets was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Back in St Petersburg, the afternoon is at leisure. Later, enjoy a Highlight Dinner at a local restaurant. In order to maximise your time in Russia’s two main cities, the comfortable overnight train to Moscow is the way to go! Discover the unique adventure of train travel ‘soviet style’ as you settle into your sleeper compartment and the gentle rocking of the carriages lulls you to sleep. (BB,HD)

DAY 6 – THU – MOSCOW
On arrival in Moscow transfer from the train to your hotel for breakfast. Then, with a local guide, begin your exploration of the Russian capital. Visit one of the Metro stations which Stalin called ‘palaces for the people’. The afternoon leaves time to shop for Russian souvenirs. Later, there is the opportunity to tour of this bustling city by night and admire the evening magic of the famous Red Square and the Kremlin?
Hotel: Crowne Plaza. (BB,D)

DAY 7 – FRI – MOSCOW
Tour Red Square, lined by Moscow’s famous landmark buildings. At one end rises the crimson and ivy colored onion-shaped domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin’s Mausoleum, while on the opposite side of the square stands GUM, the grand Soviet department store which now offers the most glamourous and fashionable goods from the West. Walk inside the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. In your free time why not visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition which brings to life the the Battle of Borodino, one of the most important events in Russia’s history and immortalized in Tolstoy’s epic, ‘ War and Peace’. (BB)

DAY 8 – SAT – MOSCOW
Moscow has captivated the imagination of travelers for centuries so a full day is set aside to explore Moscow at your own pace. Consider a visit to the treasure chest of the Imperial Russian Family to see their crown jewels, jewel-studded thrones and costumes as well as the famous Faberge Egg collection. (BB)

DAY 9 – SUN – RETURN TO USA
Transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport at 05.00 & 11.00 & at Moscow’s Domodedevo airport at 05.00 & 13.00. (BB)

• Escorted by a professional Tour Director
• Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard toilet
• Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
• Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
• Complimentary arrival transfer on Day 2 and departure transfer on Day 16

Quality Dining

• Highlight Dinner in a local restaurant in Frederikshavn (HD)
• 14 Buffet Breakfasts (BB) and 5 three-course table d’hôte Dinners, or Buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)

16 Days ~ Denmark ~ Sweden ~ Norway

Tour Pace
This evenly paced tour has two-night stays in Copenhagen, Stockholm, Geiranger, Bergen and Oslo. Most of the travelling days pass through wonderful scenery, and offer frequent stops both for refreshments and photo opportunities.

DAY 1 – DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Copenhagen.

DAY 2 – COPENHAGEN AT LEISURE
Welcome to Scandinavia! Complimentary transfers depart from Copenhagen airport to the tour hotel. Then you are at leisure to relax or explore. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner at the hotel, followed by a visit to the glittering lights and enchanting atmosphere of Tivoli Gardens.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Scandinavia. (D)

DAY 3 – COPENHAGEN SIGHTSEEING
Meet Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid, gazing across the harbour this morning. Then visit the Christiansborg and see the Rosenborg and Amalienborg Palaces, and the Stock Exchange. Later, perhaps join a tour through the Danish countryside? (BB)

DAY 4 – COPENHAGEN – FREDERIKSHAVN
Cross over to the Island of Fyn, to visit the home of Hans Christian Andersen in Odense. The museum was completely refurbished in 2005, marking the 200th anniversary of his birth. Then head to your hotel at Frederikshavn, on the Jutland peninsula, before enjoying a highlight dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Scandic Stena Line. (BB,HD)

DAY 5 – FREDERIKSHAVN – STOCKHOLM
Bid farewell to Denmark as you cross the waters of the Kattegat to Gothenburg. Continue along the shores of Lake Vattern, to Stockholm, known as ‘the city that floats on the water’.
Hotel: First Hotel Amaranten. (BB)

DAY 6 – STOCKHOLM SIGHTSEEING
With your local guide visit the City Hall’s ‘Gold Room’ where the Nobel Prize banquets are held. Then continue into the medieval island heart of the city to view the cathedral, walk through the Old Town and see the Royal Palace. Now a highlight visit to one of Europe’s greatest attractions, the Wasa Galleon - a marvellous impression of life on board a 17C naval vessel. (BB)

DAY 7 – STOCKHOLM – FALUN
Travel via Lake Malaren to Sigtuna, once the Viking capital and now boasting Sweden’s smallest City Hall. Then to Uppsala, seat of Scandinavia’s oldest university to visit the Cathedral where the Swedish kings were crowned. Later, travel through rural Dalecarlia to the ski resort of Falun.
Hotel: Park Inn Bergmastaren. (BB,D)

DAY 8 – FALUN – LILLEHAMMER
A scenic drive along the shores of Lake Siljan in the Dalarna region, brings you to Nusnas, to witness wooden horses being made. Continue deep into the forested heart of Sweden, passing Salen, the starting point for the annual cross country skiing marathon. Cross into Norway and pass the Olympic ice skating rink called the ‘Viking Ship’ at Hamar, on your way to Lillehammer.
Hotel: Rica Victoria. (BB)

DAY 9 – LILLEHAMMER – GEIRANGER
This morning enjoy a visit to the Maihaugen open-air museum to see old Norway’s rural life come alive. Now continue to the Norwegian Fjordland - a wonderful world of soaring mountains, icy glaciers and rivers which cascade thousands of feet into green valleys below. Follow Peer Gynt’s valley enjoying vistas of waterfalls, lakes and snow-capped peaks to reach Lom with its 12th century Stave Church. Now its on to the remote village of Geiranger, a superb setting overlooking fjords & mountains.
Hotel: Union. (BB,D)

DAY 10 – GEIRANGER AT LEISURE
A day for relaxation in beautiful surroundings with the most breath taking scenery, which has been granted World Heritage status by UNESCO. Later maybe take an excursion along the Trolls’ Road with outstanding photo opportunities at the Seven Sisters waterfall! (BB,D)

DAY 11 – GEIRANGER – FJORDLAND
Begin your day with a highlight cruise on the mirror-smooth waters of Geirangerfjord, with its towering cliffs and waterfalls. Continue through glacier country for a scenic drive along the Sognefjord, before your ferry crossing to Laerdal.
Hotel: Lindstrom. (BB,D)

DAY 12 – FJORDLAND – BERGEN
Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and you cruise upon its majestic waters today. Now embark on a spectacular journey on the Flam Railway, ascending from sea level to 3,000 feet, with views of mountain scenery and roaring waterfalls. Your destination tonight is the historic port of Bergen, Norway's most naturally beautiful city, with its brightly painted houses.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Royal. (BB)

DAY 13 – BERGEN SIGHTSEEING
Bergen still largely looks to the sea for its living, as can be seen from the colorful fish market, the largest in Scandinavia. Today is yours to explore all that this exciting town has to offer, such as the 13C Haakon’s Hall. Or perhaps take the funicular railway to the top of the mountain? (BB)

DAY 14 – BERGEN – OSLO
This morning travel east through the rugged landscape of the Hardangervidda, over scenic mountains and through ski-resorts on your way to the Norwegian capital Oslo.
Hotel: Radisson SAS Scandinavia. (BB)

DAY 15 – OSLO SIGHTSEEING
A guided sightseeing tour today passes the Royal Palace, as well as the spires and ramparts of Akerhus Castle, the 14th century fortress guarding the harbour. At Frogner Park view the controversial Vigeland Sculptures, before a special Highlight visit to the Viking Long Ship Museum. Tonight, why not enjoy a celebration dinner at a traditional restaurant? (BB)

DAY 16 – RETURN TO USA
Your tour ends with a transfer to Oslo Airport. (BB)