Itinerary

1. Arrive Helsinki, Finland
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Hotel Kämp. Welcome to Finland! A transfer is included from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to your first night’s hotel, Hotel Kämp. One of the most exclusive hotels in the city, your hotel is located in the pedestrian zone of Helsinki, close to Esplanade Park, the South Harbour and all major cultural sights. Meet your fellow travelers at our welcome dinner tonight. Meals D

2. The Best of Helsinki
Explore Helsinki today, where parks and waterways provide a stunning backdrop to the different architectural styles of the city. Gleaming white buildings earned Finland’s capital city the moniker, “White City of the North.” See the lovely neoclassical Senate Square, built by Russian rulers in the 19th century; Helsinki Cathedral, whose five green cupolas are a landmark on the city’s skyline; and the colorful Market Square, bustling with a glimpse of daily life. You’ll also visit the remarkable 1960s-era Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy on your own; the city invites easy exploration and entices with parks and waterfront cafés. Meals B

3. Train to St. Petersburg
Finland shares a common border with neighboring Russia, your destination today. Board an early morning train for St. Petersburg, journeying along the coastline to Russia’s cultural capital for a four-night stay at the Hotel Astoria. Retaining its early 1900s Art Nouveau décor, rich tapestries and crystal chandeliers while indulging guests with modern-day comforts, your five-star hotel is located in a pre-revolutionary setting near the gold-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral overlooking the Neva River. Meals BLD

4. Treasures of St. Petersburg
The birthplace of great Russian literature and the ballet, St. Petersburg boasts a legacy of history, the arts and striking beauty. Tauck takes you on a fascinating guided tour of must-see sights this morning, introducing you to a symphony of architectural treasures in a fairy-tale setting. Visit the imposing 18th-century Peter and Paul Fortress and the adjacent Cathedral topped with a soaring golden spire. Erected in 1723 as the city’s first stone church, it became the burial place for all Russian czars and their families. Spend the rest of the day exploring as you please. Meals BD

5. Summer Palace of Peter the Great
Visit the Grand Choral Synagogue, recognized as one of the most sumptuous and imposing synagogues in the world, prior to a journey outside of the city to Petrodvorets to explore the Summer Garden and opulent Palace of Peter the Great. Nestled on the Gulf of Finland, this magnificent palace inspires with gilded touches similar to those found at the Palace of Versailles in France – its gardens include a labyrinth of paths and footbridges where elaborate statues and fountains can be found. Return by hydrofoil to St. Petersburg where tonight you’ll attend the ballet, experiencing a long-standing Russian cultural tradition. Meals BL

6. The State Hermitage Museum
Situated along the banks of the Neva River in the heart of the city, The State Hermitage Museum houses one of the world’s largest – and most valuable – collections of art, featuring more than three million pieces of art and archaeological finds from the Stone Age to the 20th century. Tauck has arranged an early morning visit for you today, taking you inside its amazing halls to glimpse the priceless gems within, once reserved only for Russian royalty. Your guided tour includes the spectacular jewels and golden artifacts of the Second Chamber of the Gold Room, sure to be a highlight of today’s visit. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Meals B

7. Fly to Moscow
Fly to Moscow for a three-night stay. Your visit to Russia’s capital city begins with an insider tour of one of history’s intriguing underground military centers. Tauck has arranged, by special permission, an exclusive visit to Stalin’s hidden bunker – closed to the public for decades. Built in the 1930s, the bunker is connected to the Kremlin by a secret tunnel some 10 miles in length. Relive history in Stalin’s central command room, see his personal effects in his private office, and have lunch. Continue on to your hotel, located on the banks of the Moskva River opposite the Kremlin and Red Square. Extraordinary views combine with modern-day amenities to make your three-night stay memorable in every way. Meals BLD

8. Red Square / The Kremlin
Visions of the Kremlin come to mind when discussing life in Russia; this imposing government fortress represents every era of Russian history for the past 700 years and continues to emanate authority as the seat of modern Russian politics. Meet a Kremlin “insider” for a lecture on the history of Russia, before touring world-famous Red Square, and the 64-acre Kremlin. Your guided visit includes the Armory, housing treasures dating from the 14th century, and Cathedral Square, a monument to 15th- and 16th-century Russian architecture. Meals B

9. Moscow Underground
Tour the Moscow Metro, a virtual underground “art museum” showcasing chandeliers, sculptures, stained-glass windows and beautiful mosaics, before visiting the State Tretyakov Gallery, the National Museum of Russian Fine Art. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight. Meals BD

10. Journey Home
Tour ends: Moscow, Russia. A transfer is included from the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow to the Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo Airport. Allow a minimum of 21/2 hours for check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Helsinki ~ St. Petersburg ~ Petrodvorets ~ Moscow ~ The Kremlin

Exclusive Hermitage Museum Visit
An early morning visit to The State Hermitage Museum provides an opportunity to see the museum when crowds are fewer, including the Second Chamber of the Gold Room.

Summer Palace in Petrodvorets
Journey into the St. Petersburg countryside for a tour of the Summer Garden and opulent Palace of Peter the Great.

Russia – Then and Now
Attend a private lecture with an insider from the Soviet Union era, before touring Red Square and the Kremlin.

Stalin’s Bunker – Tauck Exclusive
Closed to the public, visit Stalin’s top-secret bunker, built in 1942, where he conducted Russia’s WWII strategies.
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Stockholm
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Sheraton Stockholm Hotel. Upon arrival of your SAS flight, a transfer is included from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Sheraton Stockholm Hotel, located in the heart of downtown Stockholm next to Old Town. The city of Stockholm is set on 14 islands laced with canals and waterways, and is the economic center of Sweden. Join us this evening for a welcome reception and dinner as you meet your fellow travelers. Meals D

2. Discover Stockholm, City Hall Visit
Visit the Vasa Museum, home to the only remaining intact 17th-century ship in the world; built in 1628, it is the largest battleship of its kind. City sites include a visit to Stockholm City Hall, an impressive building built in the early 20th century in the National Romantic style. The remainder of your day is free to explore. Meals B

3. Journey to Toftaholm
Travel today through the beautiful Swedish countryside, with its gentle meadows, forests, lakes, and canals. Arrive in Toftaholm; your accommodation is a small family-run hotel, ideally situated on a lake that is truly “away from it all.” Dine at the hotel this evening. Meals BLD

4. Crossing to Copenhagen
Visit Sofiero Slott, a majestic castle built in 1865 – its magnificent grounds include an extensive rhododendron collection. Travel from Sweden across Oresund Bridge, Europe’s longest combined road and rail bridge, to Copenhagen, Denmark. Your acclaimed hotel was designed by famed Danish architect Arne Jacobsen, and is just a block away from Tivoli Gardens. Meals BLD

5. Storybook Charms of Copenhagen
City sightseeing this morning includes a visit to Rosenborg Palace, which holds, among many other treasures, the Danish crown jewels. See the 1913 statue commemorating Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid and join a local expert for a walking tour up Stroget, the main street, before spending time at leisure. Meals B

6. North Sealand / Ferry to Norway
The area called North Sealand is an attractive kaleidoscope of villages, lakes, forests and palaces. Today you’ll explore the recent past with a visit to the Museum of the Danish Resistance 1940 – 1945. Journey to Frederiksborg Castle, set on three islands within a small lake; it is one of the finest examples of Danish Renaissance. Tauck’s Yellow Roads lead to a rustic country inn where you’ll dine on local fare. Return to Copenhagen along the Danish Riviera and board an overnight ferry to Norway. Meals BLD

7. Sightsee Oslo
View an array of beautiful sights along the coastline as your ship heads up the narrows of the Oslo Fjord to Norway’s capital city of Oslo. Enjoy a guided tour upon arrival, seeing sculptures by the artist Gustav Vigeland; visit the Viking Ship Museum on the Bygdøy Peninsula, featuring well-preserved ships and artifacts from the Viking era. The rest of your day is free. Meals BL

8. Train to Flåm
Depart from Oslo’s main railway station for a 5-hour journey on the Norwegian Railway System to Myrdal. Change trains at Myrdal for the incredible descent to Flåm. The Flåm Railway is a masterpiece of Norwegian engineering; it is one of the world’s steepest railway lines on normal gauge; your descent travels some 2,600 feet – and you won’t believe the breathtaking sights along the way. From waterfalls to rivers to ravines to sheer cliffs, it’s a memorable journey! Your hotel in Flåm is located within walking distance of Aurlandsfjord, known for its deep valleys and roaring waterfalls. Meals BLD

9. Stalheim / Balestrand
Cruise the Aurlandsfjord before entering the Naeroyfjord, thought to be the country’s narrowest fjord. Disembark in Gudvangen, then travel to Stalheim and visit the Stalheim Folk Museum, accompanied by a local guide; you’ll get a look at Norwegian life from the Middle Ages to today. See the Hopperstad Stave Church before taking a ferry across the Sognefjord to Balestrand. Meals BLD

10. Fjaerland / Briksdal Glacier
Travel to Fjaerland to visit the Norsk Bremuseum for a look at snow, ice, and glaciers. Journey to Briksdal Glacier, located at the end of one of the Nordfjord’s three branches. Drive to a mountain meadow, and then take an optional, slightly strenuous, hike to the glacier’s tongue. Your next two nights are spent at a mountainside family-run resort. Meals BLD

11. Dalsnibba / Geirangerfjord
Journey from Loen to Hellesylt for a thrilling boat ride on one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, Geirangerfjord. Your cruise takes you through gorgeous scenery, past rushing waterfalls and farmsteads clinging to steep cliffs. Lunch today is in a historic hotel at the end of a mountain valley, with entertainment by local fiddlers. Weather permitting, climb to Dalsnibba, the region’s highest point reached by road, for memorable scenic views of towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Meals BLD

12. Experience the Best of Bergen
Travel through inspirational scenery today, highlighted by the magnificent fjords to Bergen. The oldest part of town overlooks the busy harbor; along the harbor’s edge are myriad boutiques and the famed open-air fish market. Your hotel is on the harbor in Bryggen, the historic district of Bergen. Dating back to the late Middle Ages and the days of the Hanseatic League, Bryggen was placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list to ensure the preservation of the old wooden buildings that line the wharf. Meals BL

13. Bergen / Troldhaugen
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is the gateway to the fjords, characterized by its location on the water and a centuries-old legacy of sea trade. Before an afternoon to explore as you please, travel to Troldhaugen to visit the lovely home, now a museum, of beloved composer Edvard Grieg. Join us for a farewell reception and dinner. Meals BD

14. Journey Home
Tour ends: Bergen, Norway. A transfer from Radisson SAS Royal Hotel to Bergen Airport for your SAS flight is included. You should allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for flight check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Stockholm ~ Swedish Lakes ~ Copenhagen ~ Oslo ~ Fjords ~ Bergen
Tauck’s Yellow Roads
In contrast to the dramatic fjords of Norway, your journey from Stockholm to Malmö takes you through coniferous forests and rich farmland, home to ash, birch – and orchids!

Train Journey to Flåm
Get set for adventure on one of the world’s greatest train rides; see rivers that cut into deep ravines, waterfalls
cascading down steep mountains, farms clinging to slopes...

Stalheim Folk Museum, Guided Visit
A guided visit to the Stalheim Folk Museum in Norway with a local expert provides a glimpse of everyday life as depicted from the late Middle Ages to today.

Private Cruise, Naeroyfjord
Take a private cruise on the waters of the Aurlandsfjord, which turns into the spectacular Naeroyfjord, considered Norway’s narrowest fjord. 
 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Copenhagen
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Radisson SAS Royal Hotel, Copenhagen, Denmark. Upon arrival of your SAS flight, a transfer is included from Copenhagen Airport to the Radisson SAS Royal Hotel in the heart of the city. Join us this evening for a welcome cocktail reception and dinner.
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel ~ Meals D

2. Sightsee Copenhagen
A morning city sightseeing tour includes Rosenborg Palace, housing the Danish crown jewels and many other treasures, and colorful Nyhavn to see The Little Mermaid Statue.
Radisson SAS Royal Hotel ~ Meals B

3. Roskilde / Embark Voyager
Travel to Roskilde, Denmark’s first capital, for a tour of the Viking Ship Museum. Return to Copenhagen and embark Regent Seven Seas Voyager.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

4. Medieval Visby on Gotland Island
Explore fascinating Gotland Island; a walking tour includes medieval 13th-century Visby and a visit to the western shore to view fishing villages, farms, and meadows.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

5. Ancient Tallinn
The walled city of Tallinn, capital of Estonia, captures your heart with its remarkably preserved buildings and monuments. Stroll through ancient cobblestone streets, and see 13th-century Toompea Castle and lively Market Square.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

6. Discover St. Petersburg
Arrive in the glorious city of St. Petersburg, where Voyager will be docked for two nights. A guided tour includes the 18th-century Peter and Paul Fortress and the golden-spired Cathedral, hallowed burial ground of the Romanov Dynasty, including the tomb of Peter the Great.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

7. St. Petersburg’s Treasures
Tauck has arranged early opening visits to the city’s most revered sights to allow more leisurely exploration during your stay. First up – an early morning tour of Catherine Palace, the magnificent summer palace of Catherine the Great. Attend a Russian cultural evening tonight.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

8. The State Hermitage Museum
Visit The State Hermitage Museum early morning; its vast collections reflect the development of art and world cultures from the Stone Age through the 21st century, and are considered among the world’s finest. Return to the ship as your Baltic Sea cruise continues.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

9. Helsinki, “City By The Sea”
Helsinki is proclaimed as one of the world’s trendiest cities; sightseeing includes Neo-Classical Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Sibelius Monument, Market Square and underground Temppeliaukio (Rock) Church.
Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Meals BLD

10. All About Stockholm
Disembark Voyager in Stockholm this morning. Sightseeing includes the City Hall and a walking tour of Gamla Stan (Old Town), where the Royal Palace and other sites reveal centuries of history; the remainder of the day is free.
Hilton Stockholm Slussen ~ Meals B

11. Canal Cruise / Vasa Museum
Discover Stockholm’s remarkable islands on a cruise along the city’s canals, and explore the fascinating Vasamuseet (Vasa Museum). One of the world’s mightiest vessels when built, the ornate royal warship Vasa capsized and sank following its launch in 1628, spending the next 333 years on the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor. Raised in 1961, the historic ship is now the centerpiece of the city’s most popular museum. Join us for a farewell dinner tonight.
Hilton Stockholm Slussen ~ Meals BD

12. Journey Home
Tour ends: Stockholm. A transfer from the Hilton Stockholm Slussen to Arlanda Airport for your SAS flight is included. You should allow a minimum of 21⁄2 hours for flight check-in at the airport. Meals B

Dates & Prices

Note: Due to the popularity of this journey, you may be traveling with a group of up to 80 Tauck guests. Larger group departures will be hosted by two Tauck Directors.

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Travel North or South: Cruise operates both North from Copenhagen and South from Stockholm. Sightseeing is similar; Southbound itinerary is available upon request.

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Cruise Protection Plan.
 

7-Night Cruise on Regent Seven Seas Voyager ~ Copenhagen ~ Stockholm

• Traveling with Tauck’s private group and the same Tauck Director on land and at sea
• Private Tauck Shore Excursions and 4 days sightseeing on land – $825 Value!
• Two nights in Copenhagen and two nights in Stockholm at premier hotels in the heart of the city centers
• Regent’s all-inclusive liquor package and shipboard gratuities aboard Seven Seas Voyager
• Early opening visits in St. Petersburg to The State Hermitage Museum and Catherine Palace
• Guided walking tours of Helsinki, Finland, and the medieval town of Visby on Gotland Island, largest island in the Baltic Sea

 

Itinerary

1. Arrive Vilnius, Lithuania
Tour begins: 6:00 PM, Radisson SAS Astorija Hotel. Welcome to Lithuania! A transfer is included from Vilnius Airport to your first night’s hotel, Radisson SAS Astorija, located in the heart of Old Town, Vilnius; its historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its impressive complex of classical buildings featuring Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque architecture. Meet your fellow travelers at our welcome dinner tonight. Meals D

2. The Heart of Old Town Vilnius
Join us for a walking tour of Old Town to experience a virtual living museum of Baroque architecture. See the 16th-century, Renaissance-style Gates of Dawn and Cathedral Square. Venture off the beaten track to Trakai for lunch, once the capital of Lithuania in the Middle Ages. Tour its ancient castle with a local guide and return to Vilnius to explore as you wish. Meals BL

3. Travel the Yellow Roads to Latvia
Journey to the culturally rich country of Latvia along the Yellow Roads through pristine countryside, stopping in the seaside city of Jurmala en route to Riga. Riga was an important economic center from the 13th to the 15th centuries, and again in the 19th century. Your hotel is centrally located in the heart of the old city. Meals BLD

4. Discover Historic Riga
Boasting one of the finest collections of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, Riga blends its historic past with a vibrant big city bustle. Drive through New Town Riga to Old Town Riga; a walking tour on cobblestone streets takes you to centuries-old buildings dating back 800 years. See Riga Castle, the Swedish Gate, and The Three Brothers Medieval Dwelling Houses. For those who wish, we invite you to explore some of the somber reminders of the tragic years of the Holocaust at the Jewish Museum and the old Jewish Cemetery. Meals B

5. Journey to Tallinn
Cross the border into Estonia this morning and drive to the seaside city of Parnu for an Estonian beachfront barbecue that offers an authentic taste of local life. Your destination today is Tallinn, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably preserved medieval town. See the Domina Monastery and settle in at your acclaimed city hotel. Meals BLD

6. Capital of Estonia / Helsinki, Finland
Take a guided walking tour through the cobblestone streets and charming squares of this fortified medieval city; see the 13th-century Toompea Castle (which today houses the Estonian Parliament) and bustling Market Square. Board the high-speed SuperSeaCat ferry this afternoon as we cruise to neighboring Helsinki. Meals B

7. The Best of Helsinki
Explore Helsinki today, where parks and waterways provide a stunning backdrop to the different architectural styles of the city. See the lovely neoclassical Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and the colorful Market Square. Visit the remarkable 1960s-era Temppeliaukio Church, built into solid rock. The remainder of the day is at leisure for you to enjoy on your own. Meals BD

8. Train to St. Petersburg
Board an early morning train for St. Petersburg where you will enjoy a four-night stay at the Hotel Astoria, located near the gold-domed St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Meals BLD

9. Treasures of St. Petersburg
Tauck takes you on a fascinating guided tour of must-see sights this morning. Visit the imposing 18th-century Peter and Paul Fortress, and the adjacent Cathedral topped with a soaring golden spire. Spend the rest of the day exploring St. Petersburg as you please. Meals BD

10. Summer Palace of Peter the Great
Visit the Grand Choral Synagogue, holidays permitting, and journey to Petrodvorets to explore the Summer Garden and opulent Palace of Peter the Great, nestled on the Gulf of Finland. Return by hydrofoil to St. Petersburg for time at leisure. Attend the ballet tonight. Meals BL

11. The State Hermitage Museum
Tauck has arranged a special early morning visit to The State Hermitage Museum, featuring more than three million pieces of art and archaeological finds; view the ancient gold artifacts in the Gold Room. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Meals B

12. Fly to Moscow
Fly to Moscow for a three-night stay. Tauck has arranged, by special permission, an exclusive visit to Stalin’s hidden bunker – closed to the public for decades. Relive history in the central command room, see his personal effects in his private office, and have lunch. Meals BLD

13. Red Square / The Kremlin
Meet a Kremlin insider for a lecture on the history of Russia, before touring Red Square and the 64-acre Kremlin. Visit the Armory Chambers and Cathedral Square. Meals B

14. Moscow Underground
Tour the Moscow Metro, a virtual underground “art museum,” before visiting the State Tretyakov Gallery, the National Museum of Russian Fine Art. Join us for a festive farewell dinner tonight. Meals BD

15. Journey Home
Tour ends: Moscow, Russia. A transfer is included from the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow to the Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo Airport. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 hours for check-in. Meals B

Dates & Prices

International Airfare is additional. Call Tauck for special rates on international air for travel originating in the U.S. (subject to availability).

Please ask at time of booking about additional hotel nights before your tour begins and about our comprehensive Guest Protection Plan.
 

Helsinki ~ Estonia ~ Latvia ~ Lithuania ~ The Kremlin ~ St. Petersburg ~ Moscow ~ Petrodvorets

Tauck’s Yellow Roads
Memorable drives along coastal roads, through peaceful forests and idyllic farms entice as you travel from Lithuania to Latvia and Estonia.

Exclusive Hermitage Museum Visit
An early morning visit to The State Hermitage Museum provides an opportunity to see the museum when crowds are fewer, including the Second Chamber of the Gold Room.

Russia – Then and Now
Attend a private lecture with an insider from the Soviet Union era, and an expert on the history of Moscow.

Stalin’s Bunker – Tauck Exclusive
Closed to the public, visit Stalin’s top-secret bunker, built in 1942, where he conducted Russia’s WWII strategies.