RUSSIAN GLORIES, BALTIC TREASURES 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
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