Russia & the Baltics Discovery - Classic Group, 2021

Day 1: Arrive Warsaw

On arrival at Warsaw airport, your transfers depart for your hotel at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in to your luxury hotel before joining your Travelling Concierge at 18:00, where you will be introduced to your fellow travellers.Your Welcome Dinner is at Restaurant Zapiecek, an authentic local restaurant full of Polish charm and serving delicious traditional meals, accompanied with wine. (Dinner with Wine)

Day 2: Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw

A Local Expert will show you how well the Polish capital was restored after almost complete obliteration during World War II. This incredible restoration can be credited to the amazing detail of Canaletto's paintings! Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, built in 1948 to commemorate the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. Then walk to the Market Square in the Old Town.The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Don't miss the chance to visit Wilanow Palace, the residence of Polish King Sobieski, known as Victor of Vienna, or perhaps attend an exclusive private recital of Chopin music by a celebrated Polish pianist?(Breakfast)

Day 3: Vilnius, Venerable Capital of Lithuania

Pass Augustów and Suwalki during your scenic journey through Masuria, a region rich in lakes and vast forests. Cross into Lithuania and continue to the capital city of Vilnius. (Breakfast)

Day 4: Vilnius and the Island Castle of Trakai

Start your morning at the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul before moving on to see the neoclassical cathedral. Join your Local Expert for a leisurely walk through the pretty Old Town and see the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn. A highlight of your travels will be a visit to the fortified island castle of Trakai. Originally built in the 13th century and now restored to all its glory, this red-brick castle is located on an island in Lake Galvė. Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 5: The Votive Hill of Crosses and the Art Nouveau Nirvana of Riga

Head north to visit the unusual Votive Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, the symbol of resistance against the Soviet occupation.Continue your escorted journey to the Latvian capital of Riga, a melange of Teutonic-inspired spires, stylish cocktail lounges and some of the world’s most remarkable art nouveau architecture. (Breakfast)

Day 6: Riga Sightseeing and on to Tallinn

Explore Riga's Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant colours and flavours when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls.Your travels continue along the shores of the Gulf of Riga and across the Estonian border to reach Tallinn. Hailed by travel aficionados as the new Prague, Tallinn is a lively city, where history and modern culture merge. From its brightly coloured architecture, to its quirky art scenes, Tallinn is made for the curious and creative. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Surrender to the Magic of Tallinn

Explore Tallinn with Insight Choice. Focus on panoramic views leading to the Town Hall Square, or stroll the fairy-tale Old Town and hear about Estonian artisans.Enjoy free time to browse Tallinn’s shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewellery.Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 8: St Petersburg: To Russia with Love

Head east to the town of Narva, dominated by the mighty Hermannsburg Fortress. Cross the River Narva, which forms the Russian border, and continue to St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 9: St. Petersberg Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood.The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the small town of Tsarskoe Selo, now called Pushkin, and visit the beautiful Catherine Palace? Or, if you’d prefer to relax, head back to your hotel where you can make the most of its luxury facilities. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Petrodvorets by Hydrofoil

Cruise by hydrofoil along the Baltic shore to Peter the Great’s summer residence of Petrodvorets. For over 200 years it was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Explore the perfectly manicured gardens and see the cascading fountains. Later you are at leisure, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder?(Breakfast)

Day 11: The Hermitage Museum

Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at this fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces.The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax. (Breakfast)

Day 12: High Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow

Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder? Board your high speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Famous for its unique history and colourful architecture, explore Moscow’s enchanting city centre and get lost in its captivating Modern art scene. For those wanting to take a pretty stroll, why not head to Gorky Park? Designed in the 1920s by Konstantin Melnikov, the park is famous for its outdoor activities and art exhibitions. (Breakfast)

Day 13: Moscow, a Russian Revelation

Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting an ornate metro station with your Local Expert or alternatively, take a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings. (Breakfast)

Day 14: Moscow and The Kremlin

In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk within the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. Learn more about Russia’s famous Tsars, the history of the Fortress and how its role has changed over the years. Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 15: To Sergiev Posad, Rostov-the-Great and to Yaroslavl

This morning, depart Moscow to Sergiev Posad. Visit some of the colourful churches of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. Journey to Rostov-the-Great and explore its ivory towered Kremlin and the Museum of Enamel. Continue to Yaroslavl where a delicious dinner is served at a riverside restaurant. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 16: Kostroma and Suzdal Experience

During your sightseeing of Yaroslavl, see the domed Church of Elijah the Prophet and the Holy Transfiguration Monastery.Travel to Kostroma to see the fabulous Trinity Cathedral. Continue to charming Suzdal. (Breakfast / Dinner with Wine)

Day 17: Exploring Suzdal

Explore Suzdal with Insight Choice. Choose between meeting an Orthodox priest and learn about the ancient art of icon painting or alternatively, visit the Monastery of the Saviour St. Ethimius.Dine like a local as you enjoy an authentic Home-hosted lunch with a meal typical of the region. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner with Wine)

Day 18: On to Vladimir and return to Moscow

Journey to Vladimir to see the carved stone walls of the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, and visit the Museum of Crystal and Varnished Miniatures. Visit a Matryoska Doll making workshop and try your hand to decorate your own.Return to Moscow where you are at leisure for the rest of the day. (Breakfast)

Day 19: Farewell Moscow

Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00. (Breakfast)