Best of Finland Russia and The Baltic States

15 days
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Group Tour
On top of the must-see Russian cities and dramatic scenery, this trip reveals a rarer side of Europe, in its more unusual and unvisited countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. You'll enjoy Insider moments like... hearing Antolij play the accordion and sing rousing Russian and Belarusian songs, as you taste his homemade vodka and local dishes at h...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

    • City tour in St. Petersburg, Moscow, Minsk, Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki
    • Visit the St. Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, the Kremlin in Moscow, the Peter andPaul Chruch in Vilnius, the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Tallinn
    • View Red Square in Moscow, Nevsky Prospekt and St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg and the Finlandia Hall inHelsinki

What's this trip about?

    On top of the must-see Russian cities and dramatic scenery, this trip reveals a rarer side of Europe, in its more unusual and unvisited countries of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Belarus. You'll enjoy Insider moments like... hearing Antolij play the accordion and sing rousing Russian and Belarusian songs, as you taste his homemade vodka and local dishes at his farm in Minsk.

Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityHelsinki
End CityHelsinki

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Cycling & Biking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Estonia
  • Lithuania
  • Russia

Attractions

  • Helsinki
  • Moscow
  • Riga
  • St. Petersburg

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Nature

Trip includes

    • Luxury air-conditioned coach with WiFi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
    • Hand-picked 4 and 5 star accommodation
    • Hand-picked Insider Experiences
    • Optional Experiences and free time
    • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
    • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
    • An expert Travel Director and separate Driver
    • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
    • VIP entry to many sights
    • Audio Headsets for flexible sightseeing
    • Ferry across the Gulf of Finland.
    • High speed train between St. Petersburg and Moscow.
    • Rail service is reserved in standard class.

Popular Trips

Itinerary

1. ARRIVE HELSINKI Welcome to Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Relax after check-in. Tonight, meet your Travel Director and fellow companions for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive. Meal(s) Welcome Reception Hotel Holiday Inn City Centre 2. HELSINKI – ST. PETERSBURG (3 NIGHTS) Follow the coast along the Gulf of Finland and cross the border into Russia. Travel through the forests of Karelia to St. Petersburg. Later consider seeing a Russian folklore show. Meal(s) Scandinavian Breakfast Hotel Radisson Sonya 3-4 ST. PETERSBURG SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Your Local Specialist shows you the city's sights including the Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Statue of Peter the Great. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress. Your time in St. Petersburg also includes a visit to the Hermitage Museum to see one of the world's largest and most valuable art collections. There is plenty of free time to see more sights and shop for Russian souvenirs. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Buffet Breakfast 5. ST. PETERSBURG – HIGH SPEED TRAIN – MOSCOW (3 NIGHTS) Take a train across part of the vast Russian landscape towards the capital city. Stay in one of the iconic buildings determining Moscow's skyline - one of the Seven Sisters, also known as the Stalin Towers. Dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Hilton Leningradskaya Authentic Accommodation 6-7 MOSCOW SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME You have two days to explore the delights of Moscow. On the first day, your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes St. Basil's Cathedral and Red Square plus a visit to the magnificent Kremlin. There is plenty of time to explore on your own, relax and shop for souvenirs. You might also like to join an Optional Experience to the Tsar's Treasury Chamber or the St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Buffet Breakfast 8. MOSCOW – MINSK (2 NIGHTS) Follow in the footsteps of Napoleon's retreating army of 1812, passing near Borodino and stopping for lunch in the Smolensk region. Cross the border into Belarus and continue to Minsk. Tonight dine on traditional cuisine at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Lunch Dinner Hotel Renaissance 9. MINSK SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME View the sights with a Local Specialist including Hero City Memorial during your sightseeing tour. Enjoy the rest of your day exploring the city. Why not visit the Saint Elizabeth Convent to see their stained glass and religious icon workshop? Tonight enjoy a Be My Guest dinner in a country home surrounded by state farms close to Minsk where you hear folk songs and taste local delicacies. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Be My Guest Dining 10. MINSK – VILNIUS SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Drive west and cross the border into Lithuania, arriving later in the capital Vilnius. Your Local Specialist shows you the sights during your walking tour, including the Bishop's Palace and the University. Explore the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, featuring exceptional sculptural decoration. Walk to the Gates of Dawn, the Carmelite Church of St. Theresa, the former Jewish Ghetto, the Cathedral and the new Royal Palace excavations. Finish at the Church of St. Anna and the site of the synagogue destroyed during World War II. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva 11. VILNIUS – SIAULIAI – RIGA (2 NIGHTS) Leave Vilnius after lunch and visit the Hill of Crosses at Siauliai. Later arrive in the ancient city of Riga, Latvia's capital, made famous by the stories of Baron von Münchhausen. Dine tonight at your hotel. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Dinner Hotel Radisson Blu Latvija 12. RIGA SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Riga is a beautiful historic city on the Baltic coast. The extensive old town contains narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque Churches, 19th century municipal buildings and Hanseatic warehouses. Your Local Specialist takes you on a sightseeing and walking tour to show you the main highlights. Spend free time afterwards exploring on your own and shopping for souvenirs in the old town. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast 13. RIGA – TALLINN SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Follow the Gulf of Riga north into Estonia, and travel via Parnu a popular beach resort to Tallinn. Admire the sights of Tallinn with your Local Specialist. Explore the beautifully preserved streets of the old Hanseatic Quarter and 15th century Luhike Jalg Gate and visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This evening join your companions for a Regional Meal of typical specialities at a local restaurant. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Regional Meal Hotel Radisson Blu Olumpia 14. TALLINN – HELSINKI SIGHTSEEING AND FREE TIME Enjoy a leisurely morning in this charming and atmospheric city. Later board the ferry and cross the sea to Helsinki in Finland. Meet your Local Specialist and admire Finlandia Hall, the Senate and Market Squares and the café-lined Esplanade during your sightseeing tour. Join your travelling companions for a special Farewell Dinner this evening. Meal(s) Buffet Breakfast Farewell Dinner Hotel Scandic Grand Marina 15. DEPART HELSINKI Say goodbye to newfound friends at the end of your memorable and exciting trip. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Meal(s) Scandinavian Breakfast

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,081
Price per day$205
Last Updated: 8/23/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Trafalgar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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I felt very taken care of! I particularly loved the system of bags being picked up from outside our hotel room doors, and magically appearing at the next accommodati...

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Trafalgar

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At Trafalgar, we passionately believe in the power of travel to broaden the mind and build bridges between people. By sharing with you the hidden places not mentioned in guidebooks, the local people you wouldn’t otherwise meet, and the traditions you may not have experienced by yourself, we ensure that you get the ‘insider’ view, an authentic and enhanced experience you simply could not have had on your own.

It is this dedication to taking our guests beyond the obvious sights that has helped us grow over the past 65 years into one of the most trusted and successful international guided vacation/holiday companies in the world. From Europe to the United States, South America to South Africa, and with the recent addition of Asia, we pride ourselves on uncovering the hidden gems, cultural highlights and not-to-be-missed attractions of the places you visit. We’ll help you delve deep into the heart of each city and capture the true essence of each new destination.

We are committed to establishing lasting relationships with our guests by exceeding their expectations the first time and every time, through consistently outstanding quality of service, experience and value.

We're proud to be the most globally awarded guided travel company. Every year, we win some of the most prestigious travel accolades around the world – from the Travel Globes to the Agents' Choice Awards. We've collected 46 major travel awards over the last five years alone, as well as the Gold Trusted Merchant Award from independent reviews provider Feefo.

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About the company:

As the world’s most awarded and loved travel company, Trafalgar unlocks the best of the world for every traveller. From the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals at private Be My Guest experiences, guests can be assured of a dream holiday without the stress of 'what ifs'. Committed to Make Travel Matter, Trafalgar aims to make a positive impact on locals, communities and wildlife visited, and the planet we call home. With tried and tested tours, created by local travel experts in destination and enjoyed by more than 5million happy guests, Trafalgar’s proud to be recognised by its Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award.

Trafalgar is part of the family-owned and run The Travel Corporation (TTC), driven by service for over one hundred years.

 

Why we love this operator
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
What they’re known for
Tours and experiences that include everything from the iconic sites to breaking bread with locals, guided by expert travel directors.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Trans-Atlantic airfares, air-related taxes and surcharges (unless you purchase a land and air package or is otherwise mentioned in the price panels); any additional fees charged by the airlines such as checked and/or excess baggage (visit www.trafalgar.com/baggage),seat selections and/or any other services; London airport transfers except when booking an air and land package with Trafalgar; passport and visa fees; insurances of all kinds; laundry; phone calls; beverages; meals not detailed in the itinerary; discretionary tips/gratuities to Travel Directors, Local Guides, and motorcoach drivers; tips/gratuities on board ferries, trains and cruise ships; porterage at train stations; optional excursions; and all items of a personal nature. Additional taxes and surcharges may be collected by foreign government and non-government entities. The vacation price also does not cover costs and expenses such as the return to your home if you leave the tour at your own volition, due to illness, or as a consequence of official action by the government of any country visited.

Accommodation

Prices are per person and based on two persons sharing a two-bedded room with private bath and/or shower.Every effort has been made to reserve two-bedded rooms; however, on some occasions rooms with one bed may be the only choice available. These rooms will be allocated to single travelers and couples first; other rooms may feature a single bed and ‘roll-away’ bed or sleeper sofa. There are a limited number of twin-share rooms available with our Guaranteed Room Share program. When booking triple rooms please note that in some hotels this may consist of one double bed and the third bed may be a ‘roll-away’ bed which will limit space in the room. Availability of triple rooms is limited. Note that single rooms in European hotels are generally smaller than twinbedded rooms and that European hotel standards, facilities and services provided may vary from those in other parts of the world and are often local in style. Hotels listed on the itinerary pages are intended to be used on all departures; however, from time to time substitute hotels of similar standard (whenever possible) may be used for various reasons. Guests who are members of Hotel Frequent Traveler programs are not entitled to earn points with any of the hotels featured on a Trafalgar vacation. Special room requests such as smoking/non-smoking, adjacent, connecting or lowerfloor rooms must be requested at the time of booking. These special room requests cannot be guaranteed and are based on availability at the time of check-in.,
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Optional Activities
Notes Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.   St Petersburg Venice Of The North Cruise And Champagne Adult Price: €44.00 Soak up the atmosphere, romance and lights of this former imperial capital, known as the "Venice of the North". Board a private boat to cruise through the canals and along the River Neva. You'll sip champagne as your Local Specialist provides commentary about the city that has inspired artists for generations.   Russian Folklore Evening Adult Price: €48.00 A chance to attend one of the best Russian folklore programs in St. Petersburg. You’ll enjoy a high-energy performance featuring Cossack dances, songs, instruments and costumes from around Russia. During intermission, sample local champagne and vodka. An unforgettable experience!   Imperial Splendours And Architectural Gems Adult Price: €44.00 Your Local Specialist will offer a guided tour of the interiors of two iconic churches. The Church of the Saviour on the Spilt Blood, built to commemorate the assassination of Tsar Alexander II, has one of the country's most intricate displays of mosaic icons. Additionally, St Isaac's Cathedral is the 4th-largest cathedral in the world. Designed by a French architect, its immense interior is comprised of malachite and other precious materials.   Rasputin And The Romanovs Adult Price: €49.00 This two-part tour pays tribute to Russia's noble and royal families and provides an explanation for the collapse of the monarchy. You'll see the opulent interior of Yusupov Palace, one of the grandest noble residences in the country, and learn about the plot to murder the mystic Rasputin. Then, visit the tombs of Tsar Nicholas II and his family at Peter and Paul's Cathedral.   Evening At The Ballet Adult Price: €81.00 There may be an opportunity to attend a ballet performance in the historic atmosphere of a Tsarist era theatre. Subject to availability of tickets and performance. Price will vary, depending on the venue and the Ballet Company.   Imperial Summer Residences. Pushkin And Petrodvorets Adult Price: €84.00 On this full-day tour, your Local Specialist will take you to the villages of Pushkin and Petrodvorets, where you will visit Catherine's Palace and Peterhof Gardens, respectively. Recently restored, Catherine's Palace is most famous for the fabled and wholly unique Amber Room. Located on the Baltic, Peterhof Gardens are modeled after those at Versailles. Following a guided tour, you'll have time to enjoy a stroll as you marvel at the gilded fountains.   Moscow Sergiyev Posad - The Real Russia Adult Price: €50.00 68 km from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad (known as Zagorsk in the Soviet era) is the centre of the Orthodox faith and Russia's most important pilgrimage site. You'll visit recently-renovated Troitse-Sergiieyeva Lavra, a working monastery, unique in the fact that it still operated during the atheist years of Communist rule. You'll also have time to browse the markets, where you might like to buy locally-crafted lacquer boxes or Matryoshka dolls.   Russian Panorama Experience Adult Price: €43.00 Learn more about Russia's military and contemporary history on this guided tour, led by your Local Specialist. We'll visit the Borodino Panorama, home to a large-scale, multi-sensory diorama. This moving work of art depicts the most decisive moment of the Battle of Borodino, which took place between Russia and Napoleon's Grand Army in 1812. We'll also walk through Novodevichy Memorial Park, the final resting place of Checkhov and Boris Yeltsin.   Treasures Of The Tsars Adult Price: €49.00 You'll have a opportunity to skip the queues and take a guided tour of the Treasure Chamber of the Russian Tsars - one of the most important museums in Russia due to its unique collection. You’ll see priceless Faberge eggs and Catherine the Great's diamonds and many gowns. You’ll also discover the Imperial carriages, which are studded with precious stones and gold; coronation thrones; and other one-of-a-kind items from the Romanov Dynasty.   Metro And Red Square By Night Adult Price: €30.00 Often cited as the most beautiful subway system in the world, Moscow's grandiose Metro stations are decorated with mosaics, stained glass and bronze statues. They're also one of the few remaining places featuring Communist iconography. We'll finish our guided visit with a walk through Red Square, where the evening illuminations should provide enviable photo opportunities.   Minsk Saint Elizabeth Convent Adult Price: €36.00 A rare opportunity to visit a working convent, where the sisters provide spiritual and social help to to rehabilitate members of the local community. You’ll take a guided tour to see the workshops where stained glass, mosaics and icons are created, and have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs and health products produced on the convent's own farm.   Vilnius Trakai Castle And Town Adult Price: €43.00 We’ll explore the old Lithuanian capital of Trakai with its beautiful lakeside castle, which has been painstakingly restored to reveal the former grandeur and history of the Grand Duchy. You’ll also see old wooden cottages built by the Karaites, a sect originating in Baghdad, and have time to shop for crafts in Trakai.   Vilnius Folklore Dinner Adult Price: €60.00 Savour a hearty Lithuanian dinner of local specialities with us in beautiful surroundings, as we are entertained by a Folklore show.   Riga Bergi Open Air Museum Visit and Lunch Adult Price: €49.00 One of the showpieces of Latvia's cultural heritage, the ethnographic open air museum is situated in a pine forest on the banks of the Jugla Lake. You’ll explore some of the 90 traditional buildings rebuilt here, including farmhouses, windmills and fishermen's houses, before a delicious traditional dinner.
Trip ID
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