Capitals of the North Summer 2018

Day 1: Arrive Copenhagen (2 Nights)

Write your own epic tale of enchanting capitals on this unforgettable journey through Northern Europe, which launches in charming Copenhagen. Spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up its hygge atmosphere along the colourful façades of Nyhavn before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive. Welcome Reception

Day 2: Copenhagen Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of the iconic sights of fairy-tale Copenhagen. See the beloved Little Mermaid, immortalised in Hans Christian Andersen's woeful tale, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, and the exquisite palaces of Royal Amalienborg Palace and Christiansborg. Spend your afternoon meandering through the city's quaint cobblestone streets or embrace your inner child in Europe's oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens. An afternoon at leisure could see you stroll down Strøget and soak up the trendy atmosphere, enjoy coffee and people-watch along the Langelinie promenade or consider an Optional Experience visiting the stunning Danish Riviera. Scandinavian Breakfast

Day 3: Copenhagen – Stockholm

We journey north-east across the Øresund to the lush forests and meadows of Småland. Travelling past Lake Vättern, we enjoy spectacular views of Brahehus Castle ruins en route to the sophisticated Swedish capital, Stockholm, where we will dine in a local restaurant. Scandinavian Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 4: Stockholm Sightseeing – At Sea

We meet our Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the formidable City Hall and view the Baroque-style Royal Palace at the heart of Stockholm's quaint Old Town. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your terms. Delve into the city's rich heritage, admire its elegant architecture and tranquil green spaces, or perhaps join an excursion to the Vasa Museum showcasing the 17th century warship reclaimed from the seabed, its resting place for hundreds of years. This evening we board an overnight ferry to cruise the waters of the Baltic en route to Finland. Scandinavian Breakfast

Day 5: At Sea – Helsinki

After an early arrival in the cool capital of Helsinki, our Local Specialist shares the city's iconic sights and its fascinating Swedish and Russian heritage. See the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate Square and the colourful stalls in Market Square - delicious aromas of freshly grilled salmon fill the air. Enjoy free time this evening to savour the fresh seafood flavours of Finland at a restaurant of your choice and perhaps indulge in an after-dinner coffee at the famous Café Kappeli on Esplanadi. Scandinavian Breakfast

Day 6: Helsinki – St. Petersburg (3 Nights)

We depart Finland to begin our exploration of Russia, travelling along the Gulf of Finland and through the forests of Karelia before reaching the romantic city of St. Petersburg, our home for the next three nights. Tread in the footsteps of tsars and tsarinas, marvelling at the city's picturesque cityscape, colourful buildings and elegant boulevards. Tonight we dine in our hotel. Scandinavian Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: St. Petersburg Sightseeing

Join a Local Specialist to delve into the opulent royal history and might of Imperial Russia as you explore the city's iconic sights including the Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of Peter the Great, whose inspired vision for this city saw it evolve into an elegant metropolis to rival even the most sophisticated of European capitals. We'll visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, with its steep Bell Tower spire, and visit The Hermitage Museum to see one of the world's largest and most valuable art collections, featuring some 3 million artefacts representing the development of world culture and art, from the stone age to the 20th century. Buffet Breakfast

Day 8: St. Petersburg

Spend the day free to amble through St. Petersburg's grand boulevards. Admire the ornate domes and colourful mosaics of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the gold-plated dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral with spectacular panoramic views of the city, or join an Optional Experience to visit the beautiful gardens and spectacular fountains of Peter the Great's summer residence at Petrodvorets. Buffet Breakfast

Day 9: St. Petersburg – Novgorod

A leisurely morning sees us soaking up the elegant atmosphere of St. Petersburg. Perhaps venture to Malaya Sadovaya street for a quiet coffee before leaving the enchanting palaces, parks and waterways behind and heading south to the ancient city of Novgorod across the vast Russian plains. View the Kremlin Fort and grounds, the Millennium Monument and St. Sophia Cathedral before joining Irina and her family for a traditional Be My Guest dining experience of pancakes and local Russian liqueurs. Buffet Breakfast, Be My Guest Dining

Day 10: Novgorod – Tver – Klin – Moscow (3 Nights)

A scenic drive past picturesque villages brings us to the Tver region for an included Regional Meal lunch, before we continue via Klin - former home of Tchaikovsky - to the Russian capital, Moscow, our home for the next three nights. Buffet Breakfast, Regional Meal

Day 11: Moscow Sightseeing

Savour the fascinating mix of imperial history and modern sophistication as you join your Local Specialist for an unforgettable sightseeing tour past Red Square and the fairy-tale spires of St. Basil's Cathedral. We'll venture inside the UNESCO-listed Kremlin, a walled-in complex of palaces, cathedrals and government offices - home to the president of the Russian Federation. Perhaps spend the rest of your day exploring the tumultuous and captivating history of an ancient city that oozes grandeur, viewing monuments to fallen heroes and victorious battles. Celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Russian nation which saw it send the first man to outer space, and admire the works of Russian and European masters. Buffet Breakfast

Day 12: Moscow

Enjoy a full day in the city to see the sights. Kickstart your morning soaking up the kofe culture of Moscow, take to its streets to learn about the nation's triumphs and tragedies or consider an Optional Experience to St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market in Sergiyev Posad, the centre of Russian art and architecture. This evening we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner to close the curtain on an epic journey through the capitals of Northern Europe. Buffet Breakfast, Farewell Dinner

Day 13: Depart Moscow

Say a fond farewell to Russia and newfound friends after your memorable holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply. Buffet Breakfast