Treasures Of Russia With Baltic Charm

Fly into Vilnius, Lithuania’s enchanting capital, and be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a Welcome Reception.

Stay: Two Nights, Vilnius, Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva

This morning, embark on a guided tour of Vilnius. Then, venture to Trakai Island Castle, a magnificent stone castle built in the 14th century. Tonight, enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.

Travel to Šiauliai where you’ll visit the awe-inspiring Hill of Crosses. Later, farewell Lithuania, crossing the border into Latvia and continuing on to its capital, Rīga. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Stay: Two Nights, Rīga, Radisson Blu Latvija Hotel

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
Head to Black Magic Bar to enjoy a tasting of Black Balsam, a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur.

Today, join a local guide for a tour of historic Rīga, taking in the Germanic art nouveau architecture of the Old Town. The afternoon is at your leisure.

INSIDER EXPREIENCE
In Līgatne, a town on the Gauja River, visit the Secret Soviet Bunker, a Cold War bomb shelter.

Enjoy your Insider Experience today in Līgatne. Then cross the border into Estonia. Continue to Cēsis and enjoy time to explore before arriving in Tallinn.

Stay: Two Nights, Tallinn, Radisson Blu Olympia

Today, set out on a guided tour of Tallinn. Visit the Kadriorg district, a throwback to the time when Estonia was ruled by the Russian Tsars. You’ll also pass by the Song Festival Grounds, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Town Hall Square.

Farewell Estonia as you embark on a ferry crossing over the Gulf of Finland into Helsinki. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.

Stay: Three Nights, Helsinki, Scandic Grand Marina

Join your local guide for a tour of Helsinki, including its spectacular harbour. Then, during free time, perhaps explore the Temppeliaukio Church, a magnificent structure with an interior constructed out of solid rock.

Today, enjoy a day at leisure in Helsinki. Or perhaps set off on an optional trip to the medieval town of Porvoo (own expense).

After breakfast, board the high-speed Allegro train bound for Russia. Arrive in St Petersburg and transfer to your river ship.

Stay: 10 Nights, aboard your river ship, the MS Rossia.

This morning enjoy a tour of St Petersburg to see Nevsky Prospect, the University quarter, Palace Square and tour the Bath Block. This afternoon, perhaps take a guided tour of Peterhof Palace (own expense).

Founded by Tsar Peter the Great, St Petersburg boasts a network of canals as well as baroque and neoclassical buildings, which give the city a distinctive European flavour. Be prepared to be dazzled today as you visit the State Hermitage to explore one of the oldest and most impressive museums in the world.

Insider Experience
Take part in a Russian lesson on board, where you’ll learn some essential phrases of this wonderful language.

Today, cruise down the Neva River, enjoying your Insider Experience and some time to unwind. Arrive in Mandrogi, a tiny island village that is a living museum. Wander through the quirky collection of old wooden houses and see the famous Vodka Museum. Enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch and be sure to meander through the curious artisan shops filled with beautiful handmade gifts. Afterwards, re-board your ship and set sail along the peaceful Svir River.

INSIDER EXPERIENCE
On Kizhi Island, set out on a guided walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a renowned World Heritage-listed site. Marvel at the island’s impressive collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches. The island is dominated by the three-tiered Transfiguration Church, a 22-dome structure built in 1714 without a single nail.

Absorb the picturesque Russian countryside as you cruise towards Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Then, watch in awe as you approach the spellbinding sight of Kizhi Island.

Today, cruise across the ethereal White Lake and along the Volga-Baltic Waterway, which connects the Baltic and Caspian seas. Arrive in Goritsy, and enjoy a tour of one of the largest medieval abbeys in Russia, the Monastery of St Cyril. Today the monastery remains an important part of Russia’s spiritual history, and features an intriguing collection of ancient artefacts.

Today, discover the pearl of the Golden Ring cities, Yaroslavl. Founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, this is one of Russia’s oldest cities and dates back to the age of the Vikings. Explore the World Heritage-listed historic centre, adorned with classical architecture and golden-domed churches, and visit a 12th-century monastery.

Watch idyllic rural life unfold along the banks as your ship cruises to Uglich. Here, disembark for a tour that allows you to embrace olden-day Russia. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the colourful Church of St Demetrios on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Demetrios was mysteriously killed in 1591. This afternoon, set sail along the Volga River towards Moscow.

Cruise into Moscow, Russia’s capital. On arrival, explore some of the city’s landmarks and uncover 860 years of history on a tour with a local guide. See the Kremlin, a fortified complex that was once the royal residence of the Tsars. Here, visit the Armoury Museum, which boasts a staggering collection of Tsarist artefacts, priceless jewellery and impressive armour.

Today in Moscow, enjoy a tour of Russia’s most iconic monuments and legendary palaces as you head to Red Square, where you’ll admire the ornate beauty of the onion-domed St Basil’s Cathedral. Take in the famous GUM Department Store, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka Square and see the city’s intriguing past play out through its striking imperial and Soviet architecture. Enjoy free time to explore Moscow this afternoon. Back on board this evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner and share a toast to new friends with a glass of Russian vodka.

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.