Denmark’s capital is the starting point on this exploration of the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. Begin with time in Copenhagen before a ferry crossing takes you to Rostock, Germany, to board your motorcoach. Travel to fascinating Berlin, Germany’s once-again capital; to Poland, with overnights in Poznan and Warsaw; and to Vilnius, Lithuania, where guided sightseeing reveals how this city was influenced by the many invaders who left their marks. Visit the baroque Palace of Rundale on the way to Riga, Latvia’s capital and one of the most beautiful cities in the Baltics. Guided sightseeing shows off the highlights, then cross Gauja National Park and enter Estonia, with a stop in the seaside town of Parnu. Spend two nights in Tallinn and explore its Old Town, then on to Russia for guided sightseeing in Peter the Great’s splendid St. Petersburg. Traveling on the stretch of land between Lake Ladoga and the Baltic Sea, cross back from East to West and arrive in Helsinki, Finland’s capital. See Senate Square and the cathedral, then embark on an overnight ferry to Stockholm, Sweden, to see the main highlights on a guided tour—the perfect end to a perfect vacation.
Itinerary:
Day #1 Copenhagen, Denmark. Check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Danish capital. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers. (D)
Day #2 Copenhagen–Ferry Crossing–Berlin, Germany. A morning to enjoy the famed charmes from the past and present, including the Little Mermaid, and the rococo Amalienborg complex of Royal Palaces. In the afternoon, head for Gedser for the two-hour ferry crossing to Rostock. Then, onward by road to Berlin for an overnight. (B)
Day #3 Berlin–Poznan, Poland. The optional morning sightseeing is a must for all who wish to experience the fascinating mix of history-laden past and the confident present. In the afternoon, cross the River Oder into Poland for an overnight in Poznan. (B,D)
Day #4 Poznan–Warsaw. Touring eastwards this morning through pleasant agricultural lowlands, reach the Polish capital, Warsaw, in time for the optional sightseeing with a Local Guide. This is an excellent introduction to Warsaw’s historic center, and you'll see why Warsaw is considered to be a Phoenix "par excellence," as European cities go. (B)
Day #5 Warsaw–Vilnius, Lithuania. Journey northeast by way of Bialystok towards Augustów and Suwalki. We then reach the biggest of the three Baltic states, Lithuania. Overnight in quaint Vilnius—the wedding-cake pretty capital since the 13th century and UNESCO World Heritage Site. (B,D)
Day #6 Vilnius. On the included sightseeing walk, visit the historic streets of the Old Town. Later in the afternoon, enjoy some leisure time or take the optional excursion to visit the medieval Trakai Castle on the shores of a picturesque lake. This evening there’s an optional folklore dinner. (B)
Day #7 Vilnius–Rundales Pils, Latvia–Riga. An interesting journey today as you travel right across Lithuania into Latvia for a stop in Pilsrundale to visit the restored baroque Palace of Rundale, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. The palace was built by the great architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg. More lovely countryside before reaching the capital of Latvia, Riga. (B,L,D)
Day #8 Riga. On the included tour of the Old City with a Local Guide, walk through the narrow streets to the town center. Founded in 1201 by Bishop Albert, head of the Order of Teutonic Knights, Riga still bosts a multicultural population. (B)
Day #9 Riga–Parnu, Estonia–Tallinn. A very interesting itinerary today since it will start with a drive through Gauja National Park, known as “Livonian Switzerland.” After an included lunch in the lively, historic seaside town of Parnu, take a stroll to the sandy beach, before continuing to Tallin for the next two overnights. (B,L)
Day #10 Tallinn. Start the day with an included walking tour to appreciate Tallinn’s history and beauty. The Old Town, now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is certainly the most interesting part of the city. Also worth noting are the Hanseatic merchant houses, the mile-long town wall, the medieval Town Hall, and the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads. (B,D)
Day #11 Tallinn–St. Petersburg, Russia. Drive east today towards the border town of Narva and cross into Russia. Then, start the journey to St. Petersburg, considered by most travelers to be Russia’s most fascinating city. (B,L,D)
Day #12 St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg was created in 1703 by the iron will of Peter the Great. He made it the capital of all the Russias and ensured that it should rival any other European capital in splendor, beauty, and distinction. The included city sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you to the palaces, parks, monuments, squares, wide boulevards, and 600 bridges that delight visitors with their symmetrical beauty; the River Neva adds to the city’s charm. (B)
Day #13 St. Petersburg–Vyborg–Helsinki, Finland. Realize the huge expanse of Russia as you take a last glimpse of St. Petersburg. Set off north, traveling through dense pine forests dotted with numerous lakes. Cross into Finland and head for Helsinki. (B)
Day #14 Helsinki–Overnight Baltic Sea Crossing to Stockholm, Sweden. The included tour of the Finnish capital covers the sedate Empire-style palace on Senate Square and the cathedral. The afternoon is free for your own exploration. In the evening, embark on the Silja Line ferry to Stockholm. On board you can enjoy music, dancing, and shopping. (B)
Day #15 Stockholm. Dock in Stockholm, perhaps the most beautiful of the Scandinavian capitals. The effect of its crystalline waters flowing through the city’s intersecting canals gives a luminous appearance to palaces, castles, and parks. The best way to see and appreciate the highlights of Sweden’s capital is to join the included sightseeing tour with a Local Guide. (B,D)
Day #16 Stockholm. Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
Hotels:
COPENHAGEN Quality Dan (F) at Kastrup
BERLIN Queens (F)
POZNAN Novotel (F)
WARSAW MDM (ST)
VILNIUS Grata (ST)
RIGA Albert (F)
TALLINN Kreutzwald (F)
ST. PETERSBURG Park Inn Pulkowskaja (F)
HELSINKI Scandic Marina (F)
STOCKHOLM Quality Nacka (F) or Best Western Sthml (F) at Bromma