Overview:
Inspired by the BBC programme 'The Hairy Bikers Northern Exposure' you will be treated to the best of the Baltics alongside an in-debth tour of Poland's and Russia's rich culture and history, and last but not least try the many flavours of the Eastern European cuisine.
This exclusive escorted Eastern European tour includes highlights of 6 countries which are enticing and rich in beauty and culture in just 21 days – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Russia! The tour starts in Krakow, where you will explore the magnificent Old Town. In Poland you will also stay in Warsaw and visit Czestochowa, the spiritual heart of Poland, before continuing to the grand Baltic capitals – Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. Following that you will go by ferry across the Gulf of Finland to the trendy and Finnish capital – Helsinki and continue in the footsteps of the czars to the Russian capitals - St. Petersburg and Moscow full of active tourism, fascinating history and beauty.
Departure Dates: no departures
Tour Itinerary:
Krakow – Warsaw – Bialystok – Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn – Helsinki – St. Petersburg – Moscow
Day 1 (Tuesday): Arrive in Krakow
Upon arrival in Krakow you will be transferred to the Hotel Q Plus Krakow Centrum**** and have a welcome meeting with the tour group.
Day 2 (Wednesday): Krakow
For many years Krakow was the royal capital of Poland, with many traditions and cultural nuances that will be explored in the morning's sightseeing tour which will cover the Old Town, including St. Mary's Church, the Jagiellonian University, the Cloth Halls, and the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Later in the afternoon there is the opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine with tunnels up to 327 meters underground. To finish the evening, there is an optional Polish dinner available at Restaurant Hawelka.
Day 3 (Thursday): Krakow to Warsaw
After leaving Krakow you will visit Czestochowa, known as the spiritual epicentre of Poland, home to the Jasna Gora Monastery and the Black Madonna. Upon arrival in Warsaw you will check in to the Hotel Radisson Blu Sobieski****.
After leaving Krakow you will visit Czestochowa, known as the spiritual epicentre of Poland, home to the Jasna Gora Monastery and the Black Madonna. Upon arrival in Warsaw you will check in to the Hotel Mercure Centrum Warsaw****.
Day 4 (Friday): Warsaw
The sightseeing tour in this post-war city will journey through the Old Town and the Royal Route, visiting the Royal Castle, St. John's Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican. Later in the day you will have the option to take a trip to the magnificent Royal Lazienki Park and the Palace on the Water, before retreating to a traditional dinner experience at the Restaurant Dawne Smaki.
Day 5 (Saturday): Warsaw to Bialystok
Today we continue through the well forested Eastern Poland to Podlasie region and Bialowieza. The forest there represents the ancient forest that once covered all Europe. We will visit Bialowieza National Park and its famous European Bison Show Reserve. After light stroll along nature trails of the forest, we continue to Biaylistok where we check in at Hotel Ibis Styles Bialystok*** or similar. In the late afternoon we visit Bialystok and its landmark Branicki Palace.
Day 6 (Sunday): Bialystok to Vilnius
We depart from Bialystok heading to Vilnius through attractive resort towns into Lithuania. We do a stop in Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, to admire the beautiful Old Town and the elegant white Baroque Town Hall before we arrive in the late afternoon to Vilnius. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva **** or similar.
Day 7 (Monday): Vilnius
Vilnius is a city steeped in history and architectural relics, and the morning sightseeing tour of the city and Old Town will cover a multitude of these including: Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, Old University, the Gates of Dawn and St. Anne's Church. After lunch the tour offers the option to travel to the island of Trakai in Lake Galve, the medieval capital of Lithuania, to see the beautiful Trakai Castle. After some recuperation, you may attend a classic folklore dinner at the Restaurant Belmontas if desired.
Day 8 (Tuesday): Vilnius to Riga
En route to Riga, the tour will stop at the holy site of the Hill of Crosses before crossing the border into Latvia for a guided tour of the phenomenal Rundale Palace where the Duke of Courland used to spend his summers. After the picturesque drive through Southern Latvia, you will check in at Hotel Wellton Riverside**** in the late afternoon.
Day 9 (Wednesday): Riga
Riga, founded in 1201, is the largest capital in the Baltic States and offers a myriad of architectural interest among the historical sights. During a walking tour of the Old Town you will see Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. After a revitalising local lunch, there is an optional trip to Jurmala, the beachside town with stunning wooden architecture and a dynamic atmosphere, before an organ concert in the beautiful Dome Cathedral.
Day 10 (Thursday): Riga
In the morning there is an optional tour to Gauja National Park and Sigulda town, which embodies the medieval history of Latvia. The tour will detail the national legend of the Rose of Turaida, as well as offering a guided tour of the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and the Castle of the Knights of the Sword. Back in Riga, there is the possibility to visit the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a vast exposition of life in 18th Century Latvia, and later in the evening an optional traditional dinner at the Restaurant Forest.
Day 11 (Friday): Riga to Tallinn
After driving along the scenic coast you will arrive in the Estonian town of Parnu and spend the remainder of the day exploring the forests en route to Tallinn, before checking into the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia****.
Day 12 (Saturday): Tallinn
The vibrant nature of Tallinn combines the medieval history with its more modern and urban side. The sightseeing tour will allow you to explore the Old Town and its shops, markets, food scene and art galleries as well as Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the medieval Old Town Hall and the Great Guild Hall. After an active morning, there is an optional trip available to Kadriorg Park and the classical and contemporary art museum, KUMU. The final night offers a medieval dinner experience at Restaurant Maikrahv to bring the trip to an authentic and delicious close.
Day 13 (Sunday): Tallinn to Helsinki
Today you will travel to Helsinki via hydrofoil through the delightful Finnish Archipelago. Upon arrival you will check in to the Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** and have time to explore the city in the afternoon.
Day 14 (Monday): Helsinki
Helsinki epitomises a merging of Western and Eastern European culture. The sightseeing tour encompasses the harbours, Senate Square and the Lutheran Cathedral, central Mannerheim Streets, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Monument and the Church-in-the-Rock. Later in the afternoon it is possible to take a trip to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress which is located in the Finnish Archipelago.
Day 15 (Tuesday): Helsinki to St. Petersburg
Today will mainly be dedicated to the journey from Helsinki across the Russian border, with a short stop in Vyborg with time for sightseeing at the castle before arriving in St. Petersburg and checking in at Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky****.
Day 16 (Wednesday): St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is an infamously beautiful and historical city, with palaces, museums and natural sights such as the Neva River and canals, often being compared to the city of Venice. On the first morning in this city there will be a vast sightseeing tour to include the main attractions: the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Bleeding Savior, the Nevsky Convent, and more. There is also an optional excursion to Tsarskoye Selo which includes Catherine's Palace and the restored Amber Room. In the evening after a full day of cultural immersion, there is the possibility to visit the Nikolaevsky Palace to enjoy a traditional Russian folklore show and local champagne and food.
Day 17 (Thursday): St. Petersburg
The final full day in St. Petersburg is the perfect opportunity to visit Peterhof where the Grand Palace, Grand Cascade, Water Avenue and the stunning parks are located. There is also an optional excursion to the incredible Hermitage Art Museum before enjoying dinner at the Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti.
Day 18 (Friday): St. Petersburg to Moscow
Before heading to Moscow via the Sapsan high-speed train, there is an optional early channel cruise in St. Petersburg; a great send off to this magical city. Once on the train you will be treated to the vast Russian landscapes around the River Volga. Upon arrival in Moscow in the evening you will check in to the Hotel Azimut Smolenskaya****.
Before heading to Moscow via the Sapsan high-speed train, there is an optional early channel cruise in St. Petersburg; a great send off to this magical city. Once on the train you will be treated to the vast Russian landscapes around the River Volga. Upon arrival in Moscow in the evening you will check in to the Hotel Park Inn Sadu****.
Day 19 (Saturday): Moscow
The Russian Capital is home to the Kremlin, as well as many exquisite domed cathedrals, and the sightseeing tour will include highlights of this dynamic city such as the Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, Theatre Square with the Bolshoi Theatre, Sparrow Hills with Moscow University, and the Kremlin grounds. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit the Moscow Metro and learn about its historical stations on the Ring-Line, in addition to a guided promenade through the pedestrian-only Arbat Street. To end the evening you can embark on a river cruise upon the White Flotilla to see these magical sights by night.
Day 20 (Sunday): Moscow
On the final full day there is the option to take an excursion to the small town of Sergiev Posad to visit Russia's most important monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, which is considered the spiritual heart of the Russian Orthodox Church. To conclude this dynamic tour you will have the opportunity to experience the Old Russian Circus.
Day 21 (Monday): Departure from Moscow
You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Package Includes:
- Direct flights from London to Krakow and return from Moscow (we can arrange flights from other airports upon request)
- 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 23 kg)
- Airport transfers in Krakow and Moscow
- 20 overnights at centrally located 4 star hotels
- 20 x buffet breakfast
- Welcome meeting with champagne-cocktail or juice
- Personalized welcome package
- Entrances to Wawel Castle in Krakow, Jasna Gora Monastery in Czestochowa, St. John’s Cathedral in Warsaw and Old University in Vilnius, Rundale Palace, medieval Great Guild Hall in Tallinn, Church-in-the Rock in Helsinki, Peter-Paul-Fortress in St. Petersburg and Moscow Kremlin
- Service of English speaking tour escort on all tours
- Service of 1st class motor coaches or 1st class minivans throughout the itinerary
- Ferry Tallinn - Helsinki
- Sapsan high-speed train St. Petersburg - Moscow
- Portage at hotels and railway stations
- Service and VAT
- QUIETVOX audio communication system in use throughout the Finnish and Russian part of the tour
- 24 hour emergency service
- ATOL protection
Optional Tours & Meals:
- 4-hours excursion to Wieliczka Salt Mine - £ 60 pp
- Polish dinner at Resturant Hawelka - £ 40 pp
- 3-hour excursion to Royal Lazienki Park with the Palace on the Water - £ 40 pp
- Polish dinner at Restaurant Dawne Smaki - £ 40 pp
- 3-hour excursion to Trakai and visit to Trakai Castle - £ 40 pp
- Folklore dinner at Restaurant Belmontas in Vilnius - £ 40 pp
- 4-hour excursion to Gauja National Park - £ 50 pp
- 3-hour excursion to the Open Air Museum - £ 40 pp
- Organ concert at the Dome Cathedral - £ 35 pp
- 4-hour excursion to Jurmala - £ 40 pp
- Latvian dinner at Restaurant Forest in Riga - £ 40 pp
- 3-hour excursion to Kadriorg Park and visit to KUMU - £ 40 pp
- Medieval dinner at Restaurant Maikrahv in Tallinn - £ 40 pp
- 3-hour excursion with water bus to the Suomenlinna Fortress - £ 60 pp
- 4-hour excursion to Tsarskoye Selo and visit to Catherine’s Palace - £ 71 pp
- Visit to folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace - £ 50 pp
- 4-hour excursion to Peterhof and visit to the Grand Palace - £ 76 pp
- 3-hour visit to the Hermitage Art Museum - £ 50 pp
- Russian dinner at Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti - £ 50 pp
- 3-hour guided channel cruise - £ 65 pp
- 3-hour Moscow Metro and Arbat tour - £ 25 pp
- 3-hour Moscow by night excursion and river cruise - £ 50 pp
- 8-hour excursion to Sergiev Posad - £ 81 pp
- Visit to Old Russian Circus - £ 70 pp
Enquire now »
Itinerary
Krakow – Warsaw – Bialystok – Vilnius – Riga – Tallinn – Helsinki – St. Petersburg – Moscow
Day 1 (Tuesday): Arrive in Krakow
Upon arrival in Krakow you will be transferred to the Hotel Q Plus Krakow Centrum**** and have a welcome meeting with the tour group.
Day 2 (Wednesday): Krakow
For many years Krakow was the royal capital of Poland, with many traditions and cultural nuances that will be explored in the morning's sightseeing tour which will cover the Old Town, including St. Mary's Church, the Jagiellonian University, the Cloth Halls, and the Wawel Castle and Cathedral. Later in the afternoon there is the opportunity to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine with tunnels up to 327 meters underground. To finish the evening, there is an optional Polish dinner available at Restaurant Hawelka.
Day 3 (Thursday): Krakow to Warsaw
After leaving Krakow you will visit Czestochowa, known as the spiritual epicentre of Poland, home to the Jasna Gora Monastery and the Black Madonna. Upon arrival in Warsaw you will check in to the Hotel Radisson Blu Sobieski****.
After leaving Krakow you will visit Czestochowa, known as the spiritual epicentre of Poland, home to the Jasna Gora Monastery and the Black Madonna. Upon arrival in Warsaw you will check in to the Hotel Mercure Centrum Warsaw****.
Day 4 (Friday): Warsaw
The sightseeing tour in this post-war city will journey through the Old Town and the Royal Route, visiting the Royal Castle, St. John's Cathedral, the Old Town Market Square and the Barbican. Later in the day you will have the option to take a trip to the magnificent Royal Lazienki Park and the Palace on the Water, before retreating to a traditional dinner experience at the Restaurant Dawne Smaki.
Day 5 (Saturday): Warsaw to Bialystok
Today we continue through the well forested Eastern Poland to Podlasie region and Bialowieza. The forest there represents the ancient forest that once covered all Europe. We will visit Bialowieza National Park and its famous European Bison Show Reserve. After light stroll along nature trails of the forest, we continue to Biaylistok where we check in at Hotel Ibis Styles Bialystok*** or similar. In the late afternoon we visit Bialystok and its landmark Branicki Palace.
Day 6 (Sunday): Bialystok to Vilnius
We depart from Bialystok heading to Vilnius through attractive resort towns into Lithuania. We do a stop in Kaunas, the former capital of Lithuania, to admire the beautiful Old Town and the elegant white Baroque Town Hall before we arrive in the late afternoon to Vilnius. Check in at Hotel Radisson Blu Lietuva **** or similar.
Day 7 (Monday): Vilnius
Vilnius is a city steeped in history and architectural relics, and the morning sightseeing tour of the city and Old Town will cover a multitude of these including: Vilnius Cathedral, Gediminas Tower, Peter and Paul Church, Old University, the Gates of Dawn and St. Anne's Church. After lunch the tour offers the option to travel to the island of Trakai in Lake Galve, the medieval capital of Lithuania, to see the beautiful Trakai Castle. After some recuperation, you may attend a classic folklore dinner at the Restaurant Belmontas if desired.
Day 8 (Tuesday): Vilnius to Riga
En route to Riga, the tour will stop at the holy site of the Hill of Crosses before crossing the border into Latvia for a guided tour of the phenomenal Rundale Palace where the Duke of Courland used to spend his summers. After the picturesque drive through Southern Latvia, you will check in at Hotel Wellton Riverside**** in the late afternoon.
Day 9 (Wednesday): Riga
Riga, founded in 1201, is the largest capital in the Baltic States and offers a myriad of architectural interest among the historical sights. During a walking tour of the Old Town you will see Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter's Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. After a revitalising local lunch, there is an optional trip to Jurmala, the beachside town with stunning wooden architecture and a dynamic atmosphere, before an organ concert in the beautiful Dome Cathedral.
Day 10 (Thursday): Riga
In the morning there is an optional tour to Gauja National Park and Sigulda town, which embodies the medieval history of Latvia. The tour will detail the national legend of the Rose of Turaida, as well as offering a guided tour of the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and the Castle of the Knights of the Sword. Back in Riga, there is the possibility to visit the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a vast exposition of life in 18th Century Latvia, and later in the evening an optional traditional dinner at the Restaurant Forest.
Day 11 (Friday): Riga to Tallinn
After driving along the scenic coast you will arrive in the Estonian town of Parnu and spend the remainder of the day exploring the forests en route to Tallinn, before checking into the Hotel Radisson Blu Olympia****.
Day 12 (Saturday): Tallinn
The vibrant nature of Tallinn combines the medieval history with its more modern and urban side. The sightseeing tour will allow you to explore the Old Town and its shops, markets, food scene and art galleries as well as Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the medieval Old Town Hall and the Great Guild Hall. After an active morning, there is an optional trip available to Kadriorg Park and the classical and contemporary art museum, KUMU. The final night offers a medieval dinner experience at Restaurant Maikrahv to bring the trip to an authentic and delicious close.
Day 13 (Sunday): Tallinn to Helsinki
Today you will travel to Helsinki via hydrofoil through the delightful Finnish Archipelago. Upon arrival you will check in to the Hotel Radisson Blu Seaside**** and have time to explore the city in the afternoon.
Day 14 (Monday): Helsinki
Helsinki epitomises a merging of Western and Eastern European culture. The sightseeing tour encompasses the harbours, Senate Square and the Lutheran Cathedral, central Mannerheim Streets, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Monument and the Church-in-the-Rock. Later in the afternoon it is possible to take a trip to the 18th century Suomenlinna Fortress which is located in the Finnish Archipelago.
Day 15 (Tuesday): Helsinki to St. Petersburg
Today will mainly be dedicated to the journey from Helsinki across the Russian border, with a short stop in Vyborg with time for sightseeing at the castle before arriving in St. Petersburg and checking in at Hotel Sokos Vasilievsky****.
Day 16 (Wednesday): St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is an infamously beautiful and historical city, with palaces, museums and natural sights such as the Neva River and canals, often being compared to the city of Venice. On the first morning in this city there will be a vast sightseeing tour to include the main attractions: the Peter-Paul Fortress, the Winter Palace, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Church of the Bleeding Savior, the Nevsky Convent, and more. There is also an optional excursion to Tsarskoye Selo which includes Catherine's Palace and the restored Amber Room. In the evening after a full day of cultural immersion, there is the possibility to visit the Nikolaevsky Palace to enjoy a traditional Russian folklore show and local champagne and food.
Day 17 (Thursday): St. Petersburg
The final full day in St. Petersburg is the perfect opportunity to visit Peterhof where the Grand Palace, Grand Cascade, Water Avenue and the stunning parks are located. There is also an optional excursion to the incredible Hermitage Art Museum before enjoying dinner at the Restaurant Pryanosti & Radosti.
Day 18 (Friday): St. Petersburg to Moscow
Before heading to Moscow via the Sapsan high-speed train, there is an optional early channel cruise in St. Petersburg; a great send off to this magical city. Once on the train you will be treated to the vast Russian landscapes around the River Volga. Upon arrival in Moscow in the evening you will check in to the Hotel Azimut Smolenskaya****.
Before heading to Moscow via the Sapsan high-speed train, there is an optional early channel cruise in St. Petersburg; a great send off to this magical city. Once on the train you will be treated to the vast Russian landscapes around the River Volga. Upon arrival in Moscow in the evening you will check in to the Hotel Park Inn Sadu****.
Day 19 (Saturday): Moscow
The Russian Capital is home to the Kremlin, as well as many exquisite domed cathedrals, and the sightseeing tour will include highlights of this dynamic city such as the Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral, Theatre Square with the Bolshoi Theatre, Sparrow Hills with Moscow University, and the Kremlin grounds. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to visit the Moscow Metro and learn about its historical stations on the Ring-Line, in addition to a guided promenade through the pedestrian-only Arbat Street. To end the evening you can embark on a river cruise upon the White Flotilla to see these magical sights by night.
Day 20 (Sunday): Moscow
On the final full day there is the option to take an excursion to the small town of Sergiev Posad to visit Russia's most important monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, which is considered the spiritual heart of the Russian Orthodox Church. To conclude this dynamic tour you will have the opportunity to experience the Old Russian Circus.
Day 21 (Monday): Departure from Moscow
You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight.
Car Rental
You can rent a car, as long as you have a valid EU or international driver's license. Most cars will have manual transmission.
Money in Russia
When you go to Russia we recommend having some Russian Rubles in cash with you (enough for initial expenses) and for the rest – use your credit/debit card. A lot of shops, restaurants, night clubs and larger bars accept major credit/debit cards in the big cities, however if you plan to go to smaller towns or shop at the local markets or small souvenir shops you are expected to pay cash in Rubles. Only few specialist souvenir shops will accept cash in Euros, US Dollars and British Pounds. You will find many ATMs (in Russian – “bankomat”) in Moscow, St Petersburg and other major Russian cities. They can be found next to banks, in metro stations and in the lobbies of most hotels. US dollars or Euros can be exchanged everywhere in Russia, but if you have any other currency it might be hard to find an exchange bureau and the rate will most likely not be favorable. There are many bureaux de change and some are open 24 hours a day. It is worth shopping around to find the best rates especially if you plan to change large sums from US Dollars or Euro, other currencies are normally only changeable at central exchange offices or big banks. We recommend exchanging British Pounds in local banks. Banks in Russia are normally open from 09:00 until 17:00 except weekends and bank holidays. We suggest notifying your bank of your travel to Russia or they might block your card automatically after your first use of the card in Russia.