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Finland, Russia & Baltics
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We start this wonderful journey in the beautiful capital of Finland, Helsinki before journeying to the beautiful proud city of St Petersburg. We will drive through the Karelian forests with its traditional Russian villages and cross the plains of White Russia before continuing to Belarus and then to the three independent Baltic Republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania on this epic tour.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Moscow - Minsk - Riga - Tallinn
PRICES (Based on 2 people sharing)
3-24 May €2,589
31 May - 12 Jul €2,639
17 Jul - 11 Oct €2,589
*Single supplement €819
DEPARTURE DATES: Every Saturday from 03 May - 11 October 2008.
WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES:
• Scheduled flights from Dublin to Helsinki. (The tour price is based on a specific airfare. A surcharge may apply if this fare is unavailable).
• Airport ‘Meet and Greet’ in Helsinki and transfer to your hotel.
• 14 nights accommodation in 4* hotels. In remote areas, National Parks and small towns, this standard may not exist and accommodation may be more simple and rustic.
• Breakfast daily and eight dinners.
• A professional tour guide will accompany you throughout.
• Travel by luxury air-conditioned coach.
• Sightseeing as described. Connections may be available from other Irish airports. Please call for details.
NOT INCLUDED:
* Taxes
* Insurance (from €30 per person)
* meals other than those listed, gratuities to driver and guide.
VISAS: A Visitor’s Visa is required to visit Russia.
HELSINKI EXTENSION: Extend your stay in Helsinki for a few days from €89. Single supplement from €49.
ESCORTED FACILITIES
On all dates you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Your escort will meet you at the hotel and accompany you throughout the tour. There will be local city guides in Helsinki, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn. These tours are not exclusively for our passengers. Commentary on all tours is in English only.
TOUR HOTELS
Helsinki - Scandic Grand Maria
St. Petersburg - Pribaltiskaya
Novgorod - Beresta Palace
Moscow - Holiday Inn Sokilniki
Minsk - Planeta Hotel
Vilnius - Reval Lietuva
Riga - Rebal Latfija
Talinn - Reval Park
Helsinki - Scandic Marina
*Hotels subject to change. Final confirmation 2 weeks prior to departure.
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Holiday Details
| Duration |
15 days |
From |
03-05-2008 to 11-10-2008 |
Accomodation
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First class hotels |
Depart
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Dublin
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Bedroom
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Twin |
Prices From
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€ 2,589 Per person (2 sharing)
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| Includes |
Please ring Owen for more details: 01-2412326 |
Itinerary
Day 1 FLIGHT TO HELSINKI
On arrival at Helsinki Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your Tour Escort for a welcome drink.
Day 2 HELSINKI – ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, it's an early departure for the journey into Russia, passing the timber centre of Kotka. Then the forests of Karelia lead to the former city of Tsars, St. Petersburg. This evening will enjoy complimentary champagne with dinner, after an optional visit to a theatre for a Russian folklore show.
Day 3 ST. PETERSBURG
After breakfast this mornings sightseeing includes the Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Russian Museum, the statue of Peter the Great and a visit of the Peter and Paul fortress.
Day 4 ST. PETERSBURG
Our stay in St. Petersburg also includes a visit to the Hermitage Museum to visit one of the world’s largest and most valuable Art collections.
Day 5 ST. PETERSBURG – NOVGOROD
This morning drive across the vast Russian plains to ancient Novgorod. On arrival tour the 'Kremlin' and other highlights. Dinner and overnight in Novgorod.
Day 6 NOVGOROD – TVER – MOSCOW
After breakfast, delight in a full day’s scenic drive through picturesque villages to Tver and enjoy lunch on arrival. Continue on to Klin, once home of Tchaikovsky, before arriving in Moscow. Tonight, perhaps enjoy an optional tour of the Moscow Metro.
Day 7 MOSCOW
This morning’s sightseeing tour features such highlights as St. Basil’s domed Cathedral, Red Square and a visit to the Kremlin. After dinner, there may be a chance for a thrilling night out at the famous Moscow State Circus!
Day 8 MOSCOW
Day at leisure in Moscow. Perhaps take an optional excurstion to visit the Tsar’s Treasure Chamber or maybe visit St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market.
Day 9 MOSCOW – SMOLENSK – MINSK
Today follow in the steps of Napoleon’s retreating army in 1812, passing Borodino and stopping at Smolensk for lunch. Then off to the border between Russia and the Independent State of Belarus enroute to Minsk. Upon arrival enjoy a city sightseeing tour including the Hero’s Hill Memorial as well as other highlights of this city.
Day 10 MINSK – VILNIUS
This morning, via Osm’any, head toward the border with Lithuania, then on to the capital, Vilnius. On arrival, a guided sightseeing tour shows us the city highlights including the ruins of the medieval castle, the centre at Gediminas Square and Tower, the church of St. Peter and Paul, the church of St. Anna and a walk through the old town. Visit the courtyards of the Jesuit University and see the ‘Gates of Dawn’, view the site of the Synagogue destroyed by Hitler in the last war.
Day 11 VILNIUS – SIAULIAI – RIGA
After breakfast, depart from Vilnius with the first stop being a visit to Siauliai and the 'Hill of Crosses' – symbol of resistance against Soviet occupation. Later, arrive at the Latvian border and onto ancient Riga, Latvia's capital – made famous by the stories of Baron von Munchausen.
Day 12 RIGA
Today, tour Riga in the shadow of the 14th century castle of the Livonian Knights. Visit St. John's Church and the Dom Cathedral dating back to the 13th century before strolling past the Tris Braili to admire the medieval architecture and see the State Art Museum. Later, there's free time for further exploration of the city.
Day 13 RIGA – TALLINN
Today's drive travels along the Gulf of Riga and into Estonia. Travel via Parnu, a popular vacation resort of sandy beaches, before heading to the Estonian capital - Tallinn for the night.
Day 14 TALLINN – HELSINKI
This morning, depart on a city sightseeing tour in this pretty town. Explore the beautifully preserved streets of the old Hanseatic Quarter with its ancient battlements and the 15th century Luhike Jalq Gate. Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the old Town Hall, before boarding the ship for the crossing to Helsinki in Finland. On arrival, a city tour highlights Finlandia Hall, the Senate and Market Square, broad boulevards and domed Russian church.
Day 15 FLIGHT HOME
After breakfast this morning, bid farewell as you are transferred to the airport for your return flight home.
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