Compare Warsaw, The Baltics & Helsinki With St. Petersburg & Moscow by Tours4Fun vs Russia & the Baltics Discovery - Small Group, 2023 Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1 ARRIVE IN WARSAW, POLAND

Welcome to Warsaw! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at your hotel. (D)

Day 2 WARSAW

WARSAW Guided sightseeing includes Stare Miasto (Old Town) and St. John's Cathedral. Free time this afternoon before attending a [LF] private Chopin concert. Free time this evening. (B)

Day 3 WARSAW - VILNIUS, LITHUANIA

Scenic drive to Vilnius.
VILNIUS Dinner at your hotel. (B,D)
298 mi / 480 km

Day 4 VILNIUS

VILNIUS Guided walking tour includes the Old University, the KGB Museum, and [LF] U?upis (Vilnius' artist quarter). (B)

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Vilnius with an excursion to Trakai Island Castle. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 5 VILNIUS - RIGA, LATVIA

Photo stop at the Hill of Crosses en route to Riga. (B,D)
214 mi / 345 km

Day 6 RIGA

RIGA Guided walking tour of the Old Town includes the Art Nouveau quarter. [LF] Riga Balsam (a traditional Latvian herbal liqueur) and Laima chocolate tasting. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

Day 7 RIGA - TALLINN, ESTONIA

Scenic drive along the coastline of the Gulf of Riga en route to Tallinn.
TALLINN Guided sightseeing includes a visit of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and St. Nicholas' Church. (B)
211 mi / 340 km

Day 8 TALLINN - HELSINKI, FINLAND

Scenic ferry crossing from Tallinn to Helsinki.
HELSINKI Guided sightseeing includes the Lutheran Cathedral, Sibelius Monument, and the open-air market.
Farewell dinner at your hotel this evening. (B,D)
56 mi / 90 km

Day 9 HELSINKI - ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Scenic drive to St. Petersburg.
ST. PETERSBURG Guided walking tour includes a visit to St. Isaac's Cathedral. Welcome dinner at the hotel with local specialties such as caviar, blini (Russian pancake), pickled cucumber, and vodka. (B,D) 249 mi/ 400 km

Day 10 ST. PETERSBURG

ST. PETERSBURG Guided sightseeing includes the Hermitage Museum. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

Day 11 ST. PETERSBURG

Morning drive to visit Catherine's Palace in Pushkin. Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)

Day 12 ST. PETERSBURG - MOSCOW

ST. PETERSBURG Sapsan train ride to Moscow.
MOSCOW Free time this afternoon and evening. (B)
404 mi / 650 km

ENHANCE YOUR FREE TIME in Moscow with an excursion to the Moscow Underground. This and many more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.

Day 13 MOSCOW

MOSCOW Guided sightseeing includes the Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Armory Museum. Free afternoon and evening.(B)

Day 14 MOSCOW

MOSCOW Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the Novodevichy (New Maiden) Convent and Cemetery. Farewell dinner this evening with Russian champagne and local specialties. (B,D)

Day 15 MOSCOW

Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

Day 1: Arrive Warsaw

On arrival at Warsaw airport, your transfers depart for your hotel at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in to your luxury hotel before joining your Travelling Concierge at 18:00, where you will be introduced to your fellow travellers.Your Welcome Dinner is at Restaurant Zapiecek, an authentic local restaurant full of Polish charm and serving delicious traditional meals, accompanied with wine.

Day 2: Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw

A Local Expert will show you how well the Polish capital was restored after almost complete obliteration during World War II. This incredible restoration can be credited to the amazing detail of Canaletto's paintings! Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes, built in 1948 to commemorate the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising of 1943. Then walk to the Market Square in the Old Town.The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Don't miss the chance to visit Wilanow Palace, the residence of Polish King Sobieski, known as Victor of Vienna, or perhaps attend an exclusive private recital of Chopin music by a celebrated Polish pianist?

Day 3: Vilnius, Venerable Capital of Lithuania

Pass Augustów and Suwalki during your scenic journey through Masuria, a region rich in lakes and vast forests. Cross into Lithuania and continue to the capital city of Vilnius.

Day 4: Vilnius and the Castle of Trakai

Walk along the streets of bohemian Užupis, a Vilnius neighbourhood that proclaimed itself a republic in 2002. A member of the government introduces you to its quirky history and artistic flair. A highlight of your travels will be a visit to the fortified island castle of Trakai. Originally built in the 15th century and now restored to all its glory, this red-brick castle is located on an island in Lake Galvė. Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 5: The Votive Hill of Crosses and the Art Nouveau Nirvana of Riga

Head north to visit the unusual Votive Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, the symbol of resistance against the Soviet occupation.Continue your journey to the Latvian capital of Riga, a melange of Teutonic-inspired spires, stylish cocktail lounges and some of the world’s most remarkable art nouveau architecture.

Day 6: Riga Sightseeing and onto Tallinn

Explore Riga's Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant colours and flavours when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls.Your travels continue along the shores of the Gulf of Riga and across the Estonian border to reach Tallinn. Hailed by travel aficionados as the new Prague, Tallinn is a lively city, where history and modern culture merge. From its brightly coloured architecture to its quirky art scenes, Tallinn is made for the curious and creative.

Day 7: Surrender to the Magic of Tallinn Relaxed Start

Explore Tallinn with Insight Choice. Focus on panoramic views leading to the Town Hall Square, or stroll the fairy-tale Old Town and hear about Estonian artisans.Enjoy free time to browse Tallinn’s shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewellery.Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine.

Day 8: St Petersburg: To Russia with Love

Head east to the town of Narva, dominated by the mighty Hermannsburg Fortress. Cross the River Narva, which forms the Russian border, and continue to St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703.

Day 9: St.Petersburg Sightseeing

Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac's Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists' Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Saviour on Spilled Blood. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience and visit a local ceramist workshop supporting vulnerable youth. The rest of the day is yours to explore. Perhaps join an Optional Experience and visit the beautiful Catherine Palace in the small town of Tsarskoe Selo, now called Pushkin? Or, if you prefer, relax at your hotel where you can make the most of its luxury facilities.

Day 10: Petrodvorets by Hydrofoil Relaxed Start

Cruise by hydrofoil along the Baltic shore to Peter the Great’s summer residence of Petrodvorets. For over 200 years it was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Explore the perfectly manicured gardens and see the cascading fountains. Later you are at leisure, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder?

Day 11: The Hermitage Museum Relaxed Start

Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at this fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces.The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.

Day 12: High Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow Relaxed Start

Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin's murder? Board your high speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay. Famous for its unique history and colourful architecture, explore Moscow’s enchanting city centre and get lost in its captivating Modern art scene. For those wanting to take a pretty stroll, why not head to Gorky Park? Designed in the 1920s by Konstantin Melnikov, the park is famous for its outdoor activities and art exhibitions.

Day 13: Moscow, a Russian Revelation Relaxed Start

Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow's landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin's Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose to visit an ornate metro station with your Local Expert. Alternatively, take a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings.

Day 14: Moscow and The Kremlin Relaxed Start

In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk within the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. Learn more about Russia’s famous Tsars, the history of the Fortress and how its role has changed over the years. Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine.

Day 15: To Sergiev Posad, Rostov-the-Great and to Yaroslavl

This morning, depart Moscow to Sergiev Posad. Visit some of the colourful churches of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra. Journey to Rostov-the-Great and explore its ivory towered Kremlin and the Museum of Enamel. Continue to Yaroslavl where a delicious dinner is served at a riverside restaurant.

Day 16: Kostroma and Suzdal Experience

During your sightseeing of Yaroslavl, see the domed Church of Elijah the Prophet and the Holy Transfiguration Monastery. Travel to Kostroma to see the fabulous Trinity Cathedral. Continue to charming Suzdal.

Day 17: Exploring Suzdal

Explore Suzdal with Insight Choice. Choose to meet an Orthodox priest and learn about the ancient art of icon painting. Alternatively, visit the Monastery of the Saviour St. Ethimius. Dine like a local as you enjoy an authentic Home-hosted lunch with a meal typical of the region.

Day 18: On to Vladimir and return to Moscow

Journey to Vladimir to see the carved stone walls of the Cathedral of St. Demetrius, and visit the Museum of Crystal and Varnished Miniatures. Visit a Matryoska doll-making workshop and try your hand to decorate your own. Return to Moscow where you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 19: Farewell Moscow

Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00.