THE BALTIC CAPITALS, HELSINKI AND ST PETERSBURG TOUR

June-August 2010, 11days/10 nights.

DDAY 1 (TUESDAY): ARRIVAL RIGA
Arrival in Riga, optional transfer to Hotel Reval Latvija**** or similar, check-in, welcome meeting.
DAY 2 (WEDNESDAY): RIGA
Before we get acquainted with Riga we have the possibility of discovering medieval Latvia. The optional tour for this morning takes us to the stunning scenery of the Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda. We listen to the medieval Latvian legend of the Rose of Turaida and see the ruins of the Episcopal Castle and of the Castle of the Knights of the Sword before we return to Riga. The afternoon offers an optional visit to the Ethnographical Open Air Museum, a spacious exposition of 18th century country life. The evening offers an optional organ concert at the Dome Cathedral.
DAY 3 (THURSDAY): RIGA
Riga, founded in 1201 by the German bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals and boasts a real kaleidoscope of architectural styles. The walking tour of the Old Town includes Riga Castle, the Dome Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Swedish Gate, the Three Brothers, the Large and Small Guilds and the Freedom Monument. The afternoon is reserved for an optional visit to Jurmala, the vibrant Latvian sea resort, famous for its wooden architecture and sandy beaches. In the evening enjoy an optional Latvian dinner at the stylish Restaurant La Boheme.
DAY 4 (FRIDAY): RIGA-TALLINN
The tour continues along the coastal highway to the Estonian summer resort of Parnu. We do a short tour of the resort before we continue through the North Estonian land of forests and arrive in Tallinn early afternoon, check-in at the Hotel Reval Olympia**** or similar.
DAY 5 (SATURDAY): TALLINN
Tallinn is a charming blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life. The medieval Old Town is a busy place in the summer with its many shops, galleries, souvenir markets, outdoor cafés and restaurants. The sightseeing tour takes us around the old medieval city walls and into the Old Town where we see Toompea Castle, the Dome Church, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and medieval Old Town Hall. In the afternoon an optional excursion is offered to Kadriorg Park with a visit to the Kadriorg Palace and its art collections. The evening offers an optional medieval dinner at Restaurant Peppersack.

DAY 6 (SUNDAY): TALLINN-HELSINKI
In the morning we take the hydrofoil from Tallinn to Helsinki and enjoy a refreshing tour through the Finnish archipelago before arriving in Helsinki, transfer to Hotel Sokos Vaakuna**** or similar, check-in. The balance of the day is reserved for exploring the Finnish capital individually.
DAY 7 (MONDAY): HELSINKI
Helsinki is truly located at the crossroads of Western and Eastern culture and this is reflected everywhere in the green and lively Finnish capital. The sightseeing tour takes us around the harbors, up central Mannerheim Street and by the Parliament Building, the Finlandia Hall, and the Sibelius Monument and for a visit at the famous Church-in-the-Rock. In the afternoon an optional excursion by waterbus to the historic Suomenlinna Fortress is offered.

DAY 8 (TUESDAY): HELSINKI-ST.PETERSBURG
Today we continue eastbound to St. Petersburg. Shortly after crossing the border into Russia we arrive in Vyborg, where we take time for a short sightseeing tour and a visit to Vyborg Castle. In the late afternoon we arrive in St. Petersburg and check-in at Hotel Sokos Olympic Garden**** or similar.

DATES:

MBC03: 08.06-18.06.10
MBC05: 22.06-02.07.10
MBC06: 29.06-09.07.10
MBC07: 06.07-16.07.10
MBC08: 13.07-23.07.10
MBC09: 20.07-30.07.10
MBC10: 27.07-06.08.10
MBC11: 03.08-13.08.10
MBC12: 10.08-20.08.10
MBC13: 17.08-27.08.10