25 Day Berlin, The Baltic States & Imperial Jewels of Russia River Cruise 2011

DAY 1: Berlin
Welcome to Germany. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, before meeting up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.

DAY 2: Berlin (FB,HD)
This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, SCENIC ENRICH where our local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as we visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam we return back to Berlin. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENIC ENRICH We have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After our tour, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war. This evening we’ll enjoy a highlight dinner of typical German food in a local restaurant.

DAY 3: Berlin (FB,D)
This morning choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Tours: (1) Check Point Charlie Museum, where you will learn the historic details of this notorious time in German history, such as the Berlin Wall and stories of those who risked their lives for freedom. Or (2) A relaxing Cruise on the Spree River where you can view all the Berlin sites and fine architecture from the waterways. This afternoon Berlin is yours to explore on your own.

DAY 4: Warsaw (FB,D)
This morning we will be taken to the main train station where we board our SCENIC ENRICH first class carriage for the journey across the heart of Poland and into Warsaw. Time en route to relax and watch the scenery pass by, arriving into Warsaw early afternoon and in time for our evening meal at our hotel.

DAY 5: Warsaw (FB,HD)
Memories of Polanski’s film “The Pianist’ come to mind as we visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the palace of Culture and the Royal Palace. This afternoon we visit Wilanow Palace, known as Poland’s Versailles. SCENIC ENRICH This evening we enjoy a concert of Chopin music at Lazienki Palace before dinner in Warsaw’s Old Town.

DAY 6: Vilnius (FB,D)
After breakfast we depart Warsaw, passing the picturesque spa town of Augustow. Our route will take us into the amazing Mazurian region, which encompasses 4,000 lakes in a pristine setting, where a great deal of the landscape remains virgin forest. We cross the border into Lithuania and continue on to the capital and our base for the next two nights, Vilnius.

DAY 7: Vilnius (FB)
This morning we join our expert local guide for an insightful walking tour around the Old Town, with its many famous examples of baroque architecture. We’ll get to see all the famous landmarks, including the University, the Gates of Dawn with its remarkable chapel and the famous Vilnius Cathedral. SCENIC ENRICH We will alsovisit the fascinating, if not the haunting, KGB Museum. In the afternoon, we visit the beautiful Trakai Island Castle, located a short drive outside of Vilnius. The castle is sometimes referred to as “Little Marienburg” and construction began in the 14th century.

DAY 8: Riga (FB,D)
This morning we depart Vilnius and drive north to the extraordinary ‘Hill of Crosses’. This symbol of Christian resistance to the Soviets features millions of small Crosses, which were repeatedly bulldozed during the occupation. We continue on to Riga, the capital of Latvia and most populous Baltic State, where this afternoon you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through town.

DAY 9: Riga–Tallinn (FB,D)
We start our day by exploring the old town with our local guide. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture, cosy beer cellars and cafes. Our tour includes St Peter’s Church with its 123 metre high tower, the city walls and Riga Castle. We depart Riga in the afternoon for Tallinn, passing through Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital, famous for its mud baths and spa resorts.

DAY 10: Tallinn (FB,HD)
Our tour today takes in the Old Town, famous for its jumble of twisting, cobblestone streets and Gothic spires. The tour includes Toompea Castle fortifications, located nearby the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky and the beautiful Town Hall Square. We also explore the city walls, still largely intact and a great vantage point to observe this striking city. This evening we enjoy a medieval dinner in a traditional restaurant near Tallinn’s Old Town.

DAY 11: Tallinn – St. Petersburg – Embark Ship (FB,D)
After breakfast we depart Tallinn for Narva, the border town dominated by the 15th-century Hermann Castle which also overlooks the Ivangorod Fortress on the Russian side of the River. In the afternoon we arrive in the majestic former Russian capital of St.Petersburg. A warm welcome awaits you from your crew. Celebrate your first taste of Russia and meet your travelling companions over dinner onboard tonight.

DAY 12: St. Petersburg (FB,L,D)
After breakfast enjoy an Included tour of St. Petersburg. A highlight is St. Isaac’s Cathedral with its huge gilded dome, exquisite mosaics and icons. You’ll also view the baroque Winter Palace and Alexander Column in Palace Square. This afternoon you’ll visit the Hermitage, formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, today it houses one of the world’s greatest art collections.

DAY 13: St. Petersburg (FB,L,D)
This morning, visit Catherine’s Palace, famous for its grandiose white and gold façade and elaborate gardens. After returning to your ship, enjoy lunch onboard. Later there’s free time to explore on your own. After dinner attend an Included performance of the Russian Ballet.

DAY 14: St. Petersburg (FB,L,D)
Today you’ll tour the 19th-century Yusupov Palace, where Prince Yusupov murdered Grigory Rasputin, the most controversial figure in Russian history. After lunch, visit the Children’s Music School and meet children eager to show you their knowledge of English.

DAY 15: St. Petersburg (FB,D)
Your day starts at the Peter and Paul Fortress where Peter the Great and all the Russian emperors and empresses are buried. Afterwards relax and enjoy free time for lunch, it’s then on to the magnificent summer residence of Russian royalty at Peterhof. Visit Catherine’s Wing and view the Grand Cascade’s waterfalls and fountains. Tonight MS Rossia sails from St. Petersburg.

DAY 16: Svir Stroi (FB,L,D)
Your ship arrives in the village of Svir Stroi, between Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. It’s all ashore to visit the home of a local family who will serve authentic Russian tea and piroshky, a specialty of the region.

DAY 17: Petrozavodsk (FB,L,D)
Tour the port city of Petrozavodsk and learn about the Soviet era at Kirov Square, Gagarin Square, and Lenin Square, where you’ll stop at the World War II memorial of the eternal flame. Return to the ship for lunch and then attend an Included Karelian Folk Show which celebrates the music and costumes of Russia’s north.

DAY 18: Kizhi Island (FB,L,D)
This morning, your ship docks at Kizhi Island, one of the most ancient inhabited sites in Russia. You’ll visit the museum and its precious collection of wooden churches and chapels. You’ll also view the Church of Transfiguration, with its 22 timbered onion domes.

DAY 19: Goritsy (FB,L,D)
At the medieval village of Goritsy you’ll tour the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery, built in 1397 and home to an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons. After we sail this afternoon sample the beverage that has been integral to Russian culture for over 600 years - vodka.

DAY 20: Uglich (FB,L,D)
Take an Included walking tour of historic Uglich, part of the Golden Ring of cities around Moscow. The town dates from the 10th century and was used by the legendary Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century as a base for his attacks against the Tatars.

DAY 21: Moscow (FB,L,D)
It’s a leisurely morning as we sail towards Moscow. Arriving after lunch, you’ll set out on an exploration which includes Red Square, the KGB building and a ride on Moscow’s Metro - considered one of the best subway systems in the world.

DAY 22: Moscow (FB,L,D)
After breakfast, you’ll tour the Kremlin, seat of the former Soviet Union’s intrigue. In the State Armory, you’ll see priceless weaponry, jewels, Fabergé eggs and ceremonial robes. After your tour enjoy free time and lunch in one of the nearby local restaurants. This evening you’ll witness a thrilling National Russian Show performed by fifty folk dancers.

DAY 22: Moscow (FB,L,D)
After breakfast, you’ll tour the Kremlin, seat of the former Soviet Union’s intrigue. In the State Armory, you’ll see priceless weaponry, jewels, Fabergé eggs and ceremonial robes. After your tour enjoy free time and lunch in one of the nearby local restaurants. This evening you’ll witness a thrilling National Russian Show performed by fifty folk dancers.

DAY 23: Moscow (FB,L,D)
This morning travel to the Cosmonaut Training Centre at Star City. Inside the training facility is a full-size mock-up of the Mir Space Station and you‘ll also see space simulators that prepare cosmonauts for lift-off. We return to our ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Tonight you’ll attend the internationally acclaimed Moscow Circus.

DAY 24: Moscow (FB,L,D)
Your day starts with expansive views of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills. Then visit Novodevichy Cemetery, where Anton Chekhov and former President Boris Yeltsin are buried. After lunch, you’ll meet with Russian WWII veterans, who will recount their war experiences and answer questions. Tonight celebrate the end of your cruise at the Captain’s Farewell Dinner.

DAY 25: Moscow (FB)
After breakfast, you‘ll disembark and be transferred to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.

• State-of-the-art facilities
• Five star hotel accommodations
• Exclusive sightseeing tours inclusions
• Vacation price includes ALL gratuities.
• Quality European wines served with dinner onboard
• Private butler service
• Evenings of entertainment in memorable settings
• Unique Scenic FreeChoice activities
• Free time to explore beautiful historic landmarks

Cruising: Cabin onboard MS Rossia

• Cabin upgrades are available.
• Port charges are not included in the prices shown above.
• Please ask your Vacations To Go travel counselor for more information.

* The prices shown are U.S. dollars per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability. Prices quoted for land/cruise arrangements are subject to increase without notice. Once we have received your deposit, land/cruise prices are guaranteed. Whenever air-inclusive prices are displayed, these prices do not include government taxes and fees, which are additional. Air prices are subject to increase and are guaranteed only from the time that full payment is received. Air-inclusive prices include air from a major U.S. gateway; air from other U.S. airports is available at an additional cost. Sorry, we are unable to offer air from countries other than the U.S. However, for those international customers who are able to arrange their own transportation to the origination city, we are able to offer the land/cruise portion of the package, at the price quoted.