1st day
Arrival to Moscow.
Meeting and transfer to a centrally located hotel.
Welcome diner at one of the best restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.

2nd day
City tour.
You will start your visit with the tour of this exciting city. For centuries Moscow has been the symbol of power and wealth of this part of the world. Moscow was the capital of Russia during the Middle

3rd day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure for the Kremlin Tour.
Word Kremlin in ancient Russian means fortress. There are many fortresses or “kremlins” in Russia but it is Moscow Kremlin that is known to the whole world. The word Kremlin alone is enough to get one thinking of Russia. Most people outside of Russia associate Kremlin with the Soviet Union government. And while it is true the Kremlin has been the symbol of power and might of Russia for many centuries. For the last 700 years Moscow Kremlin has symbolized the unity for the people of this country all across 11 time zones. Every building is symbolic here: Assumption cathedral – the center of spiritual life, Archangel Michael – the burial place of the Russian Tsars, Grand Kremlin Palace – the former residence of the Royal family and the current residence of the president of Russian Federation. The Armory Chamber – the treasury of Russian tsars. At the time when the treasury was founded Arms were considered the most valuable possession. While the collection of arms is impressive, it is really the collection of jewelry items, gold and silver dinner sets, Faberge eggs, royal carriages, coronation and wedding dresses, crowns and thrones that make this museum an exceptional site.
Lunch in one of the typical restaurants.
In the afternoon the tour will take to Christ Savior Church. Present cathedral is a reconstruction of the one that was destroyed by communists in 1931. After the revolution in 1917 and until WWII Soviet government was forcefully fighting religion – prosecuting priests, churchgoers and destroying churches. One might say that blowing up Christ Savior Church in Moscow was the ultimate symbol of religion bashing. In 1995 the city government decided to rebuild the cathedral in exact same place to signify the revival of Russian Orthodox Church. The cathedral has been restored now and is open to the public.
Overnight at the hotel.

4th day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure for Holly Trinity – St.Sergius Monastery. While there are a lot of monasteries in Russia and many are beautiful and interesting but if you were to pick just one it would have to be Holly Trinity – St.Sergius Monastery. For centuries it has been the religious center of Russian Orthodox Church. It remained a functioning monastery even during the Soviet Union. One of two Russia’s Ecclesiastic Academies is located here the Academy was open during the Soviet Period as well. The Monastery was founded in 1340s by Reverend Sergius and since then has been a religious, artistic, cultural center. Famous icon painters – Andrei Rublev, Daniel Chorniy worked there. Architecturally it is an attractive mix of buildings of XV – XIX c.c.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Return to Moscow .
Dinner at one of the best Moscow restaurants.
To help you grasp the size and the beauty of the city we will go to Vorobievy Hill – the highest point in Moscow. In one glance you will see the whole city spread out in front of you.
Departure to St. Petersburg by train (1st class).
Overnight in the train.

5th day
Early arrival to St. Petersburg
City tour. Saint Petersburg is the capital of Empyreal Russia established by Peter the Great it was born to be the capital and served as one until the communist revolution when the capital was returned back to Moscow. Communists felt that it would be impossible for them to erase the chic and splendor of Empyreal times from the face of this city. While Moscow suffered from Soviet time “reconstruction” St. Petersburg stayed safely away from Soviet ideology and it managed to preserve it’s numerous palaces and gardens. If during Soviet era it stood as silenced witness to the glory of Russian Empire now it gracefully reveals its hidden treasures. The whole down – town is a museum under an open sky.
During the tour you will visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral – the largest and the main cathedral of the city. Built by a talented French architect A.Montferrand who was commissioned to work in St. Petersburg by the Emperor. Montferand spent all his life working in the city and St. Petersburg is the only place where one can see his work. Montferrand worked for 40 years on St. Isaac’s cathedral and thought it to be his best creation. He asked Russian Emperor to be berried in the cathedral but the Emperor refused thinking that St. Isaac’s was too beautiful for Montferrand. Montferrand was berried back in France where he is not known at all. To soften the bitterness of the story there is now a monument to Montferrand in St. Isaac’s cathedral and many more monuments to this talented architect throughout the city. However the best monument to him is his masterpiece – St. Isaac’s cathedral that you will surely enjoy.
You will have a lunch time in a local restaurant.
Boat trip along Neva river and canals.
Overnight at the hotel.

6th day
Breakfast at the hotel
Tour of the Hermitage Museum. Hermitage museum is not only one of the largest in the world, it has one of the most impressive collections including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian, Rembrandt, Rubens, El Greco, Claude Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Matisse etc. It is also a former official residence of Russian Royal family with beautiful interiors of the staterooms, an architectural splendor and a historical battle place during the revolution.
Free time for lunch. A pleasant walk on beautiful Palace Square. Tour of Peter and Paul Fortress situated on an island across from the Hermitage.
Peter & Paul Fortress is the place where Saint .Petersburg started. Originally the fortress was built as the first residence of Peter the Great. Later on the residence was moved to the Winter Palace across the river. St. Peter and Paul fortress was turned into a state prison. You will see the solitary confinement cell where the prisoners were kept. In St. Peter and Paul Cathedral you will the burial places of famous Russian emperor and empress, including Peter the Great , Catherine the Great and all members of the last Romanov family, who were executed by communists.
Current show at Mariinsky Theater or a Folk show performance.
Overnight at the hotel.

7th day
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Pushkin. Another magnificent St. Petersburg Palace. Equally impressive to Peterhof yet absolutely different. Pushkin or the Tsar’s village as it was originally called was built after the order of Empress Catherine II. The Palace is a great example of neo classical style. Lavish interiors reflect on the wealth and taste of the world famous Empress. Boys’ school was founded in the same area. Pushkin - famous Russian poet graduated from Tsar’s Village Boys’ school and the whole town now caries his name.

8th day
Breakfast at the hotel
Departure to Peterhof.
Peterhof is a summer residence of Russian Emperors. Founded by Peter the Great it became a rival to Versailles. Grand Palace interiors impress not only by their beauty but also by the tremendous amount work that was done to restore them after WWII. The lower garden by the palace is a masterpiece in itself. 173 fountains for almost 300 years have been amusing visitors here.
Dinner at one of the best restaurants.
Overnight at the hotel.

9th day
Early breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure to Tallinn by bus
Crossing Russian/Estonian border
Arrival to Narva.
After lunch you will have a tour of the Narva Fortress.
While crossing the border you will see a dramatic site: on opposite banks of Narva river across from each other there are two stern fortresses – Ivan fortress (Russian) and Narva fortress (Swedish). One can feel that both enemies are determined to fight. With a little bit of imagination you will hear the sounds and smell the gunpowder from the battles of the 16th century. Now that the battle days are long gone it is only the waters of river Narva that remain just as forceful. We will tour one of these fortresses and enjoy this captivating site.
Arrival to Tallinn
Check into the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.

10th day
Breakfast at the hotel.
Departure for the city tour
Bus will circle around the Old Town Providing a fascinating view of the medieval city. During the tour you will see the president’s palace and hear the dramatic story about the fight for independence from the Soviet Union. You will see the park where Estonians once every 5 years held singing festivals where they sang songs about there hopes for freedom while soldiers pointed machine guns at them. Estonian citizens didn’t shrink back and soldiers didn’t dare to shoot at the singing people. You will see how this small country is managing its independence and becoming a full member of the EU. It is interesting and exiting to see what dramatic changes the country has gone through in the past 12 years.
During the walking part of the tour you will see both Toompea Castle (the upper castle) and the medieval Lower Town. Traditionally the upper part in Tallinn is where the government and the parliament offices are located. Here you will visit the oldest church in Tallinn – Tallinn Dome church. The lower town is where city life actually happened you will see here 14th –15th centuries Town Hall, the oldest pharmacy in Europe (founded 1422), medieval churches, authentic Hanseatic merchants’ houses, etc. In 1980 Tallinn received the European Gold Medal of the von Stein Foundation for the preservation of its unique architectural heritage.
You will have time to explore the town on your own. To find your way is really easy here: everything is “just around the corner”.
Dinner at Old Town restaurant in the 14th century building. It is a unique restaurant with great food and entertainment every night.
Overnight at the hotel.

11th day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure for Riga.
Visit to Kadriorg Palace on the way.
Yet another palace built after Peter I order. The palace was built for Peter I beloved wife Catherine I by Italian architect Nicolo Michetti who was also involved in building Peterhof Palace near St. Petersburg. You will learn of a romantic story of Peter and Catherine’s love and of Catherine’s rise from a laundry woman to an Empress of Russia.
Visit to Pyarnu city and the city tour. An old Livonian town that was founded in 1251.
Crossing Estonian/Latvian border.
Arrival to a centrally located hotel in Riga .
Dinner at Old town restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.

12th day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure for the city tour.
During the tour you will see most significant sights of Riga. The city is vibrant and enthusiastic about restoring its architectural jewels. Recently the city has renovated and reconstructed its opera and ballet theater and now it is the best in the Baltics. Riga’s parks and gardens are beautifully landscaped. The city takes well -deserved pride in keeping some of the best examples of Art Nouveau style buildings.
The entire Old Town is called Open Air Museum. You will enjoy walking the narrow cobble stone streets of this ancient Hanseatic town. You will see the Dome Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter, the Old Guild House, the Parliament House, the Swedish Gate, and Old Riga Castle.
You will have free time to explore Riga and its cozy restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops on your own.
Dinner at one of the best restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel.

13th day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure for Vilnius .
Tour of Rundale Palace. A generous gift of Empress Catherine II to her Prime Minister Biron who she was very fond of. As it often happens when strong feelings, big money and big politics meet the story takes dramatic turns. After Catherine II death Biron was exiled and nearly lost everything but later on his life took another turn and this time was more favorable to him. The place is truly impressive and it is often used for state receptions. Extensive restoration works are in progress and are open to public to see. Over 40 rooms are already open and there are over 100 more yet to be restored. Latvian government aims at restoring one room per year.
Arrival in Vilnius.
Dinner in the city restaurant.
Overnight at the hotel

14th day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure for the city tour. Vilnius has the largest medieval downtown of all northern European cities. The city is easy and pleasant to walk around. Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas first mentioned Vilnius as the capital of Lithuania in 1323. Lithuania was at some point an Empire with colonies of its own, later on it was under the rule of many different countries including Poland, Sweden, and Soviet Union.
Now it is an independent state and a fool member of the EU. Lithuanian turbulent history is reflected through an exiting mix of architectural styles and monuments in Vilnius. Now Vilnius citizens are often referred to as Italians of the Baltics. The city is easy-going, fun and relaxed. Most people here do not keep appointments but when late, they will smile, tell you a fresh joke, buy you a drink or an ice cream and of course you will forgive them. You are doomed to love your free time here. During the tour you will see the Old Town, beautiful parks and churches. Vilnius is called a Baroque city and you will see why. One of the best examples of Baroque architecture is the 18th century gate of the former Bazilijonu Monastery. During the tour you will also see the Gothic brick Gediminas Castle built between the 14th and the 16th centuries. The western Gediminas Tower will provide a spectacular view of Vilnius.
In the afternoon we will visit Trakay – the ancient Lithuanian capital. Trokay castle is a dramatic site. This medieval fortress is located on an island in a beautiful chain of connecting lakes. Farewell dinner in Apvalaus Clubas Restaurant. This upscale restaurant is set beside the lake with a spectacular view of Trakay castle. Picturesque location and superb food will have you remember the last dinner on our trip.
Overnight at the hotel

15th day
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Transfer to the airport.
Departure.