Day : 1
Arrive Copenhagen (2 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
Write your own epic tale of enchanting capitals on this unforgettable journey through Northern Europe, which begins in Copenhagen. Spend a leisurely afternoon connecting with its hygge atmosphere along the colourful façades of Nyhavn, before meeting your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception and evening orientation drive. Tonight, we stay at one of Trafalgar's 'Stays With Stories' - Hotel Phoenix, which has its origins in the 17th century as the former home of a colonel of the Royal Life Guards.
Day : 2
Copenhagen Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Join a Local Specialist today for a sightseeing tour of the iconic sights of Copenhagen. See the beloved Little Mermaid, immortalised in Hans Christian Andersen's woeful tale, the Renaissance Stock Exchange, and the exquisite Royal palaces of Amalienborg and Christiansborg. Spend your afternoon strolling through the city's streets or embrace your inner child in Europe's oldest amusement park, the Tivoli Gardens. An afternoon at leisure could see you stroll down Strøget and rub shoulders with the locals. Enjoy coffee and people-watch along the Langelinie promenade or consider an Optional Experience visiting the stunning Danish Riviera.
Day : 3
Copenhagen – Stockholm
Number of Days : 1
We journey north-east across the Øresund to the lush forests and meadows of Småland. Travelling past Lake Vättern, we enjoy spectacular views of the ruins of Brahehus Castle en route to the sophisticated Swedish capital, Stockholm, where we will dine tonight at a local restaurant.
Day : 4
Stockholm Sightseeing and Free Time – At Sea
Number of Days : 1
We meet our Local Specialist this morning for a sightseeing tour of the formidable City Hall and view the Baroque-style Royal Palace, at the heart of Stockholm's quaint Old Town. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. Delve into the city's rich heritage, admire its elegant architecture, or perhaps join an excursion to the Vasa Museum showcasing the 17th-century warship reclaimed from the seabed, its resting place for hundreds of years. This evening, we board an overnight ferry across the Baltic bound for Finland.
Day : 5
At Sea – Helsinki Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
After an early arrival in Helsinki, our Local Specialist shares the city's iconic sights and its Swedish and Russian heritage. See the modern marble façades of Finlandia Hall, the Senate and the colourful stalls in Market Square. Enjoy free time this evening.
Day : 6
Helsinki – St. Petersburg (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
We depart Finland to begin our exploration of Russia and the romantic city of St. Petersburg, our home for the next three nights. Tread in the footsteps of tsars and tsarinas, marvelling at the city's picturesque cityscape, colourful buildings and elegant boulevards. Tonight we dine in our hotel.
Day : 7
St. Petersburg Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Join a Local Specialist to delve into the opulent royal history and might of imperial Russia as you explore the city's iconic sights. View the Tsar's Winter Palace, Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of Peter the Great, whose inspired vision for this city saw it evolve into an elegant metropolis to rival even the most sophisticated of European capitals. We'll visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, with its steep Bell Tower spire, and visit The Hermitage Museum. See one of the world's largest and most valuable art collections, featuring some three million artefacts representing the development of world culture and art, from the stone age to the 20th century.
Day : 8
St. Petersburg Free Day
Number of Days : 1
Spend the day free to amble through St. Petersburg's cobblestone lanes and grand boulevards. Admire the ornate domes and colourful mosaics of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood and the gold-plated dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral with spectacular panoramic views of the city, or join an Optional Experience to visit the beautiful gardens and spectacular fountains of Peter the Great's summer residence at Petrodvorets.
Day : 9
St. Petersburg – Novgorod
Number of Days : 1
A leisurely morning sees us soaking up the elegant atmosphere of St. Petersburg. We head south to the ancient city of Novgorod across the vast Russian plains. View the Kremlin Fort and grounds, the Millennium Monument and St. Sophia Cathedral before 'Connecting With Locals', joining Irina and her family for a traditional dining experience of pancakes and local Russian liqueurs.
Day : 10
Novgorod – Tver Region – Klin – Moscow (3 Nights)
Number of Days : 1
A scenic drive past country villages brings us to the Tver region for an included Regional Meal lunch, before we continue via Klin - former home of Tchaikovsky - to the Russian capital, Moscow.
Day : 11
Moscow Sightseeing and Free Time
Number of Days : 1
Savour the fusion of imperial history and modern sophistication as you join your Local Specialist for an unforgettable sightseeing tour past Red Square and the domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. We'll venture inside the UNESCO-listed Kremlin, a walled-in complex of palaces, cathedrals and government offices - home to the president of the Russian Federation. Perhaps spend the rest of your day exploring the tumultuous and captivating history of an ancient city that oozes grandeur. View monuments to fallen heroes and victorious battles. Celebrate the indomitable spirit of the Russian nation which saw it send the first man to outer space, and admire the works of Russian and European masters. Please note: on certain departures, the Kremlin will be visited on day 12.
Day : 12
Moscow Free Day
Number of Days : 1
Enjoy a full free day in the city to see the sights. Kick-start your morning immersing yourself in the kofe culture of Moscow, or consider an Optional Experience to St. Sergius Monastery and handicraft market in Zagorsk, the centre of Russian art and architecture. This evening, we join our Travel Director and fellow travellers for a special Farewell Dinner.
Day : 13
Depart Moscow
Number of Days : 1
Say a fond farewell to Russia and newfound friends after your memorable holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.