Ruso - Balt Explorer (Moscow - Vilnius - Riga - Tallinn, 11 days)
Explore two former republics of the Soviet Union. The tour features Moscow and three Baltic pearls: Vilnius, Riga and Tallinn.
DAY 1: Moscow
Upon arrival in Moscow you will be greeted at the airport by a Tour De Force representative and taken to your hotel. After you check-in, relax with a welcome drink and get acquainted with your travel mates and Program Director.
DAY 2: Moscow
Enjoy a walking tour of this sprawling capital. Stroll through the legendary Red Square – the site of many marches and celebrations during Communist times, the Kitay-Gorod, Lubyanka square and the magnificent St. Basil's cathedral. You'll take a ride on the Underground and see the Moscow Metro stations that were built during Stalin's rule as “palaces for the people". In the afternoon, you'll explore the grounds of the Kremlin – the famous fortress and seat of Russian power.
DAY 3: Moscow
Get a glimpse of Soviet Moscow.
Ever imagine being 65 meters underground in a Soviet bunker built as a nuclear war shelter? Up until recently it has been kept a state secret. This tour also features a visit to the monuments to Soviet leaders assembled in the famous Sculpture Park.
DAY 4: Moscow – Vilnius
Check-out. Free time to explore Moscow. Departure to Vilnius by overnight train.
DAY 5: Vilnius
Arrival in Vilnius, known for its magnificent Baroque Old Town, Europe's largest and so precious that UNESCO added it to its World Heritage list. Today's sightseeing includes a walking tour of the Old Town and visit to the university.
DAY 6: Vilnius
After breakfast, you'll visit the 14th-century castle of Trakai. This impressive red brick structure is situated on an island in the middle of Galves Lake. Trakai is also home to the fascinating Karaite culture.
DAY 7: Vilnius – Kaunas – Riga
Depart by coach to Riga via Kaunas, Lithuanian's second largest city. Tour Kaunas Castle, the town hall, Ciurlionis National Art Museum and the Church of Resurrection. In the afternoon, you'll visit the Ninth Fort, constructed just outside of Kaunas in the late 19th-century to fortify the western frontier of the Tsarist empire. During WWII, the Nazis used it as a death camp. Later, it became a notorious prison during the Stalin era.
DAY 8: Riga
Your guided tour begins in the colourful Central Market to get a taste of Riga's vibrant local scene. Then enjoy a look at the Academy of Science, a relic of the Soviet past before moving on to the old city centre, an elegant blend of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance and Medieval architectural styles. You'll visit St. Peter's Church, the House of Blackheads, the Guild Houses, the Latvian Parliament, the "Three Brothers," the Freedom Monument and the Swedish Gate.
DAY 9: Riga – Sigulda – Parmu – Tallin
Departure for Tallinn. In route you'll stop at Sigulda, often called the “Latvian Switzerland", because of the beauty of its landscape. Visit the 13th-century castle of Turaida, and the mysterious Gutmana Cave. We'll also stop in Parmu where, after a tour of the city centre, you can relax on the long sandy beaches (if weather permits). Arrival in Tallinn.
DAY 10: Tallin
Your city tour of Tallinn includes its magnificent medieval Old Town. Among the major attractions you'll see: the Toompea Hill and the Parliament building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Tall Hermann, and the Dome Cathedral. The tour ends in Town Hall Square at the Town Hall, an amazing Gothic masterpiece of the 15th century. Enjoy a free afternoon in Tallinn or take an optional tour of scenic Kadriorg Park, or Catherine Valley, where Peter the Great built a beautiful castle for his wife Catherine in 1718.
DAY 11: Tallin
Check-out and departure.
Price: from €1199
What you get:
- arrival transfer
- 9 nights 4* hotel
- 1 night train Moscow - Vilnius 4 berth cabin
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch
- guided tours
- relevant transportation
- entry fees
Services on request:
- Single supplement
- Upgrade to 2 berth cabin
- Departure transfer
- Pre/post accommodation
Enhance your journey with a 4-day pre-trip to St. Petersburg. The cost (from €290) is inclusive of train ticket to Moscow (see "Cradle of the Revolution")
