Cruise Title: Baltic Capitals (7 nights)

Transcription

1 Rate per person in EURO: Rostock to Helsinki Itinerary Helsinki to Rostock Itinerary Cruise Title: Baltic Capitals (7 nights) Port Excursion Name Duration Rate (EURO) Sat Sat Rostock Visit of Rostock 5 hrs Adult Child (2-12 yrs) Bad Doberan Cathedral and Molli Train 5 hrs Lubeck 7½ hrs Mon Thu Stockholm Complete Stockholm 7 hrs Stockholm Sensations 5 hrs Sightseeing Tour of Stockholm and Skansen 4 hrs Stockholm by Land and Sea 5 hrs Tue Wed Stockholm Stockholm Sensations 5 hrs Sightseeing Tour of Stockholm and Skansen 4 hrs Stockholm by Land and Sea 5 hrs Wed Tue Tallin The best of Tallin 4½ hrs The Medieval City of Tallin 3½ hrs Tallin City Tour 2½ hrs Tallin & Open Air Museum Tallin and Medieval Lunch 3½ hrs Thu Sun St. Petersburg Grand Tour of St. Petersburg (2 Days) 7 hrs + 8½ hrs Complete St. Petersburg 8½ hrs Beauties of St. Petersburg 7 hrs Sightseeing Tour and free time 6½ hrs Peterhof Palace and its Fountains 4½ hrs Hermitage Museum 3½ hrs An evening at the Russian Ballet 5½ hrs An evening of Russian Folklore 4½ hrs Canals and Rivers of St. Petersburg 4½ hrs Overview Night and Bridges 3 hrs Nightlife on Nevsky Prospect 3½ hrs Fri Mon St. Petersburg Peterhof Palace and its Fountains 4½ hrs Catherine Palace 4½ hrs Catherine Palace and the Canals of St. Peterbsurg 8 hrs Resurrection Cathedral, Boat Ride and Shopping 3½ hrs Sightseeing Tour and free time 6½ hrs Nevsky Avenue, Russian Museum and free time 3½ hrs Sat Sat Helsinki Visit of Helsinki 4 hrs Kindly Note: Tours may change without notice. Helsinki and Porvoo 6 hrs Tour of Helsinki and cruise around the bay 6 hrs

2 ROSTOCK ALL ROSTOCK EXCURSIONS ARE SUBJECT TO CONFIRMATION OF FLIGHT TIMES. LUBECK (Duration 6 hours and 30 minutes. Lunch is not included) Our excursion begins with a two hour journey to Lubeck, were our guide will be waiting for us. We start our tour with a visit to Holsten Gate. This gates dates back to the 15th century and is an one of Lubeck's most famous sights since it serves not only as a symbol of the medieval city but of the confidence of the former Queen of the Hanseatic League. Our walking tour begins in the centre of the city, as we make our way through the picturesque historic quarter which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in As we stroll through the historic back streets and patios we can admire the Seven Spires and the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, which dates back to We can also enjoy beautiful views of St. Mary's Church, the third largest church in Germany. We will then have some free time to explore the narrow streets and the wide variety of small and elegant shops. We will also have the opportunity to admire the city of Lubeck from the sea before we make our way back to the port. VISIT OF ROSTOCK (Duration 5 hours. Lunch is not included) Our excursion begins with a boat ride from the port along the Warnow River to Rostock, where we arrive in the very heart of the city, just a few minutes' walk from the centre. Once there, our guide will accompany us on a walking tour of the city. During the tour we will pay a visit to St. Mary's Church, which remained intact during World War II and has an amazing and enormous clock dating back to We will also see the historic City Hall, the University, the Monastery of the Holy Cross and the Gothic Tropeliner Tower. After our tour, we will have the opportunity to visit a German brewery, where we can sample some of the beer and enjoy a pretzel - the traditional baked snack. BAD DOBERAN CATHEDRAL AND MOLLI TRAIN (Duration 5 hours) We start our excursion with a trip to Kuhlungsborn on the famous Molli Railway. We can then enjoy a fun and relaxing afternoon on the coast of Mecklenburg - Pomerania. Accompanied by our guide, we leave the port by coach to make our way through Warnemünde and the surrounding area to the Bad Doberan Cathedral, one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Northern Europe. Built in 1368 from red brick by the monks of the Zisterzienser (Cistercian) order, this cathedral is an exceptional symbiosis of a Gothic cathedral combined with elements of other Hanseatic churches. After our visit to the cathedral, we will catch the Molli Train and travel through a landscape of green forests and small villages to Kuhlungsborn, a place that has been one of the most famous and traditional tourist destinations on the German coast since Once there we will have some free time to take a short walk along the beach and enjoy the fresh sea air (make sure you wet your feet to soak up the unique feeling of this wonderful place). A little later, we will visit one of the nearby hotels where we will be served hot coffee and delicious traditional German pastries. At the end of the excursion we can choose to stay in Warnemünde to do some shopping and explore the city before making our own way back to the port. 2

3 STOCKHOLM COMPLETE STOCKHOLM (Duration 7 hours. The order of events may vary. Lunch not included) This excursion gives you the opportunity to discover the most fascinating attractions of Stockholm, with a full day to explore the city. Our first stop will be at Fjällgatan, where we have a chance to take some photographs of the splendid views of the Swedish capital. We then head off to the famous Stockholm City Hall, a building famous for its architecture, murals and mosaics and as the venue of the award ceremony of the prestigious Nobel Prize awarded each year for achievements in several different fields. We then continue on a sightseeing tour of the city by coach, taking us to one of the most important and historic monuments in the world, and Stockholm's leading tourist attraction - the Vasa Museum. The museum is entirely dedicated to the Vasa - an authentic 17th century ship that once formed part of the Swedish naval fleet. We then head off again towards the city centre, where our guide will take us on a tour of the historic quarter of this marvellous city, telling us about the history of the city and its 16th - 19th century buildings as we stroll around the cobbled streets. After finishing our walking tour, we will have some free time in the old city to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat in one of the picturesque narrow streets. At the agreed time, we will reconvene to catch our coach back to the port and continue on our cruise. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical limitations or those who have difficulty walking. STOCKHOLM SENSATIONS (Duration 5 hours. The order of event may vary) This excursion takes us to visit two of Stockholm's most fascinating attractions - the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum, and to explore the prettiest part of the city. Located in the old town of Gamla, the history of the Royal Palace dates back many centuries. After a visit to the palace, we begin a short walking tour around the historic quarter of the city of Stockholm, where we can enjoy the beauty of its streets and traditional shops as we take in the Scandinavian way of life. We then continue on a sightseeing tour of the city by coach, taking us to one of the most important and historic monuments in the world, and Stockholm's leading tourist attraction - the Vasa Museum. This museum is entirely dedicated to an authentic 17th century Swedish naval ship. The Vasa should have been Sweden's largest and most prestigious warship - the pride of Swedish nation and its naval fleet. After it sunk on its maiden voyage, the ship lay on the sea bed for 333 years until its remains were finally discovered and brought to the surface. The Vasa was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation. It was later subjected to a careful operation to protect it from the passage of time and has now become the centre piece of its very own museum and the city's most important attraction given its significance for the Swedish people. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical limitations or those who have difficulty walking. SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF STOCKHOLM AND SKANSEN (Duration 4 hours) During our sightseeing tour we will see the City Hall, the venue of the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony held in December every year. Completed in 1923, the City Hall is one of the most characteristic buildings of its style. On this excursion we will see the most interesting sights of Stockholm, from the Royal Palace to the historic quarter with its great Baroque legacy. We will then continue on to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. With 608 rooms, the Royal Palace is the largest palace in the world to be used today by a monarch, King Carl XVI Gustav. After admiring the exterior of the Royal Palace, our coach will take us to Gamla Stan, the historic part of the city. In the wide avenue of Skeppsborn we can admire the elegant 17th century mansions built by the rich traders of the era. We will then have some free time to do some shopping or explore the heart of the city of Stockholm. On our way to the Skansen open air museum on the island of Djurgården we will see parts of the city, its shops and large shopping malls. 3

4 We will then pay a visit to the world's largest open air museum. Founded in 1891, Skansen is the Stockholm's number one attraction, receiving 1.3 million visitors each year. Visitors arrive from all over the world to see this magnificent museum with over 150 houses and farms. Most of the buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and are surrounded by beautiful gardens. There is also a garden with rosebushes, another with spices and a zoological garden, with wild and domestic animals. Skansen also has plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops and even a zoo for the children. Thanks to its fantastic location we can also enjoy spectacular views of Stockholm. A stroll around the city accompanied by our expert guide is truly the best way to discover the city of Venice. We take a ride in a private boat from the port to Piazzale Roma, where our guide will be waiting for us. STOCKHOLM BY LAND AND SEA (Duration 5 hours) Take the opportunity to enjoy the pearl of Scandinavia from the waterside! Try a very personal and exclusive cruise, where you are personally guided around the city with an untouched view of the most fantastic sights. From this privately chartered boat, you will explore the world s most spectacular archipelago. Stockholm was built on 14 islands and therefore the entire city is surrounded with water. You will savor a moment when docking right in front of the Royal Palace, for a photo-stop before moving on. Document the history of Stockholm through its exquisite architecture right from your seat. Then, step back hundreds of years and enjoy a guided walking tour on the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of the Old Town, Gamla Stan. Walk along the winding alleys past houses, shops and soaring church spires, and also enjoy some free time to shop for the best Swedish souvenirs in the city, right in the heart of the Old Town. STOCKHOLM STOCKHOLM SENSATIONS (Duration 6 hours. The order of event may vary) This excursion takes us to visit two of Stockholm's most fascinating attractions - the Royal Palace and the Vasa Museum, and to explore the prettiest part of the city. Located in the old town of Gamla, the history of the Royal Palace dates back many centuries. After a visit to the palace, we begin a short walking tour around the historic quarter of the city of Stockholm, where we can enjoy the beauty of its streets and traditional shops as we take in the Scandinavian way of life. We then continue on a sightseeing tour of the city by coach, taking us to one of the most important and historic monuments in the world, and Stockholm's leading tourist attraction - the Vasa Museum. This museum is entirely dedicated to an authentic 17th century Swedish naval ship. The Vasa should have been Sweden's largest and most prestigious warship - the pride of Swedish nation and its naval fleet. After it sunk on its maiden voyage, the ship lay on the sea bed for 333 years until its remains were finally discovered and brought to the surface. The Vasa was found to be in a remarkable state of preservation. It was later subjected to a careful operation to protect it from the passage of time and has now become the centre piece of its very own museum and the city's most important attraction given its significance for the Swedish people. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical limitations or those who have difficulty walking. SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF STOCKHOLM AND SKANSEN (Duration 5 hours) During our sightseeing tour we will see the City Hall, the venue of the Nobel Prize Award Ceremony held in December every year. Completed in 1923, the City Hall is one of the most characteristic buildings of its style. On this excursion we will see the most interesting sights of Stockholm, from the Royal Palace to the historic quarter with its great Baroque legacy. We will then continue on to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the King. With 608 rooms, the Royal Palace is the largest palace in the world to be used today by a monarch, King Carl XVI Gustav. After admiring the exterior of the Royal Palace, our coach will take us to Gamla Stan, the historic part of the city. In the wide avenue of Skeppsborn we can admire the elegant 17th century mansions built by the rich traders of the era. We will then have 4

5 some free time to do some shopping or explore the heart of the city of Stockholm. On our way to the Skansen open air museum on the island of Djurgården we will see parts of the city, its shops and large shopping malls. We will then pay a visit to the world's largest open air museum. Founded in 1891, Skansen is the Stockholm's number one attraction, receiving 1.3 million visitors each year. Visitors arrive from all over the world to see this magnificent museum with over 150 houses and farms. Most of the buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries and are surrounded by beautiful gardens. There is also a garden with rosebushes, another with spices and a zoological garden, with wild and domestic animals. Skansen also has plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops and even a zoo for the children. Thanks to its fantastic location we can also enjoy spectacular views of Stockholm. A stroll around the city accompanied by our expert guide is truly the best way to discover the city of Venice. We take a ride in a private boat from the port to Piazzale Roma, where our guide will be waiting for us. STOCKHOLM BY LAND AND SEA (Duration 6 hours) Take the opportunity to enjoy the pearl of Scandinavia from the waterside! Try a very personal and exclusive cruise, where you are personally guided around the city with an untouched view of the most fantastic sights. From this privately chartered boat, you will explore the world s most spectacular archipelago. Stockholm was built on 14 islands and therefore the entire city is surrounded with water. You will savor a moment when docking right in front of the Royal Palace, for a photo-stop before moving on. Document the history of Stockholm through its exquisite architecture right from your seat. Then, step back hundreds of years and enjoy a guided walking tour on the narrow, cobble-stoned streets of the Old Town, Gamla Stan. Walk along the winding alleys past houses, shops and soaring church spires, and also enjoy some free time to shop for the best Swedish souvenirs in the city, right in the heart of the Old Town. TALLIN TALLIN CITY TOUR (Duration 2 hours and 30 minutes) This tour is ideal for those who want to see the sights of Tallinn from the comfort of a coach. We will leave our coach near to the Tall Hermann Tower and walk to Toompea Palace to see the famous mosaics and icons inside the Alejandro Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral. We will then see the lower part of the city, with its small towers and pitched roofs dominating the contrasts on the horizon. In the bustling streets we can see some of the highlights of modern Estonia and 19th century architecture. We then continue our journey to the Song Festival Ground, a magnificent amphitheatre with capacity for some 300,000 people where the national song festival is held. As we make our way to our next destination, known as Pirita Marina, we will have a chance to see one of Tallinn's residential districts. Later we will see St. Bridget's Convent, a traditional example of late Gothic architecture, as we arrive in Pirita where we can take some fabulous photographs. We will then make our way to the airport. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. THE BEST OF TALLIN (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes) We will leave the port to make our way to the Kadriorg national park, originally founded by Peter the Great in honour of his wife Catherine and now one of the most popular recreational spots in Tallinn. We then arrive at the Song Festival Ground, a magnificent amphitheatre with capacity for some 300,000 people where the national song festival is held. Later, we continue our journey through the beautiful residential district of Pirita with its exuberant plant life and splendid beaches. Later we will head over to see the summer residence of Count Orlov and the beautiful statue of Russalka, one of Estonia's most famous monuments. We will then travel through the very heart of the historic quarter to see its beautiful architecture, including modern hotels and shops. We then reach the highest part of the city, from where we can admire the well preserved, elegant narrow cobbled streets. There we will take a tour around the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which was built in 1900 and has the largest dome of any building 5

6 in Tallinn. We will then continue our tour, accompanied by a guide, as we make our way down Short Leg Street to the lower part of the city. We will also see the City Hall Square, which has also served as a marketplace for centuries. We will have the chance to see the exterior of the city's most famous building - the Gothic City Hall. We will stop for a while at the Viru Gate where we can see the city walls and have some free time to do some shopping before we head off to the airport. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Includes visits to religious monuments where entry will be refused to those with bare shoulders and bear knees, particularly women. THE MEDIEVAL CITY OF TALLIN (Duration 3 hours and 30 minutes) The old city of Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. The city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since Our coach will take us from the port to the highest part of the city, travelling through medieval streets and past the city's small towers until we reach the foot of the Tall Hermann Tower. We will leave our coach there to walk the short distance across Toompea Hill to the Palace, where we can see Toompea Castle, now the home of the Estonian Parliament. We will cross Palace Square to visit the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral which contains an amazing collection of golden icons and mosaics. We will then continue on to visit the marvellous 13th century St. Mary's Cathedral, also commonly known as the Dome Church. Afterwards, we are invited to take a break and admire the panoramic views of the lower part of the city, with its small towers and pitched roofs that highlight the contrasts of the city. We will also have a little free time to do some shopping in the quaint little shops in the surrounding areas. We will then continue our tour, accompanied by a guide, as we make our way down Short Leg Street to the lower part of the city. We will also pay a visit to the City Hall Square, which has been used as a market for centuries. This excursion may end at the port. This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical limitations or those who have difficulty walking. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes TALLIN AND MEDIEVAL LUNCH (Duration 3 hours and 30 minutes) For centuries the most ancient part of Tallinn (Troompea) has been the subject of fantastical legends. On this excursion we will take a tour around the lower part of the city, where we will see the city's guardian perched on top of the City Hall and have the chance to enjoy a typical medieval feast that will transport us back in time. After lunch, we will have time to do some shopping in a typical medieval shop and in the famous Viru Street before we make our way to the airport. Approximate duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes. Includes visits to religious monuments where entry will be refused to those with bare shoulders and bear knees, particularly women. TALLIN & OPEN AIR MUSEUM (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes) Tallinn's Old Town has two parts, upper and lower, from the port we will go beyond the ancient walls and towers directly to the old town where we will take a leisurely stroll through the medieval streets. All we will visit the center of the old town - Town Hall Square, the Church of the Holy Spirit and have some free time for shopping in St. Catherine's Passage - one of the most beautiful passages throughout the Old City, formerly known Alley as Monk. After visiting the old town, we travel to the Open Air Museum Rocca-al-Mare. Here, in a beautiful wooded park we going to backtrack in time to the rural Estonia field two hundred years ago. See authentic rural buildings of the eighteenth and 6

7 nineteenth century including a windmill, a small church and typical farm life in various regions of Estonia farms. Then there will be some time to shop in the gift shop of the museum, before returning to the port. ST. PETERSBURGO GRAND TOUR OF ST. PETERSBURG (2 Days) Day 1 - Peter and Paul Fortress, the Hermitage Museum and Free Time This tour is the ideal way to see the very best of St. Petersburg. We will see its most important monuments and visit the Peter and Paul Fortress and the world famous Hermitage Museum. We will make our first stop at the Spit of Vasilievsky Island for a chance to take some photographs. There we will see splendid views over the widest stretch of the Neva Rivers. On the opposite side is the Peter and Paul Fortress, the city's first structure. At the centre of the fortress we will see the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the city's tallest building designed by Domenico Tresini. Afterwards, we continue our journey to the Hermitage Museum, because no visit to St. Petersburg would be complete without a tour around its most famous museum, the jewel in the crown of St. Petersburg museums. The Jordan staircase forms the grand entrance to the Winter Palace, which will astound you with its splendour, the brilliance of its gilt stucco and the dazzling white of its marble statues. From there we continue on to the Small Hermitage where we will see the Pavilion Hall with its splendid marble columns supporting an elegant gallery. The tour continues from one building to another through fabulous arcades. We will also see the Old Hermitage, a building dedicated to a collection of Italian art from the 13th and 18th centuries. This breath-taking collection includes paintings by Leonardo Da Vinci and Rafael, amongst others. We end our tour of the museum with a visit to the New Hermitage, a 19th century building which opened to the public for the first time in The Spanish collection includes the work of artists of the Golden Age, including El Greco, Murillo, Zurbarán, Velazquez and Goya. After some free time we continue our excursion as we travel to one of St. Petersburg's most important sights - the Cathedral of the Resurrection, also known as the Church of Spilled Blood. From there we continue on to Nevsky Avenue, the city's main street and probably the most famous street in all of Russia. Our coach will stop at St. Isaac's Square, dominated by the majestic St. Isaac's Cathedral ( ). At the very centre of the square is a monument to Nicholas I. As we make our way back to the ship we will pass by Decembrists' Square. The square is adorned by a superb sculpture - the magnificent equestrian statue of Peter the Great. The statue is also known as the Bronze Horseman after the famous poem by Alexander Pushkin. During our excursion we will also have a little free time to do some shopping (approximately minutes). Day 2 - Catherine Palace in Pushkin and the Parks of the Palace of Peter the Great This excursion gives you the chance to see the grandest residences of the Russian Tsars. Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo is surrounded by a romantic park with mysterious pavilions, grottos and statues. Our tour around the palace will begin at the Grand Staircase created by Monighetti, which leads to the state rooms on the first floor. The jewel of Catherine Palace is the Amber Room, once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World. After our visit to the palace and its park, we will continue on our journey to Peterhof. On the way, we will stop for lunch in one of the best local restaurants. After a one hour coach journey we will arrive in Peterhof, a magnificent estate located in the Gulf of Finland which is home to a combination of several palaces and parks and is often referred to as the "Russian Fountain Capital" and the "Russian Versailles". We will enter the Parks of Peterhof from the Upper Gardens, a French style park with five fountains, including one depicting Neptune, the God of the Sea. We will then continue on towards the Lower Gardens, a park which lies between the Grand Palace and the shore and has one of the world's largest fountain ensembles. 7

8 The Great Cascade, which runs from the Palace down to the Baltic Sea, is one of the largest ensembles and includes 64 fountains and 37 statues. The park also includes several pavilions and small palaces, including Peter the Great's favourite - Montplaisir. At the end of our visit we will make our way back to the port. COMPLETE ST. PETERSBURG (Duration 8 hours and 30 minutes. Lunch is not included. The order of events may vary) This is the perfect excursion for getting the most out of our time in St. Petersburg, visiting all of the main monuments and buildings that have made this Imperial City famous throughout the world. We begin with a sightseeing tour by coach along the city's main avenues. We will make our first stop at the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral, the first building of the new city. We then head over to the St. Isaac's Square, one of the city's most important square's where we can also see one of its most emblematic buildings, Saint Isaac's Cathedral. We will then have some free time on our own to discover Kazan Square and Nevsky Prospekt Avenue with its shops and shopping malls, where we can buy some souvenirs and have lunch in any of the city's many restaurants. At the agreed time we will reconvene to go to the most famous place in the city and a must-see sight the fantastic Hermitage Museum, the jewel in the crown of all Russian museums, located in the marvelous Winter Palace. The museum has an impressive collection of over 3 million world of art. Limited places available. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes. 8

9 BEAUTIES OF ST. PETERSBURG (Duration: 7 hours. Lunch is not included) By European standards, St. Petersburg is a young city given that it celebrated its 300th anniversary in The city is situated on the shores of the Neva River and includes many islands in the river delta. Large squares, magnificent Baroque palaces, picturesque canals and splendid avenues, combine together with many museums and art galleries to make an unforgettable experience. Our excursion will begin at the port. We begin with a sightseeing tour by coach, which will include three stops in the city centre to take photographs at the famous Vasilyevsky Island. We will also see the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ and St. Isaac's Square. We complete our tour with a visit to the Hermitage Museum, located in the very heart of St. Petersburg between the pier of the River Never and Palace Square. Apart from the impressive state rooms and decorations of the Winter Palace, the museum holds a fascinating collection of over 3 million works of art displayed in four buildings: the Winter Palace, the Small Hermitage, the Old Hermitage and the New Hermitage. To round off the visit, we must not forget to see the Malachite Room within the Winter Palace, decorated with columns and vases made of the precious stone malachite, golden doors and richly decorated ceilings and floors. We will also have some free time to take photographs and shop for souvenirs. SIGHTSEEING TOUR AND FREE TIME (Duration 6 hours and 30 minutes) A visit to St. Petersburg is always an unforgettable experience. This trip is the perfect opportunity to explore the city's rich architecture with a tour around its avenues and along its piers. During the tour we will see Decembrists' Square, named after the uprising in December At the centre of the square is the magnificent Bronze Horseman, a monument to the city's founder Peter the Great. Our first stop will be at St. Isaac's Square. At the very centre of the square is a monument to Nicholas I. We will also see Palace Square, the northern side of which is home to the Baroque style Winter Palace. We will then continue our journey along the banks of the Neva River to see the Spit of Vasilievsky Island. From there we can see magnificent views of the widest part of the river and the city's first building - the Peter and Paul Fortress. We will also pass by the city's Artillery Museum and the district of Petrograd. Our next stop will be near to the warship Aurora, which gave the signal to commence the 1917 Revolution. We will also stop near the Cathedral of the Resurrection and travel along Nevsky Avenue. We will then have some free time to explore the city for ourselves. PETERHOF PALACE AND ITS FOUNTAINS (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes) We leave the port on a private coach accompanied by a guide to head towards Peterhof, the city of palaces, fountains and gardens and considered by many to be the most spectacular summer residence ever built by Russian Tsars. This complex was built by Peter the Great as a place to rival Versailles in Paris. Once inside the palace, we will take a guided tour of the interior of this splendid building. In World War II the palace was severely damaged during the siege of St. Petersburg when it was occupied by German troops. However, it has now been fully restored based on the original designs, which means that we can enjoy the palace in all its splendour, just as it was when it was at its best. We will then pay a visit to the Palace Gardens, were we will see the famous and magnificent fountains, including four spectacular cascades surrounded by golden statues depicting mythological figures. This ensemble is known as the Grand Cascade, a spectacular ensemble with extraordinary decoration and with lovely effects created by the water. This truly is a unique opportunity to see one of Europe's finest and most famous palace and garden complexes. HERMITAGE MUSEUM (Duration 3 hours and 30 minutes) A visit to St. Petersburg can never be complete without a visit to the world famous Hermitage Museum, the jewel in the crown of all Russian museums located in the marvelous Winter Palace, the former residence of Russian Tsars. The museum was founded in 1764 as a private museum for Catherine the Great, which only she and her closest courtiers had access to. Today, apart from the impressive state rooms and decorations of the Winter Palace which alone are sufficient to justify its world fame, the museum also holds an impressive collection of over 3 million works of art displayed in four buildings: the Winter Palace, the Small Hermitage, the Old Hermitage and the New Hermitage. 9

10 To round off the visit, we must not forget to see the Malachite Room within the Winter Palace, decorated with columns and vases made of the precious stone malachite, golden doors and richly decorated ceilings and floors. Limited places available. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical limitations or those who have difficulty walking. AN EVENING AT THE RUSSIAN BALLET (Duration 5 hours and 30 minutes. Dinner is included) St. Petersburg is a mecca for ballet. Just like the city itself did during its development, the Russian classical ballet has absorbed influences from foreign lands to create its very own world-renowned style. Russian aristocracy and governing figures have always shown a great interest in ballet, which led to the construction of many theatres in the city, making St. Petersburg one of the world's main centres for dance. On this excursion we will head off to one of the many theatres dotted around the city, where we can enjoy a romantic story conveyed through the medium of classical dance and witness a true spectacle of classical ballet. During the interval we can toast with a glass of Champagne. Afterwards and to finish of our enchanting evening, we will head over to an elegant classic restaurant located in one of the last palaces built in the city, where we can enjoy a splendid and elegant meal with a menu featuring some of the best dishes in Russian cuisine. Limited places available AN EVENING OF RUSSIAN FOLKLORE (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes. Dinner is not included) Traditional songs and dances have always represented a very important part of Russian heritage. Here in St. Petersburg, known for its contribution to music, theatrical arts and dance, we will enjoy a spectacular performance from a professional folk group. These professional artists will entertain us with their creative dances, songs and music as they introduce us to national treasures of cultural tradition and art. During the interval we can enjoy a glass of Champagne before we once again witness a gift of colourful folk customs, traditional Russian songs, the music of the folk orchestra, the beauty of the maidens' round dance and, of course, the impressive skills of the acrobatic Russian Cossacks. After the show we will have around 2 hours free time to explore the city centre and dine in one of its many restaurants Limited places available CANALS AND RIVERS OF ST. PETERSBURG (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes. The route may be subject to changes due to weather conditions. Aperitifs included) During the white nights of summer in St Petersburg, we will have a fantastic opportunity to take a beautiful boat ride along the city's most picturesque rivers and canals. The city is interlaced with rivers and canals with a total length of over 300 Km. This gives the city a unique atmosphere, creating a "mirror" effect reflecting the golden domes and fairy-tale palaces dotted around the city. A boat ride along the city's two main rivers, the Moika River and the Neva River, is an ideal way to appreciate the history and architecture of St. Petersburg. Our boat will pass by St. Isaac's Cathedral, built in 1858 and one of the largest churches in the world with an enormous golden dome. We will also see a multitude of splendid palaces, include the Baroque masterpiece that is the Stroganov Palace. Our journey will also take us past Vasilievsky Island with its columns, the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Marble Palace to see the charming blue dome of the Mosque. We will also travel past the Aurora warship, which famously signalled the start of the revolution in 1917, and the Summer Palace of Peter the Great, one of the buildings that form part of the world-famous Hermitage Museum. 10

11 As we continue our boat ride, we can enjoy a colourful folk concert including traditional music and dancing performed by a small company of professional musicians and dancers, all accompanied by Champagne, vodka and a selection of canapés. As our boat ride comes to an end, we will have around two hours free time to explore the city centre and dine in one of its many restaurants. NIGHTLIFE ON NEVSKY PROSPECT (Duration approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. It does not include dinner) Nevsky Prospect or "Avenue of Neva" with more than four kilometers is the longest main street of the city and the backbone of the ancient capital of the tsars. Here are many shops and some of the most representative monuments of the Russian city, among them the Stroganov Palace, Kazan Cathedral and The National Library. A walk along Nevsky Prospekt is the best way to discover the great night of St. Petersburg on their own, walk around their lighted streets, avenues and monuments to learn from another perspective this fantastic city. OVERVIEW NIGHT AND BRIDGES (Duration approximately three hours. It does not include dinner) Enjoy spectacular views and nightlife that the city offers. walk through the beautiful and illuminated streets of St. Petersburg and we see two of the most famous giant drawbridges across the Neva River at the right time of opening night in a show that attracts many spectators every night. St. Petersburg has more than 300 bridges, 20 of which are elevadizos, the uniqueness of the movable bridges is that throughout the period of navigation of the river every night, around one o'clock, drawbridges open to cargeros make way. During the night tour we will pass along the main streets and avenues of the city as the Convent Smolny, located on the left bank of the Neva and St. Isaac's Square river and you can admire the enchanting beauty of their combined buildings with the play of light featuring St. Petersburg at night. Do not miss the opportunity to see the city from a completely different angle! ST. PETERSBURG PETERHOF PALACE AND ITS FOUNTAINS (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes) We leave the port on a private coach accompanied by a guide to head towards Peterhof, the city of palaces, fountains and gardens and considered by many to be the most spectacular summer residence ever built by Russian Tsars. This complex was built by Peter the Great as a place to rival Versailles in Paris. Once inside the palace, we will take a guided tour of the interior of this splendid building. In World War II the palace was severely damaged during the siege of St. Petersburg when it was occupied by German troops. However, it has now been fully restored based on the original designs, which means that we can enjoy the palace in all its splendour, just as it was when it was at its best. We will then pay a visit to the Palace Gardens, were we will see the famous and magnificent fountains, including four spectacular cascades surrounded by golden statues depicting mythological figures. This ensemble is known as the Grand Cascade, a spectacular ensemble with extraordinary decoration and with lovely effects created by the water. This truly is a unique opportunity to see one of Europe's finest and most famous palace and garden complexes. CATHERINE PALACE (Duration 4 hours and 30 minutes) We leave on a private coach accompanied by a guide to head off towards the site of one of the most splendid royal residences - Pushkin. Catherine Palace is regarded as one of the masterpieces of world architecture. This splendid palace was created by Rastrelli in 1752 at the request of the Empress Elizabeth and was named in honour of her mother, Catherine I. The façade is adorned with a wealth of columns, pillars and ornate windows. Hundreds of kilos of gold were used in its construction, producing a dazzling effect that impresses visitors on sunny days. Once inside we will start at the beautiful Main Staircase and tour the lovely decorated corridors, with their never ending succession of rooms, taking us to the sumptuous Throne Room where the Tsars met their guests during their famous grand 11

12 functions. You will be astounded at the magnificent decoration of this room, with its vast array of mirrors, statues and paintings that create the illusion of being surrounded by gold. One of the palace's special features is the Amber Room, once regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The room is decorated with panels adorned with small pieces of moulded amber, with each panel weighing 800 kg. At the end of our visit, we can enjoy a romantic walk through the splendid gardens with its pavilions, marble bridges and the large Central Lake. CATHERINE PALACE AND THE CANALS OF ST. PETERBSURG (Duration 8 hours. Lunch is not included) Our excursion begins with a tour of Catherine Palace, the Imperial family's former summer residence famous for its palace and parks. The main staircase of the palace was designed by Monighetti. The Throne Room is truly impressive. It is considered to be the largest room of its kind and is decadently decorated with gilt covered wooden carvings. We will also have the chance to see the famous Amber Room. Catherine Park has a French area and an English area. The park also contains several pavilions: the Cameron Gallery, the Agate Pavilion, the Grotto and others. After our visit to the palace we will make our way back to St. Petersburg. This fascinating city includes 42 islands, 60 rivers and a network of canals that crosses the city's territory, but its main river is the Neva River. As we take a boat ride along the river our guide will tell us about the city's famous architectural features. Our boat ride on the Neva is the ideal opportunity to admire the magnificent views of the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Marble Palace and the Mosque. RESURRECTION CATHEDRAL, BOAT RIDE AND SHOPPING (Duration 3 hours and 30 minutes) On this excursion we will take a boat ride along the Moika River or the Neva River to appreciate the history and magnificent architecture of the city. The area along the Moika River has many mansion houses, include the Yusupov Palace, famous as the place where Grigori Rasputin was assassinated. We continue our journey past St. Isaac's Cathedral, built in 1858 (a hundred kilos of gold were used to make the dome). We will also have the chance to see Rastrelli's Baroque masterpiece, the Stroganov Palace. We will pass under the Singers' Bridge and travel along the Winter Canal which links the Moika to the Neva. The canal was excavated in 1718 and its name originates from Peter the Great's Winter Palace, which was located there. The Hermitage Bridge of the Winter Canal was built in 1766 and is the oldest stone bridge in St. Petersburg. On the Neva River we will be able to enjoy views of St Petersburg from the water, including sights such as the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Grand Ducal Palaces, the Marble Palace and the Mosque. We will pass under the Holy Trinity Bridge, past the Summer Garden, and we will get as close as we can to the cruiser Aurora, a warship that played a crucial role in the 1917 Revolution. We will then enter the Fontanka River, where we will see the Summer Palace of Peter the Great, the ancient centre of social life in city. We will pass the salt district and pass under Panteleimon Bridge before we return along the Moyka River, where we can see the Engineers Castle created by Paul I. We will then arrive at the Cathedral of the Resurrection, the city's only pseudo-russian style church. Inside it holds 7,000 m2 of marble mosaics. We will then have some free time to do some shopping. Limited places available. The excursion includes long walks, so we recommend wearing comfortable shoes This excursion is not recommended for persons with physical limitations or those who have difficulty walking. Includes sightseeing tour by coach. 12

13 SIGHTSEEING TOUR AND FREE TIME (Duration 6 hours and 30 minutes) A visit to St. Petersburg is always an unforgettable experience. This trip is the perfect opportunity to explore the city's rich architecture with a tour around its avenues and along its piers. During the tour we will see Decembrists' Square, named after the uprising in December At the centre of the square is the magnificent Bronze Horseman, a monument to the city's founder Peter the Great. Our first stop will be at St. Isaac's Square. At the very centre of the square is a monument to Nicholas I. We will also see Palace Square, the northern side of which is home to the Baroque style Winter Palace. We will then continue our journey along the banks of the Neva River to see the Spit of Vasilievsky Island. From there we can see magnificent views of the widest part of the river and the city's first building - the Peter and Paul Fortress. We will also pass by the city's Artillery Museum and the district of Petrograd. Our next stop will be near to the warship Aurora, which gave the signal to commence the 1917 Revolution. We will also stop near the Cathedral of the Resurrection and travel along Nevsky Avenue. We will then have some free time to explore the city for ourselves. NEVSKY AVENUE, RUSSIAN MUSEUM AND FREE TIME (Duration 3 hours and 15 minutes) This excursion is the perfect opportunity to learn about the artistic ideas and culture of Russia and gain a better understanding of orthodox Russian tradition. We will also visit the Russian Museum where we can see Russian works of art dating from the 11th century right through to modern times. The most significant and interesting part of the collection is kept in the old Michael Palace in the centre of St. Petersburg beside the main street Nevsky Avenue. The exhibition is organised chronologically, giving a better understanding of how Russian art has developed. We start our tour on the first floor, where we can see icons dating from the 12th century to 17th century. The works of Valentin Serov are magnificent, and the portraits of Princess Zinaide Yusupova and the ballerina Ida Rubinstein are the jewels of the museum's collection. The 20th century saw the beginning of the 'World of Art' movement, founded by Alejandro Benois, whose representatives subscribed to the doctrine "Art for Art's Sake". At the end of our tour we will have some free time in the city. HELSINKI VISIT OF HELSINKI (Duration 4 hours) From the port we will make our way to Senate Square and take a brief sightseeing tour by coach before arriving at Market Square. We will then head towards Kaivopuisto Park and Mannerheim Street. We will pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church, a modern masterpiece carved into a granite hillside and which locals often refer to as the 'Rock Church' (the church can only be visited when religious services are not in progress). Later we will head down to Mannerheim Street, where we can see the Parliament Building, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall and the New Opera Theatre. We will also stop by the 1952 Olympic stadium as we make our way to the Sibelius monument, dedicated to Finland's most famous and beloved composer. This monument is made up of hundreds of steel tubes in which visitors can hear the music of Sibelius. We will then have some free time to do some shopping before we go to the airport. TOUR OF HELSINKI AND CRUISE AROUND THE BAY (Duration 5 hours and 30 minutes) After a short coach journey, we take a ride on a boat to discover the landscapes of Helsinki. During our excursion we will be accompanied by a local guide who will explain everything we need to know about the monuments and places of interest we see as we go by. We will see an exceptional urban archipelago and waterside villas and saunas. We will also pass by the islands of the Suomenlinna Fortress, via the Northern port where there is a large fleet of icebreakers, a zoo and other places of interest. Our guide will tell us about Helsinki's exciting history and will explain just how much the sea 13

14 means to its inhabitants. Our cruise ends at the market square, where we will have some free time to do some shopping before we begin our sightseeing tour of the capital on land. From the market we will head off towards Senate Square, where we will pause for a while to take some photographs. We will then head down to Mannerheim Street, where we can see the Parliament Building, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall and the New Opera Theatre. We will also stop by the 1952 Olympic stadium as we make our way to the Sibelius monument, dedicated to Finland's most famous and beloved composer. This monument consists of hundreds of steel tubes in which visitors can hear the music of Sibelius. We will then pay a visit to Temppeliaukio church, a modern masterpiece carved into a granite hillside and which locals often refer to as the 'Rock Church' (the church can only be visited when religious services are not in progress). At the end of the tour we will make our way to the airport. HELSINKI AND PORVOO (Duration5 hours and 30 minutes) On this excursion we will travel to one of Finland's oldest cities, Porvoo. We start by leaving the port and taking a short sightseeing tour past the Parliament Building, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall - designed by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the New Opera Theatre and the 1952 Olympic Stadium. We will then continue along the coastal road until we reach Porvoo, which has been classed as a city since 14th century and is a treasure trove of Finnish architecture. Its Medieval layout, low houses, picturesque patios and narrow streets give this wooden city an exceptional atmosphere. The red storage buildings on the riverside are symbols of the city and a reminder of the city's shipping and commercial heritage. During our visit to the city we will have some free time to do some shopping, explore the old part of the city with its beautiful little shops and artisan workshops, and perhaps stop for refreshments. After our visit we will make our way back to Helsinki, enjoying the beautiful landscapes as we travel. During our journey we will pay a visit to Temppeliaukio Church, a modern masterpiece carved into a granite hillside and which locals often refer to as the 'Rock Church' (the church can only be visited when religious services are not in progress). We will then enter the historic centre and pause for a while at Senate Square to take some photographs before we continue on to Market Square, where we will have some free time. Afterwards, we will make our way to the airport. 14