DAY 1, Saturday - Depart for Denmark
Depart for Denmark

DAY 2, Sunday - Arrive in Copenhagen
Arrive in the lively Danish capital of Copenhagen; transfer to your hotel. Time to rest and relax, or begin your independent discovery of this sophisticated city. Your tour begins with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by a light dinner We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Copenhagen
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Monday - Highlights of Copenhagen
Today, get acquainted with the highlights of Copenhagen. Start the tour with a visit to the Royal Reception rooms in Christiansborg Palace*, the seat of the Danish Parliament, Prime Minister's Office and Supreme Court. View the Gefion Fountain, the largest monument in the city and the iconic Little Mermaid statue. Spend the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to explore the city on your own. Perhaps visit one of the many museums, linger at a café in the Nyhavn district or stroll the Strøget pedestrian area and enjoy Smørrebrød sandwiches, delicious Danish pastries, and Denmark's renowned beers. Or join the optional North Zealand Castle Tour to the Danish countryside and Riviera. Make a photo stop at Kronborg castle, the setting of Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Then, visit Frederiksborg Castle, where you view the National Museum, Chapel and Knight's Hall
*In the case that Christiansborg Palace is closed due to local events, the visit will be substituted with a visit to Rosenborg Castle
Optional: North Zealand Castles Tour (PM)
Overnight: Copenhagen
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 4, Tuesday - Arrive in Gothenburg
Travel this morning to Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, an important seaport known for its Dutch-style canals and leafy boulevards. Founded in the 17th century, this pretty university city is well known for its parks, major sporting events, and modern opera house. Enjoy a Scandinavian lunch with your group at a local restaurant, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure. You may choose to take a cruise on the canals and harbor, or opt for a trip to the Liseberg amusement park, one of the most popular in Europe
Overnight: Gothenburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5, Wednesday - Travel to Stockholm
The drive today takes you around the shores of majestic Lake Vattern with its unrivaled tranquility. Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden's stunning capital city spread across 14 islands in Lake Mälaren, connected by 57 bridges. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the endless delights of this city of contrasts with grand public buildings, ornate palaces, and a rich cultural heritage of more than 700 years
Overnight: Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 6, Thursday - Stockholm's Treasures
The discovery of Stockholm begins with views of the imposing Italian Baroque Royal Palace and Riddarholm Church, burial place of Swedish monarchs. At the City Hall, visit the famous Blue Hall and glistening Gold Hall where the Nobel Banquet and Ball is held each year. Then, a walk through the narrow cobbled streets of the medieval Old Town (Gamla Stan) reveals rows of ocher-colored 17th and 18th-century storybook buildings, 700-year-old Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Nobel Museum, and historic Stortorget Square. Later, during your leisure time, linger at one of Stockholm's many fine cafes and trendy restaurants before searching the upscale Swedish and international design boutiques, or have some fun at the fantastic interactive ABBA Museum. Perhaps join the optional tour to the world-renowned Vasa Museum with your local guide to see the best-preserved 17th century wooden warship in the world
Optional: Vasa Museum Tour (PM)
Overnight: Stockholm
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 7, Friday - Ferry to Helsinki
This morning is free to spend at your leisure. Later, depart Stockholm on an overnight ferry that cruises to Helsinki, Finland. On board, there's lots to do! You can expect entertaining shows with international artists in the night clubs and bars. Practice your dance steps in the exciting disco. Unwind in the bubbles of the jacuzzi and pamper yourself with a massage, or a beauty treatment! Sit back, relax and enjoy dinner on board
Overnight: Ferry to Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 8, Saturday - Explore Helsinki
Morning disembarkation in Helsinki, built along a series of peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic Sea along the Gulf of Finland. At the harbor, time to walk through the bustling open-air market where you'll find treasures to take home. Afterward, a tour of the city reveals architecture dating back to the era of Russian and Swedish rule. At busy Senate Square, view the neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the National Library. Pass the restored Lasipalatsi building, a masterpiece of modernist architecture from the 1930s. Visit the unique Temppeliaukio Church, known as the Rock Church, excavated and built out of solid rock. View Finlandia Hall, designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, Sibelius Monument and Olympic Stadium. The balance of the day is at leisure. This evening, be sure to try one of the innovative fine-dining restaurants that dot the city
Overnight: Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 9, Sunday - Day Tour to Tallinn
Morning embarkation on a ferry that takes you to Tallinn, scenic capital of Estonia situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Here you'll be enchanted by the typical narrow medieval streets, soaring towers, and Gothic churches. Begin the day with a drive to Baroque Kadriorg Palace built for Catherine I of Russia by Peter the Great, the Song Festival grounds, and the ruins of the 15th century Brigit's convent in Pirita. Then, continue on a walking tour of the cobbled Old Town, with photo stops at Toompea Castle, the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall, and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral where you'll hear about the city's history and culture. This evening, enjoy dinner aboard the ferry as you return to Helsinki
Overnight: Helsinki
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Monday - Train to St. Petersburg
At the train station in Helsinki board the high-speed train to St. Petersburg, arriving in mid-afternoon. Your first sight of this glorious city, the former capital of the Romanov Czars, will indeed be memorable. Spend the rest of the day admiring your new surroundings. This evening, enjoy your first dinner in Russia together at your hotel
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 11, Tuesday - St. Petersburg, "Venice of the North"
There are few cities in the world that can match the grace and beauty of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. Your daylong tour begins with a drive to view monumental St. Isaac's Cathedral, the imposing Bronze Horseman monument of Peter the Great, the Admiralty, Palace Square and the remarkable Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, housing crypts of Russian Emperors before driving past the magnificent Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a superb example of Russian architecture, and St. Michael's Castle with its mysterious past. End the day with a drive along Nevsky Prospect adorned with striking buildings, decorated squares, and ornate bridges. Tonight, don't miss the optional Russian Folklore Evening tour that includes entertainers in lavish costumes, canapes, and champagne during intermission
Optional: Russian Folklore Evening (PM)
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 12, Wednesday - The Hermitage Museum
You'll be dazzled today on the visit to the renowned Hermitage Museum, housing the largest and richest collection of Western art in the world. Originally the personal gallery of Catherine the Great, the vast assemblage of art spans six buildings including the Winter Palace. Astounding priceless masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Picasso, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Monet and more are displayed amid the fittingly opulent architectural design of the museum. As the collection is housed in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace, you'll also see some of the historic rooms where Russian royalty once lived. Following lunch at a local restaurant, the remainder of the day is at leisure. Perhaps, participate in the optional Catherine Palace tour, nestled in a beautiful park setting.* This royal palace, with its magnificent blend of architecture and sumptuous furnishings, is distinguished by its priceless Amber Room. Then join the optional Evening Canal Cruise through St. Petersburg's rivers and canals, offering panoramic views of the city at night*
*Be advised that you might not be able to book this optional tour locally, due to certain restrictions regarding Catherine's Palace
*If booking both the Catherine Palace & Evening Canal Cruise optional tours, please keep in mind that you may have limited time in between for dinner
Optional: Catherine Palace (PM)
Optional: Evening Canal Cruise (PM)
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 13, Thursday - Yusupov Palace
Enjoy the morning at leisure or join the optional tour to Peterhof, also known as Petrodvorets, the stunning Summer Palace of Peter the Great with its gorgeous landscaped grounds and sparkling fountains overlooking the Gulf of Finland, named the "Russian Versailles". In the afternoon, visit Yusupov Palace, home to one of the wealthiest and most distinguished noble families of 19th century St. Petersburg. The opulent and exquisitely decorated interior has been totally recreated as a museum, a theater and the St. Petersburg Palace of Culture. This palace rivals those owned by the Romanovs, with a history that's just as intriguing. Balance of the day is at leisure for independent explorations
Optional: Peterhof Tour (AM)
Overnight: St. Petersburg
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 14, Friday - High-Speed Train to Moscow
At St. Petersburg's railway station, board a high-speed train that whisks you to Moscow, the symbolic heart and soul of Russia, arriving in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, join your fellow travelers for a "welcome to Moscow" dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Moscow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 15, Saturday - The Kremlin, Armory Museum, Arbat Center
Today's exploration of Moscow begins at the massive red walls of the Kremlin, the former residence of Russian Czars. View Czar Cannon, the 16th century Czar Bell and Cathedral Square, home to Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals. Visit the astonishing Armory Museum with its Imperial Russian treasures including royal crowns, embossed carriages, and the extraordinary jeweled Faberge Eggs. Then, stroll through the lovely Alexander Gardens; view the obelisk dedicated to the Romanovs and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. On to historic Red Square, dominated by Lenin's Tomb and colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, one of the world's most magnificent Russian Orthodox structures. Pass the State History Museum en route to GUM, a store that could easily be confused with a palace. Perhaps try the Soviet-style ice cream that GUM is famous for. Continue via the imposing Christ the Savior Cathedral towards Arbat Street, the humming artisan center of the city. In the evening, join the optional Metro & Red Square by Night tour - ride a few stops on the unique subway, with its lavishly decorated stations and view the glitter of the city's lights before returning to the hotel
Optional: Metro & Red Square by Night (PM)
Overnight: Moscow
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 16, Sunday - Tretyakovsky State Gallery
Spend your morning at leisure, or join the optional tour to the Novodevichy Convent founded in the early 16th century to commemorate the recapture of the Russian city of Smolensk. Hear the fascinating history of the convent with its many dark dramas and tragedies. View the five-domed Cathedral of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, a superb architectural monument. Adjacent to the Convent, visit the cemetery, one of Moscow's most prestigious resting places - a veritable 'who's who' of Russian politics and culture. In the afternoon, visit the renowned Tretyakovsky State Gallery, one of the greatest art museums in the world. The collection contains more than 150,000 works of art from the 10th to 19th centuries, including exquisite Russian icons, paintings, and sculptures. On your last night in Russia, share wonderful memories of your journey through Scandinavia and Russia at dinner and bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Novodevichy Convent (AM)
Overnight: Moscow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 17, Monday - Depart Russia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast