Scenic Tours
1300 SCENIC (723 642)
Imperial Russia, Berlin & The Baltic States
(27 days, Berlin - Moscow, 2012)
This incredible 27 day journey explores the unique and grand waterways of Russia including St. Petersburg and Moscow, plus Berlin, Warsaw, Riga, Tallinn and Helsinki.
This extraordinary 27 day journey starts in Berlin, including the once notorious wartime border crossing, Checkpoint Charlie and the nearby city of Potsdam where you will tour Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. In Warsaw you will enjoy a concert of Chopin and en route to Lithuania you will pass through the picturesque town of Augustow and the amazing Mazurian region, which comprises 4,000 lakes.
Crossing the border into Lithuania you will visit its capital, Vilnius, before travelling into Riga in Latvia, Tallinn in Estonia and Helsinki in Finland. You will travel via the high-speed train, Allegro to St. Petersburg to board your luxury cruise ship to Moscow. During your stay in St. Petersburg, you will visit St. Isaac’s Cathedral with its huge gilded dome, beautiful mosaics and icons. You will also visit the baroque Winter Palace and Alexander Column in Palace Square. From St. Petersburg you will cruise to Svirstroy and enjoy authentic Russian tea and piroshky at the home of a local family.
You will then travel to Petrozavodsk to learn about the Soviet era at Kirov Square, Gagarin Square and Lenin Square, before stopping at the World War II Memorial of the Eternal Flame. Continuing along the waterways of Russia, you will visit Kizhi Island, one of the most ancient inhabited sites in Russia and home to the Church of Transfiguration, with its 22 timbered onion domes. En route to Moscow you will visit Goristy and tour the 1397 Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and historic Uglich, part of the Golden Ring of cities around Moscow. Your tour of Moscow includes a tour of the Kremlin and a performance of the internationally-acclaimed Moscow Circus.
- Exclusive private charter sailing on board the ms Scenic Tsar
- All Inclusive guided sightseeing tours and events
- All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner included daily on cruise
- Personal audio headsets on all shore excursions
- Return airport transfers
- Services of a Scenic Tours Cruise Director
- Exclusive services of 6 Program Directors
- Shipboard commentary during cruising
- Complimentary wine, beer and soft drink served with dinner
- ALL TIPPING and GRATUITIES INCLUDED
- Join our local expert historian in Potsdam, who will guide us through the Cecilienhof
- We gain special entry to the Reichstag in Berlin for a tour, coffee and cake under the famous glass dome
- Chopin Concert at the Manor House followed by dinner
- Traditional Russian Highlight Lunch at the old-world wooden ‘Podvorie’ restaurant, offering exclusive home-grown produce and wines from the restaurant owner’s private summer residence.
- Enjoy a glass of sparkling wine before a Russian ballet performance in a private venue. Exclusive to Scenic Tours
- Taste authentic Russian tea and piroshky in a Russian home-hosted visit
- Meet a real cosmonaut on your included guided tour of Star City space training centre followed by lunch
- Guided tour of the renowned St Basil’s Cathedral
- Visit Checkpoint Charlie Museum; or take a relaxing tour on the Spree river; or tour the Topography of Terror Museum (Gestapo HQ)
- The Ritz Carlton is one of Germany’s finest hotels, the winner of numerous awards and ideally located in Potsdam Platz
- 62 superb meals including: 26 Full Breakfasts - hot and cold buffet selections (FB), 1 Highlight Lunch - buffet and daily à la carte selections (HL), 12 Lunches - buffet and daily à la carte selections (L), 3 Highlight Dinners - three course table d’hôte (HD) and 20 Dinners - three to four course table d’hôte (D)
- All must see attractions in Berlin
- Drive Berlin’s iconic ‘Under den Linden’
- Visit to Cecilienhof Palace, venue of the famous Potsdam Conference
- Guided city tour of Warsaw
- Visit Wilanow Palace, known as Poland’s Versailles
- Walking tour around the old town of the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius
- Visit Trakai Island Castle often known as Little Marienburg
- Visit the ‘Hill of Crosses’ near Siauliai
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Riga
- Travel through the Baltic Sea resort town of Parnu
- See Toompea Castle fortifications and the Town Hall Square in Tallinn
- Medieval dinner in Tallinn’s Old Town
- Ferry ride across the Baltic Sea from Tallinn to Helsinki
- Sightseeing tour of Helsinki including Senate Square, the Sibelius monument and the Temple Church
- Excursion to the open-air museum of Seurasaari, a traditional Finnish village
- A ride on the new high-speed train between Helsinki and St. Petersburg, the Allegro
- Exclusive private charter sailing onboard the ms Scenic Tsar
- Captain’s Welcome Reception and Dinner
- City Tour of St Petersburg including St Issac’s orthodox cathedral
- Visit to the Hermitage Art Museum, former Winter Palace to the Tsars
- Marvel at Catherine’s Palace and elaborate gardens
- Tour the 19th-century Yusupov Palace
- Visit a Children’s Music school and meet the children eager to show you their knowledge of English
- Enjoy an afternoon at the royal summer residence, Peterhof
- Sample of the age old tradition - Vodka
- Guided walking tour of Kizhi Island, view the Church of Transfiguration
- Visit Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and its collection of Russian Orthodox icons
- Tour of the historic Golden Ring city Uglich
- Russian language lessons on board
- Sightseeing in Moscow including Red Square, Tverskaya street and the KGB building
- Take a ride on the famous Moscow Metro considered one of the best in the world
- See priceless jewels and Faberge eggs on a tour of the Kremlin and the State Armory Museum
- Witness a thrilling National Russian Show performed by fifty folk dancers^
- Enjoy an evening performance at the famous Moscow Circus
- Captain’s Farewell Reception and Dinner
- Luxury 40 seat coach
- Small group touring experience
- Professional Tour Director
- Whisper Headsets for all walking tours
- All Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage Included
Day 1: Berlin
Welcome to Germany. You will be met at the airport and transferred* to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure before meeting up this evening over a welcome drink with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Three Night Special Stay: Berlin
Three Night Special Stay: Berlin
Day 2: Berlin
(FB,HD)
This morning journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, SCENIC ENRICH Your local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as you visit Cecilienhof Palace where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam return back to Berlin. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENIC ENRICH Scenic Tours have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After your tour, enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war. This evening enjoy a highlight dinner of typical German food in a local restaurant.
Day 3: Berlin
(FB,D)
This morning choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Tours: (1) Checkpoint Charlie Museum, where you will learn the historic details of this notorious time in German history, such as the Berlin Wall and stories of those who risked their lives for freedom; or (2) A relaxing Cruise on the Spree River where you can view all the Berlin sites and fine architecture from the waterways; or (3) Experience a guided tour of the Topography of Terror museum (Gestapo HQ). This afternoon Berlin is yours to explore on your own.
Day 4: Warsaw
(FB,D)
This morning you will be taken to the main train station where you board your first class carriage for the journey across the heart of Poland and into Warsaw. Enjoy time en route to relax and watch the scenery pass by. There is time this afternoon to explore the city on your own before dinner in your hotel tonight.
Two Night Stay: Warsaw
Two Night Stay: Warsaw
Day 5: Warsaw
(FB,HD)
Memories of Polanski’s film “The Pianist’ come to mind as you visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. See the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the palace of Culture and the Royal Palace. This afternoon visit Wilanow Palace, known as Poland’s Versailles. SCENIC ENRICH Tonight enjoy a concert of Chopin music at the Manor House before a highlight dinner.
Day 6: Vilnius
(FB,D)
After breakfast depart Warsaw, passing the picturesque spa town of Augustow. Your route will take you into the amazing Mazurian region, which encompasses 4,000 lakes in a pristine setting, where a great deal of the landscape remains virgin forest. Cross the border into Lithuania and continue on to the capital and your base for the next two nights, Vilnius.
Two Night Stay: Vilnius
Two Night Stay: Vilnius
Day 7: Vilnius
(FB)
This morning join your expert local guide for an insightful walking tour around the Old Town, with its many famous examples of baroque architecture. You’ll see all the famous landmarks, including the University, the Gates of Dawn with its remarkable chapel and the famous Vilnius Cathedral. Visit the fascinating, if not the haunting, KGB Museum. In the afternoon, visit the beautiful Trakai Island Castle, located only a short drive outside of Vilnius. The castle, which began construction in the 14th century, is sometimes referred to as “Little Marienburg”.
Day 8: Riga
(FB,D)
This morning depart Vilnius and drive north to the extraordinary ‘Hill of Crosses’. This symbol of Christian resistance to the Soviets, features millions of small Crosses which were repeatedly bulldozed during the occupation. Continue on to Riga, the capital of Latvia and most populous Baltic State, where this afternoon you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through town.
Overnight Stay: Riga
Overnight Stay: Riga
Day 9: Riga-Tallinn
(FB,D)
Start your day by exploring the old town with your local guide. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture, cosy beer cellars and cafes. Your tour includes St Peter’s Church with its 123 metre high tower, the city walls and Riga Castle. Depart Riga in the afternoon for Tallinn, passing through Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital, famous for its mud baths and spa resorts.
Two Night Stay: Tallinn
Two Night Stay: Tallinn
Day 10: Tallinn
(FB,HD)
Your tour today takes in the Old Town, famous for its jumble of twisting, cobblestone streets and Gothic spires. The tour includes Toompea Castle fortifications, located nearby the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky and the beautiful Town Hall Square. Explore the city walls, still largely intact and a great vantage point to observe this striking city. This evening enjoy a medieval dinner in a traditional restaurant near Tallinn’s Old Town.
Day 11: Tallinn - Helsinki
(FB,D)
Today relax on board your hydrofoil across the Baltic Sea to the trendy Finnish capital, Helsinki. On arrival your Included sightseeing tour will take you to such sights as Senate Square, the Sibelius monument, Olympic Stadium and lively harbour area.
Two Night Stay: Helsinki
Two Night Stay: Helsinki
Day 12: Helsinki
(FB)
Located on a beautiful green island just a few kilometres from the heart of Helsinki, your excursion today takes you to the authentic open-air museum of Seurasaari. The museum is a tribute to the traditional Finnish way of life with colourful costumes, entertainment and architecture on display.
Day 13: Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Embark Ship
(FB,D)
This morning board the newly appointed high-speed train Allegro as you farewell Scandinavia to travel to Russia. On arrival a Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your ship where you will be warmly invited on-board by your dedicated crew. Celebrate your first taste of Russia tonight at a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruise
Next Fourteen Nights: Cruise
Day 14: St. Petersburg
(FB,L,D)
After breakfast enjoy an Included tour of St. Petersburg. A highlight is St. Isaac’s Cathedral with its huge gilded dome, exquisite mosaics and icons. You’ll also view the baroque Winter Palace and Alexander Column in Palace Square. This afternoon you’ll visit the Hermitage. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, today it houses one of the world’s greatest art collections.
Day 15: St. Petersburg
(FB,L,D)
Your day starts at the Peter and Paul Fortress where Peter the Great and all the Russian emperors and empresses are buried. Afterwards relax over lunch in a local restaurant in town. It’s then on to the magnificent summer residence of Russian royalty at Peterhof. Visit Catherine’s Wing and view the Grand Cascade’s waterfalls and fountains.
Day 16: St. Petersburg
(FB,HL,D)
This morning, visit Catherine’s Palace, famous for its grandiose white and gold façade and elaborate gardens. SCENIC ENRICH Enjoy a highlight lunch at the old-world wooden ‘Podvorie’ restaurant. Here you will be offered traditional Russian cuisine with all products and wine home-grown from the restaurant owner’s private summer residence. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure. SCENIC ENRICH After dinner you will be treated to a glass of sparkling wine followed by a private Russian ballet concert.Exclusive to Scenic Tours.
Day 17: St. Petersburg
(FB,L,D)
Today you’ll tour the 19th-century Yusupov Palace, where Prince Yusupov murdered Grigory Rasputin, the most controversial figure in Russian history. After lunch, visit a children’s music school and meet the children eager to show you their knowledge of English. This evening join your fellow travellers on the sun deck as your ship sets sail along the Neva river.
Day 18: Svirstroy
(FB,L,D)
Your ship arrives in the village of Svirstroy, between Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. SCENIC ENRICH It’s all ashore to visit the home of a local family who will serve authentic Russian tea and piroshky, a specialty of the region.
Day 19: Petrozavodsk
(FB,L,D)
Tour the port city of Petrozavodsk and learn about the Soviet era at Kirov Square, Gagarin Square, and Lenin Square, where you’ll stop at the World War II memorial of the eternal flame. Return to the ship for lunch and then attend an Included Karelian Folk Show which celebrates the music and costumes of Russia’s north.
Day 20: Kizhi Island
(FB,L,D)
This morning, your ship docks at Kizhi Island, one of the most ancient inhabited sites in Russia. You’ll visit the museum and its precious collection of wooden churches and chapels. You’ll also view the Church of Transfiguration, with its 22 timbered onion domes.
Day 21: Goritsy
(FB,L,D)
At the medieval village of Goritsy you’ll tour the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery, built in 1397 and home to an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons. As the ship sets sail this afternoon, sample the beverage that has been integral to Russian culture for over 600 years – vodka.
Day 22: Uglich
(FB,L,D)
Take an Included walking tour of historic Uglich, part of the Golden Ring of cities around Moscow. The town dates back to the 10th century and was used by the legendary Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century as a base for his attacks against the Tatars. As you cruise towards Moscow, enjoy a night of celebration with your fellow passengers at your Captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 23: Moscow
(FB,L,D)
Relax on-board this morning as you sail towards Moscow. Arriving after lunch, you’ll set out on an exploration which includes Red Square, Tverskaya street, the KGB building and a ride on Moscow’s Metro – considered one of the best subway systems in the world.
Day 24: Moscow
(FB,L,D)
SCENIC ENRICH This morning travel to the Cosmonaut Training Centre at Star City. Inside the training facility is a full-size mock-up of the Mir Space Station. Here you will have the opportunity to meet with a real cosmonaut and see space simulators that prepare cosmonauts for lift-off before lunch at the venue. Tonight you’ll attend the internationally acclaimed Moscow Circus.
Day 25: Moscow
(FB,L,D)
Your day starts with expansive views of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills. Then visit Novodevichy Cemetery, where Anton Chekhov and former President Boris Yeltsin are buried. SCENIC ENRICH This afternoon enjoy a tour of the most well known icon in Russia, St Basil’s Cathedral.
Day 26: Moscow
(FB,L,D)
After breakfast, you’ll tour the Kremlin, seat of the former Soviet Union’s intrigue. In the State Armory, you’ll see priceless weaponry, jewels, Fabergé eggs and ceremonial robes. After your tour enjoy free time to explore the bustling city of Moscow on your own. This evening you’ll witness a thrilling National Russian Show performed by fifty folk dancers^.
Day 27: Moscow
(FB)
After breakfast, you‘ll disembark and be transferred* to the airport for your onward or homebound flight.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.
