DAY 1

Arrive Warsaw
On arrival at Warsaw airport, transfers depart for your hotel at 10:30, 12:30 and 15:30. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director at 18:00. Your Welcome Dinner is at Restaurant Zapiecek, an authentic local restaurant full of Polish charm and serving delicious traditional meals, accompanied with wine.
Hotel: The Westin Warsaw.
Meal: Dinner with Wine

DAY 2

Exploring the Proud Polish Capital of Warsaw
A Local Expert will show you how well the Polish capital was restored after almost complete obliteration during World War II. This incredible restoration can be credited to the amazing detail of Canaletto’s paintings! Pass the tiered Palace of Culture and stroll through Łazienki Park to the Chopin Memorial. Take a moment to reflect at the Monument to Ghetto Heroes. Then walk to the Market Square in the Old Town. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. Don’t miss the chance to visit Wilanow Palace, the residence of Polish King Sobieski, known as Victor of Vienna.
Hotel: The Westin Warsaw.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 3

Vilnius, Venerable Capital of Lithuania
Pass Augustów and Suwalki during your scenic journey through Masuria, a region rich in lakes and vast forests. Cross into Lithuania and continue to the capital city of Vilnius.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal Astorija Hotel, Vilnius.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 4

Vilnius and the Island Castle of Trakai
Start your morning at the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul before moving on to see the neoclassical cathedral. Join your Local Expert for a leisurely walk through the pretty Old Town and see the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn. A highlight of your travels will be a visit to the fortified island castle of Trakai. Originally built in the 13th century and now restored to all its glory, this red-brick castle is located on an island in Lake Galvė. Choose from a hand-picked selection of local restaurants for your Dine-Around Evening.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Royal Astorija Hotel, Vilnius.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 5

The Votive Hill of Crosses and the Art Nouveau Nirvana of Riga
Head north to visit the unusual Votive Hill of Crosses near Siauliai, the symbol of resistance against the Soviet occupation. Continue your escorted journey to the Latvian capital of Riga, a melange of Teutonic-inspired spires, stylish cocktail lounges and some of the world’s most remarkable art nouveau architecture.
Hotel: Radisson Blu Ridzene Hotel, Riga.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 6

Riga Sightseeing and on to Tallinn
Explore Riga’s Old Town with your Local Expert, including a visit to the old aircraft hangars that now house the Riga Central Market, one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Enjoy the vibrant colours and flavours when sampling some of the local delicacies as you wander through the maze of stalls. Your travels continue along the shores of the Gulf of Riga and across the Estonian border to reach Tallinn. Hailed by travel aficionados as the new Prague, Tallinn is a lively city, where history and modern culture merge. From its brightly coloured architecture, to its quirky art scenes, Tallinn is made for the curious and creative.
Hotel: Hotel L’Embitu, Tallinn.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 7

Surrender to the Magic of Tallinn
Explore Tallinn with Insight Choice. Focus on panoramic views leading to the Town Hall Square, or stroll the fairy-tale Old Town and hear about Estonian artisans. Enjoy free time to browse Tallinn’s shops, famous for fine amber and silver jewellery. Join your travelling companions at a local restaurant for a freshly prepared meal, rich with traditional flavours and accompanied with wine.
Hotel: Hotel L’Embitu, Tallinn.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 8

St Petersburg: To Russia with Love
Head east to the town of Narva, dominated by the mighty Hermannsburg Fortress. Cross the River Narva, which forms the Russian border, and continue to St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703. For your first meal in Russia, enjoy a friendly dinner with wine at a local restaurant.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 9

St. Petersburg sightseeing
Morning sightseeing with your Local Expert includes views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the fortress of St. Peter and Paul and Decembrists’ Square. Travel along Nevsky Prospekt, for views of the great Cathedral of Kazan and the iconic, onion-domed Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 10

Petrodvorets by Hydrofoil
Cruise by hydrofoil along the Baltic shore to Peter the Great’s summer residence of Petrodvorets. For over 200 years it was used for official ceremonies, lavish feasts and formal receptions. Explore the perfectly manicured gardens and see the cascading fountains.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 11

The Hermitage Museum
Located in the Winter Palace, the Hermitage is one of the world’s greatest museums. Marvel at this fabulous collection of paintings and ornaments, ranging from Egyptian carvings to Impressionist masterpieces. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore, shop or relax.
Hotel: Crowne Plaza St. Petersburg, Ligovsky.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 12

High Speed Sapsan Train to Moscow
Enjoy a relaxed start in the morning, or perhaps visit the former residence of the Yusupov family and the scene of Rasputin’s murder? Later, board your high speed Sapsan train and relax in modern luxury and comfort as you swoop to Moscow in just a few hours. On arrival in this fascinating city, you are transferred to your hotel for a leisurely three-night stay.
Hotel: Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 13

Moscow, a Russian Revelation
Begin your exploration of the Russian capital with a Local Expert. Start in Red Square, lined by Moscow’s landmark buildings. At one end rises the onion-shaped domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, in front of the Kremlin stands Lenin’s Mausoleum, while on the opposite side, the grand GUM department store offers a variety of glamorous goods. Explore Moscow with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting an ornate metro station with your Local Expert or alternatively, take a stroll through the popular Zaryadye Park and enjoy great views of your surroundings.
Hotel: Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow.
Meal: Breakfast

DAY 14

Moscow and The Kremlin
In the morning you are at leisure to relax or explore the Russian capital as you wish. Perhaps visit the Borodino Panorama Exhibition or take an Optional Experience to the renowned centre of ancient Russian art and architecture, Zagorsk? In the afternoon, walk within the walls of the Kremlin Fortress to visit one of the cathedrals. Later, enjoy delicious food, great wine and wonderful company as you toast to your travels during your Celebration Dinner.
Hotel: Radisson Collection Hotel, Moscow.
Meal: Breakfast,Dinner with Wine

DAY 15

Farewell Moscow
Departure transfers will arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport at 05:00, 08:00 and 11:00 and at Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport at 05:00, 10:00 and 13:00.
Meal: Breakfast

Top Rated Highlights

• Warsaw: Your Local Expert will show you the city’s highlights. See the Old Town, Palace of Culture and visit the Chopin Memorial in the Lazienki Park before paying your respects at the Ghetto Heroes Memorial.
• Trakai Castle: Take in the idyllic lake setting as you cross the wooden footbridge to the red-brick Gothic castle.
• Vilnius: Led by your Local Expert, explore the Old Town to see the Jesuit University and the Gates of Dawn.
• Siaulai: Visit the unusual Votive Hill of Crosses.
• Riga: Sightseeing of Riga’s Old Town with a Local Expert includes a visit to the Domkirk and seeing the city walls, the House of the Three Brothers and the castle of the Livonian Knights.
• Petrodvorets: Cruise by hydrofoil to visit the epic formal gardens of Peter the Great’s Summer Palace, bursting with cascades, sparkling fountains and golden statues.
• Sapsan Train: Sapsan in Russian, translates to falcon. Relax in modern luxury and comfort while you swoop by rail from St. Petersburg to Moscow in just four hours.
• St Petersburg: With a Local Expert, explore the stunning former Winter Palace of the Tsars, now the spectacular Hermitage Museum, one of the world’s greatest repositories of European art.
• Moscow: Visit one of the cathedral’s and the Armoury Chamber when you venture inside the Kremlin.

Included Insight Services

• Our highly-skilled Travel Director will ensure your journey is seamless, serving as your expert guide, consummate organiser, and friend overseas
• Enjoy the comfort of Insight’s luxury, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom
• Personal radio headsets give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights, without missing any of your Local Expert’s fascinating commentary
• We carry your bags for you and promptly deliver them to your hotel door
• Hotel and restaurant tips are included – you’ll never have to worry about how much to give, nor search for foreign currency
• We also include all taxes and porterage charges at hotels
• Stay connected with friends and family with our complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available)
• From time to time, your Travel Director will enchant you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination
• One-way Sapsan train journey from St Petersburg to Moscow is included
• Complimentary transfers from St Petersburg airport are available at scheduled times, on arrival day
• Complimentary transfers to Moscow’s Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo airports are available at scheduled times, on departure day
• If your flights are outside these times or you have booked additional nights accommodation with Insight Vacations, you may purchase transfers or make your own way