Red Star Special 2012

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Berlin, Germany

Today we meet our Trip Leader and fellow travellers. A city tour of popular Berlin takes us on a journey back through history. Then in the evening, check out the awesome night life. (D) (B)

 

Days 3-4 Berlin to Copenhagen, Denmark

We move on to wonderful Copenhagen, home of the Little Mermaid. A magical place with a royal touch! (B,L,D) (B)

 

Days 5-7 Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden

Past Hamlet’s Castle and on to the ferry heading for Stockholm. Design and culture make this city a vibrant place to visit and we have plenty of free time to explore! (B,L,D) (B,L,D) (B)

 

Days 8-9 Stockholm to Oslo, Norway

Our drive into Norway is past stunning Lake Vattern. Oslo is a naturally beautiful city with plenty to keep us busy. (B,L,D) (B,L)

 

Days 10-11 Oslo to Andalsnes

From Oslo we visit Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics, before heading to Andalsnes, situated in one of the most scenic regions of Norway. A full day excursion to the breathtaking Geiranger Fjord is included. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

 

Days 12-13 Andalsnes to Steinkjer/Korgen

Trondheim and Hell are on the way to Steinkjer where we stay overnight. Then up the coast to Korgen, an inland village surrounded by mountains. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

 

Days 14-15 Korgen to Tysfjord/ Skibotn

Today we have an option to hike to the Svartisen Glacier, the second largest in Norway, and then cross the Arctic Circle. After experiencing a Polar Plunge (swimming above the Arctic Circle), you will want to try a traditional wood fired sauna! (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

 

Days 16-17 Skibotn to Olderfjord

To the north! Here we find hunters and trappers, the Midnight sun, reindeer and moose. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

 

Days 18-19 Olderfjord to Rovaniemi/Jyvaskyla, Finland

On to Rovaniemi, the home of ‘Santa Claus’. Later we head to the lakeside town of Jyvaskyla. Enjoy the combination of its natural beauty and lively urban centre. (B,L,D) (B,L,D)

 

Day 20 Jyvaskyla to Helsinki

A short trip south to the Finnish capital, Helsinki. A cosmopolitan city; see what it has to offer on our highlights tour. (B,L)

 

Days 21-22 Helsinki to Tallinn, Estonia

A ferry across the Baltic Sea to Tallinn with its old city walls and medieval buildings. After our walking tour there is plenty of free time to explore. (B,D) (B) 

 

Days 23-25 Tallinn to St Petersburg, Russia

Our first stop in Russia is beautiful St Petersburg. A city tour and a visit to the Hermitage with a local guide gives an in-depth insight. (B,L,D) (B,D) (B)

 

Day 26 St Petersburg to Novgorod

Travel through the Russian countryside to Novgorod. See beautiful old churches and try traditional Russian “Medovukha” in a local restaurant. (B,L,D)

 

Days 27-29 Novgorod to Moscow

A drive through the former communised farmlands to Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow. A local Russian guide gives us an insight in to the city and the Kremlin before we can go on our own tour of discovery. (B,L,D) (B,D) (B)

 

Day 30 Moscow to Velikie Luki

An overnight stay in the town of Velikie Luki, scene of a major WWII battle. (B,L,D)

 

Days 31-32 Velikie Luki to Riga, Latvia

We cross the border into Latvia and travel to Riga, a Baltic gem on the World Heritage List. (B,L,D) (B)

 

Day 33 Riga to Vilnius, Lithuania

To the capital of Lithuania today. The old town here is remarkable. (B,L)

 

Days 34-35 Vilnius to Warsaw, Poland

South to Warsaw. Re-born after the horrors of World War II into a city of cultural significance and lively night life. Visit the Old Jewish Ghetto and Pawiak Prison with time for discovery at our leisure. (B,D) (B)

 

Day 36 Warsaw to Berlin, Germany

Tonight we toast a great journey at our farewell dinner in Berlin. (B,L,D)

 

Day 37 Berlin

Our trip finishes today after breakfast. (B)

 

For the relevant pre-departure information, please see document titled ‘Russia Scandi Pre-Departure Info 2011’.

Please note a sleeping bag is required on this trip.