Baltic Explorer - Xmas 2012

Itinerary

DAY 1 Riga, Latvia

Our trip begins today in the gorgeous Latvian city of Riga, a perennial favourite of Topdeck crew. We meet at our fantastic accommodation in the heart of Riga’s Old Town before a welcome meeting with our Topdeck Trip Leader, where we will hear more details about the trip. Please bring your passport and travel insurance details to the meeting. We then head out for an evening to get to know our fellow travellers. A great chance to get into the spirit of the city of Riga!

DAY 2 Riga 

Today our journey begins in this beautiful UNESCO World Heritage listed city - its spectacular scenery is yours to explore and discover. Riga’s dominating architectural style is Art Nouveau, and our walking tour this morning with a local guide reveals all the mains sights from the medieval architecture through to more recent 19th century buildings. Tonight is a chance to sample some local dishes at our included welcome dinner – afterwards why not enjoy one of the many beer cellars in the Old Town. (B, D)

DAY 3 Riga to St Petersburg, Russia

Today is a free day to lose yourself in the vibrant city of Riga. Discover hidden gems as you make your way through the narrow, winding cobblestone streets that are home to numerous restaurants, cafes and bars. This evening we make our way to the bus station for our overnight bus to St Petersburg. (B) 

DAY 4 St Petersburg

We wake up today in Russia - the largest country in the world, spanning some 11 time zones and with a distinct culture of its own. It also formed the major part of the Soviet Union, the mighty communist state which existed from 1917 until the early 1990s. The history of Russia is truly fascinating, and our destination today is historic St Petersburg, the former imperial capital known to many as ‘the Venice of the North’. After transferring to our hotel, it’s on to our included city tour with a local guide, soaking up all the magnificence of this haunting city. Then it’s free time for us to do some exploring on our own and discover the lingering grandeur of this infamous city. Tonight try the nightlife in St Petersburg – why not take in a show or maybe a ballet?

DAY 5 St Petersburg

Merry Christmas! Fortunately for us, today is not the day the Russian calendar celebrates Christmas so everything will still be open to explore. This morning we make our way to the Hermitage, one of the most famed and celebrated art museums in the world, for our included guided visit. A former Imperial Palace, it now possesses over 3 million artefacts from a breathtaking range of sculptures, paintings and archaeological discoveries. Afterwards we have free time to explore more of the magical winter sights that St Petersburg has to offer. Tonight is our included Christmas dinner in the city centre – it may even be a white Christmas! (B, D) 

DAY 6 St Petersburg to Tallinn, Estonia 

After breakfast we say farewell to Russia as we board our bus for the journey across the plains to Tallinn, capital of Estonia. Arriving early afternoon, we make our way to the hotel before setting out to take in our first evening glimpses of this spectacular city. It is easy to see why Tallinn is also a UNESCO world heritage listed city, with its panorama of medieval history, culture and gothic charm. (B)

DAY 7 Tallinn 

Today is your chance to explore the architecture of Tallinn on your included walking tour of the city with a local guide. See the ancient city walls of Toompea Castle, the Dome Cathedral, Alexander Nevsky Church, Town Hall Square and more! Behind the city walls is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, looming gothic spires and imperial echoes which will exhaust your senses. This evening we have our included farewell dinner, to say goodbye to our new friends in true Estonian style! (B, D)

DAY 8 Tallinn 

Today we say our sad farewells to Russia and the Baltics as our trip finishes after breakfast. After checking out we say our fond farewells to our Topdeck companions! (B)