18 -35 year old Russia Tour for Young Professionals and Student Travellers

Overview

For those who have done Europe and want a new travel challenge or anyone who enjoys getting off the beaten track, a tour of Russia and Scandinavia is a great remedy for the travel bug.

Itinerary

Daily Itinerary Russia

Day 1 Depart for Europe Helsinki 
Jet off to the trip of a lifetime awaiting you in Europe! 

Day 2  Helsinki to St. Petersburg
Leaving Helsinki today, the coach travels through pine forests and Finland’s vast wilderness, before crossing over the border into Russia, the world’s biggest country. Hotel (B,D)

Days 3 and 4  St. Petersburg
Get a feel for the city’s UNESCO World Heritage centre and a look into Peter the Great’s imagination as our Local Guide uncovers many of St. Petersburg’s best-known sites. You’ll see St. the stunning Church of Spilt Blood and Amorality, the place where Alexander II was killed. Make a visit to Petrodvorets, Peter the Great’s summer palace. This place is breathtaking! Explore the spectacularly manicured grounds, cottages, fountains and palace. Choose to visit St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress in our fascinating optional, where the remains of many Tsars are held. The group takes a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit one of the world’s top art collections at The Hermitage gallery. The Hermitage itself is a gorgeous palace and was once home to Tsar Royalty. It makes a scene-stealing backdrop for the priceless works inside, which are the remains of Catherine the Great’s personal collection. Hotel (B) (B,D)

Day 5 St. Petersburg to Novgorod  
There’s a definite change of pace as we enter the peaceful, shady streets of Novgorod, an ancient fortress city. Filled with old churches and a Kremlin of its own, this lovely town once suffered terribly at both the hands of Ivan the terrible and, more recently, the Nazis. Head into central Novgorod with the group and get an insider’s look into the old town, where Russian history is captured in a nutshell – or actually in a bell! The landmark Millennium Bell is a 300 tonne sculpture covered in 127 figures – all of them key players in Russia’s history which our Novgorod Local Guide brings to life with stories. Hotel (B,D) 

Day 6 Novgorod to Moscow 
En route to Moscow, we make a stop in Klin, at the former home of famous Russian composer, Tchaikovsky, and see where the creator of Swan Lake and the Nutcracker. Later today, we arrive in Moscow, Russia’s economic powerhouse, political point of power and cultural core. As the country’s historical heart, this massive metropolis mixes up extravagance from the time of Tsar Royalty, relics from the Cold War and a new, progressive Russia. Hotel (B,D)

Days 7 and 8 Moscow  

With 2 full days, there’s plenty of time to uncover Moscow. Chalk up a truly local experience with a ride on one of the planet’s busiest subway systems. The Metro is packed with art that was installed under Stalin, meaning that Moscow’s metro stations double as fascinating historical art galleries. You can learn more about them in an optional tour and get an insider’s look at the art with our expert Local Guide. Hotel (B) (B,D)

Day 9 Moscow to Minsk 
We pass by Borodino, where the bloodiest single day of battle took place during the Napoleon led invasion of Russia. Later, pull into the capital of Belarus, Minsk. Torn to the ground in World War II and then rebuilt by Stalin, Minsk became the model communist city of the Soviet era with its wide avenues, monumental buildings and vast squares. You’ll get a good look into its grand style on our city tour. Check out the Leninsky Prospekt and Victory Square as you get the background on Minsk from our Local Guide. Hotel (B,D) 

Day 10 Minsk to Warsaw 
Cross the border into PoaStart the day with a visit to the 19th Century Brest Fortress, a stronghold of Russian resistance during the German invasion of Russia in World War II. Back on the coach, journey on to budding Warsaw. See how Poland’s capital started up again from scratch after World War II and see how it’s now looking to the future. Get a feel for the city’s buzzing café scene, relax with a drink, order some perogies (Polish dumplings) and soak up the vibes of this energetic city.
land & arrive in Warsaw. Hotel (B,D) 

Day 11 Warsaw 
Go back in time as our Local Guide gives you a crash-course in Warsaw’s troubled history. You’ll see Warsaw’s Ghetto, Chopin’s park, as well as the Old Town. Hear how this town has been all about survival, being literally reduced to rubble, and how Warsaw then picked up the pieces, using these ruins to rebuild the city. Check out St John’s Cathedral and the Royal Palace, which was blown-up during World War II. Free time means a chance to discover Warsaw’s modern, festive side. Relax in Lazienki Park, a favourite haunt with the locals, or dip into the city’s many museums, galleries and theatres. Get some hints on what to explore from your Tour Manager.Hotel (B) 

Day 12 Depart Warsaw / Berlin 
The tour ends after breakfast in Warsaw and it’s time to say farewell to your new friends. Otherwise, catch a free transfer back to Berlin where your tour ends upon arrival. Hotel (B)