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

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 Scandinavia & Russia is a great remedy for the travel bug.

Arrive Copenhagen Day 2  

Check-in to your hotel and head straight out into Copenhagen for a first glimpse of this cool canal city. Later, meet up with your fellow travellers and Tour Manager.

Get to know the group over dinner at a local restaurant smack in the middle of town and head out into Copenhagen’s diverse nightlife – with live jazz, pumping clubs and chilled-out bars, there’s loads of choice.

Hotel -Dinner

Copenhagen to Gothenburg Day 3  

Full of history, Copenhagen is a compact city with a really festive feel. Jump start your travels with a look into Denmark’s culture on our city tour, as your Tour Manager tells you the story behind the Little Mermaid statue, the Resistance Museum and the Royal Palace. Use your free time to explore the waterways and streets of Copenhagen, where the major sites are all within walking distance. Put your feet up, treat yourself and order some Danish pastries, cake and coffee.

This afternoon, cross into Sweden and journey to fun-loving Gothenburg. With Europe’s busiest port and a lively student population, Gothenburg is down to earth and serves up cafes, culture and the good times.

Hotel - Breakfast

Gothenburg to Oslo Day 4  

Cross the border into Norway and continue on to Oslo, Scandinavia’s oldest capital. This easy-going city oozes culture and has some amazing museums to visit. Your Tour Manager will introduce you to one of Oslo’s most famous spaces, the Vigeland Sculpture Park in Frogner Park. Packed with over 200 sculptures and bronzes, this outdoor gallery serves up loads of local art and gorgeous greenery.

With free time, get inspired at Aker Brygge, Oslo’s cultural hub and central gathering spot for locals. Once an old ship yard, it’s now a popular shopping area with a sea-front promenade, galleries, cinemas and food stalls.

Otherwise, find out about a fellow adventurer, Thor Heyerdahl at the Kon-Tiki Museum (no, it’s not ours! Kon-Tiki was the raft Heyerdahl used to cross the South Pacific) or explore the medieval dungeons, banquet halls and crypts of Akershus Castle.

Hotel -Breakfast

Oslo to Voss Day 5  

Cruise through Norway’s famous Telemark region and across the Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau. If you’re lucky, you might spot some wild animals.

Then we journey onwards to the small town of Voss, Norway’s adventure capital.

Hotel - Breakfast - Dinner

Voss Day 6  

Set lakeside, Voss is perfect if you’re after some adventure in the outdoors. Get your pulse racing on a white-water rating optional trip or take it easy with a walk in the pure and natural surroundings.

Hotel - Breakfast

Voss to Geiranger Day 7  

Travel 25km (15.3 miles) through the impressive man-made marvel, the Laerdal Tunnel, which is the longest road tunnel in the world – and it cuts though 3 caves.

Get back to nature on our journey through Norway’s rugged wilderness and take in the spectacular Boyabreen glacier, as well as the 200km long Sognefjord.

For awe-inspiring views, jump on board a cruise in an optional excursion and get out on the water of Geiranger Fjord. The picture perfect scenes keep coming, complete with dramatic waterfalls pouring down the sides of massive sheer rock walls.

Hotel -Breakfast -Dinner

Geiranger to Gjovik Day 8  

Cruise past old farms and unspoilt wilderness to the alpine ski resort of Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Olympics and the impressive 136 metre ski jump! If you’re up for a bit of Olympic action yourself, have a go at bob-sledding in an adrenalin-pumping optional activity.

We pull into small-town Gjovik, which is set on Norway’s largest lake, for an overnight stop. Walk around the picturesque town and get a feel for traditional Norwegian village life. Otherwise, check out an impressive architectural and engineering feat: the Gjovik Olympic Mountain hall. This cavern is the world’s largest underground public arena.

Hotel -Breakfast -Dinner

Gjovik to Stockholm Day 9  

Into Sweden today, we pass the massive Lake Vanern and cruise through woodlands, lakes and gorgeous natural surrounds. With down time on the coach, chat to your new friends and keep your camera handy for photo ops of bears, moose and wolves.

Get ready for the dramatic scenery of Sweden’s cosmopolitan capital, Stockholm. Surrounded by forests, deep blue waters and 24,000 islands, this cutting-edge city is one of Europe’s hot, creative capitals.

Enjoy a night out with the group and order some chilled vodka at the world-famous Ice bar. This place is made entirely out of ice and kept at a cool minus 5 degrees all year round. Keep it moving and head to the modern and lively district of Norrmalm, for a more up-beat vibe.

Hotel -Breakfast 

Stockholm to Helsinki Day 10  

This morning, there’s an option to visit to Stockholm’s stunning town hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize banquet is held. Learn about its unique architecture with our Local Guide. With its 8 million red bricks and 19 million gold mosaic tiles, this place will make your jaw drop.

Then, your Tour Manager gets you right to pretty Gamla Stan’s (the old town) core spots, as the group explores the quarter’s quaint medieval streets. You’ll see the Royal Palace and the changing of the guard – a tradition dating back to the 16th Century.

The old town is a great place to pull up a seat and try out classic Swedish food like salmon, herring or game as you take in the atmosphere.
Free time means a chance to explore the many trendy boutiques, galleries, and cool vintage stores of the hip island of Södermalm or window-shop the big label and design stores of grand Drottningatan.

Live the high life this afternoon as we board our luxurious cruise to Helsinki. Kick back with a drink on the deck and watch the sun set over the Baltic Sea, check out the shops of the Promenade deck or maybe try your luck at the casino tonight.

Overnight Cruise - Breakfast

Helsinki Day 11  

A blend of Finnish and Russian influences, Helsinki is a 21st century city with a lot of quirky aspects. Your Tour Manager will take you to check out Temppeliaukio, a church cut out of solid rock, and to see the famous Sibelius Monument, a gravity-defying sculpture made out of 600 steel pipes. Round off your Helsinki introduction with a drive past the Olympic Stadium and the historical heart of Senate square.

Helsinki is all about location, so with free time on your hands, head harbour side to soak up the great views and mingle with the locals at South Harbour Market. Rummage through stalls selling flowers and local foods, handicrafts, fresh fish and tasty baked goods. You could visit Suomenlinna, the fantastic and impressive sea fortress where Swedes and Russians once fought.

Hotel - Breakfast - Dinner Helsinki to St. Petersburg Day 12  

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.

Get ready for arrival at the imperial city of St. Petersburg, sitting right at the crossroads of Europe and Russia. Built by Italians, dreamt up by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg has been the home town to many original thinkers. With its fantastic cultural heritage, Venice-like canals, wide avenues and phenomenal buildings, this grand city will give you goose bumps.

Hotel - Breakfast - Dinner

St. Petersburg Days 13 and 14  

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.

There’s free time to walk along St. Petersburg’s main street, Nevsky Prospekt. There’s a bit of everything along this street; palaces, lavish shops, museums, churches and buildings from many different eras. Take off down Nevsky Prospekt for a slice of glitzy new Russia and see how the country is shaking off its past with style.

Take advantage of an optional cruise on the Neva River and get another angle on the city from the water. There’s also a chance to get up close to St. Petersburg’s traditional art and romance in an evening excursion to the Russian ballet, where world-class dancers perform classics such as Swan Lake and the Nutcracker.

Otherwise liven things up with your new friends and head to a bar or club to try out Russia’s national drink, vodka.

Hotel - Dinner

Day 13 - Breakfast

Day 14 - Breakfast

St. Petersburg to Novgorod Day 15  

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 -Breakfast -Dinner

Novgorod to Moscow Day 16  

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 worked.

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 -Breakfast -Dinner 

Moscow Days 17 and 18  

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.

Discover the city’s centre with our Local Guide, who’ll give you the background on the famous Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral with its iconic onion-shaped domes, and on Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the former leader of the Russian Revolution still lies, preserved in wax. Learn how Russia only came out from behind the Iron Curtain in 1991, and is still opening up.

Walk through Russia’s political heart with a visit to the Kremlin, whose construction marked the birth of Moscow. Your Local Guide will reveal the inner workings of The Kremlin as the group explores the grounds of this stunning fortified complex, made up of cathedrals, palaces and treasures. The former home of grand princes, as well as to Stalin and Gorbachev, the Kremlin is now the current Russian president’s place of residence. Learn more about it and see treasures up close by joining our fascinating optional through the Kremlin Armoury with our expert Local Guide.

In your free time, get a feel for the old communist regime by heading to the Garden Ring, where grey blocks, former ministry buildings and somber skyscrapers built by Stalin line the roads. For a taste of the Cold War and propaganda, head to the Missile and Military Museum in an optional excursion with the group.

Otherwise, make the most of a beautiful shopping experience at GUM, once the favourite shopping mall for Soviet leaders and now a favourite spot for Russia’s elite. There are 150 shops to explore in this elegant turn-of-the-century building, selling anything from designer labels to local products and great souvenirs.

If you’re after a market experience, head to the Izmailovo Market, where a massive choice of matrioshkas (Russian dolls), rugs, soviet posters and local crafts are up for grabs. It’s a great spot to practice your bargaining skills!

Food-wise, Moscow mixes it up. You could try out blinis (pancakes) or borshch (beetroot soup) at a street stand, caviar in a gourmet store or grilled meats in one of the city’s many cafes.

While you’re here, get a taste of local culture at the historic and world-famous Moscow Circus. Be amazed by highly-skilled artists, performers and clowns in this fun night out.

Hotel

Day 17 -Breakfast

Day 18 -Breakfast -Dinner

Moscow to Minsk Day 19  

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 - Breakfast -Dinner

Minsk to Warsaw Day 20  

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 -Breakfast -Dinner 

Warsaw Day 21  

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.

Tonight, make your last night on tour one to remember and join the group for a final night dinner.
Then hit Warsaw’s thriving nightlife. The choice of clubs, live music and bars here is mind-blowing, so be ready for a fun night out!

Hotel -Breakfast 

Depart Warsaw / Berlin Day 22  

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.

Breakfast

What's Included

• A dedicated crew with an experienced, professional Tour Manager & Driver
• Transport in a modern, air-conditioned coach with power points for charging
• Overnight cruise\
• Ferry crossing as per itinerary
• Sightseeing tours of all major cities

Dates and Prices

Tour Highlights These highlights are included in the price of your tour.

Copenhagen   

See the Little Mermaid, the Resistance Museum and the Royal Palace.

Oslo   

Visit Frogner Park to see the Vigeland sculptures

See the City Hall and Parliament

Hardangervidda   

Scenic drive through the Telemark region, famous as the area in World War II for the destruction of the heavy water plant.

Visit Europe's largest mountain plateau, home to the Telemark Ski.

Voss   

Explore the natural surroundings which make the town famous for extreme sports

Sognefjord  

See the longest and most spectacular fjord in Norway.

Skei  

See the incredible Boyabreen glacier 

Laerdal   

Drive through the world's longest road tunnel - an engineering marvel. 

Geiranger

 See the stunning Geiranger Fjord.

Lom   

See one of the few remaining medieval stave churches in Norway

Lillehammer  

Visit the 1994 Winter Olympics town and see the ski jump.

Gjovik 

Scenic drive through unspoilt forests and lakes, known for bears, moose and wolves

Stockholm   

See Gamla Stan (the old town) and the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace

Helsinki  

See the Sibelius Monument, the Olympic Stadium and Senate Square

Visit the 'Church of the Rock'

St. Petersburg   

Guided tour of the Hermitage 

See the St. Peter and St. Paul Fortress 

See the church of the Spilt Blood and the Admiralty. 

Petrodvorets  

Visit the garden and see the fountains of the Tsars' Summer Palace 

Novgorod  

Guided tour of the old town

See the Millennium Bell 

Klin   

See Tchaikovsky's house

Moscow   

Guided tour of the Kremlin 

Visit Red Square and see Lenin's Mausoleum and St. Basil's domed Cathedral 

See a performance by the Moscow Circus 

Minsk  

Locally guided city tour of Minsk 

Brest

Visit Brest fortress 

Warsaw 

See the Old Town, St.John's Cathedral, the Royal Palace, Chopin's park and the Warsaw Ghetto

Optional Activities Round out your tour with any of these add on activities.

Please Note 

Europe Optional Excursions  

The optional excursions below are a guide of what may be available on this tour in 2010. Complete details will be updated in early 2010.

• Voss 
  • White Water Rafting 750.00 Norwegian Krone 

    Experience the thrills of white water rafting in the most picturesque setting imaginable! You’ll travel through rapids in the company of your tour mates and a highly professional rafting team. Full equipment (including safety helmets and wet suits) is included in the cost. (Subject to weather conditions).

• Lillehammer 
  • Olympic Bobsled Ride NOK 160.00 

    Be like an Olympian and take the ride of a lifetime! Reach speeds of up to 100kmh in a four person wheel-bobsled on the 1994 Winter Olympic bobsled track. Each bobsled is piloted by a fully qualified driver meaning it’s a ride that rivals any amusement park. Compare your times and see who wins the gold medal.

• Stockholm 
  • Tour Of The Town Hall 70.00 Swedish Krone 

    Visit one of the most outstanding examples of modern architecture in Europe. The town hall was completed in 1923 and is the venue every year for the Nobel Prize banquet. A local guide will explain the various styles of architecture which make this building so unique, including the room containing 19 million gold mosaic tiles.

• Geiranger 
  • Geiranger Fjord Cruise 135.00 Norwegian Krone 

    Join us on a cruise which travel books say is not to be missed! We cruise along the fjord taking in the magnificence and beauty of waterfalls and age-old mountains. The cruise includes English commentary and is sure to be one of the highlights of your tour.

• St. Petersburg 
  • Guided Tour of Siege of Leningrad Memorial Euro 8.50 

    Visit the World War II memorial to the one million people who lost their lives during the Siege of Leningrad. Our guide takes us through the memorial and explains the historical significance of the siege, and the impact on the people of the city.

  • Evening Canal Cruise Euro 15.00 

    Join us on an evening cruise weaving through the canals of the Neva River to discover why St. Petersburg is known as the “Venice of the North”. Glimpse the famous Aurora battleship and the drawbridges that are opened every night.

  • Guided Tour of Peter and Paul's Fortress Euro 11.50 

    We visit Peter the Great’s original fortress which was constructed over 300 years ago to protect the newly built city of St. Petersburg. Our visit includes entry into the Cathedral to see the final resting place of all the Tsars from Peter I to Alexander III, and the tombs of the last Tsar Nicholas II and his family. An interesting journey through Russian Imperial history.

  • Russian Ballet Performance Approx. Euro 60.00 - 70.00 

    This is your opportunity to see world-famous Russian Ballet in the city where the ‘Nutcracker’ & ‘Swan Lake’ came to life. For over 270 years St. Petersburg has been the home of ballet, producing such greats as Anna Pavlova and Rudolf Nureyev. If there is one place in the world to experience ballet, St Petersburg is it!

• Moscow 
  • Moscow Metro Tour Euro 9.00 

    See the local view of Moscow on a guided tour of Stalin’s “Palaces for the Workers” – the stations of the Moscow Metro. Underneath the city is one of the world’s largest and most intriguing galleries where the icons of Communism can still be seen.

  • Guided Tour of Armoury Museum in Kremlin Euro 25.00 

    Experience the full glory of the Kremlin with a guided tour of the Royal Armoury to see the collected treasures of the Tsars. The museum houses a collection of priceless Faberge Eggs, and personal possessions of the Romanov dynasty from the time of Peter the Great.

  • Guided Tour of Missile and Military Museum Euro 12.00 

    A chance to learn about the awesome military power that existed in the USSR. See missiles, tanks, fighter jets, and an array of military nostalgia from the Cold War era and take the opportunity to buy souvenir pendants, flags and other trinkets.

  • Tour of Statue Park and Gorky Park Euro 10.00 

    Enjoy an afternoon south of the river as you visit two of the most famous parks in Moscow. The ‘Statue Park’ surrounds a famous art gallery and contains many statues from the communist era, including the only remaining statue of Stalin! Our guide will make history come alive with personal accounts of life behind the “iron curtain”. Then time to explore the world-famous Gorky park. Entrance into both parks is included.

• Warsaw