Day 01: Arrive Helsinki (FINLAND)

Welcome to Helsinki! The capital of Finland is a vibrant city known for its seamless melding of modern architecture and traditional touches. Upon arrival, we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel. Check in is from 1500 hrs. Rest of the day is free to relax or begin our own discovery of the city. Clarion Hotel is located near attractions such as the West Harbour and the Bad, Bad Boy sculpture by Tommi Toija, a Finnish artist with a unique and provoking style. Tonight, our tour director will host a welcome dinner where we will meet our fellow travelers and be introduced to the adventures ahead. A glass of beer, wine or soft drink is on the house!

Overnight: Clarion Hotel, Helsinki (1 night) (D)

Day 02: Helsinki

Helsinki lies far in the south of Finland, on a peninsula that is home to the busiest passenger port in the world. Our comprehensive sightseeing will cover the most important and interesting areas of the city, including the historical center, the Senate Square, the Cathedral, City Hall, the Presidential Palace, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. We stop at the Sibelius Monument and, if possible, at the Temppeliaukio church, boasting an underground interior carved out of the surrounding rock in the 1960s. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Day 03: Helsinki/Tallinn (Boat) (ESTONIA)

We board a ferry to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel. Rest of the day is free to discover this lovely city. Though first mentioned by historical writings in 1219, Tallinn has evidence of human settlement dating back 5,000 years. Its medieval monuments and fairytale streets are known to be extremely photogenic! Estonia was first incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1940, then occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941 until it was reconquered by the Soviet Union in 1944, during World War II.  An optional tour of the Kadriorg Palace is available.

Overnight: Park Inn by Radisson Meriton Hotel, Tallinn (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Tallinn

Take part in a walking tour of Tallinn’s Upper and Lower Old Town*, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of Europe’s most complete walled cities. First, visit imposing Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. We then explore Toompea Castle, an ancient stronghold used since the 9th century, and see the 14th century Gothic Town Hall. Afterwards, we enjoy a uniquely Estonian experience as we taste some Schnapps in a medieval house. We have the balance of the day to explore Tallinn on our own. (B)

Day 05: Tallinn/Riga (Drive) (LATVIA)

This morning, we travel by motor coach to Riga*, the capital of Latvia. Riga’s scenic streets reflect its history as first a centre of Viking trade, and later, a part of the Swedish and Russian empires. It then became part of the USSR in 1940, only to be occupied by the Germans. En route to Riga, we make a stop in Pärnu, located on the coast of Pärnu Bay. The city is known for its 19th-century timber villas and sandy Pärnu Beach, offering shallow waters and a lovely promenade. We have free time here to stroll along the beach and soak in the ocean air. We then continue to Riga with the afternoon free to explore this beautiful city.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Latvia Hotel, Riga (2 nights) (B)

Day 06: Riga

See Riga’s most stunning sites today, starting with 700-year-old Riga Castle on the banks of the Daugava River. We also visit the magnificent Dome Cathedral, St. Jacobs Cathedral, St. Peter’s Church, the Parliament building and the Liberty Monument. Time is taken here to discover the city’s ornate and eclectic Art Nouveau buildings. Afterwards, we sample Black Balsam, a dark and astringent liqueur made of 24 herbs and based on a 250-year-old recipe! The remainder of the day is free to explore Riga, shop, or savour some Latvian crepes. (B)

Day 07: Riga/Vilnius (Drive) (LITHUANIA)

This morning, we set course for Vilnius*, capital of Lithuania. En route, we stop at the baroque and rococo Rundale Palace Museum. Built in the 18th century and surrounded by a French garden, the palace is an architectural marvel and a triumph of art over nature.  After a lunch break here, we continue on to Vilnius, stopping at the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, a pilgrimage site home to more than 100,000 crosses. Upon arrival in Vilnius, the balance of the day is at leisure to start exploring this incredible city. Our accommodation, the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva in Vilnius, stands on the banks of the River Neris in the heart of the city.

Overnight: Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel, Vilnius (2 nights) (B, L)

Day 08: Vilnius

Charming Vilnius offers the largest baroque Old Town in Eastern Europe, with much of it marvelously intact. We will explore this Old Town today, visiting the baroque St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, with a unique interior boasting more than 2,000 stucco figures, and the striking St. Anne’s Church. We will also see Vilnius University, dating back to 1570, famous Gediminas’ Tower, and Vilnius Castle. Afternoon is free to explore more of Vilnius. (B)

Day 09: Vilnius/Warsaw (Drive) (POLAND)

This morning, enjoy the scenic landscapes of Lithuania as we journey towards the Polish border. Savour sites of Polish countryside, cities and towns and enjoy a lunch break before arriving in Warsaw* early afternoon. Known as the Phoenix City, Warsaw was almost completely reconstructed after World War II when 85 per cent of its buildings were bombed to ruins. It boasts a rich history and a wide range of architecture, from restored Gothic and Renaissance to the hyper-modern. Balance of the day is free to explore the city before ending the day with dinner at our hotel.

Overnight: Mercure Grand Hotel, Warsaw (2 nights) (B, L, D)

Day 10: Warsaw

Today, we explore the 700-year-old political and cultural capital of Poland. Our sightseeing tour includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from grand Castle Square to Lazienki Park and Palace, the summer residence of the last king of Poland. Next, we see the Palace of Science and Culture, also known as the “wedding cake” for its unique structure. We then take in the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the Barbican. Afterwards, we embark on a walking tour of the lovely Old Town, passing the Old Market Square, meticulously restored to its pre-World War II appearance, and St. John’s Cathedral. Balance of the day is free to stroll through a park, shop, or relax. (B)

Day 11: Warsaw/Krakow (Drive)

This morning, we continue our journey to Czestochowa, famous for its blackened picture of St. Mary in the Yasna Gora Monastery, popularly called the “Black Madonna”. In the afternoon, we tour the haunting Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum*, the largest and most notorious Nazi concentration and extermination camp. It is now on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. After our visit, continue to Krakow, where we have dinner.

Overnight: Novotel Centrum Hotel, Krakow (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 12: Krakow

Today, we explore beautiful Krakow. Dating from the 7th century, Krakow* is one of the oldest cities in Poland. Its diverse and picturesque streets reflect its extensive cultural heritage, from Gothic to Renaissance to baroque architecture. We start our sightseeing tour with a visit to Wawel Hill, where we see the Royal Castle and visit the Royal Cathedral. Afterwards, we walk around the Old Town, visit the Main Market Square, the largest medieval market square in Europe, the Renaissance Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Church. Afternoon is free to shop or wander Krakow’s beautiful streets followed by farewell dinner at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 13: Depart Krakow

After breakfast, we are transferred to Krakow airport for our departure flight. Check out time is by 1100 hrs. Or, continue our adventure by joining our Imperial Capitals: Prague, Vienna & Budapest tour, with dates that line up with this journey. (B)

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Departure Dates & Prices

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Notes

Inclusions

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and average tour size of 25 participants.
Also please note that this is NOT part of our small group journeys.

Customised Itinerary

If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you.

Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.

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