YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating sojourn begins as you depart this evening on your overnight flight to Europe.

Day 2: Arrive Vilnius (Lithuania). Welcome to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. You are escorted to your hotel located within an easy walk to the old town. All around, you’ll witness the signs of a city and country prospering anew after years in the shadow of the Soviet Union. This evening, savor a welcome dinner at a cozy local restaurant. Novotel Hotel (D)

Day 3: Boasting some of northern Europe’s most impressive Baroque architecture, central Vilnius skyline is adorned with domes and belfries. On the ground, you’ll discover a maze of winding narrow alleys lined with 18th century buildings with archways leading to cobbled yards. On a guided morning walking tour of Old Vilnius see Cathedral Square and the impressive Gedimino Tower. Later, visit the grounds of Vilnius University with its imposing inner courtyard; view the pristine Presidential Palace and see St. Anna church, a gem of gothic architecture. Afternoon is at leisure and you may wish to visit the old Jewish Quarter, former home to one of Europe’s largest, most prosperous Jewish communities. You may also relax at one of the many outdoor cafes and admire Vilnius’ thriving cultural diversity. (B)

Day 4: Trakai Excursion. As you travel west of the city today, view the Television Tower, symbol of Lithuania’s fight for independence. Proceed to Trakai, an enchanting medieval style castle, idyllically surrounded by emerald-green lakes. Tour the castle, now a museum and admire the exhibits displaying treasures from the period when Lithuania ruled a vast area stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Upon returning to Vilnius this afternoon, enjoy leisure time for independent exploration. (B)

Day 5: Vilnius/Rundale/Riga (Latvia). The pastoral countryside unfolds as you depart for Riga, the capital of neighboring Latvia. En route, visit splendid Rundale Palace, a baroque-style palace filled with opulent rococo furnishings. Arrive in Riga later this afternoon and settle in your centrally located hotel. Tonight you are our guest for a special dinner. Domina Inn Hotel (B,D)

Day 6: Explore the treasures of this Baltic gem, boasting distinctive medieval and art nouveau architecture. A local expert leads you on a tour of the well-preserved and lovingly restored Old Town. Here view the magnificent Dome Cathedral and the Powder Tower and walk through the maze of old, narrow cobblestone streets. In your free afternoon the Old Town will delight you with colorfully restored merchant’s residences, cozy beer cellars, bustling cafes, shops and galleries. (B)

Day 7: Join a guided walking tour to discover the impressive Art Nouveau district. Here, view a large number of buildings constructed in the early 20th century and adorned with elaborate decorations. The balance of the day is at leisure to explore at your own pace. You may wish to visit the central market or one of the fascinating museums. (B)

Day 8: Riga/Parnu/Tallin (Estonia). As you depart Riga today, proceed across the border to Estonia and journey along the unspoiled Baltic Coast to Parnu, a lovely seaside resort. Arrive in Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Radisson Blu Hotel (B)

Day 9: Tallinn is certain to enchant any visitor! Thick ancient walls surround this medieval port town. The winding cobblestone streets are filled with old red-tiled roof houses and distinctive medieval age buildings. Your guided morning tour begins in the Upper Old Town where Tallinn was founded in the 12th century. Here, you may enjoy a breathtaking view of the attractive rooftops. Visit the ornate Russian Orthodox Dome Church before descending to the Lower Old Town where you’ll see the medieval Town Hall and bustling Town Hall Square. The afternoon offers plenty of opportunities to discover on your own. Savor the unique atmosphere and wander the narrow alleys filled with cafes, restaurants and inviting shops and galleries. This evening delight in a sumptuous dinner at a famous local medieval-themed restaurant. (B,D)

Day 10: Tallinn/Berlin (Germany). This morning fly to Berlin, the capital of reunified Germany. Upon arrival enjoy a guided tour of what used to be called West-Berlin. Journey along elegant Kurfurstendamm, Berlin’s most famous shopping street. Drive through the handsome Tiergarten Park and view Charlottenburg Palace. Your tour concludes at your centrally located hotel.
NH Friedrichstrasse Hotel or Hotel California. (B)

Day 11: Today, experience one of Europe’s most exciting cities and learn about its history while a local expert leads you on a sightseeing tour of former East-Berlin. You’ll see the impressive Brandenburg Gate and view the renowned “Checkpoint Charlie”, the link between East and West during the Cold War. See the remains of the Berlin Wall that was torn down in 1989 and proceed along the magnificent “Unter den Linden” boulevard in the historic center of the city. Drive by the ornate State Opera House, Berlin Cathedral and other stately monuments. You’ll also enjoy a relaxing one-hour boat cruise offering a unique view of Berlin’s charms. Later visit the world-renowned Pergamon Museum located on Museum Island. You’ll be impressed with the fascinating exhibits of Greek and Roman antiquities including ancient Pergamon’s Great Altar. The balance of the day is free to explore vibrant Berlin independently or relax in one of the many cafes and parks. (B)

Day 12: A full day to discover Berlin at your own pace. You may join an optional excursion to nearby historic Potsdam, where you'll visit the splendid Sanssouci Palace, summer residence of the Prussian King Frederick the Great. This evening join your fellow travelers for an included farewell dinner. (B,D)

Day 13: Berlin/Helsinki ( Finland). Fly to the charming harbor city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland. On an included afternoon tour see Senate Square surrounded by 19-century classical buildings, Temppeliaukio Church, carved out of solid rock and the colorful Market Square. Scandic Grand Marina Hotel (B)

Day 14: Helsinki/USA. Board your return flight. Your amazing journey ends as you arrive New York later today. (B)