Berlin & the Baltic States

Your journey begins in glorious Berlin. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your luxurious hotel for a three night stay. This evening, join your fellow travellers and Tour Director for a welcome drink.

Your introduction to Berlin begins with a guided tour. See the Brandenburg Gate and State Opera House, then drive along the famous ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie area. Enjoy a true highlight with coffee and cake under the glass dome of the renovated Reichstag Building that was set on fire in 1933. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure to explore this magnificent city further, you may wish to discover the cities thriving art scene or soak up it’s cafe culture. (B/D)

Freechoice: Visit the moving Berlin Wall memorial and the Hackesche Höfe, then ride Berlin’s subway and learn about the city’s Cold War period. Alternatively, journey to Potsdam, where a local guide will share insights on the town and its history, and visit Cecilienhof Palace where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. (B)

Journey by train through Poland’s serene countryside. This afternoon, arrive in Warsaw, Poland’s cultural, entertainment and financial capital. Enjoy a two night stay. (B)

Warsaw was largely destroyed in World War II, but the historic centre was rebuilt and has since attained World Heritage-listed status. Today you’ll visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide for a sombre reminder of the suffering endured in WWII. You’ll also see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the Palace of Culture and the Chopin Memorial. Freechoice: You have two vastly different but equally interesting options. Tour the opulent Royal Castle, or learn more of the plight of the Jewish community on a visit to the Museum of the History of Polish Jews. Enrich: This evening, enjoy an exclusive piano concert of Chopin’s immortal music in a manor house, followed by dinner. Indulge in all the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes on offer. (B/D)

After breakfast, depart Warsaw. Your route will take you into the Mazurian region before crossing the border into Lithuania. Continue to the capital Vilnius your base for the next two nights. (B/D)

Delight in an insightful walking tour around the Old Town with its many examples of Baroque architecture. You’ll see all the famous landmarks, including the University, the Gates of Dawn with its remarkable chapel, and the Vilnius Cathedral. (B)

Depart Vilnius and drive north to the extraordinary Hill of Crosses. This symbol of Christian resistance to the Soviets features millions of small crosses which were repeatedly bulldozed during the occupation. Continue on to Riga and visit Rundale Palace and its magnificent gardens before checking into your hotel for the next two nights. (B/L)

Embark on a discovery of Riga’s Old Town, then tour the Ethnographical Open-Air Museum for an insight into Latvia’s heritage. Tonight, enjoy an evening of traditional Latvian folk music with dinner. (B/D)

Visit Sigulda, set in the Gauja River Valley and known as the ‘Switzerland of Latvia’. Explore the stunning landscapes of this region and visit Turaida Castle. After lunch, continue towards Tallinn, passing through Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital. Arrive in Tallinn for your two night. (B/L)

Discover Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Tallinn’s famed Town Hall during a city tour. Freechoice: Visit the KUMU Art Museum, with its wide range of classic and contemporary art. Alternatively, be intrigued by the exhibits at the Seaplane Harbour Maritime Museum. This evening, enjoy a delicious dinner at one of Tallinn’s superb local restaurants. (B/D)

Relax during your hydrofoil ride across the Baltic Sea to the trendy Finnish capital, Helsinki. On arrival, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour before arriving at the Radisson Blu Plaza* for your overnight stay. (B/D)

After breakfast, your journey comes to an end, as all good things must, but it’s also the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. (B)