34 Day Russia, Baltic States, Eastern Europe Tour & Jewels of Europe River Cruise

Moscow to Amsterdam

Overview

DAY 1: Moscow (D)
You will be met at Moscow International Airport by your Scenic Tours Representative and transferred* to your hotel. Meet up this evening over a welcome dinner at the hotel with your fellow travellers and Tour Director.
Three Night Stay: Moscow

DAY 2: Moscow (FB,D)
This morning you’ll set out on an exploration of the city of Moscow. Our Included guided tour takes you to Red Square with a visit to Lenin’s Tomb, G.U.M department store, Gorky Park and St Basil’s Cathedral. This afternoon you’ll tour the Kremlin, seat of the former Soviet Union’s intrigue. In the State Armory, you’ll see priceless weaponry, jewels, Fabergé eggs and ceremonial robes.

DAY 3: Moscow (FB)
Today our Included visit takes us to Sergiev Posad, the spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox Church. Returning to Moscow in the afternoon we see the famous Moscow metro including the historical stations on the Ring-Line. Tonight we see the internationally acclaimed Moscow Circus.

DAY 4: Moscow – St. Petersburg (FB,D)
Enjoy the morning exploring Moscow at you leisure. This afternoon we will transfer to the Moscow train station where we will board the Aurora train to St Petersburg. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.
Three Night Stay: St. Petersburg

DAY 5: St. Petersburg (FB)
Our city sightseeing tour today takes in all the great sites St. Petersburg has to offer. A highlight today is St Isaac’s Cathedral with its huge gilded dome, exquisite mosaics and icons. We end the tour with a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress. After lunch we will visit the Hermitage Art Museum.

DAY 6: St. Petersburg (FB)
Today our excursion takes us to Tsarskoe Selo, built for Catherine the great, for an Included visit of Catherine’s Palace. Tonight we travel to the Hermitage Theatre for a performance by the Russian Ballet.

DAY 7: St. Petersburg - Tallinn (FB,D)
After breakfast we leave Russia behind for Estonia via Ivangood to Narva. The border town is dominated by the 15th-century Hermann Castle which also overlooks the Ivangorod Fortress on the Russian side of the River. We continue to Tallinn.
Two Night Stay: Tallinn

DAY 8: Tallinn (FB,HD)
Our tour today takes in the Old Town, famous for its jumble of twisting, cobblestone streets and Gothic spires. The tour includes Toompea Castle fortifications, located nearby the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevsky and the beautiful Town Hall Square. We also explore the city walls, still largely intact and a great vantage point to observe this striking city. This evening we enjoy a medieval dinner in a traditional restaurant near Tallinn’s Old Town.

DAY 9: Tallinn – Paernu – Riga (FB,D)
This morning we depart Tallinn for Riga in Latvia, passing through Parnu, Estonia’s summer capital, famous for its mud baths and spa resorts. The Historic Centre of Riga has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the city is particularly notable for its extensive Art Nouveau architecture, cosy beer cellars and cafés. Our tour includes St Peter’s Church with its 123 metre high tower, the city walls and Riga Castle.
Overnight Stay: Riga

DAY 10: Riga – Rundale – Sauliai – Vilnius (FB,D)
This morning we leave Riga and travel to Rundale where we visit Rundale Palace. On route to the Lithuanian city of Sauliai we stop at 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. This evening we arrive in Vilnius for our two night stay.
Two Night Stay: Vilnius

DAY 11: Vilnius (FB)
This morning we join our expert local guide for an insightful walking tour around the Old Town, with its many famous examples of baroque architecture. We’ll get to see all the famous landmarks, including the University, the Gates of Dawn with its remarkable chapel and the famous Vilnius Cathedral. SCENIC ENRICH visit to the fascinating, if not the haunting, KGB Museum. In the afternoon, we visit the beautiful Trakai Island Castle, located a short drive outside of Vilnius. The castle is sometimes referred to as ‘Little Marienburg’ and construction began in the 14th century.

DAY 12: Vilnius – Warsaw (FB)
After breakfast we depart Vilnius. Our route will take us into the amazing Mazurian region, which encompasses 4,000 lakes in a pristine setting, where a great deal of the landscape remains virgin forest. We cross the border into Poland and continue on to the capital Warsaw.
Two Night Stay: Warsaw

DAY 13: Warsaw (FB,HD)
Memories of Polanski’s film “The Pianist’ come to mind as we visit the Jewish Ghetto with a local guide. We see the monument to the Ghetto heroes, the palace of Culture and the Royal Palace. This afternoon we visit Wilanow Palace, known as Poland’s Versailles. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a concert of Chopin music at Lazienki Palace before dinner in Warsaw’s Old Town.

DAY 14: Warsaw – Berlin (FB)
This morning we will be taken to the main train station where we board our first class carriage for a journey across the heart of Poland and into Germany. Time en route to relax and watch the scenery pass by, arriving into Berlin early afternoon.
Three Night Stay: Berlin

DAY 15: Berlin – Potsdam – Berlin (FB,HD)
This morning we journey to Potsdam, former residence of the Prussian Kings until 1918, where SCENIC ENRICH our local expert historian on Potsdam shares his knowledge of the town and its history as we visit the Cecilienhof where the Potsdam Treaty was signed in 1945. After free time in Potsdam we return back to Berlin. Berlin has undergone an exciting transformation since reunification in 1989. SCENIC ENRICH We have arranged special entry to explore the renovated parliamentary building that was controversially set on fire in 1933. After our tour, we’ll enjoy coffee and cake whilst under the famous glass dome. This afternoon visit the Brandenburg Gate, State Opera House, Alexander Platz, drive ‘Unter den Linden’ and visit the former Checkpoint Charlie. Checkpoint Charlie was once the notorious border crossing between the Soviet and American sectors, and witness to a number of dramatic events during the cold war. This evening we’ll enjoy a highlight dinner of Typical German food in a local restaurant.

DAY 16: Berlin (FB)
This morning choose from the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) Check Point Charlie Museum, where you will learn the historic details of this notorious time in German history, such as the Berlin Wall and stories of those who risked their lives for freedom; or (2) A relaxing Cruise on the Spree River where you can view all the Berlin sites and fine architecture from the waterways. This afternoon Berlin is yours to explore on your own.

DAY 17: Berlin – Prague (FB)
After breakfast this morning we journey by coach to Prague, one of the truly magical cities of Europe. Situated on the bank of River Vltava in central Bohemia, the beautiful city of Prague is rich in history and is home to some of the world’s most pristine and varied collections of architecture.
Three Night Special Stay: Prague

DAY 18: Prague (FB,HD)
This morning we will tour the old town with our local guide, ending with coffee and cake. This evening be enthralled by a typical Czech highlight dinner and entertainment.

DAY 19: Prague (FB)
Your Tour Director is on hand to help plan your day

DAY 20: Prague – Budapest (FB,D)
After breakfast we depart Prague by luxury coach to the Hungarian capital of Budapest. On arrival you will be personally welcomed by our friendly dedicated staff onboard your luxury Scenic ‘Space-Ship’. After unpacking for the start of your 14 night voyage, join your fellow guest for a Welcome Cocktail in the lounge. After dinner sit back and enjoy a Hungarian Folkloric ensemble showcasing traditional Hungarian music and dancing.

DAY 21: Budapest (FB,L,D)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE Tours: (1) Guided City tour; or (2) Relax in the Thermal Baths and Spa; or (3) Visit the Communism Heritage and Memorial Park. This afternoon enjoy free time to explore before setting sail for Vienna.

DAY 22: Vienna (FB,L,D)
As you cruise the mighty Danube perhaps relax in one of the three lounge and viewing areas onboard. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a glass of Austrian ‘Sekt’ at the majestic Palais Liechtenstein. Then an enchanting private Viennese evening concert featuring the music of Strauss and Mozart.

DAY 23: Vienna (FB,L,D)
To get acquainted with this beautiful city, enjoy an Included tour of the famous sights including the Ringstrasse and the Hofburg Palace or for the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE CHOICE: Self guided audio tour. Today offers three Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) A guided tour of Schönbrunn Palace; or (2) Visit the Opera House before enjoying coffee and cake; or (3) an excursion to Slovakia’s capital, Bratislava.

DAY 24: Dürnstein – Melk (FB,L,D)
This morning your ship docks in the picturesque town of Dürnstein. Enjoy time at leisure to explore one of the most enchanting villages in the region or join us for a guided bike tour through the vine yards.  Back on board your cruise, sail through the spectacular wine region of the Wachau Valley to the town of Melk, where we discover the magnificent Benedictine Abbey. During your Included visit inside the Abbey you will be treated to an exclusive SCENIC ENRICH organ recital, performed by one of the housing Benedictine Monks.

DAY 25: Linz – Passau (FB,L,D)
Your Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE today gives you a choice of three countries all offering their own unique charm: (1) a guided tour of Passau; or (2) Visit Salzburg, setting for ‘The Sound of Music’; or (3) an excursion to the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov.

DAY 26: Regensburg (FB,L,D)
Continuing our cruise along the Danube River we arrive in Regensburg, one of Germany’s finest preserved cities. You’ll appreciate the beauty on an Included guided walking tour.

DAY 27: Nuremberg (FB,L,D)
Be fascinated today as we cruise through and learn about the engineering feat of the locks which opened up these waterways. History opens up today as you take a privileged Included guided tour of Nuremberg’s old town. See the Justice Palace and Imperial Castle before heading off to visit the Nuremberg Rallies site and self guided tour of the WWII Documentation Centre.

DAY 28: Bamberg (FB,L,D)
Awake in Bamberg, one of Europe’s largest intact medieval centres. Bursting with character and charm and you will enjoy the sights on an Included tour with a local guide. As part of your Included tour, you will visit Zehnthasus, a private brewery established in 1533, where you’ll meet the cellar master and enjoy one of his finest brews.

DAY 29: Würzburg (FB,L,D)
Today choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A guided walking tour of including visit to Prince Bishop’s Residenza Palace; or (2) enjoy an excursion down the Romantic Road to unforgettable Rothenburg; or (3) A self guided Bicycle Tour.

DAY 30: Wertheim (FB,L,D)
Wertheim is well known for its glassworks and friendly people. Choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE options: (1) a guided city tour; (2) a guided bicycle tour along the Main River; or (3) a guided hike along the Tauber River.

DAY 31: Rüdesheim – Rhine Gorge – Marksburg Castle (FB,L,HD)
Today in Rüdesheim we board the ‘Winzerexpress’ mini train for a guided visit of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum. Board a cable car for the trip to the 125-foot Niederwald Monument, overlooking the river. Cruise this afternoon through the spectacular Rhine Gorge with its stunning castles and vine-covered slopes. Tonight SCENIC ENRICH highlights include a Medieval banquet in Marksburg Castle. Set high above the banks of the Rhine this 12th Century castle is the only one never to have been destroyed. Enjoy a private tour of the castle before stepping back in time for a medieval feast.

DAY 32: Koblenz – Cologne (FB,L,D)
This morning cruise through the 2,000 year old town of Koblenz, situated on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, before setting sail through breathtaking scenery en-route to Cologne where your guide awaits you. Explore the Old Town with its beautiful squares and historical monuments. Perhaps sample the region’s most famous beer, ‘Kölsch’.  Tonight we gather in the Crystal Dining Room for the Captain’s farewell Dinner.

DAY 33: Amsterdam (FB,L,D)
Today cruise into the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. With so much to enjoy choose from one of the following Included SCENIC FREE CHOICE tours: (1) A sightseeing canal cruise; or (2) a bicycle tour of Amsterdam; or (3) a visit to the windmills at Zaanse Schans. For the more adventurous choose our SCENIC FREE TIME: Self guided audio tour.

DAY 34: Amsterdam (FB)
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Our Scenic Tours Representative will take* you to the airport.

*Check transfer entitlements with your travel agent. For passengers who have already received documentation - refer to your booking summary.