Your day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Tallinn

Our hotel is in the charming Old Town of Estonia's capital city, just a short walk from the historic Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats). We'll meet at the hotel at 5 p.m. for a "Welcome to Tallinn" get-together, a short orientation and dinner. Sleep in Tallinn (2 nights). No bus. Walking: light.

Day 2: Historic Tallinn

Our morning begins with a walking tour of Tallinn's Old Town — a marvelous mix of Swedish and Germanic influences from the Reformation and Middle Ages. From the Old Town's narrow streets and whimsically-decorated merchant houses, we'll head to the Upper Town's Toompea Castle. The afternoon and evening are yours to explore Tallinn's inviting streets, squares, cafés, shops and museums. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 3: Ferry Ride to Helsinki

Today we'll hop aboard a streamlined ferry boat, cross the Gulf of Finland, and in just a couple of hours arrive in Helsinki — one of Europe's fastest-growing, wealthiest cities. After an orientation to this surprisingly young capital, we'll end our day with a traditional Finnish meal together. Sleep in Helsinki (2 nights). Bus: 2 hrs. Boat 2 hrs. Walking: light.

Day 4: Helsinki's Old Town

Helsinki hardly existed before the 1800's, and we'll take a walking tour this morning through its "Old Town," a tidy tangle of Neoclassical and Art Nouveau streets. The rest of the day is yours to explore Helsinki's park-filled neighborhoods, visit the city's Open Air Museum, or enjoy a refreshing sauna. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 5: All Aboard to Russia

Early this morning we'll catch the Finnish Sibelius train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg, arriving in "the Venice of the North" by early afternoon. We'll settle into our centrally located hotel and get a crash course on how to get around St. Petersburg. Tonight we'll enjoy a Russian meal together. Sleep in St. Petersburg (4 nights) Bus: 2 hrs. Walking: moderate.

Day 6: The Hermitage

We'll spend much of our day at the Tsars' Winter Palace, known today as one of the world's premier museums: The Hermitage. With over 2.5 million items on display, our guided tour will focus on the museum's must-see masterpieces. The afternoon is free for those who wish to continue sightseeing on their own through the palace/museum's six buildings. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 7: Day Trip to the Country Palaces

Today we'll venture out to the countryside with a 16-mile drive to Pushkin. We'll explore Catherine I's palace and its stunningly restored Amber Room, with time to walk the grounds. After lunch we'll continue to Pavlovsk Park, the impressive English-style gardens surrounding Alexander Palace, the "hunting lodge" Catherine the Great gave to her son, Alexander. Bus: 5 hrs. Walking: strenuous.

Day 8: St. Petersburg's Sights

This morning we'll explore more of the remarkable structures that make St. Petersburg unique. From St. Isaac's Cathedral to the Church of Spilled Blood to the impressive buildings and picturesque canals in between, we'll gain a vivid understanding of Peter the Great's love for the town he created. You'll have the remainder of the day to wander Nevsky Prospect or see more masterpieces at the Russian Museum. For our final night together as a group, we'll enjoy a farewell Russian feast. No bus. Walking: strenuous.

Day 9: Tour Over after Breakfast

Some will head for the airport to fly home, while others may choose to continue along the Volga to Moscow. (Be sure to finalize your visa to match your full Russian itinerary, including any post-tour travels in Russia.)

Itinerary specifics subject to change.

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