Arrive in Tallinn and transfer to your charming, 5 star hotel located in Tallinn's medieval "Old Town". The hotel is a "Small Luxury Hotel of the World".
Tallinn lies on the Bay of Tallinn that leads into the Baltic Sea. This evening you will explore the port waters aboard a private yacht. Take in views of the city and the historic Patarei prison as we continue to the Maritime Museum to visit the restored “Suur Tõll”, the largest preserved pre-war steam-powered icebreaker in the world. You will also visit the submarine “Lembitu”, built in the UK in 1936 and absorbed into the Soviet navy in 1940. A buffet dinner will be served.
The historic centre is exceptionally well preserved and a morning walking tour will showcase the most important sights of the Old Town. In medieval times there were two separate cities, one for merchants and one for nobility! You will see baroque castles, the house of parliament, cathedrals, town squares and even the oldest continuously working pharmacy in Europe. A viewing platform will give us fantastic panoramic views.
We believe that the cuisine of a place can bring us closer to its culture, and lunch today is no exception. You will pop into a local hideaway that specializes in experimental Nordic/ Mediterranean fusion dishes.
After an afternoon at leisure, it’s time for a medieval feast in what was the home of a rich merchant. As you absorb your surroundings, partake in lots of medieval style food, drinks, music and traditions!
Today you will visit Europe’s largest national park which protects a variety of eco-systems, from ancient raised bogs to coniferous forest, as well as species that include wolf, bear and lynx. You will stretch your legs on a pleasant 3.5 km trail (mostly on boardwalk) that takes you through Viru bog to see the unique flora of this region.
Continue to the seaside town of Käsmu that stands on a peninsula that juts into the Gulf of Finland. Käsmu has a long seafaring history and it was known for shipbuilding and its Maritime school. After lunch at the Maritime Museum, you’ll have time to visit the exhibits, explore the town or if you wish, you may want to try going to sea in a replica Viking boat! This involves some effort: the only way to move the boat is to row!
By mid-afternoon you reach our extremely charming home for the next two nights: Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa.
A short drive takes you to Palmse Manor which has been fully restored to its 16th-century splendour. You will partake in a unique wine tasting where you will be challenged to identify the base of 5 local wines (did you know that Estonia doesn’t grow grapes?). From here a short drive takes you to an ancient fishing village to have lunch in the tavern. Altja is a typical Estonian village, where only two buildings had any importance: the church and the tavern. They were usually placed beside each other for convenience!
Leaving the tavern, you can ride bicycles back to your Manor home. The ride is 7km through Lehamaa National Park on relatively flat terrain, and it’s a great way to really experience the countryside.
Today, you continue your journey across the top of Estonia to the border town of Narva. You will stop at the 13th-century Narva Castle which was built under Danish rule, at the crossing of important trade routes. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the Castle before crossing the border and continuing to St. Petersburg, which is about 2 hours away.
Once in St. Petersburg, we will have some free time to explore the city to visit some nearby attractions or take some time to rest and relax. In the afternoon we will drive into the countryside to a "Dacha" which is a typical country home. This is a real home of a real couple that will host us for an authentic Russian dinner. Try traditional starters, soup, chicken... and Vodka!
This morning, visit the Hermitage Museum. Housed in a stunning palace, this is one of the most significant museums in the world. See the important pieces with our guide, or explore on your own as we have several hours here. 400 rooms contain spectacular examples of nearly all of the schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works.
We continue to the unique Russian Vodka Room for lunch. Later sit back as we go on a panoramic tour of this beautiful city, and we’ll walk in the area of Peter & Paul Fortress (the first building of St. Petersburg) which has interesting murals and a viewpoint over the city and Neva River. You can continue to explore on your own or return to the hotel as your evening is at leisure.
Today, visit the beautiful Catherine Palace, once the summer residence of the Tsars and Catherine the Great. Much of the interior was destroyed by the Germans during the Siege of Leningrad but detailed records have allowed for the re-creation of many of the fabulous palace rooms and the gilded façade is original.
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Today, you will leave the city early to reach Peterhof - the great summer estate of Peter the Great - where you are privileged to enter before the official opening time. Peter was inspired by a visit to Versailles in 1717 to create this truly magnificent and opulent palace and it took 5,000 laborers, serfs and soldiers almost 6 years to build.
In the evening enjoy a private boat trip among the canals and river channels that make St. Petersburg so special. You will enjoy wine and tapas.
Today we will take a mid-day high speed train to Moscow. In just under 4 hours you reach Moscow where you will be met and transferred to our hotel - which is in a charming 18th- century mansion a short distance from Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre.
Evening at leisure.
Today you start your exploration of Moscow. The Kremlin is one of the most iconic symbols of Russia. Kremlin means fortress and its walls were built in the 13th century by Italian masters. Within is the Grand Kremlin Palace, Cathedral Square (sometimes referred to as the “City of God”), Ivanovkaya Square (see the world’s biggest cannon here), and the legendary Armory Chamber which guards the treasure of Russian Tsars.
Afternoon explore another side of the city: you go below Moscow to a once top-secret bunker built in 1951 in case of a nuclear attack! After experiencing this fascinating maze of tunnels and rooms, the balance of your day is at leisure.
Today you will have privileged entry to the famous Tretyakov Gallery. You will have ample time to view the extraordinary collection of Russian art that ranges from 12th-century icons to 20th- century paintings and includes priceless works by Kandinsky and Malevich.
Afternoon, guided exploration of the old Arbat district of Moscow which has one of the oldest surviving streets in the city. Your evening is at leisure.
On your last day, you will experience and learn about the Russian space program with a visit to Star City. Here you will learn about how the Cosmonauts lived and trained since the 1960s. Learn how food was prepared and rationed for a space voyage. Even sample "space food".
Tonight you will have a Farewell Dinner at one of Moscow's famous and stylish restaurants.
You will be transferred to the airport for your homeward or onward bound flights. If you wish to extend your European holiday, please talk to us: we'd love to help you!
