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Day 1: Arrive Moscow, Saturday
Upon your arrival you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel by the local host. The rest of the day is free to rest and relax. Welcome dinner this evening. (D,O)

Day 2: Moscow, Sunday
Moscow, one to the largest cities in the world, is the symbolic heart and soul of the country. Sightseeing tour begins at the Red Square, dominated by St. Basil's Cathedral and by the massive red walls of the Kremlin. We will visit the Armory, the Moscow University and the popular Arbat shopping district. Drive on wide boulevards, and stroll through GUM, the largest Russian department store. (B,O)

Day 3: To Tver and Novgorod, Monday
After an early breakfast we depart for Tver, an ancient trading port, nestled against the banks of the River Volga. The city offers fascinating treasures, including Putevoy Dvorets, built for Catherine II, as a resting place on her journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Enjoy a short sightseeing tour of this remarkable city. We end the day in Novgorod, founded 1,110 years ago near the Lake Snezhskoye. 520 km (B,D,O)

Day 4: To St. Petersburg, Tuesday
A morning sightseeing tour of Novgorod starts at the Kremlin with visit to St. Sophia Cathedral in the Citadel. Cross the river via pedestrian bridge to visit Yaroslav Court. In the afternoon travel north to St. Petersburg, the former capital of Roman Czars. Afternoon at leisure or suitable for optional activity (visiting Petrodvorets, Peter the Greats Summer Palace standing at the edge of the Gulf of Finland.) (B,D)

Day 5: St. Petersburg, Wednesday
There are not many cities in the world that can match the grace of St. Petersburg. When Peter the Great founded the city in 1703, he hired Europe’s best architects, craftsmen and artists to build and decorate it. Spread over 100 islands linked by over 600 bridges it is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. In the morning visit Peter and Paul Fortress, which houses the crypt of the Russian emperors. Visit also St. Isaac’s Cathedral followed by free time for lunch on your own. Afternoon sightseeing features the highlight of the tour - the famous Hermitage, which houses many treasures from the Czars’ era and is located in the Winter Palace. (B,O)

Day 6: To Tallinn, Thursday
Journey to Estonia, where your first stop is Narva. Continue to Tallinn, capital of Estonia and situated on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. (B,D,O)

Day 7: To Riga, Friday
On a walking tour of the Upper and Lover Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visit orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Next, visit Toompea Castle and see the 14th century gothic Town Hall. This afternoon, on to Riga, the capital of Latvia. (B,D,O)

Day 8: Riga, Saturday
During your sightseeing tour, see Riga Castle, the magnificent Dome Cathedral, St. Jacobs Cathedra, St. Peters Church, the Parliament building, Liberty Monument and the district of Art Nouveau houses. Your afternoon is free. (B,O)

Day 9: To Vilnius, Sunday
Morning departure for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. The rest of the day at leisure. 330 km (B,D,O)

Day 10: Vilnius, Monday
The city of Vilnius is located on the confluence of the Neris and Velnele Rivers. It has been inhabited since the 9th century. In the Old Vilnius visit Peter and Paul Church and St. Anna’s Church. View Vilnius University, dating back to 1570, Gedimeno’s Tower in the Upper Town and Vilnius Castle. The afternoon is at leisure or you may take an optional excursion to Trakai. (B,D,O)

Day 11: To Warsaw, Tuesday
We bid farewell to the former Soviet Union and cross the border to Poland. At day's end we reach Warsaw. 540 km (B,L,D,O)

Day 12: Warsaw, Wednesday
This 700 year old capital of Poland is a symbol of nationhood and the will to survive against great odds. A sightseeing tour here includes a drive along the famous Royal Route from magnificent Castle Square to Lazienki Park with its Palace, summer residence of the last King of Poland. Pass by the Palace of Science and Culture {known as a “wedding cake”), the Saxon Gardens, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Monument to the Heroes of the Warsaw Ghetto and the Barbican. Continue with the walking tour of the Old Town, Old Market Square and St. John’s Cathedral. The rest of the day is free for shopping, a stroll through the city or an optional late afternoon Chopin concert. (B,O)

Day 13: To Krakow, Thursday
During the morning journey to Krakow we stop in Czestochowa, known for the blackened picture of St. Mary in the Yasna Gora Monastery, popularly called the "Black Madonna". After the lunch break (on your own), we proceed to Krakow. During the journey, there is time for an optional side trip to one of the most somber memorials of our past, Auschwitz. We end our day Krakow. 400 km (B,D)

Day 14: Krakow, Friday
Sightseeing will start with visit to Wawel Hill, viewing the Royal Castle and visiting the Royal Cathedral. Enjoy the walking tour of the Old Town where you will visit the Main Market Square, Renaissance Cloth Hall and St. Mary's Church. The afternoon is free for strolling around the city on your own. (B,O)

Day 15: To Prague, Saturday
After a drive through the Polish countryside, we cross the border of Slovakia, Czech Republic and then on to Prague, with its Baroque churches, promenade, parks and ancient city walls. 495 km (B,D,O)

Day 16: Prague, Sunday
Built on the seven hills more than 1000 years ago and situated on the both banks of Vltava River, Prague is one of the most attractive cities in the world. Your city tour starts with panoramic drive to the Wenceslas Square, the Strahov Stadium and the Castle Square. During a walking tour visit the Royal Castle of Hradcany with its Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, Royal Palace and Loretto Church. Then over the Charles Bridge, dating back to 1400s to view the Jewish Ghetto and see the world famous Astronomical Clock. The balance of the day is free for an optional visit to a cultural performance. (B,O)

Day 17: Depart Prague, Monday
After breakfast we transfer to the airport, where we board our homeward bound flight. (B)


B=Breakfast; D=Dinner; O=Overnight                                 kits905M