Day 1 - Arrive in Minsk

Take your flight B2-852 from London to Minsk. Your guide will meet and greet you at Minsk International airport upon arrival. Visit the Mound of Glory, a distinctive landmark 21 km from Minsk, on the way to the hotel. People brought soil from nine Hero Cities of the former Soviet Union and from the battlegrounds of World War II to make the Mound. Check in at the hotel and relax.

Day 2 - Visit Mir Castle and Nesvizh

Optional “Belarusian Castles”* day tour (~100 km from Minsk). The legendary Mir Castle, a UNESCO site included in the World Heritage List, is situated in the very typical small town of Western Belarus. Once famous for its national diversity, Mir town led a special way of life. Feel that atmosphere while visiting Mir, which by the way means “Peace”. Then we move on to Nesvizh (~32 km) and visit the 16th-century palace and park of the noble Radzivill family. You will also see the Farny Church, the oldest baroque-style building in Eastern Europe, Nesvizh city hall and remains of the town fortifications. Return to Minsk (~120 km).

Day 3 - Minsk City Tour

Minsk City Tour. Today, you will see the capital’s main monuments and places of interest: the National Library building, Victory Square with its 38-metre obelisk and the eternal flame commemorating the heroes of World War II, the Trinity suburb and the Afghanistan War Monument on the Island of Tears, the Upper Town, the Catholic and Orthodox Cathedrals, Independence Square with the House of Government, the KGB historical office, the Residence of the President, the Ice Hockey Arena and a football stadium, etc.

Optional thematic trip to the Museum of antique Belarusian crafts “Dudutki”* (~40 km from Minsk). On this fascinating journey, excursions, attractions and fine food await you. You can taste fresh home-baked bread with village butter and herbal tea at a baker’s and miller’s. There is also home-distilled vodka at the brewery, traditional cheese and, of course, famous Belarusian bacon with cabbage. A wood crafting master, a potter and a blacksmith share the secrets of their craftsmanship and demonstrate their skills during a master class. At the end, everyone is invited to go for a ride in a horse cart. Return to Minsk, overnight in your hotel.

Day 4 - Arrive in Helsinki. Ferry to St Petersburg
 

Breakfast, check-out, transfer to the airport for your flight B2-857 to Finland. After arriving in Helsinki, board the ferry “Princess Anastasia” in the evening and check in. Depart for St Petersburg and enjoy your dinner with the show programme on board.

Day 5 - Arrive in St Petersburg

Arrive in St Petersburg on the “Princess Anastasia” in the morning. Your local guide will meet you at the sea port. For your half-day city tour, you will be taken to the most attractive sights in the city, such as the spit of Basil’s Island, the Church of our Saviour on Spilled Blood, St Isaac’s, Kazan and Smolny Cathedrals, Alexander Nevsky Lavra and others. Then follow your guide for an excursion to the St Peter and Paul Fortress. Transfer to your hotel after the tour, check in. 

Day 6 - Visit Tsarskoe Selo

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your guide in the hotel lobby. Today, you will go for a half-day trip to one of the most beautiful suburbs of St Petersburg, Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), to visit the Catherine Palace with its world-famous Amber Room. Afterwards, you can enjoy a walk in its picturesque park. Return to St Petersburg. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 - St Petersburg, Hermitage. Ferry to Helsinki

Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a tour of the State Hermitage - the finest art gallery in Russia and one of the richest and most respected art museums in the world. Here, you will find about 2.7 million masterpieces dating from Ancient Egypt to early 20th-century Europe. After the tour, there’s free time for a walk or shopping on Nevsky Prospect. Your transfer takes you to the sea port for your departure to Helsinki on the “Princess Anastasia”.

Day 8 - Arrive in Helsinki. Flight to London

Arrive in Helsinki on the “Princess Anastasia” in the morning.

Later, take your return flight to London.