Finland — Europe — Explore Worldwide 2008/09 online holiday brochure

V ol ga Sergiev Posad Golden domes Suzdal EUROPE View of Kremlin, Moscow ESTONIA " RUSSIA " FINLAND Olavinlinna castle Treasures of the Tsars 15 DAYS HOTELS/SLEEPER TRAIN A GOLDEN HERITAGE Ref GR JFMAMJJASOND JFMA The twin capitals of Moscow and St Petersburg and their potential rivals the cities of the Golden Ring embody all the great traditions of Old Muskovy. We have included visits to two of Russias contrasting neighbouring countries: the former Soviet Republic of Estonia, and the one-time Russian annex, Finland. Old Tallinn & Moscow We start in Estonias capital Tallinn and take a walk through the medieval Old Town. We then head for Moscow to wander through the cavernous red-walled Kremlin with its incredible complex of palaces, cathedrals and churches. Outside is the vast space of Red Square and the multi-coloured onion-domes of St Basils, where Ivan the Terrible once worshipped. The Golden Ring Our loop around the old cities known as the Zolotoye Koltso, or Golden Ring, begins in Moscow. Each one of these ancient towns is hauntingly beautiful Sergiev Posad, where golden domes are silhouetted against the crisp blue sky; Russias former capital city, Vladimir and its Golden Gates (1164AD); Suzdal, on the Kamenka River with a wealth of medieval buildings including an 11th century Kremlin. We also visit the town of Kostroma with its impressive frescoed monastery and see the Monastery of the transfiguration in Yaroslavl. Treasures of the Tsars Ref GR FINLAND SAVONLINNA Olavinlinna castle Lakelands HELSINKI TALLINN Lake Ladoga RUSSIA ST PETERSBURG ESTONIA L AT V I A Hermitage Museum Art treasures Pushkin Catherines Palace YAROSLAVL Cathedral of the resurrection, St Petersburg/Ernie Howard VLADIMIR BEL ARUS km 0 500 MOSCOW Red Square Kremlin Golden Gates St Petersburg & the Finnish Lakes After admiring the architectural opulence and treasures of St Petersburg including the Hermitage Museum of Art we move on to the sumptuous Great Palace of Catherine in Pushkin and head across the Finnish border into the dramatic Lakeland region. During our stay in the old town of Savonlinna there may be an opportunity to enjoy a cruise on Lake Haapavesi, as well as a visit to the medieval castle of Olavinlinna, noted for its magnificent staterooms. Finally, we explore Helsinki before returning to Tallinn. FACTFILE Itinerary Day 1 Fly London/Tallinn. 2 Walking tour of old town; overnight train Moscow. 3 & 4 In Moscow, city tour; visit Kremlin. 5 In Moscow; free day. 6 Drive via Sergiev Posad (Zagorsk) to Vladimir. 7 Visit Suzdal; drive to Yaroslavl. 8 In Yaroslavl; sightseeing then overnight train to St Petersburg. 9 Arrive St Petersburg; city tour. 10 & 11 In St Petersburg; visit Hermitage and Pushkin, optional trip to Petrodvorets. 12 Bus to Savonlinna (Finland). 13 Visit Olavinlinna Castle; optional boat cruise. 14 Drive to Helsinki; walking tour. 15 Ferry Tallinn; fly London. Accommodation & Meals: 12nts hotel, 2nts overnight sleeper train; 12 breakfasts included. See insert p2. Mode of Travel: Coach/Train/Hydrofoil/Trams/ Ferry/On foot. Comment: A varied cultural tour, which provides an unforgettable glimpse into the great artistic achievements of Old Russia. Theres time to relax in the peaceful surroundings of the Lakelands of Finland. Tour Staff & Support: Explore Tour Leader plus driver(s) and some local guides/interpreters. Group Size: Approx. 17 to 22. 48 For information, inspiration and latest tour availability visit www.explore.co.uk

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