Friday 8 July

Auckland - Singapore

Early afternoon departure from Auckland, on arrival Singapore, met and transferred to Hotel for an overnight stay.

Saturday 09 July

Singapore – Frankfurt – Copenhagen (B)

This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this fascinating Asian City.  The tour showcases the contrast between the old and the new and the blend between East and the West.  Rooms are held for late checkout.  This evening we are transferred to the airport to join overnight flight to Frankfurt.

Sunday 10 July

Frankfurt – Copenhagen (D)

We arrive Frankfurt early morning and transfer to the short flight to Copenhagen.  On arrival met and transferred to your centrally located Hotel for a 2 night stay, dinner at the Hotel.

Monday 11 July

Copenhagen (B.D)

This morning commence privately guided grand tour of Copenhagen, which covers all the major sights – Tivoli Gardens, the colourful Canal district, Christiansborg Palace, the Danish Parliament, the Royal Theatre World, famous for its royal ballet, the colourful harbour district, the Amalienborg Palace, winter residence of the Royal family, see the changing of the guard.  Full breakfast and dinner.

Tuesday 12 July

Copenhagen – Stockholm (B.D)

Transfer to the railway station for your 5 hour train journey to Stockholm.

Cafeteria café available on train.  On arrival Stockholm at 1.40p.m. commence guided tour of Sweden’s capital city, including the Nobel Prize, is presented each year, the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic palaces.  The Vasa, the world’s only surviving 17^th century warships.  Overnight at your hotel centrally situated.  Full breakfast and dinner included.

Wednesday 13 July

Stockholm – overnight cruise – Helsinki (B.D)

Morning at leisure, afternoon under the Bridges of Stockholm -  cruise Stockholm, from a different perspective.  Sail under fifteen bridges and locks connecting the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren.  See the various islands making Stockholm such a beauty on water.  In the late afternoon join the overnight ferry, cruise to Helsinki, a wonderful experience sailing through the 2,500 islands of the Archipelico (still daylight at midnight), outside cabins on the ship.  Full breakfast and buffet dinner on board ship.

Thursday 14 July

Helsinki – Finland (B.D)

On arrival from the cruise, met and commence guided city tour showing us the most interesting parts of Helsinki, stops include the Sibelius Monument and the Church in the Rock, afternoon free.  Overnight at your centrally situated hotel.  Full breakfast and dinner included.

Friday 15 July

Helsinki – Tallin – Estonia (B.D)

Leave Hotel at 9.30 and transfer to the ferry terminal to join the 2 hours sea journey, across the Gulf of Finland to Tallin.  On arrival met and transferred to your elegant hotel located in the centre of Tallin for a 2 night stay.  Full breakfast and dinner included.

Saturday 16 July

Tallin (B.D)

Morning guided bus and walking tour, an excellent way to get to know the most interesting parts of the city.  Your tour will provide commentary about Estonian History and contemporary life then a walking tour of the picturesque cobble stoned streets of the old town.

Although the Estonians are justly proud of the city, its old town is its “crown jewel”.  In the afternoon a guided tour visit to the Estonian open air Museum ‘Rocca Al Mare’, located in the beautiful park by the sea situated in the countryside.

In the evening enjoy a banquet dinner with entertainment in a city restaurant within walking distance of the Hotel.  Full breakfast and dinner included.

Sunday 17 July

Tallin – St. Petersburg Embarkation – River Cruise Ship (B.D)

Today’s journey is a scenic drive along the picturesque Gulf of Finland.  A stop is made in historic Narv near the border with Russia, before arriving in St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703.  Upon arrival, we join our cruise ship “Viking Pakhomov” – our floating home for the next 12 nights.  All meals included during cruise.

Monday 18 July

St. Petersburg (B.L.D)

Today’s excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by dinner on board.

Tuesday 19 July

St. Petersburg (B,L,D)

This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. After a picnic lunch, see some of St. Petersburg’s other landmarks, including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening.

Wednesday 20 July

St. Petersburg (B,L,D)

Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner served aboard; the ship departs early evening.

Thursday 21 July

Scenic Waterways & Mandroggi (B,L,D)

Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” towards Lake Onega.

Friday 22 July

Kizhi  (B,L,D)

Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenska (Transfiguration) Church—a fairy-tale structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night.

Saturday 23 July

Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritsy (B,L,D)

Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure.

Sunday 24 July

Yaroslavl (B,L,D)

Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and an evening departure.

Monday 25 July

Uglich (B,L,D)

After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night.

Tuesday 26 July

Moscow Canal & Moscow (B,L,D)

This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You will also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city’s Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late dinner on board.

Wednesday 27 July

Moscow (B,L,D)

Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences—a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; a half-day morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art; an afternoon tour of the Military Museum; or an afternoon tour of Novodevichy Convent, Moscow’s best-known cloister and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax—or take an optional Moscow by night tour.

Thursday 28 July

Moscow (B,L,D)

The morning is free to relax and explore—you may wish to make your way to Red Square and people-watch or visit Lenin’s Tomb. This afternoon, you tour the world-famous Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Return aboard for a farewell dinner this evening.

Friday 29 July

Moscow – Singapore (B)

Sadly, our cruise ends this morning after breakfast with disembarkation.   Later, we return to Moscow Airport in time to join our flight to Singapore.

Saturday 30 July

Singapore – Auckland

Arrival time into Singapore is early morning.  We have the day free with hotel rooms reserved at the airport to allow time for rest and relaxation before we continue our homeward journey this evening on the overnight flight to Auckland.

Sunday 31 August

Arrive Auckland

Arrival time into Auckland is mid-morning.

Journey’s End!