Thu, 10 Jan 2013
Spending the New Year in the Lofoten Islands
What?s better than seeing a sky full of fireworks to celebrate heading into the New Year? Well the a...
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You will be taken to three countries, two capital cities and endless attractions; and from the moment it begins you will discover and experience new sights, tastes and sounds. One day you will be admiring Stockholm's picturesque archipelago and another day you will be standing in the heart of St. Petersburg Square. This tour is as diverse as it is beautiful; hitting an array of cultural spots that satisfies lovers of art, food and history!
NB! A visa for Russia is required for this tour. Please ask for details.
Day 1 - Arrival Stockholm
Arrival at Stockholm Airport, Arlanda. Transfer to your hotel in connection with your flight arrival. Dinner and accommodation at hotel, a new first class hotel centrally located. Your tour escort will meet you at 19:50 hrs in the hotel lobby.
2 nights STOCKHOLM - Clarion Hotel Sign ****
Day 2 - Explore Stockholm
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will start the day with a 4-hour guided sightseeing tour of Stockholm. Sights of interest include the Royal Palace, the Parliament Buildings, the island of Djurgården and the Old Town (Gamla Stan), with its narrow cobbled streets and numerous antique shops. Highlight of the tour is a visit to City Hall with its famous Blue and Golden Rooms, where the Nobel Prize Banquet is held each year. The afternoon is at your own leisure in Stockholm. We can recommend a visit to the impressive Vasa Museum or one of the popular canal tours. Please note that dinner is not included today, as Stockholm offers a wide selection of high quality restaurants to choose between. Your tour escort will gladly assist with table reservations and make any recommendations suitable to your preferences. This is a good opportunity to explore Stockholm by night at your pace and your final night in Stockholm at Clarion Hotel Sign.
Day 3 - Helsinki (overnight cruise)
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning is at your own leisure to explore the beautiful city of Stockholm, often called the Venice of the North due to its many canals and waterways. We recommend the 2-hour boat tour “Under the Bridges of Stockholm”. Afternoon coach transfer for embarkation on a luxurious cruise ferry from Silja Line. Onboard you will find a choice of entertainment, shops, casino and bars. Dinner on board. Accommodation in a 2-berth outside cabin (seaside) with shower/WC. We recommend bringing an overnight bag for this cruise, to avoid having to carry suitcases to and from the cabin.
1 night On Board - Silja Line
Day 4 - Guided Tour of Helsinki
Enjoy your buffet breakfast as you sail into the Helsinki harbour. A local guide will meet you at the harbour to take you for a 3-hour guided tour of Helsinki. Famous sights include the Senate Square, Uspenski Cathedral, Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, Sibelius Park & Monument, Underground Temple, and much more. In the afternoon you can explore the busy market place or the many souvenir shops close to the harbour. Finnish crystal and leather goods are an excellent buy. Dinner and accommodation at your first class hotel centrally located.
1 night HELSINKI - Radisson Blu Royal Hotel****
Day 5 - Rail Journey to St. Petersburg
Early breakfast followed by transfer by coach from your hotel in Helsinki to the railway station. At 10 am you will depart on the train “Allegro” for St. Petersburg. A lunch box will be provided during the train ride. Coach transfer from the railway station to your hotel upon arrival in St. Petersburg the afternoon, combined with 1-hour guided boat cruise along the Neva River and visit at St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Welcome dinner including shot of vodka a glass wine! and accommodation at Ambassador Hotel, a four star hotel located in the city centre, near the famous Mariinsky Theatre.
3 nights ST. PETERSBURG - Ambassador Hotel ****
Day 6 - Explore St. Petersburg
Buffet breakfast at hotel. This day begins with a transfer to Neva River cruise harbour for a cruise by hydrofoil to Peterhof, including Grand Palace and lower parks with fountains. Lunch at local restaurant is included. After lunch, tour of the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum and the State Rooms of the Winter Palace. Return to hotel. Dinner and accommodation at hotel.
Day 7 - A Date With Pushkin and Dostoevksy
Buffet breakfast at hotel, followed by a 3-hour panoramic tour of the city by coach with local English-speaking guide. St. Petersburg is a city of outstanding architectural beauty, famous for its magnificent palaces, cathedrals, fountains and bridges. A visit will be paid to Peter & Paul Fortress. Lunch at local restaurant, followed by transfer to the town of Pushkin and a visit to Catherine’s Palace including the famous Amber room. Return to St. Petersburg. This evening you will be taken to see a colourful Russian folklore show at the Nikolaevsky Palace, with snacks during the intermission. Dinner at the Dostoevsky Restaurant and unwind later at the hotel.
Day 8 - Departure
Breakfast at hotel before transfer to airport for return flights home.
Departure Day: Tuesdays from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 9 & 30 July 2013
Duration: 7 nights
N.B. Alternative airports available for departure. Please telephone our offices on 01274 875199 for flight schedules and a quotation.
Stockholm's largest hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm city adjacent to the Central Station and Arlanda Express facing the Norra Bantorget Square. The hotel is brand new, built in 2008, and is a spectacular building dominated by granite and glass, leaning over the square reflecting the green park. The hotel has a wonderful Aquavit Grill & Raw Bar, contributed by Marcus Samuelsson of New York’s Aquavit restaurant. The eighth floor of the hotel holds Selma CitySpa+ where you can indulge yourself in the sauna, gym, spa with a spa treatment and/or in the heated outdoor pool, all with a fantastic view of Stockholm. All rooms are non-smoking and have TV, telephone, hair dryer, Internet access and some of the most comfortable beds we have ever slept in in the whole of Scandinavia! Lift to all floors.
One of the most conveniently located hotels in Helsinki city centre with abundant choice of activities and entertainment. The Finnish National Gallery and Helsinki's best shoppng centre are also within walking distance of The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. All of the rooms offer premier amenities that include air conditioning, coffee and tea provisions, Free high-speed, wireless Internet access, a marble bathroom and Super Breakfast Buffet. In the evening guests at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel can enjoy one of the best Helsinki restaurants without leaving the hotel, at the Michelin-rated Grill It! which boasts some of the best steaks, Arctic prawns and chocolate cake in the city!
Luxurious hotels started appearing in European cities as early as the 18th century, and the Ambassador became a popular place where the nobility liked staying.The Ambassador Hotel is located in the historic centre of St. Petersburg, a 7-minute walk away from Sadovaya (Sennaya Ploschad’) Underground Station. St. Isaac and St. Nicholas Cathedral, the Mariinsky Theatre, and the Yusupov Gardens are all in the immediate vicinity of the hotel and you can visit them while you take a walk.
There are 251 comfortable rooms at the hotel. Each room is equipped with air-conditioning, Internet access, a direct international and inter-city telephone line, interactive and satellite TV, a mini-bar and a safe. Bath rooms are equipped with big mirrors and somewhere are decorated with mosaic. All the rooms have a beautiful view on the historic city center, cozy courtyard or Rimsky-Korsakov avenue.
The hotel's restaurants of the Ambassador Hotel are remarkable for their elegant St. Petersburg style and top quality cuisine that keeps up traditions of the art of cookery.
The Ambassador Hall is located on the ground floor of the hotel in the glassed-in atrium designed in the classical style. In the middle of the hall there is a stage for musicians, which promises that the guests will be able to enjoy live music concerts organized by the hotel.The Lobby Bar is near the Ambassador Hall.
In Le Vernissage panoramic restaurant with a beautiful view of the historical city centre, you can try dishes prepared by the chef Dmitry Ivanov. Recipes of royal Russia, a special light menu and season novelties will be appreciated even by gourmets. The restaurant can be used for banquets for a large number of guests. Not far from Le Vernissage, there is the Gallery Bar where one can sit back and watch sports broadcasts.
The restaurant serves a breakfast buffet from 07:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. offering a large choice of appetizers, main courses and fresh pastry baked in its own bakery.
Ambassador Hotel invites St. Petersburg residents and guests to visit its beauty and fitness center . Enjoy 16-meters swimming pool, Finnish saunas, gym room, beauty salon services. Our professional staff includes cosmetologists, visage specialists, manicure and pedicure specialists, and hair stylists.
The fitness centre is open daily 24 hours and the beauty salon is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM.
The swimming pool, Finnish saunas, gym room are free from 7 AM to 11.30 AM.
Our Escorted Tour Partners - Robinson Scandinavia
These tours are operated by our partners Robinson Scandinavia with whom we have a long standing relationship. Robinson are known for the very high standard of service they provide and appeal to those people who seek a standard of accommodation and services far above that often offered in a package tour program. Whether visiting one of the fascinating Nordic capitals, experiencing the breathtaking beauty of the Norwegian fjords, or cruising the Baltic, you will find the very best has been selected for your comfort and enjoyment.
Tour Language
Robinson Scandinavia operates this program of tours in English only.
Tour Escorts
Tour Escorts have been specially chosen, not only for their outstanding knowledge of the countries and places you will visit, but also for their personal appearance and proven ability to look after people. Likewise, uniformed coach drivers are employed not only for their years of driving experience, but also for their dedication to giving friendly service and attention to the needs of their passengers.
Guaranteed Departures
No minimum number is required! All departures are guaranteed - no matter the number of persons booked.
Children
Out of consideration to other passengers, and because such tours are generally considered unsuitable for younger children, children under 12 years of age are not allowed on these escorted coach tours.
Visas
All nationalities require a visa for visiting St. Petersburg which may be obtained from your nearest Russian consulate or embassy. Taber Holidays will be happy to supply on request a visa support letter to help expedite the issuing of a visa.
Luggage Handling
Luggage handling is included in all hotels, however you will be responsible for handling your own luggage when embarking and disembarking from cruises.
To book call 01274 875 199 or