Road Scholar : Home
The Baltic Sea Connection

Program Number: 3340RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/23/2013 - 9/9/2013; 5/25/2014 - 6/8/2014; 8/24/2014 - 9/7/2014;
Duration: 17 nights
Location: Lithuania/Estonia/Latvia/Russia
Price starting at: $4,583.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type:
Meals: 39; 16 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 15 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Tucked into a corner of the European continent, on the border with Russia, these Baltic nations have emerged from the era of Communism with a face turned firmly toward the future. See how centuries of living in the shadows of more dominant nations have emphasized their unique characters as they embark on the 21st century. Trace their history, artistry and politics all the way to Russia’s capital.




Highlights

• A former government official discusses the status of the Baltic states in the European Union.
• Enjoy traditional music and dance performances or classical concerts in each country.
• Licensed experts and university staff highlight St. Petersburg's architecture, Moscow's Kremlin and Armory and art museums.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles daily, standing in museums; no wheelchair facilities.




Date Specific Information

5-25-2014, 8-24-2014

Operated as a FLEX program with ample independent time and several meals on your own. The itinerary is as follows: arrival Vilnius, 3 nights; coach to Riga 3 nights; coach to Tallinn, 3 nights; coach to St. Petersburg, 4 nights; departure. Please see day by day for specifics.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Vilnius (Lithuania), 3 nights; coach to Riga (Latvia), 3 nights; coach to Tallinn (Estonia), 2 nights; train to St. Petersburg (Russia), 4 nights; train to Moscow, 4 nights; departure.



Overnight flight from the U.S.A.
1 night
Arrival Vilnius (Lithuania)
3 nights

An expert on regional politics highlights Lithiania's struggle for independence. A museum expert discusses local customs and traditions. Excursions in and around Vilnius focus on history and modern revival. Visit the 14th-century Trakai Castle, situated on an island in Lake Galve, enjoy a walk in the Old Town. Attend a cultural event.



Coach to Riga (Latvia)
3 nights

Learn about Riga’s 800-year-old-history and unique Dutch Renaissance architecture during a walk in Old Town, and explore the Art Nouveau architecture on Alberta Street. See Riga castle and the Dom Cathedral and catch a glimpse of the city’s cosmopolitan future in Riga’s bustling, modern residents. Enjoy the coastal resort town of Yurmala. Attend a cultural event.



Coach to Tallinn (Estonia)
2 nights

Drive along the Baltic coast through Parnu, a seaside resort town on the way to Tallinn. During an expert-led walk explore Tallinn's Upper Town, including a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Dome Church and Lower Town with numerous shops and St. Catherine's Arts and Crafts Center. Meet local residents and discuss the effects of Estonia’s accession to the EU in 2004.



Morning motorcoach transfer to St. Petersburg (Russia)
4 nights

Start exploring St. Petersburg with a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the birthplace of the city and the burial place of the Romanov tsars. Focus on the Romanov dynasty in lectures and during field trips to Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof, summer residences of the tsars, spend a full day at the world famous State Hermitage Museum, conceived by Catherine the Great in 1764. Attend a lecture on ""Russia Today," addressing modern life and politics. Enjoy an evening performance.



Afternoon train to Moscow
4 nights
Departure

A university professor surveys Russia's economy and contemporary politics, and a licensed expert introduces the Kremlin, Armory Chamber and cathedrals. Walk in politically charged Red Square, and enjoy its medieval architecture reflecting the Russian soul. Conclude with a cultural event and a special farewell dinner.
Accommodations
Vilnius: Four-star hotel on the bank of the Neris River. Riga: Four-star hotel blends modern design and medieval architecture. Tallinn: Four-star hotel short walking distance to the Old Town. St. Petersburg: Four-star hotel facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt. Moscow: City-center hotel next to the famous Tchaikovsky concert Hall.
Meals and Lodgings
   Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel
  Vilnius, Lithuania 3 nights
   Avalon Hotel
  Riga, Latvia 3 nights
   Park Inn Central Hotel
  Tallinn, Estonia 2 nights
   Oktyabrskaya Hotel
  St. Petersburg, Russia 4 nights
   Marriott Tverskaya Hotel
  Moscow, Russia 4 nights
 Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Radisson Blu Lietuva hotel (3-4 star) is located on the bank of the Neris River, a short walk to the Old Town and close to major tourist and cultural sites. Built in 1980, it is a fully renovated conference-style hotel (291 rooms). The simple but elegant interiors reflect the spirit of modern Vilnius, and some guestrooms and bars have a stunning view of the river.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: Konstitucijos Str. 20
Vilnius,  LT 09308 Lithuania
phone: (+370) 5-272 6272
web: www.radissonblu.com
  Room amenities: Standard rooms are not large in size but are tastefully furnished, air-conditioned, have a full bath or shower and standard amenities, including high speed Internet for a fee, TV, telephone, and hair dryer.
  Facility amenities: The hotel features a nice modern lobby with an ATM, a number of shops, a fitness center, a business center offering free Internet access, several bars, and two restaurants. It is fully air-conditioned, has 24-hour security, and employs English-speaking staff.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: to be reconfirmed Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note that the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Extra nights can also be reserved independently via the Internet.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM

 Avalon Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: Opened in June 2007, the newly built, award-winning 4-star Avalon Hotel successfully blends modern design with the medieval traditions of the city's architecture. It is located in the city center and is adjacent to the Old Town of Riga.
  Contact info: 70 Kaleju St.
Riga,  LV-1050 Latvia
phone: +371 67169999
web: www.hotelavalon.eu
  Room amenities: All rooms are spacious, air conditioned and offer all the standard amenities, including private baths or showers, satellite TV, telephone, minibars, safes and hairdryers.
  Facility amenities: The Avalon is fully air-conditioned, has a modern, tastefully designed lobby, conference facilities, a business center with Internet access, several bars, a fitness center, and a nice restaurant. It offers a wide range of standard services, employs English-speaking staff and has 24-hour security.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Park Inn Central Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The Park Inn Central is a comfortable, newly renovated, modern hotel, managed by Radisson, and situated near Old Town and the city center, within walking distance to major city sites. The hotel staff speaks English, offers 24-hour front desk service, and 24-hour security.
  Contact info: 7C, Narva mnt
Tallinn EE
10117,   Estonia
phone: + 372 633 9800
web: www.parkinn.com/hotel-centraltallinn
  Room amenities: Standard guest rooms are comfortable, clean and spacious with twin beds. They are air-conditioned, have private showers, all standard amenities and a hairdryer. Internet access is available for a fee, and there is a direct-dial phone, cable TV, and a minibar. No safes in standard rooms.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has 245 spacious guestrooms with modern amenities,a nice modern lobby, elevators, ATMs, a good restaurant, lobby bar, and a stylish café. It provides standard hotel services, including 24-hour laundry and dry-cleaning service and free high-speed, wireless Internet access in the hotel lobby. Internet access for a fee is also available in standard rooms. It has good conference facilities and a small fitness area with a jacuzzi and sauna.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Oktyabrskaya Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: A superior 3-star hotel in the heart of St.Petersburg in an impressive partially renovated 19th-century building once known as the Grand Hotel. It is conveniently located in the heart of the city close to major museums and theaters. The hotel has 24-hour security and employs English-speaking staff.
  Contact info: 10 Ligovsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg,  10098 Russia
phone: +7 (812) 578-15-15
web: www.oktober-hotel.spb.ru
  Room amenities: Standard rooms are spacious, tastefully furnished with private baths or showers.Some rooms have showers only. All have renovated bathrooms with basic amenities and a hairdryer. Room amenities also include telephone, remote control TVs and clock radio. Note: Rooms are air-conditioned but no safes are provided.
  Facility amenities: The hotel has a spacious, partially renovated lobby, a restaurant, a pleasant lobby bar, ATMs, a small fitness center, beauty salon, souvenir shops, currency exchange desk, theater desk, well equipped business center and conference facilities and Internet access, and a number of bars and snack rooms. There is no WiFi connection in standard rooms, but complimentary computers are available in the hotel business area.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes

 Marriott Tverskaya Hotel
Type: Four-Star Hotel
  Description: The Moscow Marriott Tverskaya Hotel is housed in a beautiful, modern building in the city center; it is a rather small and comfortable hotel, recently renovated (204 rooms and suites). It is located within walking distance to Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theatre (approximately 2 miles). Public transportation is easily available.
  Ship Information: n/a
  Contact info: 34 1st Tverskaya-Yamskaya St.
Moscow,  125047 Russia
phone: +74952583000
web: www.marriott.com
  Room amenities: Guest rooms are spacious, have 1 or 2 double beds, a safe, are air conditioned, and bottled water is provided daily. There is a combination bathtub/shower with a private bathroom, a hairdryer and normal bathroom amenities. Electrical plug adaptors are available. There is a mini-refrigerator, cable television with all-news channels, AM/FM radio, and a direct-dial phone.
  Facility amenities: A spacious lobby, two nice restaurants, a lobby bar, high-speed wireless Internet connection, foreign exchange office, ATM machine in the lobby, small business center, concierge service, complimentary coffee in the lobby, room service, laundry service, a small fitness center and health club. Smoking is permitted only in designated rooms and areas of the hotel. The hotel employs English-speaking staff and offers 24-hour security.
  Smoking allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights after: approx $380 twin; $350 single. Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate, and you pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Room rates are subject to change and can only be confirmed at time of reservation.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Day 2: Room check-in starts at 3:00 pm. At 6.00 pm meet at hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Day 18: 10.00 am. Room checkout is 12:00 noon You will be staying at Marriott Tverskaya Hotel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
n/a
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Available if traveling within Europe.
To Start of Program
  Location:  Vilnius
  Nearest highway: n/a
  Nearest airport:  Vilnius VNO
  Transportation to site: A group arrival transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air-inclusive program and arrive on the group date.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Moscow
  Nearest airport:  DME Domodedovo
  Transportation from site: A group departure transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air-inclusive program and depart on the group date.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: US departure
(Friday, August 23)
   
 Depart From: your home airport

Day 2: Orientation meeting
(Saturday, August 24)
   
 Arrive To: Arrival in Vilnius in the early afternoon. Transfer to hotel. Rest.
 Afternoon: Orientation meeting at the hotel.
 Dinner: Welcome Dinner.
 Evening: Free evening.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: Trakai Castle/Museum of Rural Life in Rumsiskes/cultural event
(Sunday, August 25)

Note: expected walking up to 2 miles, comfortable shoes are a must
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Theme of the Day: Lithuania as a Baltic country with a1000-year old history. Drive to historic Trakai for a educational visit to to the Trakai Castle and a presentation on Lithuanian history at the Museum of History..See the historic Trakai Castle, built in1406 by Grade Duke Vytautas and beautifully nestled on an island in the middle of Lake Galve; The museum curator talks about Lithuania's medieval history and the important events associated with Trakai, a one-time capital of Lithuania.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Continue on to the town of Rumsiskes (about 40 miles from Vilnius) for an educational visit to an to an open-air museum to learn about rural life, national crafts, and local customs and traditions in from a museum expert.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel or in a restaurant in the city
 Evening: Evening cultural event.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Lecture on today's Lithuania/History and Architectural highlights of Vilnius
(Monday, August 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: Lecture by a university professor: "General overview of the Baltic States. Lithuania's integration into the European Community." After the lecture, a walking excursion of the city begins, led by an expert, focusiing on the history and architectural highlights of Vilnius.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: The city overview continues. Walk through the campus of the University of Vilnius, learn of the rich interior of Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Church of St. Anna from an expert. Continue through the Gates of Dawn and stop at the site of the ancient synagogue. See numerous medieval buildings of baroque architecture.
 Dinner: Dinner at a city restaurant.
 Evening: Evening free.
   
Accommodations: Radisson Blu Lietuva Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Vilnius-Riga transfer
(Tuesday, August 27)

Note: All transfers are done by a comfortable, air-conditioned motor coach with facilities on board (expected total travel time 5-6 hours)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.
 Morning: After breakfast, check out of hotel. Drive to Riga, Latvia, via Pilsrundele and participate in an excursion to the baroque palace of Rundele, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. .
 Lunch: Stopover for lunch en route to Riga.
 Afternoon: Late afternoon arrival in Riga. Riga, founded in 1201 by the German Bishop Albert, is the largest of the three Baltic capitals; it boasts a kaleidoscope of architectural styles, a busy seaport, and a rich cultural life. Check in at hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
 Evening: Evening free to relax or have an independent walk to enjoy the Old Town near your hotel.
   
Accommodations: Avalon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Political discussion/ Museum of Latvian Occupation/walking excursion in Old Town/cultural event
(Wednesday, August 28)

Note: extensive walking in Old Town
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Lecture: “Latvia today, the political and economic situation in Latvia, and its socio-demographic structure.” Visit the Museum of Latvian Occupation, featuring many items and documents related to Latvia’s struggle for independence
 Lunch: Lunch in town.
 Afternoon: Learn about the 800-year history and architecture of Riga during an expert led walk in Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage site), See medieval buildings, Riga Castle,and the Dome Cathedral.

Later in the afternoon participate in an expert led walk through the area regarded by specialists as the capital of Art Nouveau architecture, known as New Style ("Jugendstil" in German). Art Nouveau appeared in architecture and furniture in the 1890s, and nearly half of the buildings in the center of Riga were built in this striking, flamboyant style.

 Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in Old Town.
 Evening: Concert or theatrical performance (subject to performance schedule).
   
Accommodations: Avalon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Presentation on Latvian music and folklore/excursion to Yurmala
(Thursday, August 29)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: A presentation on Latvian national music: Learn of Latvian folkloric traditions and musical instruments. After the presentation, continue exploration of the city by motor coach. Drive through the former Jewish ghetto and visit a memorial to WWII victims.
 Lunch: Lunch at a restaurant in Yurmala.
 Afternoon: Spend part of the afternoon in the seaside resort of Yurmala, famous for its music festivals,concerts, art galleries and health spas. Admire the stunning city skyline on the way back to Riga, an unforgettabe sight !.
 Dinner: Dinner on your own
   
Accommodations: Avalon Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Riga-Parnu, Estonia-Tallinn
(Friday, August 30)

Note: expected travel time is about 4-5 hours.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel in Riga.
 Morning: Hotel check out. Spend time at a local market before driving to Tallinn, Estonia (travel time about 4 hours). Enjoy the beautiful Estonian countryside and the picturesque Baltic coastline, numerous hills and lakes on the way to Paarnu, a seaside resort town, where a short stop is planned.
 Lunch: Lunch en route to Tallinn.
 Afternoon: Continue on to Tallinn with a late-afternoon arrival and check into hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel or city restaurant.
 Evening: Evening is free to relax or to have an independent walk in the Old Town of Tallinn to enjoy this charming blend of medieval tranquility and modern urban life. See numerous shops, galleries, souvenir markets, and restaurants.
   
Accommodations: Park Inn Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Discussion on politics and economy of modern Estonia/walking excursion in Old Town/cultural event
(Saturday, August 31)

Note: extensive walking up/down hilsl, be prepared to walk on cobble stones and uneven terrain
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Discussion: 'Estonia today: Address the Estonian economy, and social and politicaly issues in the aftermath of Estonia's entry into the EU''. Following the discussion begin a city walk to learn about the history of Estonia and the architecture of Old Tallinn. Visit the Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Dome Church, and other sites in the Upper Town.
 Lunch: Lunch on your own in Old Town.
 Afternoon: A city walk led by an expert continues in the Lower Town of Tallinn. Spend time at Catherine's Arts and Crafts Center.

Enjoy an organ recital at St. Nicholas Church. Free time.

 Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant at hotel or in Old Town (TBA).
   
Accommodations: Park Inn Central Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: Tallinn-St. Petersburg, Russia, transfer/Arrival in St. Petersburg
(Sunday, September 1)

Note: expected travel time about 7 hours on an air-conditioned motorcoach with facilities on board.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Hotel check-out and morning motorcoach transfer to St. Petersburg, Russia, with a stopover in Narva for customs and border crossing formalities (expected travel time about 7 hours, by an airconditioned motorcoach with facilities on board).
 Lunch: Boxed lunch en route to St. Petersburg.
 Afternoon: Late afternoon arrival in St. Petersburg. Hotel check-in. Rest.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
 Evening: Evening to rest.
   
Accommodations: Oktyabrskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: City excursion/Evening performance
(Monday, September 2)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Theme of the Day: History and Architecture of St. Petersburg: architectural highlights led by an expert.

Participate in an expert led visit to Peter and Paul Cathedral -the the birthplace of the city and the burial place of the Romanovs.

See the Winter Palace, the Bronze Horseman statue, St Isaac's Cathedral (exterior) the buildings of the University of St. Petersburg, the Summer Garden, and many other historic sites and architectural treasures of this magnificent city. Drive through Nevsky Prospekt, and enjoy the sights of numerous canals, palaces, and bridges.

 Lunch: Time for Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Free afternoon in the city.
 Dinner: Early dinner at hotel or city restaurant. After dinner, transfer to an evening performance.
 Evening: Evening Performance.
   
Accommodations: Oktyabrskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 12: Field trip to the Hermitage Museum/Free afternoon
(Tuesday, September 3)

Note: extensive walking including up/down stairs, also standing in museum
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Full-day educational visit to the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries. View the dazzling collection of Old Masters, French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, as well as numerous items of all eras, including newly revealed masterpieces now on display (3 hours to be spent with a licensed expert).
 Lunch: Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Enjoy the Hermitage collection independently, or return to hotel or spend this afternoon to explore the city on your own.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel or city restaurant.
 Evening: Free evening.
   
Accommodations: Oktyabrskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 13: The Romanov Dynasty: Visit the summer residences in Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof
(Wednesday, September 4)

Note: extensive walking (up to 2 miles), comfortable shoes are a must.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Theme of the Day: The Romanov Dynasty (of Russian tsars). En route to Tsarskoye Selo hear a presentation on the Romanovs who ruled Russia over 300 years. First visit Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), an elaborate baroque resident built in 1752 for Tsarina Elizabeth to honor the memory of her mother Catherine. See the .Eighth Wonder of the World?, the extraordinary Amber Room, decorated with six tons of solid amber carved and framed in gold leaf. The original room was lost or confiscated by the Nazis during World War II and later meticulously reconstructed by the Russian artists.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Continue on to Peterhof, a summer residence of Peter the Great. Walk with an expert to admire the famous, stunning golden fountains, the palace grounds, and other constructions in the park: See (exterior only) the Grand Palace (the "Russian Versailles", now a museum), the Mon Plaisir Palace, Peter's more humble villa, the Grand Cascade, which is the centerpiece of the palace grounds, other pavilions, and the spectacular Lower Park itself, along the Gulf of Finland, featuring over 140 fountains to enjoy (note: excursions to palaces and other museums on site are not part of the visit)
 Dinner: Dinner upon return to the city
 Evening: Free for independent activities or performances.
   
Accommodations: Oktyabrskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Political discussion/St. Petersburg-Moscow transfer
(Thursday, September 5)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel. Check-out.
 Morning: Lecture: "Russia Today: an overview of the Russian society, political system,and issues of religion and ethnicity in modern Russia" (presented by a university professor). Q&A session.
 Lunch: Lunch in a restaurant in the city.
 Afternoon: Transfer to train station. Travel to Moscow by Hi speed train (4:45 pm - 8:30 pm). Note: Seats on the train are similar to those on a motorcoach with plenty of legroom, but limited space for luggage; facilities are available on board.
 Dinner: Dinner snack and water are provided on train.
 Evening: Arrival in Moscow. Transfer to the program hotel.
   
Accommodations: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: City excursion/Tretyakov Art Gallery /Evening performance
(Friday, September 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: On the way to the museum drive through central Moscow: see Red Square, Manezh and the Kremlin walls and learn of the history of Moscow from an expert. Participate in an expert led visit to the Tretyakov Picture Gallery, housing the world?s finest and most extensive collection of Russian paintings of all times. Learn about the Byzantine-influenced medieval icons, paintings by the Peredvizhniki (a group of artists of the 19th century), and admire masterpieces by Surikov, Kramskoy, Repin, and other talents.
 Lunch: Time for Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Drive to the Grand Theater Square to see the legendary building of the Bolshoi theater and other important architectural and cultural landmarks here before returning to hotel.
 Dinner: Dinner.
 Evening: Evening performance (subject to performance schedule).
   
Accommodations: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16: The Kremlin compound and the Armory Chamber
(Saturday, September 7)

Note: Extensive walking -- up to 2 miles.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: An educational trip to the legendary Kremlin compound: this is a self-contained, walled city (fortress) with an armory, churches, and a palace, which for hundreds of years was the symbol of the powerful Russian state. You will see the exterior of the Kremlin Palace, its cathedrals, the legendary Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell. Cathedrals in the Kremlin compound include the golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation and the majestic Cathedral of the Archangel, a harmonious melange of Italian Renaissance and traditional Russian architecture. The walk through the Kremlin grounds is led by a licensed expert.
 Lunch: Time for Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Continue on with a visit to the Armory Chamber, featuring a unique collection of arms and armaments used through the medieval ages, as well as various Russian royal treasures, including famous Faberge eggs commissioned by the Romanov tsars. During free time take a walk in Red Square, admire the beauty of St. Basil's Cathedral, or visit the GUM department store.
 Dinner: Dinner.
 Evening: Free time for independent discoveries.
   
Accommodations: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 17: Political discussion/Russian Arts and Crafts Center/Farewell dinner
(Sunday, September 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: This morning take a drive to visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Moscow University, the Novodevichy Convent (exterior only) and other important sites.
 Lunch: Time for Lunch on your own
 Afternoon: Transfer to the Center for preservation of Russia's multi-ehtnic traditions and arts and crafts Time for informal viewing of Arts and crafts from all corners of the multi ethnic Russian Federation.

Participate in Lecture and discussion: " Russia USA -relations" (presented by a university professor). Q&A session.

 Dinner: Farewell dinner.
   
Accommodations: Marriott Tverskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 18: depart from Moscow
(Monday, September 9)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Program ends, transfer to airport for flights home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Vilnius Amber
Interesting collection of Amber for those who wish to learn more about Amber which the Baltic sea is famous for. Program staff will assist you with this visit if desired. Entrance fee is additional.
  Jewish
The museum is dedicated to Jewish history in Lithuania, featuring numerous documents and photographs related to various historic periods. Program staff will assist with this visit if desired. Entrance fee is additional.
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


A Woman in Amber


Author: Agate Nesaule


Description: In this American Book Award-winning memoir, Nesaule recounts the horrors she witnessed and experienced as a young girl during World War II in Latvia. A gripping testimony of survival.



Among the Russians


Author: Colin Thubron


Description: The marvelous account of a 10,000-mile journey by car from St. Petersburg and the Baltic States south to Georgia and Armenia in 1981. A gifted writer and intrepid traveler, Thubron grapples with the complexities of Russian identity in this lyrical book.



Baltic Sea States Map


Author: Freytag & Berndt


Description: This detailed (1:800,000), double-sided map covers not just the Baltic States but the entire Baltic region from Copenhagen across to Gdansk, St. Petersburg, Oslo and Stockholm.



Baroque and Rococo Art


Author: Germain Bazin


Description: An excellent illustrated survey of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture, this volume in the acclaimed "World of Art" series is a good companion to the golden age of Middle Europe.



Bradt Guide Baltic Cities


Author: Neil Taylor


Description: This second, expanded edition includes Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Kaliningrad as well as Tartu, Liepaja, Kaunas and Klaipeda.



Cathedrals and Castles, The Cathedral Builders of the Middle Ages


Author: Alain Erlande-Brandenburg


Description: This pocket-size encyclopedia of the art, architecture and culture of the Middle Ages features hundreds of drawings, color illustrations and a brief chronology.



Coup de Grace


Author: Marguerite Yourcenar


Description: A novel set against the backdrop of the Latvian War of Independence in the aftermath of WWI.



Crusader Castles of the Teutonic Knights, The Stone Castles of Latvia and Estonia


Author: Stephen Turnbull


Description: A heavily illustrated history of the medieval crusader castles of the Livonian Order (1185-1560) of Teutonic Knights in present-day Estonia and Latvia. With contemporary photos.



Estonia and the Estonians


Author: Toivo U. Raun


Description: A scholarly, comprehensive history of Estonia from prehistory to the 1990s in the Hoover Institution's "Studies of Nationalities" series.



Eyewitness Guide Moscow


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: This outstanding guide covers Moscow's culture, history and attractions with maps, site plans and hundreds of color photographs.



Eyewitness Guide St. Petersburg


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: With excellent local maps and site plans, this outstanding visual guide introduces the culture, history and attractions of St. Petersburg.



Eyewitness Travel Guide Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania


Author: Eyewitness Guides


Description: Take along this compact, profusely illustrated travel guide featuring bright color photography, dozens of maps and a region-by-region synopsis. With a 50-page section on where to stay and eat.



Land of the Firebird, The Beauty of Old Russia


Author: Suzanne Massie


Description: Massie traces both minuscule details and larger movements in pre-revolutionary Russian art, literature and daily life in this affectionate overview of 19th-century palaces, courts and culture.



Lonely Planet Baltic Phrasebook


Author: Paul Jokubaitis, Jana Teteris, Lisa Trei


Description: Learn the basics of Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian with this handy guide.



Nicholas and Alexandra


Author: Robert Massie


Description: This entertaining and well-researched history traces the royal relationship and explores how a disease determined the destiny of rulers, the disintegration of the empire and the course of Russian history.



Set Sail for Murder


Author: Carolyn G. Hart


Description: Retired newspaper reporter Henrietta O' Dwyer Collins, Henrie O to her friends, joins her dear old friend Jimmy Lennox on a Baltic cruise in this seventh installment in the cozy series.



The Baltic


Author: Alan Palmer


Description: Palmer chronicles the Baltic region from the Viking era and Byzantine Empire through wars, uprisings and other political conflicts of the twentieth century, and on to modern times, where he finds a group of nations and peoples poised to emerge as some of Europe's most vital democracies. In addition to the prolific British historian's considerable learning, he provides some rather entertaining anecdotes.



The Baltic Revolution


Author: Anatol Lieven


Description: A Latvian correspondent for the London Times, Lieven weaves history, interviews and analysis into a vivid cultural portrait of post-Glasnost Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.



The Dogs of Riga


Author: Henning Mankell


Description: Swedish detective Kurt Wallander travels from Ystad to Latvia on the shadowy trail of a grisly murder in this second book, steeped in Baltic ambiance.



The Northern Crusades


Author: Eric Christiansen


Description: The wilder-than-fiction story of the conquest and conversion of the pagan tribes of the Baltic coasts by the crusading knights of the Teutonic Order from the 13th to the 15th centuries.





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