Empires of the Baltic Sea

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Helsinki

Arrive in Finland's capital city, perched on the Baltic Sea, and transfer to your hotel. The afternoon is free to settle in to your new surroundings.

Day 3: Helsinki

This morning's sightseeing tour with a local guide shows you the neighborhoods, architecture, green parks and examples of Finnish design that make Helsinki unique. Your afternoon is free to visit the Ateneum Art Museum or wander the merchant stalls in Market Square.

Day 4: Tallinn

Depart by ferry for Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Upon arrival join a local guide for panoramic sightseeing of Kadriorg Park, home to Peter the Great's Baroque Kadriorg Palace, and the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. Continue with a walking tour through the historic Old Town including the picturesque Town Hall Square. If time allows, perhaps seek out the traditional craft workshops along the narrow St. Catherine's Passage.

Day 5: Tallinn

This morning's excursion takes you to Tuhala Nature Reserve to see the Witch's Well. Learn about the subterranean geology of the region from this unique natural phenomenon before continuing to the Viking Village. Follow locals in traditional dress through a recreated ancient village and participate in a fishing lesson and competition using traditional methods. Then return to Tallinn to unlock its military history through touring the mysterious underground tunnel and tower complex of Kiek in de Kök and the Bastion Passages that form part of the town's fortifications.

Day 6: St Petersburg

Journey to Russia today, stopping en route in the Estonian city of Narva. Arrive in St. Petersburg and begin to explore your beautiful new surroundings.

Day 7: St Petersburg

This morning visit Palace Square where you'll tour one of the finest museums in the world, the Hermitage, which includes the Winter Palace, formerly the center of government under the tsars. Then journey to the town of Pushkin to experience an opulent reflection of Baroque Imperial Russian extravagance with a visit to Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo. Returning to St. Petersburg, you may wish to attend an optional evening performance by one of Russia's noted ballet companies.

Day 8: St Petersburg

A morning excursion takes you on a guided tour to Petrodvorets, the huge country palace and park of Peter the Great, which was built to resemble Versailles. In the afternoon, uncover St. Petersburg's culinary culture with a guided food tour and tasting at Kuznechy Market. Sample your way through local eateries and shops purveying borscht, blini, solyanka and other traditional dishes.

Day 9: St Petersburg

This morning you visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, built by Peter the Great to secure Russia's outlet to the sea. You also see St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the equestrian statue of Peter the Great. Your final afternoon abroad is free to explore more of St. Petersburg at your own pace.

Day 10: Departure

Depart for the USA.