Price includes:
 *3 nights in tourist class hotel
 *4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
 *2nd class train passage Helsinki-St. Petersburg return
 *Railway station transfer in St. Petersburg
 *Tour Escort starting from Helsinki
 *Guided excursions and entrances on group events
 *Luggage assistance, service charges and taxes on included items

Note: A visa is necessary for travel in Russia-check with your travel agent or with us directly for details.

The "Venice of the North" is a city of exotic moods and regal ambiance, combining a fascinating Russian heritage with a distinctly European outlook.  The grandeur of the Russian Imperial Court shines from its dazzling museums and architecture in celebration of its 300th year anniversary.  There are marvels of color, waterways and tree-lined boulevards at every turn. The tour brings you to the celebrated highlights of the city and makes room for free time to explore your own. Immerse yourself in this urban open-air museum widely spoken of as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

The Peter and Paul fortress built on the islet in 1721 is the origin of the city. It served notoriously as a political jail - among the first inmates being Peter's own rebellious son Alexei. See the gilded dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral dominating the skyline. Or, be inspired by the massive granite facades and colorful mosaic interiors filled with paintings and sculpture which took 40 years to build!

Visit the elegant buildings of the State Hermitage encompassing an entire estate, with over 3 million pieces set among imperial furnishings and antiquities. Rivaling the Louvre, it includes works by the great masters of the Renaissance, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Michelangelo. Other collections present the development of world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century: armor and weapons, sculpture, mummies, jeweled adornments, imperial carriages and sleighs.

Finally, visit the former Zarskoje Selo, now Pushkin, the summer residence of the Czars for over two centuries. The most famous architects and craftsmen of the time have developed it into one of the most magnificent and opulent residences in Europe. The grounds are over 1400 acres, with more than one hundred buildings, from glittering palaces and monuments to pavilions, parks and decorative bridges.

Day 1: Depart Helsinki
Early morning departure on the Finnish Sibelius train, enjoy breakfast aboard the train.  Upon arrival in St. Petersburg you will have an orientation tour which includes the Bronze Horseman, Admiralty, Nevski Prospekt and Palace Square-where you can admire the harmonious unity of the city
Accommodations: Hotel Moskva (or similiar), B, D

Day 2: St. Petersburg
Breakfast
Excursion out to visit the Hermitage-an art lovers delight-Lunch at a local restaurant-followed by a visit to the Cathedral of St. Issac-the third largest cathedral in the world
Accommodations: Hotel Moskva (or similar) B, L, D

Day 3: St. Petersburg
Breakfast
Morning visit to Pushkin- one of the most magnificent and richest residence in Europe-Lunch at a local restaurant-Transfer back to City Centre where you have the afternoon free to explore on your own
Accommodations: Hotel Moskva (or similar) B, L, D

Day 4: St. Petersburg - Helsinki
Breakfast - morning free - lunch at hotel - early afternoon transfer to the train - late evening arrival in Helsinki B, D
Convenient hotel booking in Helsinki available on request

Visa Requirements to Russia-------------------------------------------------------------

A visa is compulsory for all passengers traveling into the Russia (including certain cruises where accommodation is provided on the board the ship while visiting). When your booking is confirmed, we will provide you with a visa application form and the required destination documentation. You may apply for a visa on your own or through the service of The Nordic Company or a travel agent (fee applies). The Nordic Company is only able to process visa applications for US citizens.

If we process your visa:

We must receive the following no less than 10 - 30 working days before USA departure date:

• Three identical matte finish passport photographs (glossy finishes and laser photos are not acceptable)
  
• A clear photocopy of your valid passport information pages (including photo, personal data, the place and date of issue)
  
• A service charge of $135 pp applies, which includes the consular fee.

A rush surcharge of $75 pp applies for visa requests received 10 - 29 working days before departure.

IMPORTANT!
Even if you process the visa on your own — The Nordic Company must have the following information for each passenger for border crossing and customs purposes:

• Personal data (first and last names, date and place of birth, passport number, citizenship)
• Proof of travel insurance and medical coverage valid for travel in Russia must be provided for citizens of the following nations: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

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