DAY 1: UK - Copenhagen.
Fly to Copenhagen where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for one night. (D)

DAY 2: Copenhagen (included sightseeing) - Berlin.
Denmark's capital is compact and friendly and has many famous sights, including the Tivoli Gardens amusement park. We start the day with an included sightseeing tour of the city with a local guide, which includes a visit to the iconic Little Mermaid statue at the harbour. In the afternoon we drive to Gedser for the ferry crossing to Rostock, and then on to the German capital, Berlin, for one night. (B)

DAY 3: Berlin - Poznan.
Once the city of contrasts with its West and East side separating two different worlds, Berlin, since the wall came down, has developed into a harmonious blend of old and new, preserving its old massive buildings, such as the State Opera House and the Brandenburg Gate, its neoclassical style boulevards such as the Kurfurstendamm and the Unter den Linden, as well as creating brand new buildings in the most daring, up-to-date architectural styles. It is now once again Germany's capital and one of the most fascinating, lively and interesting cities of Europe from a cultural point of view. There's time to explore the city at your own pace, or perhaps join the optional sightseeing tour, before we travel to Poznan, the former capital of Poland, for one night. (B, D)

DAY 4: Poznan - Warsaw.
Travel through the Polish countryside to the country's capital, Warsaw. Much of this beautiful city was destroyed during World War II, but has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The magnificent Royal Way is lined with an array of impressive churches, palaces, art galleries and museums. Our optional city sightseeing tour will show you the best of the city's historic landmarks, including a wealth of fine Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture. (B)

DAY 5: Warsaw - Vilnius.
Heading into Lithuania, we arrive in Vilnius, the country's historic capital, for a stay of two nights. (B, D)

DAY 6: Vilnius. Included sightseeing.
Boasting many fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, Vilnius is also the cultural centre of Lithuania. Our included tour will show you the main sightseeing highlights. In the afternoon there's plenty of time to get better acquainted with this historic city. Or you may prefer to join our optional excursion to Trakai Castle. (B)

DAY 7: Vilnius - Pilsrundale - Riga.
This morning we cross into Latvia for a visit to the Baroque Palace of Rundale, the former summer residence of the Duke of Courland. This 18th-century palace was designed by the great architect Rastrelli, who also designed the Winter Palace in St Petersburg. We travel through more lovely countryside before reaching the Latvian capital, Riga, for a stay of two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Riga. Included sightseeing.
Formerly owned by Poland, Sweden, Russia and Germany, Riga is a beautiful town, strategically located at the head of the Gulf of Riga, an arm of the Baltic Sea. The Old Town is a kaleidoscope of many architectural styles, where narrow cobblestone streets are flanked by old houses and lofty church spires, and it is surrounded by riverbanks, parks and canals. On our included sightseeing tour of the old city our local guide will show you the sightseeing highlights and brief you on the main events in the city's colourful 800 years of history. (B)

DAY 9: Riga - Parnu - Tallinn.
We begin the day with a drive through the Gauja National Park, known as the 'Livonian Switzerland', a land dotted with medieval castle ruins, picturesque countryside and a variety of fauna and flora seen only here. Next we head for the Baltic coastline, crossing the Estonian border and stopping in Parnu, the country's most fashionable seaside resort. Then it's onwards to Tallinn, Estonia's capital, for two nights. (B, L)

DAY 10: Tallinn. Included sightseeing.
Far older than the country of which it is the capital, Tallinn has many fine medieval buildings. The Old Town is now on the World Heritage list, and the many fascinating sights include the Hanseatic Merchant Houses, the mile long town wall, the medieval Town Hall and the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads. We start the day with an included sightseeing tour to help you fully appreciate the city's marvellous history and beauty. (B, D)

DAY 11: Tallinn - St Petersburg.
We drive east towards Narva, site of the impressive Hermann Fortress. We then continue on to the beautiful Russian city of St Petersburg for two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: St Petersburg. Included sightseeing.
Famous for its wide boulevards and stunning architecture, Russia's 'second city' is set on the mouth of the River Neva and is connected to the Baltic by a ship canal built in the late 19th-century. Created in 1703 by Peter the Great, he made it the capital of all the Russias. Our included sightseeing tour will give you a fascinating introduction to the city. Later in the day, you may like to join our optional excursion to the world famous Hermitage. (B)

DAY 13: St Petersburg - Vyborg - Helsinki.
In the morning, why not take the optional visit to the Peter & Paul Fortress? Later, experience the monumental vistas of the Russian landscape as we take a last lingering look at St Petersburg and set off north, travelling between Lake Ladoga to the east and the Gulf of Finland to the west, before crossing into Finland and arriving in its charming capital, Helsinki for one night. (B)

DAY 14: Helsinki (included sightseeing) - Baltic Sea crossing - Stockholm.
A delightful city with parks, waterways and elegant neo-classical architecture, Helsinki has a small-town feel, its skyline devoid of high-rise buildings and its population little more than a million. Our included sightseeing tour includes visits to the elegant Empire-style palace on Senate Square and the cathedral. In the afternoon, there's time to explore further, relax or do some shopping. In the evening we embark on the Silja Line ferry to the Swedish capital, Stockholm. On board you can enjoy music, dancing and shopping. (B)

DAY 15: Stockholm. Included sightseeing.
Sweden's capital is a beautiful city, with a unique setting on 14 islands between Lake Mäler and the Baltic. Our included sightseeing tour with a local guide includes visits to the City Hall and other famous landmarks. (B, D)

DAY 16: Stockholm - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)