Day 1

Depart London Heathrow on your British Airways flight to Helsinki. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the 3* Hotel Arthur for three nights. Helsinki is a green and pleasant city, and nowhere is far from the sea. Its southern position means that the city enjoys a milder climate than much of the rest of the country. One of the most interesting attractions is the impressive fortress of Suomenlinna, perched on an island just off the coast. The fortress dates back to Finland’s period under Swedish rule and was built in the 18th century to guard against Russian invasion.

Days 2 and 3

At leisure.

Day 4

Make your way to the railway station in time to get your REPIN train to St. Petersburg. On arrival in St. Petersburg you will be met and transferred to the 3* Hotel Dostoevsky for 5 nights.

The hotel is very centrally located, opposite the Cathedral of Vladimir Divine Mother. Nevskij Prospekt is only a few minutes walk. St Petersburg is traditionally a city of artists and intellectuals, and here there is a wealth of culture. Must sees are the splendid baroque houses and magnificent cathedrals, Prince Menshikov’s Dutch-style Palace, the Cathedral and the Peter and Paul Fortress. The Hermitage has one of the most impressive art collections in the world, and every evening of your stay could include a different ballet or opera at the city’s top-class theatres.

Days 5 – 8

At leisure.

Day 9

You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to the airport in time to check in for your flight to London with British Airways.