NORTHERN EUROPE ALLURE FROM WEST TO EAST Family Summer Holiday

Transcription

1 NORTHERN EUROPE ALLURE FROM WEST TO EAST Family Summer Holiday COPENHAGEN MOSCOW ST. PETERSBURG BY Your 13 days customised travel program: a surprising blend of exceptional experiences and authentic local lifestyle that will entertain, bond, delight & recharge you!

2 Day 1- COPENHAGEN Arrival at Copenhagen airport pick up and private transfer in comfortable minivan with English speaking chauffeur to the selected central 5*hotel Check in and time to relax or to start exploring the city: you can join a classic boat tour (1 h) around the harbour and through the idyllic canals, with a live guide in Danish and English (ticket incl.), passing some of Copenhagen's beautiful churches, castles, new buildings Day 2 COPENHAGEN Private half day tour Discovering Copenhagen On the tour we pass by the Tivoli Gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. We drive through the colorful canal district, past the National Museum and past Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament. We continue on to The Old Stock Exchange and across Kongens Nytorv, where we can see the Royal Theatre, world famous for its Royal Ballet. The tour continues past the colorful harbour district of Nyhavn to Amalienborg Palace the winter residence of the Royal Family. Here we have the opportunity of seeing the changing of the Danish Royal Guard. This is followed by a visit to the Gefion Fountain and The Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale. Afternoon at leisure to relax or to continue exploring the city. Day 3 OUT & ABOUT COPENHAGEN Private full day tour Fun at LEGOLAND Billund (11hrs) Did you know that Denmark is the homeland to LEGO? Your child cannot miss this experience being so close Enjoy the world s best short break at the LEGOLAND Billund Resort a paradise for children and their parents to! Experience the best from LEGOLAND and Lalandia, including pirates, cowboys and Vikings, and have the time of your life trying out the more than 55 rides and attractions (1 day entrance incl.). OR Private half day tour to Roskilde, city of Kings and Vikings (4 hrs) Follow the shore of the fjord to Roskilde, where you visit the Viking Ship Museum (entrance incl.) which houses the remains of 5 Viking ships salvaged from the bed of the fjord and painstakingly preserved. Afterwards a short drive will take you to the centre of Roskilde, for a visit to the twin-spired Cathedral (entrance incl.): the city was a favoured base for the Vikings due to its strategic importance, then capital of Denmark in the Middle Ages; and all Danish monarchs were buried here and also nowadays Danish Kings and Queens are still laid to rest in Roskilde POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 2

3 Day 4 COPENHAGEN HILLERØD HELSINGØR COPENHAGEN (approx. 120 KM) Breakfast at your hotel. Private full day tour The Castles of North Zealand First, visit the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle (entrance incl.), in the magnificent surroundings of Hillerod. The visit here includes the outstanding National Museum, the Chapel and the Knights Hall. The tour continues past the Royal Family s summer residence, Fredensborg Palace, in the middle of a lovely park surrounded by gorgeous Esrom Lake. Continuing to Elsinor, witness the walls and towers of Kronborg Castle, the setting of Shakespeare s play Hamlet, recently listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The castle offers a breathtaking view of the Sound, the stretch of water lying between Denmark and Sweden. You return to Copenhagen along the coastal road, the "Danish Riviera", with its stylish houses and mansions. Day 5 COPENHAGEN MOSCOW Private transfer to Copenhagen Kastrup airport to board your flight to Moscow [flight NOT INCLUDED in this offer] After about 2:30 hrs flight arrival at Moscow Sheremetyevo airport. Pick up and private transfer in comfortable minivan with English speaking chauffeur and English speaking guide to the selected central 5*hotel. Check in and time to relax or to start exploring the city according to your guide s tips. Day 6 MOSCOW Sightseeing tour of Moscow (4h) Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation and represents a unique set of old architecture masterpieces and modern high-tech buildings. If you want to know more about Moscow s history, you need to take our city sightseeing tour! In only a few hours, you will have a glimpse of its main landmarks, such as the Red Square, the Kremlin, the Victory Park, the White House, the Arbat, Christ-the-Saviour Cathedral, the observation platform of Sparrow hills, Lomonossov University and much more! It is an interesting and efficient introduction to Europe s biggest city. Free time for lunch (under clients arrangements) POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 3

4 The Moscow Kremlin (approx. 1,5h) Visit one of the most well-known sights of Moscow the Kremlin (entrance to 1 cathedral incl.), with its 19 towers and red brick walls. It was rebuilt several times after since its construction in 1156 by order of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky as a wooden fortress. Today s Kremlin was built during the 15th century by Italian architects after the seat of the Orthodox Church had been moved to Moscow. The rebuilding of cathedrals and chapels of that time shaped the modern appearance of the Kremlin. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax or opportunity to continue exploring the city along with your guide: get shopping insights or advice of best spots to chill out and have a drink or about where to find a great playground where your child can have fun! Day 7 MOSCOW Excursion to the Bunker 42 (1,5h) Bunker 42, built in the 50s, occupies more than 7000 square meters, 65 meters below the ground level. The tour depicts the Cold War period. You will learn how the facility protected its residents of all factors of atomic explosion and feel how close the threat of World War 3 Nuclear beginning was. Moscow metro tour (approx. 40 min) The Moscow subway is considered one the most beautiful in the world: it constitutes a vast museum on its own with crazy labyrinths of stations and finely decorated transfer walkways. Your journey through 3 of the most beautiful stations along with your experienced guide will give you a full insight into the history, the architecture and the legends of Moscow metro. Free time for lunch (under clients arrangements). Visit to Cosmonaut Museum (approx. 1h) The Museum of Cosmonautics (entrance incl.) opened its doors to public on April 10th, The museum s exposition gives a retrospect on how Soviet space science evolved starting from first man-made satellites subsequently followed by the first manned space flight, first space walks, Moon exploration programs, Solar system exploration programs and international space research programs. Your child will be captured by the stories about scientific discoveries while for yourself it is a very interesting way to look at another facet of Russia and at another chapter of Cold war history. Rest of the afternoon at leisure to relax or opportunity to continue exploring the city along with your guide: make the most of it with ease and fun! Day 8 MOSCOW SAINT PETERSBURG In the morning transfer to Moscow Leningrad railway station and departure by SAPSAN train to St. Petersburg [reserved seats in business class] After approx. 4 hrs arrival in St. Petersburg and transfer to your selected central 5*hotel. Check in and short time to relax POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 4

5 Panoramic city tour (3h) Your experienced driver and passionate guide will take you to the most precious monuments of the city s rich history and original architecture carefully preserved as the world cultural heritage. During this panoramic city-tour of Saint Petersburg you will be able to hear amazing stories and to take fine pictures of the main architectural and historical sites like Nevsky prospect, the Kazan Cathedral, the Winter Palace, Vasilievsky Island, St. Isaac Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, the Senate Square and the Palace Square: a first brief and bright impression of Saint- Petersburg! Peter and Paul s Fortress (40 min) Once a political prison, today the Peter and Paul fortress (entrance incl.) is home to several museums, which exhibit to everyone the splendid history of Saint- Petersburg s foundation and growth. Here you may visit main museums like the Peter and Paul cathedral the tallest building in the city center and the burial place of the Russian Emperors the Grand Ducan Mausoleum, and the Museum of history of Saint-Petersburg. Here you may also encounter more modest museums and temporary exhibitions; you may stroll on the fortress walls and witness the famous traditional midday cannon shot. Day 9 SAINT PETERSBURG Visit to Hermitage Museum (minimum 1,5h up to 4h) It is hard to imagine a trip to Saint-Petersburg without visiting one of the most famous museums worldwide the State Hermitage (entrance incl.). Its priceless collection occupies 5 historical buildings of which the Winter Palace the former residence of the Russian Royal family is the most remarkable. Its rooms, decorated with marble and gold provide a fine background for its treasures: the Hermitage contains over 3 million exhibits including the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael and other famous artists, however the collections of the Egyptian, Oriental and Ancient Greek art should not be missed as well. You will be literally overwhelmed by the beauty and will never forget this magnificent and legendary place. Free time for lunch (under clients arrangements). The Church of our Saviour on the Spilled Blood (40 min) This church commemorates the assassination of the Emperor Alexander II. It is situated on the very place where he was deadly wounded by terrorists. To visit this memorable place you need to walk to the city center by the Griboedov canal, - after one minute of walk from Nevsky street you ll be stunned by the beauty of its colorful domes and unusual to foreign eye Russian style of architecture. Today the church attracts numerous visitors as a museum thanks to its finest decorations and colorful mosaics. When you walk inside the building you almost travel to another dimension, where every part of the ceiling and walls is painted with beautiful patterns and pictures from Christian history. Cruise by Neva river and canals (1h-1,5h) Saint-Petersburg is aptly called North Venice : a boat tour on its rivers and canals is an absolute must-do there. Breathtaking views from the water and bridges over the city architecture are POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 5

6 really worth seeing. During this tour you will see all the main points of interest of Saint-Petersburg from water and hear the stories about its most famous bridges such as Anichkov bridge and Bridge with Golden Gryphons. You will travel along the canals and see such jewels of the city as St. Isaac Cathedral, The Church of our Saviour on the Spilled Blood and other places than will mesmerize you and make your visit to the city unforgettable. Afternoon at leisure to relax or to continue exploring the city with your guide s support and precious insights. Day 10 SAINT PETERSBURG Vist to Peterhof Palace & Park (4 hrs) Located on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 34 km from St.Petersburg, spectacular Peterhof (entrance incl.) attracts thousands of tourists with its parks, palaces and, mainly, fountains. Among the suburban parks, Peterhof is probably the most famous for its fountains and is thus frequently compared to Versailles. The Samson of the Grand Cascade is the most powerful and magnificent of the fountains of Peterhof and thus has been made a symbol of the park. As a former residence of the Emperors, Peterhof is also the home of several palaces with the Grand Palace as its main landmark. It had been destroyed by the Nazis and then carefully restored as to exhibit the splendor of the Royal way of life. You will see the halls, brightly decorated with gold, marble and numerous mirrors. The beauty of Peterhof, its marvelous fountains and palaces has left nobody indifferent, and you will probably be no exception. Afternoon at leisure to relax or to continue exploring the city at your own pace today. Day 11 SAINT PETERSBURG Visit of Catherine s palace with Amber Room and park (4 hrs). The Summer Palace (entrance incl.) is the heart of Tsarskoe Selo (Tsar s Village) one of the most picturesque parks among the former residences of the Russian Emperors. Here you may feel the atmosphere of the Royal way of life in its entire magnificence. It is hard to believe that almost everything inside the palace is a result of a careful restoration, which has been finished just 8 years ago. Nowadays the legendary Amber Room, where this precious resin covered the walls in a magnificent and shining style, as well as the radiant interiors have finally regained former splendour after they suffered from severe damages during World War II. Lunch in Podvorie Traditional Russian restaurant. **INCLUDED** Podvorye is located in the town of Pavlovsk, 30 km from Saint- Petersburg, near the main entrance to Pavlovsky Park. Most visitors are fascinated by the simplicity of the Russian wooden architecture and by the ambience inside. One cannot expect to find here some ornate features, typical of classic restaurants. Though you're sure to find laughter, music, simple and hearty Russian dishes, bearskins and a spacious courtyard. Rich traditional Russian menu (VEGETARIAN menu available upon request) Afternoon at leisure to relax or to continue exploring the city with your guide s support and precious insights POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 6

7 Day 12 SAINT PETERSBURG Water Museum (1h) The Museum of Water (entrance incl.) was almost built on top of it and played the huge role in the history of Saint- Petersburg and its domestication. In this museum you can always find out how the modern water supply. Perfectly located in an old water tower, the museum describes everything about water in the city in a very hi-tech and interactive way, from the old purification system to the actual operating pumps. A unique and children-friendly exhibition in a curious place will be a perfect addition you trip around Saint-Petersburg. Free time for lunch (under clients arrangements). Visit to Faberge museum (1h) This private museum (entrance incl.) situated on the banks of Fontanka canal boasts one of the richest and biggest collection of artworks by the famous jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé. Of course, the museum displays a handful of genuine Easter eggs made out of precious metals and gemstones for the imperial family. But you will be amazed to discover the collection of refined everyday object created by Fabergé, as well as the collection of tableware, master paintings, and Russian icons of the museum. Above all, the museum itself is a true jewel-like setting: a perfectly restored palace that will plunge you in the magnificence of the Imperial times. Afternoon at leisure to relax or to continue exploring the city. Day 13 SAINT PETERSBURG and departure to India Private transfer from your hotel to St. Petersburg airport for your international flight back home to India. **************************** Inclusions: 4 overnights in central modern 5-star Hotel in Copenhagen (Marriott Copenhagen), including buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. 8 overnights in central historical 5-star Hotels in Moscow (Hotel National by the Red Square ) and Saint Petersburg (Grand Hotel Europe, Belmond), including buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Airport-hotel transfer by private Mercedes Viano (or similar minivan) with English speaking driver in Copenhagen and Moscow Hotel-airport transfer by private Mercedes Viano (or similar minivan) with English speaking driver in Copenhagen and Saint Petersburg Business class fast train (Sapsan) tickets from Moscow to Saint Petersburg (including seat reservation, free Wi-Fi and meal onboard) Hotel-railway station transfer in Moscow and railway station-hotel transfer in Saint Petersburg by private Mercedes Viano with English speaking driver Private Mercedes Viano with English speaking driver and English speaking guide for all sightseeing visits and excursions as stated to the itinerary (1 full day to Legoland-Billund and 2 half days in Copenhagen; 5 full days and 2 half days at disposal in Moscow and Saint Petersburg as per itinerary); Entrance fees to sites included in the itinerary (if not otherwise stated). Lunch in a traditional Russian restaurant in Podvorie (out of St. Petersburg) POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 7

8 Since at Polo Marco Experience we pride ourselves to take special care of each and every guest, let you and your clients be inspired by our sample programs and be aware that everything can be customised, so your bespoke travel solution can have: a different ITENERARY: with more or less days, combining parts of more than one program, also in multiple countries a different ACCOMMODATION selection: in a higher or lower category (even though never below 3* superior), a more central location or close to some specific point of interest, a different style (modern, boutique, classic, design ) according to clients preferences different RESTAURANT or FOOD TASTING suggestions: only few restaurant (usually Michelin starred and very exclusive ones) accept bookings for FIT travellers, however we always include a comprehensive list of dining facilities close to the hotel and to the major sights in the confirmed travel program different EXPERIENCES: depending on guests special interest and their choice of the pace they want to keep while they travel, we can pack the days with many interesting visits and activities or leave more leisure time OPTIONAL SERVICES COPENHAGEN Tivoli Park entrance: adult 15 EUR; child 8 EUR Private Minivan (Viano) with English speaking driver : 165 EUR per hour (min. charge 3 hours) MOSCOW & SAINT PETERSBURG Private Minivan (Viano or similar) with English speaking driver: 55 EUR per hour (min. charge 4 hours) Private English speaking guide: 25 EUR per hour (min. charge 4 hours) Folk Show in the evening in St. Petersburg: 75 EUR per person [no child reduction] In the very center of Saint-Petersburg, just a 3-minute walk from the famous St.Isaak Cathedral you can see a beautiful palace - a real masterpiece - Nikolaevsky Palace. nowadays listed in TOP-100 list of the most valuable national monuments along with Kremlin and Hermitage. Here in a cozy and nicely decorated Concert Hall of the Nikolaevsky Palace we will give you more than just an opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable folk show "Feel Yourself Russian. [45min show 20min break (cocktails & canapés) 45min show. Begins at 7:00 pm or 9:00 pm] Looking forward to welcoming and assisting your guests in our homeland: EUROPE! POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE LTD 152 CITY ROAD, KEMP HOUSE, LONDON - EC1V 2NX Company Reg. Nr POLO MARCO EXPERIENCE Ltd LONDON (UK) 8