At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting our trademark extraordinary journeys to Central Europe, Russia, and Central Asia for 23 years. Our specialty is to distill the best of the best in iconic places that are on so many people s travel must-do list. We are not a call center of nameless, faceless people. We do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a small team of specialists. We are all committed to providing the best travel experiences to our destinations. Each member of our team has travelled extensively throughout our destinations, giving them insider knowledge lacking in many other tour operators. Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and often closed to the general public. We can offer special insider access that takes you beyond the typical tourist sites. We know how important it is to remain authentic and increasingly going beyond the well-known sites is what is important to our guests discovering the little known museum or street market that adds to their experience. We do this through our local knowledge, cultivating our extensive contacts and regularly visiting each destination to enable us to share the most up-to-date insider information with you, our valued partner. The most important part of your trip will be your guides. Guides come in many quality levels, especially in the region. We have worked with a core group of the best of the best for over 20 years. We know them like family and if they weren't the best, they wouldn't work for us. Simply stated, a guide can make or break your experience. You should have 100% confidence in who is introducing you to your guide and the level of guiding that you are going to get throughout the countries you will be visiting. The best does indeed cost more and we pay our guides at the very top of the market, with pride. You'll also want to know what kind of vehicle your tour will include. We use luxury late-model vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. You'll want to see things that may or may not be open to the public and go in early or after hours before the crowds whenever possible. We also make every effort to skip lines whenever possible. Avoiding long museum lines is one of our top priorities and we work hard to minimize the wait time to get into the most popular sights in each city, maximizing your time in each destination. You'll want impeccable planning and someone to bounce ideas off of before your trip and speak English as well as you do while planning your trip so there are no cultural misunderstandings when you arrive. You'll also want someone to talk to if your trip is not perfect when you get home. These are all ways that we distinguish ourselves from all other companies. A lot goes into our travel program design. We arrange the program so that it is flawless and effortless for our travelers from the time they set foot in the first city until they leave us. The expertise to set up an itinerary like this comes after years of investing in staff on both sides of the Atlantic, and this too is a value that is incorporated into our traveler's trips with us.
Arrival into Helsinki. Please note this flight is not included in program cost. You will be met by your private driver just outside baggage claim and transferred to your hotel. Originally founded by the Swedish king as a commercial rival to Tallinn (on the other side of the Baltic Sea), Helsinki has grown into a beautiful and cosmopolitan capital of more than 500,000 inhabitants. The city retains a small-town feel; there are no high-rise buildings and the market square is still surrounded by 19th-century architecture. Its green parks and waterways, fresh sea winds with seagulls flying over the busy market square, and many open-air cafes make it a perfect summer destination. Arrival transfer (one included) Hotel Kamp
Today is at leisure for Helsinki independent exploration. None Hotel Kamp
Today you will meet your driver for your transfer to your Business Class ferry to Tallinn departing at 10:30AM. Business class ferry tickets are booked and will be handed to you locally. Upon arrival in Tallinn at 12:30PM your private driver will meet you by customs and transfer you to your hotel. Tallinn has a unique history of seafaring, foreign occupation and merchant activity dating to the 13th century. A beautiful city of ancient castles, stone towers, and medieval streets, its ageless charm is unmistakable Transfers (Helsinki; Tallinn) Schlossle Hotel
Today meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a walking tour. First head to the Upper Old City or Toompea Hill, the oldest part of Tallinn. Note the defensive wall and towers ringing the old city, which are the town s most striking feature. Unlike Vilnius and Riga whose walls were destroyed, eighty percent of the original wall around Tallinn in the 1500 s is still intact today. In addition to having Tallinn s oldest buildings, the upper old town has good viewing platforms to view the entire old town. Toompea Castle is one of Estonia s most treasured landmarks, built by Danes and Germans after they defeated the Estonians in the early 1200 s. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an Orthodox church built in 1900 in the Moscow style of the 17th century. This church is topped with 11 bells, including the largest (15 tons) in all of Estonia. Also on Toompea Hill, you may make a brief stop at the Cathedral of St. Mary, also called the Dome Cathedral. Originally built by the Danes in the 13th century, it is the oldest church in Tallinn and the only building in Toompea which survived a 17th century fire. At the foot of the hill, you will see the St. Nicholas Church, which was originally built in the 13th century by German merchants and dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and merchants. It was partially destroyed when the Soviet air force bombed the city in World War II. After extensive restorations it is now used as an art museum and concert hall. You will also visit the Great Guild Hall. The building itself was built in the early 15 th century and housed Tallinn s merchant guild. The permanent exhibition Spirit of Survival offers an insight into Estonian History. Note: All touring today is on foot in pedestrian areas only. Please dress appropriately. Guide (4 Hours) Schlossle Hotel
This morning, your guide will take you to Kardiorg Park, outside of the Old Town. Housed in the renovated kitchen building on the grounds of the Kadriorg Palace and Park, the Mikkel Museum is a branch of the Estonian Art Museum one of the country's most impressive private art collections. Johannes Mikkel donated his vast collection of European, Russian and Chinese paintings, prints, porcelain and icons to the Estonian Art Museum in 1994. Afterwards, you may decide to continue to the KUMU art museum Estonia s largest. Opened in 2006 in an enormous, cutting-edge facility built into a limestone cliff in Kadriorg, the KUMU exhibits works from Estonian artists dating from the 18th Century through the end of World War II, as well as a permanent exhibition of Estonian contemporary art dating from 1945-1991. This last collection, located on the third floor, portrays the interesting relationship that existed between the art in Estonia and the Soviet State. Also in Kadriorg, you may stop at the Anton Hansen Tammsaare Memorial Museum. The Estonian literary classic Anton Hansen Tammsaare lived in this apartment in 1932-1940 and it has been preserved as it used to be in the writer's lifetime. Car, Driver & Guide (4 Hours) Schlossle Hotel
This morning begin your journey to Muhu. You will be driven north along the coast to Parnu, where you may wish to stop for a nice lunch break. Parnu is Estonia s main summer resort but has a laid back atmosphere of a small charming town. During Soviet times it was a popular spa escape for the Russians and is now gaining popularity among Scandinavians. You can stroll through the Old Town or on the beach, or, if you like modern art, you should not miss the Museum of the New Art. You will then continue to Muhu Island. To get there your driver will take you to the town of Virtsu to board a ferry that will take you to the Island. Then you will continue to the village of Padaste and check-on at the wonderful hotel Padaste Manor. Car & Driver (6 Hours) Pädaste Manor
Today is at leisure to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Muhu Island. Alternatively, you may explore the neighboring islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. Hiiumaa is home to several Nature Preserves, ideal for hiking and bird watching, while Saaremaa is especially attractive for retaining its prewar character. You should visit the Bishop s Castle in Kurresaare, the main town on Saaremaa, that dates back to the 14th century. A halfhour drive from Kurresaare you will encounter a group of beautifully preserved wooden windmills and the medieval Karja Church. None Pädaste Manor
Today, check out of your hotel meet your driver for the journey to Riga. You will drive south along the coast to Parnu, where you may wish to stop for a nice lunch break. Parnu is Estonia s main summer resort but has a laid back atmosphere of a small charming town. During Soviet times it was a popular spa escape for the Russians and is now gaining popularity among Scandinavians. You can stroll through the Old Town or on the beach, or, if you like modern art, you should not miss the Museum of the New Art Late afternoon or evening arrival into Riga and check-in at your hotel. Car & Driver (6 Hours) Grand Palace Hotel
Today in the morning, meet your Riga guide for a walking tour of Riga s Old Town. Visit the 13th - century St. Peter s Church which was damaged by fire during World War II and later rebuilt by the Russians. A good place to start any tour is atop the spire, where you can see the whole of Riga laid out before you. This is the perfect way to get your bearings before you actually wander down the cobble-stoned streets. From here you may see the Dome Cathedral one of the largest and most distinctive houses of worship in the region. The Dome Cathedral is also renowned for its gigantic church organ, the fourth largest organ in the world, complete with 6,768 pipes. Later today, you will view the famous House of Cats with cat sculptures perched on the top of its roof and hear about the intrigue surrounding these feline figures. Just across the street, you will also see the former headquarters of the Great Guild, now the home of the Riga Philharmonic. Other good examples of medieval dwellings are the Three Brothers, dating to the 15th Century when Riga was part of the Hanseatic League. You may also visit the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, dedicated to the Nazi and Soviet occupations of Latvia. The various exhibits display the atrocities committed against the people of Latvia and the systematic destruction of their nation's sovereignty. Visitors can walk into reconstructed gulag barracks and catch a glimpse of the intolerable living conditions in the Siberian labor camps. Close to the Museum of the Occupation, you will see the Akmens (Stone) Bridge which crosses the Daugava River and connects the Town Hall Square with the New Town. Today, you will also see the Riga Opera House. This magnificent 19th-century building has undergone a thorough renovation. Your guide will tell you about the history of the Opera House and some of its famous performers. Note: All touring today is on foot in pedestrian areas only. Please dress appropriately. Guide (8 Hours) Grand Palace Hotel
Enjoy your day at leisure. Today you could visit the Latvian National Art Museum, which houses more than 52,000 works of art reflecting the development of the arts in Latvia from the middle of the 18th century until the present. It also features Russian art from the 16th to the first half of the 20th century. The area around Elizabetes and Alberta Streets is known as Riga s Art Nouveau (or Jugendstil) District, which features impressive examples of the style. In total, there are some 800 Art Nouveau buildings in Riga, many of which were designed and built by Latvian architects. On Alberta Street, you may decide to stop at the Janis Rozentals Museum, located in a magnificent historic building with Art Nouveau interiors. Janis Rozentals was a renowned Latvian painter and you can see original sketches and portraits displayed in his apartment and workshop. Located between the Elizabetes and Alberta Streets, you will also see the Stockholm School of Economics a subsidiary of the business school in Stockholm, Sweden, which is being financially supported by both the Latvian and the Swedish governments. Continuing along Elizabetes Street, you will reach the Central Market where some old Zeppelin hangars have been converted into market halls specializing in different types of wares. You may also decide to spend some time in the Bergs Bazaar a pedestrian area of shops and restaurants inspired by the 19th -century arcades then so popular all over Europe. It was originally built between 1887-1900 by Kristaps Bergs, who was one of Latvia's first modern real estate developers. None Grand Palace Hotel
Today, check out of your hotel and continue to Vilnius. Rundale Palace is on the way to Vilnius. If you wish, you can stop by and visit the Palace. Entrance tickets & local guide are included. Rundale Palace was designed by the famous architect Rastrelli as a summer residence for the Duke of Courland, and is an exquisite masterpiece of symmetry and beauty. The palace was built from 1736-1740 and the Rococo interior decorations were added from 1765-1768. The parade rooms, the duke's private apartments and the duchess' boudoir are open to visitors. On the way, you may also want to pass by the Hill of Crosses, where 14,000 crosses symbolize the defiance to the Soviet authorities when they banned all profession of faith. The historic center of Vilnius boasts outstanding architectural diversity in one of the largest and bestpreserved old towns in Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Narrow medieval streets, secluded courtyards, town castles and fortifications and an incredible number of churches reflect the city s rich and vibrant history. Transfer; Guide (3 hours) Kempinski Cathedral Square
Today, you will meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel for a walking overview tour. You will see some of Vilnius's beautiful churches and the Gediminas Castle Museum, which is part of the National Museum of Lithuania. The best place to start your tour of the city is from the top of the Gediminas Tower the only remaining part of the Upper Castle overlooking the redtiled roofs and the church towers of the Old Town, the cathedral, and the administrative buildings along the main avenue. You will also see the Cathedral Square. It is believed that in pre-christian times, a Baltic pagan god was worshiped here before the Lithuanian King Mindaugas built the original cathedral in 1251 after his conversion to Christianity. Today it is the spiritual heart of the country where the coronations of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania once took place and many important historical figures are interred in the crypts and catacombs. A tour of the Old Town is not complete without a visit to the Vilnius University, founded in 1570 by Jesuits and one of the most important centers of the Counter-Reformation. If time allows, your guide will take you to the Museum of Genocide Victims. Located in the former KGB headquarters, the museum is the only one of its kind in the former Soviet republics. The execution chamber in the basement, where more than a thousand prisoners were killed between 1944 and the early 1960s, can also be visited. Note: All touring today is on foot in pedestrian areas only. Please dress appropriately. Guide (6 Hours) Kempinski Cathedral Square
This morning you will be met in the hotel lobby and transferred to the airport to catch your onward flight. Please note this flight is not included in program cost. Departure transfer (one included)
Accommodations Breakfast included daily. at the Hotel Kamp; Tax and Buffet included daily. at the Schlossle; Tax and Buffet Breakfast Padaste Manor. Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily. at the Breakfast included daily. at the Grand Palace Riga; Tax and Buffet Buffet Breakfast included daily. at the Kempinski Cathedral Square; Tax and Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily. Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program.
Exeter International s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request. Transportation All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Evening transportation is not included unless specifically noted in your itinerary. Timing for each day is noted in your program. Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary. Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program. Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more. SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal for full or half-day sightseeing programs as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, your driver and guide are at your disposal, so you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars. Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events. OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency. GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $15- $20 per person, per day for your guide and $5 - $10 per person, per day for your driver. For your airport or station transfer, a gratuity of $5 - $10 is customary, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted. DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.
Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable. CANCELLATION Written cancellations received less than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost 59-14 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost 14 or less days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun. INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet. PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed. The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2017. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program. All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full. The cost of Mandatory Russian Visas is not included in the cost above. www.exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 (800) 633-1008 Fax: (813) 251-6685