Jewels of the Baltic
Description
Day 1: Flight to Warszawa
Today your schedule includes a half-day tour of Warszawa.
Nowadays Warszawa is a modern European metropolis and with almost 2 million inhabitants it is also the largest city in Poland. The Old Town, 90% of which was destroyed during World War II, has been meticulously and faithfully restored. You will see the picturesque Old Town, St. John’s Cathedral, the Royal Castle from the outside and the elegant Royal Way, Łazienki Park and Palace and the Chopin Museum. You will also visit the Palace in Wilanów, the summer residence of the kings of Poland.
Overnight stay in Warszawa.
Day 2: Warszawa - Malbork – Gdańsk (379 km)
You will travel from Warszawa to Gdańsk and on the way visit Malbork Castle – an outstanding feat of medieval construction. This towering gothic structure even today astonishes the visitor with the severity of its form, the coolness of its castle halls, the mystery of its passages, the depth of its moats and the span of its thick defensive walls. In the 12th Century brothers of the military order known as the Teutonic Knights chose this place as the seat of their monastic order. It is the biggest gothic castle complex in the world. It is also considered to be the biggest brick construction raised with human hands. Today you can see 18 permanent exhibitions, including an extensive collection of amber, militaria and gothic sculpture. In 1997 the castle was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Overnight stay in Gdańsk.
Day 3: Gdańsk
Today’s visit to the TriCity will begin with a tour of the Old Town of Gdańsk, which dates back 1,000 years. Gdańsk has been a special witness to the turbulent events of the 20th Century, it was the birthplace of Solidarity, the trade union movement which brought about the downfall of communism in Europe. The city is also inseparably linked with the name of Solidarity’s legendary leader – Lech Wałęsa, who initiated the decommunisation of Europe. Your tour will pass along the “Royal Way”, taking in its major sights, including the 17th Century Golden Gate, the Neptune Fountain and the late-Gothic Artus Court, and the Town Hall dating from the 14-15th Centuries. The Town Hall tower offers a spectacular view of the city. One of the most interesting buildings in old Gdańsk is St. Mary’s Church – the largest Gothic church in Poland. You will then make the short trip to Sopot, where you will be able to stroll along the longest pier in Europe and have a coffee in one of the town’s cafes. It will help to restore your energy before moving onto Gdynia. The harbour here is home to many famous ships which are open to the public, including the destroyer "Błyskawica", a precious national relic and the only remaining ship that was built before World War II, and the Polish sailing frigate “Dar Pomorza”, which is currently preserved in Gdynia as a museum ship.
In the afternoon we suggest a visit to an amber workshop where you will be able to observe how amber is crafted into jewellery and other items, and also buy amber souvenirs.
Overnight stay in Gdańsk.
Day 4: Gdańsk - Mikołajki (257 km)
You will leave Gdańsk for Mikołajki, which is a major attraction for sailing and water sports enthusiasts. The region is also rich in flora and fauna. A number of unique places lie within a radius of just a few kilometres of Mikołajki. The town itself neighbours the Masurian Landscape Park.
In the afternoon you can either take a boat trip on Poland’s largest lake or spend the time on your own.
Overnight stay in Mikołajki.
Day 5: Mikołajki - Vilnius (357 km)
Trip to Vilnius.
Today you will move onto Vilnius. The city was founded in 1323 and stands at the confluence of the Neris and the Vilinia Rivers and is surrounded by picturesque wooded hills. The city’s rich past is evident in the diversity of its architecture, churches and towers, fortifications, secluded medieval courtyards and narrow streets. Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest in Eastern Europe and it is no wonder that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In the afternoon you can do your own sightseeing.
Overnight stay in Vilnius
Day 6: Vilnius – Riga (293 km)
Trip to Riga.
Today your schedule includes a trip to the capital of Latvia, which at first glance looks like any other European city, but which possesses its own unique atmosphere. Riga was and still is a bridge linking East and West since the Swedes, Germans, Poles and Russians have all left their mark on history here, which is evident in the city’s legends, ruins and attractive blend of architectural styles. Your tour will take in such places as the Dome Cathedral, the largest place of worship in the Baltic region, St. Peter`s church, Riga Castle, Laima Clock, the Old City Walls and the Swedish Gate, the Central Market and Bastion Hill
In the afternoon we suggest you spend your free time doing your own sightseeing of the town and try some of Latvia’s famous alcoholic beverage – “Rigas Balsams” – in one of the city’s small cafes.
Overnight stay in Riga.
Day 7: Riga – Jurmala – Riga (40 km)
Today you will drive along the sunny Baltic coast to the Latvian town of Jurmala.
Jurmala has been Riga`s playground for over a Century. It was the ultimate destination for holidaymakers from the USSR. Each summer countless tourists from across the Soviet Union descended on this small peninsula from Lielupe to Vaivari. Today much of its Soviet flavour has faded, but you can still explore the beautiful beaches, soothing spas and seafood restaurants of the Latvian Riviera.
And you might also try taking a swim in the Baltic.
Overnight stay in Riga.
Day 8: Riga - Tallin – (310 km)
Today you will leave Riga for Tallin. En route you will be able to admire the landscape and small towns of both Latvia and Estonia.
In the afternoon we will take you on a tour of Tallin, the capital of Estonia and one of the oldest cities on the shores of the Baltic Sea. Tallinn was conquered by the Danes, belonged to Sweden, and was part of Poland and Latvia. And each culture has left its trace in the city’s atmosphere. Highlights include Toompea Hill, St. Mary`s Cathedral and the Gothic Town Hall.
Overnight stay in Tallin.
Day 9: Tallin – Helsinki – Tallin
Today we will take you on day trip by boat to Helsinki, the capital of Finland.
Finnish traditions and a long history of eastern and western influences weave a rich and enchanting tapestry in Helsinki. With its mixture of historic and modern architecture the city is full of contrasts. Its must-see monuments include the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, the Uspensky Orthodox Cathedral and the Church in the Rock.
We suggest you spend the afternoon discovering the city on your own.
Overnight stay in Tallin.
We can also offer you an optional ferry trip to Kaliningrad.
Kaliningrad (Königsberg) was the long-time capital of East Prussia, before being annexed by the Soviet Union at the end of World War II. Today the territory belongs to Russia, but its ties with Germany and Poland appear to become more important with each year, particularly in economic terms. The city was severely destroyed during the War and the Cathedral, which includes the grave of Immanuel Kant, has largely been reconstructed from ruins. Kaliningrad is also home to large amber fields, which are accessible to the public.
Day 10
Departure.
Copyright © JAN-POL 2006 | Wykonanie INVENTOR Multimedia