White Nights
Capitals of the Baltics
June 19 – 30, 2004

SUMMER SOLSTICE IN THE BALTICS

“White Nights” refers to the period at the end of June when the Baltics enjoy near around-the-clock daylight. It also applies to a specific cultural and arts festival that takes place each year in St. Petersburg, Russia, and which is the culmination point of this exciting tour!
     The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia sit in a crescent on the east end of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. Bullied since the early 13th Century by Germans, Swedes, Poles, and Russians, they share a past (particularly their Soviet past) that is a much-gnawed bitter root. The three countries have been in revival since their release from the 1940 – 1991 Soviet occupation, but still remain far from the tourist mainstream (which itself is a good reason to explore them).
     Despite their shared past and geographic grouping, the Baltic states each have a very different character. They are sparsely populated countries featuring bucolic views of nature, vast stores of amber, and well-preserved medieval cities. They are dynamic countries with a young population and whose cities offer great cultural opportunities and all the modern amenities.
     Although they are situated close to Scandinavia and share a similar landscape to Sweden and Finland, they boast a lifestyle that reminds visitors more of Spain, France or Italy. Rich in history and culture, these venerable old capital cities are waiting to be discovered all over again.
     Lithuania is the southernmost and biggest Baltic country. Its capital, Vilnius, was one of the largest cities in Europe during the 16th Century and played an important part in the vast Polish empire that stretched between the Baltic and Black Seas. It has been called the “Baltic Jerusalem” because of its many churches and its formerly significant Jewish minority. Remnants of the ancient Lithuanian, Jewish and Polish cultures can be found in the old town, particularly in the form of places of worship. Close to the capital is the famous castle of Trakai.
     Latvia is the central Baltic country. Its capital, Riga, is the largest city of the Baltics with about 800,000 inhabitants. It was founded in 1158, and still retains much old world charm despite having been heavily damaged by bombing raids during World War II. The modern city is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, its broad boulevards and its cosmopolitan flair. Latvia offers a long Baltic Sea coastline with harbour towns, while the countryside offers picturesque little towns, often with medieval centres.
     Estonia is the northernmost country of the Baltics. It also is the smallest country with the smallest population. The capital city Tallinn has a medieval Old Town that retains the aura of the 14th and 15th centuries like no other place in Europe. South of Tallinn there is the famous old university town of Tartu. Estonia offers beautiful islands such as Saaremaa and Hiiumaa and lakes such as Lake Peipsi. Estonia is ideal for outdoor recreation.
     The Old Quarters of these three historic capital cities have all been restored and protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is another attractive feature of the tour since only the most historically significant places warrant such distinction.
     The tour culminates with a three-night stay in St. Petersburg, Russia. Built on a grand scale with splendid boulevards, magnificent palaces, and some of the world’s most respected museums, St. Petersburg provides a lavish setting for the final adventures of our dazzling White Nights in the Baltics!

ITINERARY

Saturday, June 19, 2004
Leave Home

Take an international flight from your home city today bound for Vilnius, Lithuania, arriving tomorrow. (VNO is the airport code.)

Sunday, June 20, 2004
Arrival in Vilnius, Lithuania

After arriving in Vilnius and proceeding through customs, take a taxi to our hotel. (Toto Tours will provide one group motorcoach transfer from the airport to the hotel, timed to accommodate the greatest number of arriving clients.) The remainder of the day is free to rest up from jet lag and do some exploring in Vilnius on your own. This evening Toto Tours hosts a Welcome Dinner at our hotel, with a brief tour orientation and introductions. Overnight in Vilnius.     (Dinner included)

Monday, June 21, 2004
Vilnius Sightseeing

After a hot buffet breakfast at the hotel, take a morning tour of Vilnius that introduces you to many of the city’s most important sights. Vilnius is situated 155 miles inland from the Baltic Sea on the banks of the Neris River. The center of the city is on the southern side of the river, and its heart is Cathedral Square, an open square with the cathedral on its northern side and Gediminas Hill rising behind it.
     The Old Town is the largest in Eastern Europe, and stretches south from Cathedral Square. A church spire can be seen from every one of its winding streets, which, coupled with its countless hidden courtyards, make it intriguing to explore. Other landmarks include Vilnius University, the President's palace, an observatory and the old Jewish quarter and ghetto. Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and cafés abound. Three Crosses Hill overlooks the Old Town and is a long-standing landmark. Crosses are said to have stood here since the 17th century in memory of three monks who were martyred by crucifixion on this spot.
     Our tour features a visit to St. Peter and Paul Church, plus a visit to the University complex. After lunch, tour Trakai Castle on the outskirts of town. There will be time for a nice hike along the shores of Lake Galve.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Rundale Palace / Riga

This morning, board our motorcoach for the journey to Latvia. After lunch, tour Rundale Palace, an 18th Century architectural highlight of provincial Latvia. Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the baroque genius from Italy who created many of St. Petersburg’s finest buildings, built this stunning palace.
     Proceed on to Riga, the country’s capital and a major metropolis with a big-city atmosphere. It straddles the Daugava River in the southeastern corner of the Gulf of Riga. On its eastern bank you’ll find Old Riga, the city’s historic heart and World Heritage Site. Upon arrival we enjoy free time for independent sightseeing. Overnight in Riga.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Wednesday, June 23, 2004
Riga Sightseeing

After breakfast take a half-day sightseeing tour of Riga, with emphasis on the old quarter which contains Europe’s finest collection of stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Featured will be a view of Riga Castle and a tour of St. Peters Church, where we climb the tower for spectacular views. After lunch, the remainder of the day is at your leisure.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Thursday, June 24, 2004
Estonia Countryside / Tallinn

After breakfast, travel along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Riga into Estonia. During our travels through the Estonian countryside, we stop for lunch (on your own) in Parnu, the country’s leading seaside resort (famous for its mud baths).
     Continue on to Tallinn, capital of Estonia, located on a bay of the Gulf of Finland (Helsinki is just 50 miles across the bay). Its major landmark is Toompea, the hill over which it has sprawled since the Middle Ages. The aura of the 14th and 15th centuries survives intact in central Tallinn’s jumble of medieval walls and turrets, spires and winding cobbled streets. Upon arrival the remainder of the day is free to explore, sightsee or go shopping. Overnight in Tallinn.     (Breakfast)

Friday, June 25, 2004
Tallinn Sightseeing

On a half-day sightseeing tour tour the Old Town, see the ancient Toompea Castle (current home of Estonia’s Parliament), the Town Hall Square, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The afternoon is free for independent sightseeing or participation in an optional excursion arranged by Toto Tours.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, June 26, 2004
Free Day / Night Train to Russia

The morning and afternoon are completely free for independent adventures in Tallinn. Our group gathers at the hotel in early evening and transfers to the train station for an overnight train passage to St. Petersburg, Russia. There is no sleeper service on the train, so passengers sleep in reclining seats. This will be a real adventure!     (Breakfast)

Sunday, June 27, 2004
Arrival in St. Petersburg, Russia

Upon arrival in St. Petersburg this morning, we load our luggage onto a waiting motorcoach and enjoy a reviving breakfast at a local restaurant. Sated, we plunge directly into a sightseeing / orientation tour of the city featuring views of the Admiralty and the Nevsky Prospekt (the city’s equivalent of Paris’ Champs Elysées), and what is certain to be one of the highlights—entrance to the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Lunch is included and the evening is free. If you aren’t too tired from the overnight train journey, you might try to obtain tickets to a “White Nights” cultural event this evening. Overnight in St. Petersburg.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Monday, June 28, 2004
Free Day

Today is completely at leisure for you to enjoy independent sightseeing in St. Petersburg. We will provide suggestions for day tours.     (Breakfast)

Tuesday, June 29, 2004
Peter’s Palace / Farewell Dinner

After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a half-day excursion to Petrodvorets (formerly known as Peterhof, or the Palace of Peter the Great). Built in the early 18th century, the stately parks, innumerable fountains, beautiful cascades, and exuberant decorations here symbolize the grandeur of Old Russia. This evening Toto Tours hosts a gala Farewell Dinner, with Vodka, Champagne and Cavier, bringing our “White Nights” tour to a festive conclusion.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Departure

The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours provides one group transfer to the airport this morning.     (Breakfast)

NOTE:  The detailed itinerary for any destination is essentially a dry recitation of places we visit and sights we see. To someone who has never taken a Toto Tour, the itinerary cannot even begin to describe the incredible fun and added benefit of traveling with a group of gay men. There are the impromptu adventures organized on the spot, the shared evenings of mirth and camaraderie in local restaurants, the serendipitous encounters of street parades or special markets, the unexpected attendance at a classical concert, the bonding and intimacy of new friends through common experiences, and the amazing qualities and talents of a group of the most incredible guys you could ever hope to meet. The full-time services of both a professional Tour Manager and an experienced Tour Escort create the ideal conditions for one of the most effortless and enjoyable vacations of your life!