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!
|