Russia, Lapland & The Northern Lights

Day 1 - Wednesday 6 March 2019

Melbourne - Doha (Meals Inflight)

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel.  Your Sisterhood Tour Hostess and fellow travellers will meet you at the Melbourne Airport for our onward flight to Russia.  Sit back relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of Qatar Airways as we head towards St Petersburg via Doha.

Day 2 - Thursday 7 March 2019

Doha - St Petersburg (Meals Inflight, D)

Welcome to Russia.  Upon arrival into St.Petersburg we'll transfer to our hotel with time torest and settle in.  Toight we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at Restaurant Sadko with a surprise concert.

Ovenight at Hotel Astoria
An illustrious St. Petersburg landmark, the grand Hotel Astoria sits directly across from St Isaac’s Cathedral, a short walk from leading attractions such as Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and the Mariinsky Theatre. Since opening in 1912, our elegant Art Nouveau hotel has hosted eminent guests, from dancer Isadora Duncan to poet Sergei Yesenin. 
 

Day 3 - Friday 8 March 2019

St Petersburg (B,L)

This morning after breakfast we'll enjoy a panoramic city tour.  There is only one museum in St. Petersburg which is never closed - the city itself. The tour includes visiting main architectural ensembles such as the Palace Square and Alexander’s Column, the Senate Square and the Bronze Horseman, buildings of Senate and Synod, Mariinsky Palace, imposing building of the former Stock-Exchange with a marvellous view of the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the numerous bridges and granite-clad embankments criss-crossing the city in many directions.

We'll visit the Church on the Spilt Blood. One of St. Petersburg highest buildings, the Church of the Resurrection of Christ is a superb example of Russian architecture and decorative art of the end of the 19th century. 

We'll then enjoy a private tour of the Faberge Museum - the largest collection of painted Easter Eggs outside Moscow Kremlin. This collection is made up of 4,000 works of decorative and fine arts, including works of gold and silver, paintings, porcelain and bronze works. The collection which has evolved over the course of a decade and continues to grow, is being presented to the public for the first time in the magnificent Shuvalov Palace. The core of the exhibition is the work of the famous Russian jeweler Carl Fabergé (1846-1920), the court
jeweller to the Russian Tsars. 

Our lunch today will be at the Ballet Restaurant and includes a glass of wine.

After lunch on the way back to our hotel we'll enjoy a walking tour of St. Isaac's Cathedral. St. Isaac of Dalmatia was the patron saint of the Romanov family. The original St. Isaac’s was a small wooden church where Peter I and Catherine I were married in 1712. The present version of St. Isaac’s, the fourth, was constructed from 1818 to 1858 according to the design of the French architect Montferrand. Everything was done on a grand scale. The monolithic columns of the portico cut from red granite are seventeen meters high and weigh 114 tons each. The mosaic inside has twelve thousand shades and colors, the walls are five meters thick and the main cupola is coated with one hundred kilos of gold. It is the fourth highest cathedral in the world after the world-known St. Peter’s in Rome, St. Paul’s in London and Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence.  The inside of the cathedral is filled with hundreds of paintings, sculptures and mosaics by 19th century masters, including a huge fresco on the inside of the cupola by Bryullov and a bust of Montferrand made of different colored marbles. Also of note are the intricately sculptured bronze doors, the white marble central iconostasis with mosaic icons and columns of malachite and lapis lazuli.

The remainder of the afternoon and dinner tonight at leisure. 

Overnight at Hotel Astoria.

Day 4 - Saturday 9 March 2019

St Petersburg (B)

After breakfast this morning we'll enjoy a walking tour of the Hermitage: Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old and New Hermitage. The largest museum collection in the world is spread throughout four buildings. 

There are literally a billion things to see in the Hermitage. The overwhelming richness of the museum is all the more enhanced by the incredible splendor of the buildings, inside and out: ornate and regal facades, huge frescoed halls; marble, wood and mosaic floors; and statuettes, figurines, and antique furniture all on such a grand scale that it fascinates the mind.

We'll have a private tour of the Brilliant Room at the Winter Palace. The Brilliant Room is the biggest collection of the Russian Emperor's fine jewellery and regalia. It showcases masterpieces of Russian and European jewellery art from the Romanov and private family collections, as well as pieces of church art, diplomatic gifts made by the most prominent jewelers of the time and works by Fabergé.

Lunch at Legran restaurant with a glass of wine.

We'll return by foot to our hotel with a guided visit to the shop of Pavlovo-Posad Shawls.  Among the world-famous unique products making up Russia’s pride and glory, every year, Pavlovo Posad Shawl manufactures about 800 kinds of shawls, wraps, scarves, mufflers, stoles, tablecloths from natural fibres, wool, cotton, silk, linen. The fact that the enterprise has been given the status of a national art craft of Russia means recognition of the high artistic and cultural value of their products.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight Hotel Astoria.
 

Day 5 - Sunday 10 March 2019

Pushkin - Pavlovsk (B,L)

Today after breakfasat we'll enjoy a tour outside St.Petersburg visiting the towns of Pushkin and Pavlovsk and Catherine's Palace.  Catherine’s Palace is located 25 km south of St. Petersburg in the town of Pushkin originally called Tsarskoye Selo.  Built as a summer residence of Russian Tsars, this place was loved by Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great, Alexander I and especially by Nicholas II, the last Russian monarch.  The palace, a combination of blue, white and gold, looks magnificent. A huge breath-taking ballroom called the Throne Hall, the famous Amber Room, ornately decorated drawing and dining rooms leave unforgettable impressions. The Amber Room, looted by Nazis in 1945 was completely restored in 2003.  Surrounding the Palace is a park covering more than 570 hectares with bridges, terraces, fountains and small galleries.

Our next stop is the neighbouring little town of Pavlovsk founded in 1777. Weather permitting we'll enjoy a famous Troyka horse sleigh ride through the beautiful Pavlovsk park ending with lunch at the Russian restaurant Podvorie.  This restaurant is a typical wooden log-house resembling a fortress. Here, we'll enjoy a genuine Russian meal with delicious Russian appetizers and famous “borsch” (beet-root soup) accompanied by Russian folklore singing and, of course free flowing Russian vodka!

After lunch we'll enjoy a Matryoshka painting masterclass including dolls and artists to assist. A matryoshka doll also known as a Russian nesting doll, Stacking dolls, or Russian doll, is a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another.  

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel Astoria.
 

Day 6 - Monday 11 March 2019

St Petersburg - Narva - Tallinn (B,L,D)

Today a guided bus transfer from St.Petersburg to Narva in Estonia (about 3 hours with border formalities). Narva is the third largest city in Estonia and is located at the Russian border on the Narva River.  This is Estonia’s easternmost town and boasts the best-preserved castle (Hermann Fortress) overlooking a large, winding river acting as a border between Estonia and Russia. 

We'll enjoy lunch at the Narva Castle. The Narva Castle is one of the main attractions of the city. In the seventh decade of the 13th century, the Danes established a castle as a residence for the Danish King’s vice-Regent. The Narva Castle is the most diverse and best preserved defence structure in Estonia. The area of the castle is 3.2 hectares, and the highest point is the Tall Hermann Tower (51 metres).|

After lunch, our tour continues to Tallinn (about 3 hrs drive). Upon our arrival we'll check into our beautiful hotel and later this everning we'll enjoy dinner at the hotel restaurant.
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Overnight at Hotel Schlössle
Nestled in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Schlössle is a delightful 5 Star boutique hotel that will take us back to Estonia’s medieval past. The luxurious furnishings and the attentive staff will ensure we have a memorable stay in this charming hotel.  
 

Day 7 - Tuesday 12 March 2019

Tallinn (B

Today after breakfast a tour of Tallinn’s Old Town leads us back to the distant Middle Ages with twisting cobblestone lanes and iron street lamps; Gothic spires and medieval markets.  Tallinn’s Old Town is divided into two areas – the lower town and the upper town (also called Toompea). The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remnants of a city wall. The lower town is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.  Visit the Town Hall Square with the Town Hall and its tower. There has been a Town Hall in Tallinn since at least 1322 and a town square next to it ever since. On Town Hall Square you will also find the Europe’s oldest continuously-operating pharmacy (open since 1422). Today it operates as a museum and modern pharmacy.  Other sights on this tour include the Great Guild, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Toompea Castle, Neitsitorn tower along with unforgettable panoramas of the lower town and sea from two observation platforms in the Upper Town.

After the tour, we'll have free time to explore the Old Town on our own. You are free to enjoy lunch at one of the cosy cafés and buy locally made souvenirs and handicrafts from charming boutiques along the alleyways.

Dinner tonight at leisure.

Overnight at Hotel Schlosse.
 

Day 8 - Wednesday 13 March 2019

Free Day in Tallinn (B,D)

Today we have a free day to explore the museums and quaint shops and cafes in Tallinn.  In the evening we'll enjoy a private cooking class to create our own Estonian dinner.  With house wine served during our meal preparation and maching wines with our beautifully cooked dinner to enjoy.  A real treat tonight!

Day 9 - Thursday 14 March 2019

Tallinn - Helsinki (B,L,D)

Today after breakfast we'll take a 2 hour ferry crossing to Helsinki, the capital of Finland.  Upon arrival we'll start our exploring of Helsinki. Sitting on the edge of the Baltic, the modern, cosmopolitan city of Helsinki was the World Design Capital in 2012. The beauty of the surrounding nature blends seamlessly with hightech achievements and contemporary trends. Tours of the city centre show layers of history, while modern architecture and cutting-edge style stake the city's claim to the future.  
Our tour takes us through central Helsinki to get a feel for it's vibrant streets, mostly built in the 19th and early 20th centuries. We'll travel along the main shopping street, Aleksanterinkatu, towards the city's main square, Senate Square. At the central point of the square is the magnificent Helsinki Cathedral, built in 1852 when Finland was part of the Russian Empire.  Continuing on towards the Katajanokka stopping at the Uspenski Cathedral, a beautiful Orthodox Chruch atop a hill with beautiful views over Helsinki.  We'll then  explore Market Square (Kauppatori), where we'll find souvenirs and local produce and walk through the Market Hall tasting local specialities. Walk along the Esplanade Park to Helsinki’s main street, Mannerheimintie. Continue by bus past Kiama Modern Art Museum and Helsinki Concert Hall. Admire the columns of the parliament building and the national romantic style of the National Museum of Finland. Next Finlandia Hall, a concert and congress hall designed by famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, and the Opera House - both great examples of modern Finnish architecture.  Our tour ends at the city centre with free time for lunch and shopping at the many design shops along the main shopping precinct.  

Dinner tonight at Restaurant Juuri specialising in modern Finnish cuisine.

Overnight at Hotel Lilla Roberts.

Sometimes in life we come acoss delightful little surprises tucked away in unexpected corners.  Imagine a cosy yet elegant hotel that seamlessly combines the most modern amenities and a trendy lifestyle approach with a quirky 1930's Art Deco interior and other throwbacks to the past.  Located amid the utlra cool design district in the Kaartinkaupunki sector and just a heartbeat away from the bustling centre of Helsinki.
 

Day 10 - Friday 15 March 2019

Free Day in Helsinki (B)

Today after breakfast, we'll enjoy a free day in Helsinki.  We'll have a city card that allows us to continue to explore this amazing city.

We'll regroup for dinner tonight at a local restaurant.

Overnight at Hotel Lilla Roberts.

Day 11 - Saturday 16 March 2019

Day Trip to Porvoo (B)

Today we'll enjoy a day trip to the small town of Porvoo. Founded nearly 800 years ago, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland and evidence of it's long history can still be seen and felt as you walk its charming streets. For centuries, the city has served as both a home and a source of inspiration for many Finnish artists. The Old Town of Porvoo is like one huge museum. It has retained its traditional shape right down to the cobblestone streets. Old Porvoo is also home to about 700 permanent residents. We'll enjoy a walking tour in the Old Town with free time for lunch and shopping. Return to Helsinki.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight at Lilla Roberts.
 

Day 12 - Sunday 17 March 2019

Helsinki - Kittila - Levi (B,L,D)

This morning we'll fly to Kittila about 180kms north of Arctic Circle.
Upon arriving into Kittilä we'll meet our guide and visit a local reindeer farm. Reindeer husbandry is an important livelihood in Lapland. But as the reindeer are semiwild animals, they roam free in the woods and forests, and are collected together only twice-a-year for reindeer round-ups. At the farm the reindeer owner has a carefully selected group of reindeer which he has trained for sledge-pulling, and for reindeer races. As we sit snugly in the sleigh our reindeer will take us on a traditional 1km ride through nature.  Afterwards we'll enjoy lunch at the farm before continuing to our accommodation - the magical Glass Igloos.

Dinner at our resort restaurant.

Overnight in Glass Igloos
Spending the night in Levi Igloos is magical. As well as the spectacular view, the glass igloos also provide a surprisingly spacious interior with high-level amenities. We'll drift off to sleep in a luxurious warm bed on the fell slope while admiring the starry arctic sky. Each of our igloos feature electrically heated with non-fogging glass.  A once in a lifetime experience!

Day 13 - Monday 18 March 2019

Levi (B,D)

Today after breakfast we'll enjoy a tour of a local husky farm. A truly memorable dog sledding experience. This sporty husky safari takes us out into the Lappish wilderness with the eager dog teams (5km ride). After our safari, we'll enjoy hot berry juice while listening to stories about the husky dogs.  We'll have lunch at the Levi Ski Village with time to explore before heading back to our Glass Igloos.

Dinner at our resort restaurant.
 

Day 14 - Tuesday 19 March 2019

Levi - Rovaniemi - Excursion to Aurora Borealis (B,L)

Today we'll make our way to Rovaniemi stopping enroute at the Särestöniemi Gallery. Reidar Särestöniemi (1925-1981) is one of the best known Finnish artists and was the most remarkable Lappish artist of his time. He was a colourful character who in his time attracted plenty of discussion about his art and his personality. The nature of Lapland and local people with their beliefs and stories influenced Reidar deeply and gave his art content and strength. Peatlands and fells, willow grouse, lynx, rams and reindeer are frequent motives in his works. The Lappish nature gave Särestöniemi inspiration, but perhaps the most notable aspect of his art, strong colours After a guided tour at the museum and gallery we'll enjoy lunch at the café.  We continue our drive to Rovaniemi, the home of Santa Claus.

We'll check into our hotel with dinner at leisure tonight.

At 9.30pm we'll meet in the hotel lobby for our amazing excursion to the Aurora Borealis camp located app. 10 kms away from the city lights with unlimited views of the northern sky. At the resort we will find the Aurora Borealis theatre built inside a massive snow igloo, presenting a film about the myths and facts of this natural phenomenon along with spectacular photos of the Northern lights. We will have time to roam around the resort, take a brisk sleigh ride with snowmobile drawn sleigh, or we can just lay back in the snow observatory by the open fire admiring the northern sky. And don’t forget to enjoy the traditional reindeer burgers in the Kota (teepee) made by the open fire. Remember to bring your own camera!  With a little luck the sky is clear and the moon, stars and even the Northern Lights may show up. Your guide will have tips on how to catch the Auroras with your camera, and tripods are also available!

Overnight at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna.
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, located in the centre of Rovaniemi, is a high-class, international hotel featuring Lappish hospitality. The hotel is just a stone's throw away from both the Kemijoki river and the town centre and its shopping amenities. 
 

Day 15 - Wednesday 20 March 2019

Rovaniemi (B)

This morning after breakfast we'll visit the Arktikum Museum and Science Centre . Arktikum is a museum, science centre, attraction and a popular culture destination. Arktikum exhibitions lead guests on an adventure to Finnish Lapland and the Arctic region. The exhibitions provide a comprehensive section of the history and culture of Lapland as well as of Arctic knowledge. Also, the temporary exhibitions of Arktikum display Northern and Arctic life.

Free time for lunch.

In the afternoon we'll visit a local home and handicraft studio. Reindeer antler has always been a raw material for Lappish utility and decorative items. Reindeer antler is an ecological material, as reindeer shed their antlers every year. At Decorative & Artistic Handicrafts A. Kangasniemi, the principle raw material used is reindeer antler. The Mission of the owners is to maintain and preserve the handicraft traditions of working with reindeer antler. By visiting the workshop, you can see how reindeer antler is skilfully worked. The Owners’ workshop is in front of their log house home, which Mr Ari built himself! Visitors can observe demonstrations of their work and listen to stories about reindeer. Mr Ari is a specialist in making traditional, handmade Lappish items using reindeer antler and wood. We will also have the opportunity to make our own souvenir/piece of jewellery to take home with us.

This evening dinner at leisure.

Overnight at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna.
 

Day 16 - Thursday 21 March 2019

Rovaniemi - Santa Claus Village (B,L)

Today after breakfast we'll enjoy a visit to Santa Claus Village with lunch. It’s no surprise that Santa’s office is located to the Arctic Circle - this magical line for the Arctic; the land of the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. Santa Claus Village celebrates Christmas all year around, as this is the place where Santa meets people around the world and spreads goodwill. Pay a visit to Santa to have a chat and share your wishes. Drop by at Santa’s Official Post Office to send Christmas cards for the coming Christmas, or visit the various local handicraft, jewellery and design shops for souvenirs.  We'll enjoy a three course lunch at the Santa Claus Village.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight at Sokos Hotel Vaakuna.

Day 17 - Friday 22 March 2019

Rovaniemi - Helsinki - Stockholm (B)

Today we'll fly from Rovaniemi to Helsinki where upon arrival we'll be transferred to Silja Line Terminal for our luxury overnight cruise to Stockholm.  We'll enjoy first class accommodation, award winning restaurants and world class entertainment.

An onboard Scandinavian Buffet Dinner is included tonight.

Day 18 - Saturday 23 March 2019

Stockholm (B,L)

Breakfast onboard our luxury cruise vessel before disembarking at the pier at 9.30am for a private sightseeing tour and visit to ABBA the museum.  

Did you know that Sweden is the third largest producer of Pop music in the world? After this bus tour, you’ll never be able to forget it. Release your inner pop star as we sing along to Sweden’s greatest hits and check out Stockholm’s must-see locations!

We will head-bang to 'The Final Countdown’ by Europe, give each other ‘The Look’ by Roxette and see the ‘Sign’ by Ace of Base. Or what about a bit of ABBA? Or a lot of ABBA.   We'll enjoy a walking tour in the Old Town with a delicious lunch in one of Stockholm's oldest restaurants.

Check into our hotel with dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight at Hotel Rival (owned by Benny Andersson from ABBA).

Day 19 - Sunday 24 March 2019

Stockholm (B,L)

After breakfast we'll embark on a full day private tour where we'll leave the city's stress behind and head out to the Swedish countryside. Go from rural to royal and get the chance to see both Sigtuna, Sweden’s first town and Drottningholm Palace, home of the Swedish Royal family. Morning tea and lunch is included today.

Dinner at leisure tonight.

Overnight at Hotel Rival.

Day 20 - Monday 25 March 2019

Free Day in Stockholm (B,FD)

Today is a day at leisure.  Continue to explore this amazing city.  Our hotel tour desk can point us in the direction of sights to see and shops to discover.

Tonight a fun farewell dinner at Aifur Viking Restaurant with a 3 course meal with wine.

An amazing tour comes to an end with all of us taking home fantastic memories shared with new friends.

Overnight at Hotel Rival.

Day 21 - Tuesday 26 March 2019

Free Day in Stockholm (B)

Today we have another free day to further explore.  This evening we farewell our Sydney Travellers and for Melbourne Travellers we enjoy an extra night with an early morning departure transfer to the airport.


Overnight at Hotel Rival

Day 22 - Wednesday 27 March 2019

Doha - Melbourne (Meals Inflight)

An early morning transfer to the airport for our flight home to Melbourne.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment of our airlines.

Day 23 - Thursday 28 March 2019

Welcome Home!

Arriving back into Australia (both Sydney and Melbourne) Say goodbye to your fellow travellers and promise to keep in touch.  What a fantastic experience shared.  We thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you back for your next adventure.