Arctic Explorer
From St Petersburg to Kirkenes, delve deep into the Russian and Norwegian Arctic Circle in pursuit of the elusive Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). Day 1 - Arrive St Petersburg
Be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy an exclusive Champagne Reception, followed by a Welcome Dinner.
Accommodation: Two Nights, St Petersburg, Grand Hotel Europe or similar
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 - St Petersburg
Today you will enjoy a guided tour of Catherine Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage Museum, the former Winter Palace of the Tsars.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 3 - St Petersburg
During a city tour of St Petersburg today, see key sights including St Isaac's Cathedral and the Nevsky Prospect. This afternoon, be transferred to the elegant St Petersburg rail station and board the Golden Eagle. Tonight, savour a Gala Caviar Dinner.
Accommodation: Two Nights, The Golden Eagle
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4 - Crossing the Arctic Circle
Listen to a talk or relax and watch the changing landscapes.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5 - Kirkenes, Northern Lights
Disembark at Nikel, before crossing the Russian/Norwegian border to Kirkenes. Visit the Snow Hotel and enjoy a welcome drink before a tour. After a traditional meal at the lodge restaurant, take an evening bus tour in search of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). A guest astronomer will be on hand during your star-gazing experience and will bring the night sky to life.
Accommodation: Two Nights, Kirkenes, Thon Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 6 - Kirkenes, Northern Lights
Begin with a snowmobile-drawn sleigh across frozen fjords, then you will be shown how to catch the Arctic King Crab. Continue to Fisherman's Lodge, where your king crab meal awaits. Later, return to the Snow Hotel to see the resident reindeer and visit the biggest husky dog farm in eastern Finnmark.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7 - Nikel
Cross the border back into Russia and re-join the Golden Eagle in Nikel.
Accommodation: Three Nights, The Golden Eagle
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 8 - Murmansk
In Murmansk, take a guided tour of the Nuclear Icebreaker Museum Ship.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 9 - Petrozavodsk
Stretching along the shore of Lake Onega, enjoy a tour of Petrozavodsk, a major cultural centre of North-West Russia.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 10 - Moscow
Disembark in Moscow and take a tour of the Red Square and see St Basil's Cathedral. Later, visit the Kremlin and see the treasures of the Tsars in the Armoury Chamber.
Accommodation: Two Nights, Moscow, the Ritz Carlton
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 11 - Moscow, Vladimir, Suzdal
Travel to World Heritage-listed Vladimir and tour the Uspensky Cathedral. Travel to Suzdal, one of Russia’s most perfectly preserved walled cities dating back to 1024. Visit the atmospheric St Euthymius Monastery to witness an enchanting choral performance by the resident monks. No winter experience would be complete without a horse-drawn sleigh ride through this stunning town.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 12 - Moscow
Be transferred to the airport.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast
