After arriving in Helsinki and checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free for relaxing or independent sightseeing. One option is the ferry to Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site. And what better way to enhance your Finnish culture immersion than an optional sauna visit*. It's guaranteed to give your body a renewed sense of energy after such an invigorating day.

*You can book a 2 hour segment through Avanti before departing the US.

(Accommodations, Helsinki)

At 11am, meet your guide in front of the Design Museum. On this famous Design Walking Tour you will learn about the history of how design became a lifestyle for the Finns. During the tour you will meet the fresh faces of Finnish design while admiring the architecture of the design quarters and shopping at the fascinating boutiques. Later in the afternoon, transfer to the ferry terminal in Helsinki for the evening departure to St. Petersburg at approximately 6:00pm. Your accommodations will be in an A Class outside cabin, with sole use of the cabin.

(Breakfast, Helsinki, Dinner & Accommodations, St.Peterline ship)

Breakfast on the ship before your arrival in St. Petersburg at approx. 9:00am. After disembarking, take the included shuttle to the city center at St Isaac's Church. You can take a taxi to your hotel and the remainder of the day is at your lesiure. This evening you'll attend the ballet in one of St. Petersburg's historic theaters. Enjoy a breathtaking performance featuring selections from a world-famous ballet, such as Swan Lake,The Nutcracker, or Giselle. Marvel at the grace and elegance of these refined dancers and the rhapsodic musical arrangements that have enraptured theatergoers for generations.

(Breakfast, St.Peterline ship, Accommodations, St. Petersburg)

Begin your day with a panoramic city tour, featuring the city's major highlights; the Admiralty, St. Nicolas Cathedral, Palace Square, St Isaac's Cathedral, Smolny Convent and a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress. After your morning tour, in the afternoon, you'll have a choice of two private tours.

1. An excursion to the famous, art-filled Hermitage Museum; housed in the former Tsar's Winter Palace with vast collections displayed in the magnificent State Rooms. You'll spend several hours in the main building viewing old European masters including Leonardo da Vinci, Rafael, Michelangelo, Rubens, Titian, and Rembrandt. Afterwards you'll have an inside visit to the Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood; a symbol of St Petersburg with breathtaking architecture and colorful onion domes. It's also famous as the site of the assasination of Tsar Alexander in 1881. Your final stop will be a tour of St Isaac's Cathedral; not only the largest cathedral in Russia, but an architectural marvel with stunning icons.

2. Enjoy a tour of Peterhof; built for the Russian Tsars in the 18th century with enormous parks and beautiful, gold fountains. You'll visit the Upper and Lower Park dominated by a spectacular Grand Cascade. The Grand Cascade with its gilded statues is the centerpiece of the park. Stroll around and learn about the unique pumpless fountain system, enjoy "trick fountains" invented by Peter the Great to entertain his guests, then walk along the Gulf of Finland' with its beautiful sea views and St. Petersburg panorama.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, St Petersburg)

After breakfast, enjoy a bird’s-eye view of St. Petersburg on an exhilarating rooftop tour. Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you to the historical center of the city. You'll have spectacular views of the city's well-known sights, including the golden spire of the Peter and Paul Cathedral, the domes of the Church on the Spilled Blood and the minarets of the Great Mosque. Another point of interest is the dome of St. Isaac's Cathedral. Hear stories about the most exciting events in St. Petersburg's history, as you enjoy your relaxed walk along the roofs, and take some amazing photos of local landmarks from above. Later in the day, you'll take the included transfer to the ferry terminal to board the ferry departing St. Petersburg at 6:00pm, and sail overnight in your A Class outside cabin.

(Breakfast, St Petersburg, Dinner & Accommodations, St. Peterline ship)

In the morning, you'll have breakfast on the ferry before your arrival into Helsinki (approximately 8:00am). After disembarkation, meet your driver for a transfer to your hotel. After checking in, the day is at your leisure. Take an optional tour or explore the city on your own.

(Breakfast, St. Peterline ship, Accommodations, Helsinki)

After breakfast, make your way to the Epernay train station and onto your next Avanti destination.

(Breakfast, Helsinki)