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	<title>Guild Travel &#187; City Breaks</title>
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		<title>Russian culture tour: St Petersburg and Moscow</title>
		<link>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/russian-culture-tour-st-petersburg-and-moscow/</link>
		<comments>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/russian-culture-tour-st-petersburg-and-moscow/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 29 Nov 2009 21:04:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Breaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helsinki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hermitage]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kremlin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Moscow]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[russia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[st petersburg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[train]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guildtravel.com/?p=1116</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Take a train to St Petersburg, the imperial city of the Russian czars. Visit Moscow with its amazing churches and Kremlin, the ancient seat of power in Russia. The tour combines history and art with visits to Hermitage Museum and Tretyakov Gallery, to imperial palaces and cathedrals.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<dl></dl>
<div id="attachment_1121" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 560px"><a href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/StPetersburg.jpg" rel="lightbox[1116]"><img class="size-full wp-image-1121" title="StPetersburg" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/StPetersburg.jpg" alt="The Winter Palace on the St Petersburg's Palace Square is on the landmarks of the city" width="550" height="319" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">The Winter Palace on the St Petersburg&#39;s Palace Square is on the landmarks of the city</p></div>
<h4>Prices from £1904 per person</h4>
<p>This package starts and ends in Helsinki, the gracious capital of Finland. Take a train to the historic St Petersburg, the imperial city of the Russian czars and history. Visit Moscow with its amazing churches and Kremlin, the ancient seat of power in Russia. The tour combines history and art with visits to Hermitage Museum and Tretyakov Gallery, to imperial palaces and cathedrals.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday: Helsinki the Daughter of Baltic<br />
</strong>Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa airport and later on check in to your city centre hotel. Helsinki is easy to explore on foot as everything is within easy reach – it is a beautiful city on a human scale. For those who are keen shoppers, Helsinki offers an interesting choice of boutiques and open-air markets.</p>
<p><strong>Friday: Welcome to the imperial St. Petersburg<br />
</strong>Board the early morning Finnish train &#8220;Sibelius&#8221; in Helsinki. After arriving to St. Petersburg in early afternoon, it is time for a lunch at a local restaurant. Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703 as his capital. The city is majestic with palaces, churches and cathedrals, river embankments and canals, handsome parks and dozens of bridges.</p>
<p>The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the great landmarks of St. Petersburg. It was founded in 1703 on a small island in the River Neva to protect the town against Swedes. The fortress housed a part of the city’s garrison, and later served as a notorious political prison. Over the years, the residents included Dostoyevsky, Gorgy and Trotsky.</p>
<p>Visitors can admire the gilded spire of the Peter and Paul Cathedral that stands in the middle of the fortress. The cathedral is the highest building in the city, and on top of its spire stands a magnificent golden angel holding a cross. All Russian emperors and empresses from Peter the Great to Alexander III are buried in the cathedral. Other buildings in the fortress house the City History Museum and the Mint, one of the only two places in Russia where coins and medals are minted.</p>
<p>In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bustling avenue of Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s most famous street.</p>
<p><strong>Saturday: For art lovers</strong><br />
Have a good breakfast at the hotel, as you need energy for a comprehensive tour of The Hermitage, one of the greatest museums in the world. The tour includes Old Masters, State Rooms in the Winter Palace, and the Impressionists’ Exhibition. The Hermitage has one of the greatest art collections, including works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Renoir, Degas and Matisse. The collection of Spanish art can only be compared to Prado Museum in Madrid, and the French collection is the largest outside France.</p>
<p>Lunch is at a local downtown restaurant.</p>
<p>The Afternoon’s Panoramic sightseeing tour includes the most essential sights of this magnificent Russian city, such as the Admiralty, the Peter-and-Paul Fortress, the city&#8217;s founding monument; the brilliant St. Isaac&#8217;s Cathedral, decorated with more than 500 paintings, sculptures and mosaics by Russian masters; and the onion-domed Church of the Bleeding Saviour.</p>
<p>Former palaces of czars, extravagant mansions, and richly decorated churches create an imperial ambience all around the city, the home of Russian rulers for two hundred years.</p>
<p><strong>Sunday: Imperial Palaces and night train to Moscow<br />
</strong>Breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to Pushkin, one of the former imperial summer residences, and a visit to the Catherine’s Palace. The town of Pushkin was originally called Tsarskoye Selo (Czar’s Village). The Empress Elizabeth had the original palace, named Catherine’s Palace, expanded and renovated in 1752. The work continued during the reign of Catherine the Great. The palace is a combination of white and gold, and has a huge ballroom and ornately decorated drawing rooms. The most famous of these is the Amber room, which was raided by the German’s during the war, and restored after its return to Russia.</p>
<p>A traditional Russian lunch at a local restaurant.</p>
<p>There will be a late evening transfer to the railway station for the overnight train to Moscow.</p>
<p><a title="Kremlin has been the Russian seat of power for centuries." rel="lightbox[moscow]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Kremlin_Moscow.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1134" title="Kremlin_Moscow" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Kremlin_Moscow.jpg" alt="Kremlin_Moscow" width="745" height="132" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Monday: The Capital of Russia</strong> <br />
The day starts with a transfer to the hotel after arrival. The city sightseeing tour features the highlights of the capital giving a good idea of the enormity of the capital.</p>
<p>Lunch in a typical Russian restaurant downtown.</p>
<p>The afternoon takes you to the recently renovated Tretyakov Art Gallery with over 150,000 works of art. The Gallery&#8217;s collection consists entirely of Russian art and artists, ranging in date from the 11th to the early 20th century. The collection covers the history of art from early days to Soviet Realism and modernists such like Chagall and Malevich.</p>
<p>Overnight stay at hotel.</p>
<p><strong>Tuesday: Historic Kremlin</strong> <br />
Breakfast at hotel gives you energy for Tuesday’s visits to the greatest sights in Moscow. The Red Square and the Kremlin area are the heart of Russia’s capital. The name “Red Square” is, in a way, a translation mistake: originally the Russian word “krasnaja” meant beautiful, but over the centuries the word’s meaning changed to “red”. This meant that also the name of the square changed.</p>
<p>The Lenin Mausoleum is situated in the centre of the square. The founder of the Soviet Union is buried in the mausoleum that is still visited by thousands of people every year. Kremlin has been the centre of power in Russia and the Soviet Union for centuries.</p>
<p>The fortification has 19 towers and is surrounded by a wall. Kremlin area has several ancient cathedrals with colourful onion-shaped towers, some dating back to 15<sup>th</sup> century. The Assumption Cathedral was the main church for imperial Russia, and the czars were crowned there. The Annunciation Cathedral has a collection of ancient icons, including works by Andrei Rublev.</p>
<p>The lunch is in a downtown restaurant.</p>
<p>The afternoon is dedicated to the enormous white-stone Church of Christ Our Saviour. Its golden dome dominates the Moscow’s city view. The church was originally built to celebrate the victory over Napoleon’s army in 1812. The building work took decades and the church was inaugurated in 1883. Stalin wanted to replace the church with the Palace of the Soviets and it was blown up in 1931 to make space for the new monument. This plan was interrupted by the Second World War. The Russian Orthodox Church started to raise funds to re-build the church in 1990s, and the copy of the original church was opened in the year 2000.</p>
<p>Departure by overnight train Tolstoy to Helsinki at 22.50.</p>
<p><strong>Wednesday: Back to Helsinki</strong><br />
Arrival in Helsinki at 12.00. There is a restaurant car in the train.</p>
<p>After arrival check in to your city centre hotel. Another opportunity to further explore the delights of Helsinki. There are fabulous design shops, excellent restaurants and various museums and galleries to visit.</p>
<p><strong>Thursday: Good bye to Helsinki</strong><br />
Unless you have taken optional extra nights in Helsinki it is time to say good bye to Helsinki and head home.</p>
<p><a title="The River Moscow glides past the palaces in the Russian capital." rel="lightbox[moscow]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Kremlin_river.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1135" title="Kremlin_river" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Kremlin_river.jpg" alt="Kremlin_river" width="269" height="135" /></a> <a title="The historical Moscow has many ancient churches and handsome palaces." rel="lightbox[moscow]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Moscow.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1136" title="Moscow" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Moscow.jpg" alt="Moscow" width="115" height="135" /></a></p>
<h2>Package prices:</h2>
<p>Prices per person:<br />
July-September: <strong>£1904</strong> /sharing a twin/dbl room, <strong>£2179</strong> /single<br />
May-June: <strong>£1969</strong> /sharing a twin/dbl room, <strong>£2309</strong> /single</p>
<h2>What is included in the price:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow. Flights from other airports are available for additional charge</li>
<li>Two nights in a city centre hotel in Helsinki including buffet breakfasts</li>
<li>Two nights in a city centre hotel in St. Petersburg and one night in Moscow at chosen hotel, two nights in train</li>
<li>Two breakfast and lunches in St. Petersburg, one breakfast and two lunches in Moscow</li>
<li>Transportation between Helsinki and St. Petersburg in 2nd class and between St Petersburg, Moscow and Helsinki in 1st class (2 berth compartments)</li>
<li>Transfers railway station &#8211; hotel and vv. in St Petersburg and Moscow</li>
<li>Excursions as per programme, entrance fees included</li>
<li>Visa support letter</li>
<li>Departure taxes and fees, service charges and taxes in included items</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note that transfers in Helsinki and visas for Russia are not included in the price.</p>
<h2>Departure dates:</h2>
<p>May 14, 28<br />
June 04, 11, 18, 25<br />
July 02, 09, 16, 23, 30<br />
August 06, 13, 20, 27<br />
September 03, 10, 17, 24</p>
<h2>Optional extras:</h2>
<ul>
<li>1st class in rail Helsinki-St Petersburg (compartments for 6) 45 euros per person</li>
<li>Optional evening programme: ballet or opera (60-90 euros), folklore or circus (30 euros per ticket)</li>
<li>Additional nights in Helsinki</li>
<li>Single supplement in night trains 140 euros per each train</li>
<li>Helsinki Card</li>
</ul>
<h4>Visa for Russia:</h4>
<p>A visa is required for all passengers on the tours to Russia and each passenger must apply for the visa in his/her country of domicile. As the visa application must be accompanied with confirmation documents, they will be provided by our local agent. To obtain the necessary visa support letter, we require some personal information for each passenger (surname, first names, date of birth, gender, nationality and passport number).</p>
<p>Please visit the Russian Embassy page for further information on visa requirements <a title="Russian Embassy" href="http://www.rusemblon.org/" target="_blank">www.rusemblon.org</a></p>
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		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Scandinavian Twin City Break – fly to Stockholm &#8211; cruise to Helsinki!</title>
		<link>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/fly-cruise-to-stockholm-and-helsinki/</link>
		<comments>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/fly-cruise-to-stockholm-and-helsinki/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 22:44:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Breaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tours & Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[citybreak]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cruise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ferry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helsinki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[scandinavia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stockholm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[twin city break]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guildtravel.com/wp/?p=5</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Join our great twin city break, which takes you first to Stockholm, capital of Sweden. Then you will be whisked away on the most lavish cruise from Stockholm through the stunning archipelago to Helsinki, capital of Finland.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_570" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 560px"><img class="size-full wp-image-570" title="Silja Symphony" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/silja_symphony.jpg" alt="Silja Symphony © Tallink Silja" width="550" height="285" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Silja Symphony © Tallink Silja</p></div>
<p><!-- 	 	 --></p>
<h4>Prices from £284 per person</h4>
<p><strong>Scheduled flights from/ to London Heathrow, two nights&#8217; accommodation in high quality hotels and an overnight cruise &#8211; all this from just £284 per person. Fantastic value for this four day / three night expedition!</strong></p>
<h2>Stockholm</h2>
<p>Stockholm is a picturesque city built on fourteen islands and you are never far from water. Stockholm is also a city of contrasts. Those who are attracted to history and medieval surroundings will find Gamla Stan &#8211; Stockholm&#8217;s old town &#8211; irresistible. Those who seek sleek Scandinavian style will be drawn to Södermalm&#8217;s chic design shops, bars and restaurants.</p>
<p><a title="Royal Castle Stockholm" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_royalcastle.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-574 alignnone" title="Royal Castle Stockholm" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_royalcastle.jpg" alt="Royal Castle Stockholm" width="149" height="100" /></a> <a title="Stockholm waterfront" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_waterfront.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-575" title="Stockholm waterfront" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_waterfront.jpg" alt="Stockholm waterfront" width="151" height="100" /></a> <a title="Stockholm old town centre" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_oldtown1.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-572" title="Stockholm old town centre" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_oldtown1.jpg" alt="Stockholm old town centre" width="132" height="100" /></a> <a title="Stockholm old town alley" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_oldtown2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-573" title="Stockholm old town alley" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/stockholm_oldtown2.jpg" alt="Stockholm old town alley" width="75" height="100" /></a></p>
<h2><a href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/tonttu.gif" rel="lightbox[5]"></a>Helsinki</h2>
<p>Helsinki also comes with its fair share of history and style and is an ideal short break destination &#8211; friendly, lively and welcoming. It is easy to explore on foot as everything is within easy reach &#8211; it is a beautiful city on a human scale. It is a city of bustling, colourful market squares and halls, of outdoor summer concerts and sports events, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants catering for every taste and budget, and cutting-edge art in fine museums.</p>
<p><a title="Helsinki waterfront" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/helsinki_seaview.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-580" title="Helsinki waterfront" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/helsinki_seaview.jpg" alt="Helsinki waterfront" width="163" height="108" /></a> <a title="Helsinki Cafe Kappeli" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/helsinki_kappelicafe.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-579" title="Helsinki Cafe Kappeli" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/helsinki_kappelicafe.jpg" alt="Helsinki Cafe Kappeli" width="145" height="108" /></a> <a title="Helsinki Tokoinranta" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/helsinki_tokoinranta.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-581" title="Helsinki Tokoinranta" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/helsinki_tokoinranta.jpg" alt="Helsinki Tokoinranta" width="200" height="108" /></a></p>
<p>In fact, there is no shortage of things to do and see in either capital, and the sea route connecting them is plied by two of the most luxurious cruise ships sailing on the Baltic, the sister ships Silja Serenade and Silja Symphony.</p>
<p><a title="Promenade ©Tallink Silja" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/promenade3.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-512" title="Promenade" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/promenade3.jpg" alt="Promenade" width="102" height="105" /></a> <a title="Parfumerie ©Tallink Silja" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/parfumerie_2.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-515" title="Parfumerie" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/parfumerie_2.jpg" alt="Parfumerie" width="103" height="105" /></a> <a title="Bellamare ©Tallink Silja" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bellamare_5.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-517" title="Bellamare" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bellamare_5.jpg" alt="Bellamare" width="158" height="105" /></a> <a title="Show ©Tallink Silja" rel="lightbox[hkistock]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/show.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-518" title="Show" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/show.jpg" alt="Show" width="140" height="105" /></a></p>
<p>At the heart of each of Silja&#8217;s flagships is the 460 ft (142 m) long glass-roofed Promenade, watched over on both sides from cabin windows. Lined by restaurants, bars, shops and boutiques, the Promenade is just like a elegant high street at sea. Cabins are available in several classes, from comfortable cabins for 2-4 people, to deluxe Commodore Class cabins. Most of the cabins have a window, with either a view over the Promenade or a sea view. See <a title="Tallink Silja cabins" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/tallink_silja_cabins.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> the cabin descriptions.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/30487/Fall-for-cool-dark-handsome-Helsinki" target="_blank">Read what Daily Express said about this trip.</a></p>
<h2>Package prices</h2>
<p>View departure dates and detailed package prices for 1.1.2010-31.03.2011 <a href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Twin_city_Helsinki_Stockholm_1.1.10-31.3.11.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> (pdf)</p>
<h2>What is included in the price?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Stockholm Arlanda &amp; scheduled flight from Helsinki to London Heathrow</li>
<li>One night in a four star seaside hotel incl. breakfast in Stockholm</li>
<li>One night in a four star hotel incl. breakfast in Helsinki</li>
<li>Cruise from Stockholm to Helsinki on m/s Silja Serenade or Symphony in chosen cabin category incl. breakfast</li>
<li>Departure taxes and fees</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note that transfers are not included in the price. Additional nights in Stockholm and/or Helsinki available on request.</p>
<p>Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.</p>
<h2>Optional extras</h2>
<p><strong>Pre-booked dinner on the ferry<br />
</strong>We advise to make a table reservation in advance, especially during the high season. You also receive a discount on meal prices if you pay for your meal coupons in advance. More information and prices can be found <a href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/Meals_on_board_2010.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> (pdf).</p>
<p><strong>Royal Canal Tour in Stockholm<br />
</strong>This is one hour canal cruise along the Djurgarden and shows us several of the city&#8217;s important royal landmarks. Departures are every hour between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.<br />
Price: <strong>£17.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Historical Canal Tour in Stockholm<br />
</strong>Welcome aboard a journey through Stockholm´s history! In addition to its narrow canals and leafy shorelines, you will discover the history of the city and many of its famous buildings. This tour includes a round trip of Kungsholmen, Langholmen and Reimersholme. This canal cruise lasts one hour and there are several departures daily.<br />
Price: <strong>£17.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Panorama Stockholm<br />
</strong>This 90 minute coach sightseeing tour will show you the main sights of Stockholm, and includes a stop at Fjallgatan to appreciate the views. There are several daily departures.<br />
Price: <strong>£26.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>One Day Stockholm Card<br />
</strong>Stockholm &#8211; convenient and easy. This one day Stockholm Card offers you free admission to more than 75 museums and attractions plus free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers.<br />
Price: <strong>£39.00 </strong>per person</p>
<p><strong>One Day Helsinki Card<br />
</strong>This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions and free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.<br />
Price: <strong>£33.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Sightseeing tour in Helsinki<br />
</strong>This is 1 hour 45 min coach tour departs conveniently from Silja terminal immediately after arriving in Helsinki. Tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, and includes entrance to the Temppeliaukio Church and stop at the Sibelius Monument.<br />
Price: <strong>£25.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Sea Life</strong><br />
Sea Life wants to offer visitors an adventurous learning experience and wake the desire to protect seas and animals. Sea Life offers the possibility to experience the wonders of underwater miracles by creating as natural as possible living environments for the creatures of the exhibition. Visitors will have a unique experience with over 40 exiting and interesting aquariums.<br />
Price: <strong>£15.00</strong> per person</p>
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		<title>St. Petersburg and Helsinki Twin City Break</title>
		<link>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/st-petersburg-and-helsinki-twin-city-break/</link>
		<comments>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/st-petersburg-and-helsinki-twin-city-break/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 07:39:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[By Train]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[City Breaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tours & Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helsinki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[russia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[st petersburg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[train to russia]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guildtravel.com/wp/?p=187</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Explore two fascinating cities in one visit: Helsinki, the capital of Finland and Russian St. Petersburg, the city of the Czars. Though only 300 miles separate these two cities, they could not be more different. Travel directly from Helsinki to the St. Petersburg city centre by train; the journey takes a mere 6 hrs. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_188" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 560px"><img class="size-full wp-image-188" title="hb2" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/hb2.jpg" alt="Explore two fascinating cities in one visit" width="550" height="324" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Explore two fascinating cities in one visit</p></div>
<p><!-- 	 	 --></p>
<h4>Prices from £839 per person<br />
Period: all year round</h4>
<p>Peter the Great founded St. Petersburg in 1703 as his capital. The city is majestic with palaces, churches and cathedrals, river embankments and canals, handsome parks and dozens of bridges. </p>
<p>This package starts and ends in Helsinki, the gracious capital of Finland. Explore these two beautiful cities by the Baltic in one unforgettable visit packed with art and culture.</p>
<h2>Example itinerary</h2>
<p><strong>Thursday -</strong><strong> Helsinki, the daughter of Baltic</strong><br />
Arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa airport and later on check in to your city centre hotel. Helsinki is easy to explore on foot as everything is within easy reach &#8211; it is a beautiful city on a human scale. The architecture ranges from graceful neo-classical to art nouveau and modernism.</p>
<p>For those who are keen shoppers, Helsinki offers an interesting choice of boutiques and open-air markets. Helsinki also offers excellent restaurants using Finnish ingredients like reindeer, game, fish and berries.</p>
<p><strong>Friday - Welcome to St. Petersburg<br />
</strong>Board the early morning Finnish train &#8220;Sibelius&#8221; in Helsinki. After arriving to St. Petersburg in early afternoon, it is time for a lunch at a local restaurant.</p>
<p>The Peter and Paul Fortress is one of the great landmarks of St. Petersburg. It was founded in 1703 on a small island in the River Neva to protect the town against Swedes. The fortress housed a part of the city’s garrison, and later served as a notorious political prison. Over the years, the residents included Dostoyevsky, Gorgy and Trotsky.</p>
<p>Visitors can admire the gilded spire of the Peter and Paul Cathedral that stands in the middle of the fortress. The cathedral is the highest building in the city, and on top of its spire stands a magnificent golden angel holding a cross. All Russian emperors and empresses from Peter the Great to Alexander III are buried in the cathedral. Other buildings in the fortress house the City History Museum and the Mint, one of the only two places in Russia where coins and medals are minted.</p>
<p>In the evening, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the bustling avenue of Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s most famous street.</p>
<p><strong>Saturday -</strong><strong> For art lovers<br />
</strong>Have a good breakfast at the hotel, as you need energy for a comprehensive tour of The Hermitage, one of the greatest museums in the world. The tour includes Old Masters, State Rooms in the Winter Palace, and the Impressionists’ Exhibition.</p>
<p>The Hermitage has one of the greatest art collections, including works by Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Renoir, Degas and Matisse. The collection of Spanish art can only be compared to Prado Museum in Madrid, and the French collection is the largest outside France.</p>
<p>Lunch is at a local downtown restaurant.</p>
<p>The Afternoon’s Panoramic sightseeing tour includes the most essential sights of this magnificent Russian city, such as the Admiralty, the Peter-and-Paul Fortress, the city&#8217;s founding monument; the brilliant St. Isaac&#8217;s Cathedral, decorated with more than 500 paintings, sculptures and mosaics by Russian masters; and the onion-domed Church of the Bleeding Saviour. Former palaces of czars, extravagant mansions, and richly decorated churches create an imperial ambience all around the city, the home of Russian rulers for two hundred years.</p>
<p><strong>Sunday - Imperial Palaces and return to Helsinki<br />
</strong>Breakfast at the hotel. Morning excursion to Pushkin, one of the former imperial summer residences, and a visit to the Catherine’s Palace.</p>
<p>The town of Pushkin was originally called Tsarskoye Selo (Czar’s Village). The Empress Elizabeth had the original palace, named Catherine’s Palace, expanded and renovated in 1752. The work continued during the reign of Catherine the Great.</p>
<p>The palace is a combination of white and gold, and has a huge ballroom and ornately decorated drawing rooms. The most famous of these is the Amber room, which was raided by the German’s during the war, and restored after its return to Russia.</p>
<p>Traditional Russian lunch at a local restaurant, and then a transfer to the railway station for the “Sibelius” train. You will arrive back to Helsinki in the evening.</p>
<p><strong>Monday - Goodbye, Helsinki<br />
</strong>If you have not booked an early return flight you will have the opportunity to further explore the delights of Helsinki. There are fabulous design shops, excellent restaurants and various museums and galleries.</p>
<p><a title="The Winter Palace on the St Petersburg's Palace Square is on the landmarks of the city." rel="lightbox[stpethelsinki]" href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/StPetersburg.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-1121 alignnone" title="StPetersburg" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/StPetersburg.jpg" alt="" width="343" height="164" /></a></p>
<h2>Package prices</h2>
<p><!-- 	 	 -->In Helsinki:<strong> Sokos Hotel Presidentti ***+</strong> (or similar) <em>(Eteläinen Rautatiekatu 4)</em><br />
Sokos Hotel Presidentti is a traditional hotel situated right in the heart of Helsinki. The hotel facilities include a restaurant, a pub, three saunas and a swimming pool. Bedrooms all have private facilities, TV, radio, minibar, telephone, hair dryer and ironing board.</p>
<p><!-- 	 	 --></p>
<p>In St. Petersburg: <strong>Hotel Dostoevsky ***+ </strong><em>(Vladimirsky Prospect)</em><br />
Located in short walking distance from the main street Nevsky Prospekt in the historical centre of St. Petersburg. 207 rooms with bath/shower, sat-TV, telephone. Restaurant, fitness centre, business centre.</p>
<p>or</p>
<p>in St. Petersburg: <strong>Hotel Renaissance</strong> ***** (Pochtamtskaya Str 4)<br />
The Renaissance St. Petersburg Baltic Hotel is an ideal place to enjoy the city&#8217;s charm with a fabulous location next to St. Isaac&#8217;s Cathedral and steps away from Mariinsky Theatre and the Hermitage Museum. Luxury accommodations with elegant interior design, comfortable furnishings and large work area, broadband Internet, air-conditioning, safe, mini-bar, iron, hair dryer, pay-per-view movies and satellite TV.</p>
<h4>Prices per person:</h4>
<p>In Presidentti and Dostoevsky from <strong>£839</strong> in a twin room and <strong>£989</strong> in a single room.<br />
In Presidentti and Renaissance from <strong>£909</strong> in a twin room and <strong>£1074</strong> in a single room.</p>
<h2>What is included in the price?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow. Flights from other airports are available for additional charge</li>
<li>Two nights in a city centre hotel in Helsinki including buffet breakfasts</li>
<li>Two nights in a city centre hotel in St. Petersburg including buffet breakfasts</li>
<li>Two lunches in St. Petersburg</li>
<li>Transportation between Helsinki and St. Petersburg by the Finnish &#8220;Sibelius&#8221; train (2nd class)</li>
<li>Transfers in St. Petersburg by van or bus</li>
<li>Excursions as per programme</li>
<li>Visa support letter</li>
<li>Departure taxes and fees, service charges and taxes in included items</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note that transfers in Helsinki and visas for Russia are not included in the price.</p>
<h2>Optional extras</h2>
<ul>
<li>1st class in rail (compartments for 6) 90 euros per person</li>
<li>Optional evening programme: ballet or opera (60-90 euros), folklore or circus (30 euros per ticket)</li>
<li>Additional nights in Helsinki and/or St. Petersburg</li>
<li>Helsinki Card</li>
</ul>
<h2>Visa for Russia</h2>
<p>A visa is required for all passengers on the tours to Russia and each passenger must apply for the visa in his/her country of domicile. As the visa application must be accompanied with confirmation documents, they will be provided by our local agent. To obtain the necessary visa support letter, we require some personal information for each passenger (surname, first names, date of birth, gender, nationality and passport number).</p>
<p>Please visit the Russian Embassy page for further information on visa requirements <a title="Russian Embassy" href="http://www.rusemblon.org/" target="_blank">www.rusemblon.org</a></p>
<h2>Tailor-made trips to Russia</h2>
<p>Please contact us if you require train tickets for Helsinki &#8211; St Petersburg or Moscow or accommodation only in Russia. We are also happy to create tailor-made holidays in Russia according to your wishes. We can combine Scandinavia, Baltic countries and Finland in your itinerary.</p>
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		<title>Twin City Break &#8211; Helsinki &amp; Tallinn</title>
		<link>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/twin-city-break-helsinki-tallinn/</link>
		<comments>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/twin-city-break-helsinki-tallinn/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 07:33:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Breaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tours & Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cruise]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[estonia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helsinki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tallink]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tallinn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guildtravel.com/wp/?p=184</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[This three night weekend break combines two capitals - Helsinki and Tallinn – the capitals of Finland and Estonia, using a fast sea connection between the cities. Combining these two cities in one weekend is easy as both city centres are compact in size, and to travel between the two takes less than two hours. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_185" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 560px"><img class="size-full wp-image-185" title="hb" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/hb.jpg" alt="View both cities from the sea" width="550" height="324" /><p class="wp-caption-text">View both cities from the sea</p></div>
<p><!-- 	 	 --></p>
<h4>Prices from £414 per person<br />
Friday to Monday</h4>
<p>Helsinki is a vibrant city, offering a multitude of cultural, scenic and gastronomic pleasures. It is a city bustling with colourful market squares and halls, with seaside parks, excellent cafes and restaurants catering for every taste and budget, and with cutting-edge art galleries and museums.</p>
<p>Tallinn&#8217;s Old Town is included in Unesco&#8217;s World Heritage List and it remains a mesmerizing jumble of medieval walls, turrets, spires and winding, cobbled streets. The city can be easily explored on foot, and this is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of its lively squares and lanes.</p>
<p>In fact, there&#8217;s no shortage of things to do in either city, and we provide you with the option to extend your stay in one or both cities.</p>
<p>You will first fly to Helsinki and explore this compact city for two days. On Sunday you will take a boat to Tallinn and check in your four star hotel located in the city centre of Tallinn. On Monday you will return to Helsinki and take a direct flight to the UK.</p>
<h2>Package prices</h2>
<p><strong>Three night package from London Heathrow</strong>:<br />
1.1.-18.6.2010, 17.8.-29.12.2010: from <strong>£414</strong> /sharing, from <strong>£524</strong> /single<br />
19.6.-16.8.2010: from <strong>£444</strong> /sharing, from <strong>£574</strong> /single</p>
<p><strong>Three night package from Manchester</strong>:<br />
1.1.-18.6.2010, 17.8.-29.12.2010: from <strong>£454</strong> /sharing, from <strong>£564</strong> /single<br />
19.6.-16.8.2010: from <strong>£479</strong> /sharing, from <strong>£614</strong> /single</p>
<h2>What is included in the price?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Scheduled return flight from London Heathrow or Manchester to Helsinki</li>
<li>Two nights in a city centre hotel in Helsinki including buffet breakfast</li>
<li>One night in a city centre hotel in Tallinn including buffet breakfast</li>
<li>Return journey on a ferry between Helsinki and Tallinn</li>
<li>Departure taxes, fees and service charges are included</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note that transfers in Helsinki or Tallinn are not included in the price.</p>
<h2>Optional extras</h2>
<p><strong>One Day Helsinki Card </strong></p>
<p>This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions andfree travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.<br />
Price: <strong>£33.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Sightseeing tour in Helsinki</strong></p>
<p>This is 1 hour 45 min coach tour departs conveniently from Silja terminal immediately after arriving in Helsinki. Tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, and includes entrance to the Temppeliaukio Church and stop at the Sibelius Monument.<br />
Price: <strong>£25.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Sea Life</strong></p>
<p>Sea Life wants to offer visitors an adventurous learning experience and wake the desire to protect seas and animals. Sea Life offers the possibility to experience the wonders of underwater miracles by creating as natural as possible living environments for the creatures of the exhibition. Visitors will have a unique experience with over 40 exiting and interesting aquariums.<br />
Price: <strong>£15.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Combined bus and walking tour in Tallinn</strong></p>
<p>This highly recommended combined bus and walking tour is an excellent way for first-time visitors to get to know Tallinn. Starting from the passenger port and major hotels, the hour-long bus trip takes you through the most interesting sections of the city, past the Kadriorg Palace and the Song Festival Grounds to the Pirita district, all the while providing running commentary on Estonian history and contemporary life. The walking portion of the tour covers the Old Town. You will start on the corner of Toompea and Komandandi Streets and proceed across Toompea hill, stopping at the Parliament Building, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Dome Church. You will take in the city from a beautiful viewpoint before heading to the narrow streets of the lower town and finally ending up on the medieval Town Hall Square.<br />
Duration of tour: 2 hr 30 mins. Price: <strong>£18.00</strong></p>
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		<title>Three Baltic Capitals Roundtrip &#8211; Stockholm &#8211; Tallinn &#8211; Helsinki</title>
		<link>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/three-baltic-capitals-roundtrip-stockholm-tallinn-helsinki/</link>
		<comments>http://www.guildtravel.com/citybreaks/three-baltic-capitals-roundtrip-stockholm-tallinn-helsinki/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 09 May 2009 07:24:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[City Breaks]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Summer Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tours & Cruises]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baltic capitals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[estonia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[finland]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[helsinki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[stockholm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sweden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tallinn]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.guildtravel.com/wp/?p=180</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Our combination trip takes you first to Stockholm, capital of Sweden. Then you will be cruising to Tallinn, capital of Estonia and finally you will visit Helsinki, capital of Finland.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div id="attachment_181" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 560px"><img class="size-full wp-image-181" title="helsinkiatnight" src="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/helsinkiatnight.jpg" alt="Helsinki is a beautiful city on a human scale" width="550" height="325" /><p class="wp-caption-text">Helsinki is a beautiful city on a human scale</p></div>
<p><!-- 	 	 --></p>
<h4>Prices from £474 per person</h4>
<p>Scheduled flights from London Heathrow, three nights&#8217; accommodation in high quality hotels and an overnight cruise &#8211; all this from just £474 per person. Unforgettable long weekend!</p>
<h2>Stockholm</h2>
<p>Stockholm is a picturesque city built on fourteen islands and you are never far from water. Stockholm is also a city of contrasts. Those who are attracted to history and medieval surroundings will find Gamla Stan &#8211; Stockholm&#8217;s old town &#8211; irresistible. Those who seek sleek Scandinavian style will be drawn to Södermalm&#8217;s chic design shops, bars and restaurants.</p>
<h2>Tallinn</h2>
<p>Tallinn&#8217;s Old Town is included in Unesco&#8217;s World Heritage List and it remains a mesmerizing jumble of medieval walls, turrets, spires and winding, cobbled streets. The city can be easily explored on foot, and this is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of its lively squares and lanes.</p>
<h2>Helsinki</h2>
<p>Helsinki also comes with its fair share of history and style and is an ideal short break destination &#8211; friendly, lively and welcoming. It is easy to explore on foot as everything is within easy reach &#8211; it is a beautiful city on a human scale. It is a city of bustling, colourful market squares and halls, of outdoor summer concerts and sports events, of seaside parks, of excellent cafes and restaurants catering for every taste and budget, and cutting-edge art in fine museums.</p>
<h2>Package prices</h2>
<p>View the tour timetable and detailed package prices <a href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/Three_baltic_capitals_price_list_2010_pdf.pdf" target="_blank">here</a><strong> </strong>(pdf)</p>
<h2>What is included in the price?</h2>
<ul>
<li>Scheduled flight from London Heathrow to Stockholm Arlanda &amp; scheduled flight from Helsinki to London Heathrow</li>
<li>One night in a four star seaside hotel incl. breakfast in Stockholm</li>
<li>One night in a four star hotel incl. breakfast in Tallinn</li>
<li>One night in a four star hotel incl. breakfast in Helsinki</li>
<li>Cruise from Stockholm to Tallinni on SiljaTallink in chosen cabin category incl. breakfast</li>
<li>Cruise form Tallinn to Helsinki on SiljaTallink vessel</li>
<li>Departure taxes and fees</li>
</ul>
<p>Please note that transfers are not included in the price. Additional nights in Stockholm, Tallinn and/or Helsinki available on request.</p>
<p>Departures from airports such as Manchester, Birmingham, Aberdeen, Newcastle and Edinburgh are also available. Please ask for a quote.</p>
<h2>Optional extras</h2>
<p><strong>Pre-booked dinner on the ferry<br />
</strong>We advise to make a table reservation in advance, especially during the high season. You also receive a discount on meal prices if you pay for your meal coupons in advance. More information and prices can be found <a href="http://www.guildtravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/meals_tallink.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> (pdf).</p>
<p><strong>Royal Canal Tour in Stockholm<br />
</strong>This is one hour canal cruise along the Djurgarden and shows us several of the city&#8217;s important royal landmarks. Departures are every hour between 10.30 am and 6.30 pm.<br />
Price: <strong>£17.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Historical Canal Tour in Stockholm<br />
</strong>Welcome aboard a journey through Stockholm´s history! In addition to its narrow canals and leafy shorelines, you will discover the history of the city and many of its famous buildings. This tour includes a round trip of Kungsholmen, Langholmen and Reimersholme. This canal cruise lasts one hour and there are several departures daily.<br />
Price: <strong>£17.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Panorama Stockholm<br />
</strong>This 90 minute coach sight seeing tour will show you the main sights of Stockholm, and includes a stop at Fjallgatan to appreciate the views. There are several daily departures.<br />
Price: <strong>£26.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>One Day Stockholm Card<br />
</strong>Stockholm-convenient and easy. This one day Stockholm Card offers you free admission to more than 75 museums and attractions plus free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers.<br />
Price: <strong>£39.00 </strong>per person</p>
<p><strong>One Day Helsinki Card<br />
</strong>This one day Helsinki Card offers you free admission to more than 40 attractions and free travel on local transportation and other bonus offers. Free audio city tour worth £19 included.<br />
Price: <strong>£33.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Sightseeing tour in Helsinki<br />
</strong>This is 1 hour 45 min coach tour departs conveniently from Silja terminal immediately after arriving in Helsinki. Tour takes in the most important and interesting parts of Helsinki, and includes entrance to the Temppeliaukio Church and stop at the Sibelius Monument.<br />
Price: <strong>£25.00</strong> per person</p>
<p><strong>Sea Life </strong><br />
Sea Life wants to offer visitors an adventurous learning experience and wake the  desire to protect seas and animals. Sea Life offers the possibility to  experience the wonders of underwater miracles by creating as natural as possible  living environments for the creatures of the exhibition. Visitors will have a  unique experience with over 40 exiting and interesting aquariums.<br />
Price: <strong>£15.00</strong> per person</p>
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