Day 1

Icelandair flight from Montreal to Reykjavik via Toronto (2 economy + 1 business class)

Departure at 5 pm arrival at 6:31 pm

Departure at 8 pm, arrival at 6:20 am (next day)

 

Day 2

Meet & greet private transfer from airport to hotel

1 double single use + 1 double room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Alda**** (early check in guaranteed)

Located on Laugavegur shopping street in central Reykjavik, this hotel offers modern rooms with a flat-screen TV and free WiFi access. Hallgrimskirkja Church is a 5-minute walk away.

All guest rooms at Alda Hotel Reykjavík have a private bathroom with a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries. Some rooms feature a private balcony with sea or city views.

Guests enjoy free access to Alda Hotel’s gym and sauna. Bicycles can be rented on site. Guests can enjoy a drink in the bar.

Reykjavik Art Museum is a 10-minute walk away. Lake Tjörnin is 0.6 miles from the hotel.

http://aldahotel.is/

 

After settling in, take the opportunity to explore the vibrant city centre at you own pace. The main downtown area offers a variety of shops, museums and galleries—all within an easy walk. Laugavegur, Reykjavík’s main street, offers an abundance of excellent restaurants and cafés, as well as bars and clubs for those who want to experience the renowned Reykjavík nightlife.

 

Dinner at Restaurant Fish Market  (to be paid locally)

Fish Market is housed in one of the central Reykjavík’s oldest buildings. Head Chef Hrefna Rósa Sætran of the Icelandic National Culinary team has designed a menu using the freshest fish and meat of the season, cooking it simply in modern style.

 

Day 3

Semi private Glacial Golden Circle full day Tour

The Golden Circle is Iceland´s most popular daytrip, for good reason. You see the one and only original Geysir. Having Gullfoss waterfall in front of you is worth a daytrip on its own. Þingvellir is a National Park, nature reserve, Unesco World Heritage site, and split by the Mid-Atlantic Rift. But by using our Superjeeps, we can also add the huge Langjökull glacier to your list of impressions. We start the day in Þingvellir, where the Parliament of Iceland was founded in 930 AD. There, you get a view from “the edge of America” over the Mid-Atlantic continental divide. Continuing, we pass the geothermally heated Laugarvatn lake before arriving at the Great Geysir hot spring area, peppered with small and large boiling water springs. The most spectacular one, Strokkur, blasts boiling water up to 30m skywards, up to 3 times in a minute. After quality time at Geysir, a short drive takes us to Gullfoss waterfall, Iceland’s most visited, where glacier meltwater thunders in two stages into a 70m deep basalt canyon. We then maneuvre a gravel track snaking up mountains towards Europe’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. In the afternoon, we descend again and traverse the South Iceland agricultural heartland on our way home to Reykjavik.

 

OR

 

Inside the Glacier – the Ice Cave (semi private)

Duration of tour: 11 hours

The tour will take you to Langjokull glacier for a once in a lifetime adventure deep inside the glacier in some of the world’s largest man made ice caverns. The caverns are composed of an extensive system of tunnels and chambers that stretch close to 300 metres into the solid ice cap towards a breathtaking natural Ice Cave at the heart of the glacier. Making your way inside the glacier you’ll be able to explore various nooks and chambers and walk over a huge ice crevasse on a specially constructed bridge. As you walk further along the tunnel, the ice gets older and its colour gradually changes from white to deep-blue. In every chamber you will find interesting information about the glacier on display and for those who would like to get married in the ice cave there’s even a small Ice Chapel.

Includes:  Complimentary pick up and drop off service for major hotels and guest houses in Reykjavik, Round-trip transportation, Professional tour guide, 8 Wheel Monster Glacier Truck tour to the Ice Cave, Expert guided exploration of the Ice Cave

 

Dinner reservation at Borg Restaurant (to be paid locally)

Head chef Akane Monavon is half-French, half-Japanese and the menu reflects this with juicy tempura lobster dusted with sumac, grilled camembert with berries and baguette, and oven-baked cod with tomatoes and sautéed potatoes. Finish with cardamom crème brûlée. Good cocktails and local micro-brewery beers, too

Day 4

Shuttle transfer from hotel to Blue Lagoon round-trip

Premium package at Blue Lagoon at

Entrance to Blue Lagoon

Silica Mud Mask

Use of Bathrobe

Use of Towel

Slippers

1st drink of your choice

Algae Mask

Table reservation at LAVA Restaurant (lunch to be paid locally)

Sparkling wine at LAVA Restaurant

 

Return around 3 pm

 

Rest of the afternoon at leisure

 

Aurora Hunt:  Northern lights small group Tour at 8:30 pm

The feeling of staring skywards at the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, can not be caught on film, brought indoors, nor adequately described. Poets have tried, photographers and filmmakers have tried, but only being there gives you that feeling. As it happens, Iceland is right under the Northern Lights belt, and therefore a perfect place on Earth for Aurora viewing. Also, the unstable weather conditions in Iceland increase the chances of those not having unlimited time to catch them. Clear skies are not needed, all you need is a hole in the clouds, at the right time. This is a hunt, not a conventional tour, we´re not going some specific places. Where we go is entirely dependent on the research and expertise of your Superjeep guide.  If we deem conditions unfavorable; we don´t go. Our Superjeeps are essential for maximising your chances of good Aurora sightings. First and foremost, the darker your surroundings, the better you see Northern Lights. Looking for Northern Lights in a city can be likened to watching a film in a cinema with all the lights on. Our Superjeeps can take you as deep into the darkness as possible within our timeframe, away from the city, and away from buses and road traffic and other light pollution. Off road, on snow, as necessary. If they fail to appear, you will still have had a great trip.

 

Day 5:  Helsinki for 1 night

Private transfer from hotel to airport

Icelandair flight from Reykjavik to Helsinki

Departure at 7:30 am, arrival at 12:55 pm

Meet & greet private transfer from airport

1 double comfort + 1 single comfort, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Lilla Roberts****

Featuring a quiet courtyard and views of the city, this Art Deco-themed boutique hotel offers elegantly-fitted rooms in central Helsinki. Guests can take a pause from the city and enjoy a meal in the hotel bistro restaurant Krog Roba or a drink made by the award winning barman. Free WiFi is included.

Each stylish room at Hotel Lilla Roberts features a wireless Bluetooth-compatible sound system that can enhance your TV viewing pleasure as well as media from personal mobile devices. Additional features include air conditioning and a minibar.

The hotel offers free use of bicycles, free 24 -hour gym and laundry services. Guests can enjoy the courtyard terrace in the summer. Restaurants and bar found in the neighbourhood are popular among locals.

Helsinki Cathedral is 2,789 feet from Hotel Lilla Roberts, while Observatory Hill Park is 886 feet away. Helsinki Bus Terminal is 0.6 miles away. The nearest airport is Vantaa Airport, 13.7 miles from the property.

https://www.lillaroberts.com/

 

afternoon at leisure

 

Day 6

Panorama Sightseeing at 11 am

Duration of tour: 1 hr 45 mins

Helsinki Panorama Sightseeing is a popular sightseeing tour showing you the most important sights and giving you an excellent view of Helsinki’s past and present. The tour takes in the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre, City Hall, The Parliament buildings, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. The stop is if possible at the Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church) or at the Sibelius Monument (if the church is closed). The tour ends near the Esplanade Park.

Includes: Transportation by coach, audio guide commentary in 10 languages, stop at the Temppeliaukio Church or at the Sibelius Monument.

 

2 x 2 deluxe cabins on ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg

Departure at 7 pm, arrival the next day at 11 am

 

Day 7:  St Petersburg for 4 nights

Meet & greet private transfer from the pier to the hotel

1 double excutive + 1 double executive single use, breakfast & taxes included at Petro Palace*****

An indoor pool, well-equipped gym and air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TV and free WiFi are offered at this recently renovated hotel, just a 5-minute walk from St. Petersburg’s Palace Square and Nevsky Prospekt Avenue.

Italian Restaurant Trattoria Settimo Cielo offers beautiful views of St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Hermitage.

Petro Palace Hotel’s classically styled rooms include a work desk, electric kettle and a minibar. The bright, modern bathrooms feature free toiletries and a hairdryer.

Spa facilities at the Petro Palace include a hot tub, sauna and massage room, and some rooms offer free all-day access. Tours of St. Petersburg can be booked at the 24-hour reception. Guests can find a cash machine on site.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the Alexander Garden are just 985 feet from the hotel. Parking spaces are available for an extra fee.

http://www.petropalacehotel.com/home/?language=English

 

Day 8

Full day private tour

9:00 am
Your private fully licensed guide and professional driver of comfortable, air conditioned vehicle will greet you at the hotel.

You will be taken on an OVERVIEW TOUR OF THE CITY in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. This tour includes such prominent sights as: Nevsky Prospect (the main boulevard of St. Petersburg), Anichkov Bridge and Anichkov Palace, the Fontanka and Moika Rivers, Kazan Cathedral, Admiralty, Winter Palace, Palace Square, and many other sights. You’ll become acquainted with the history of St. Petersburg and the Romanov family. You will see and take pictures of the marvelous panoramic sights along the banks of the Neva River and the most famous and beautiful sights of the city center.

PETER AND PAUL FORTRESS TOUR The fortress is the birth place of St. Petersburg. It developed into a city under the rule of the Romanovs – the ruling dynasty in Russia from Peter’s grandfather Mikhail until the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II.

You will visit PETER AND PAUL CATHEDRAL where nearly all the Russian emperors are buried.

Lunch (optional)

SAVIOR ON THE SPILT BLOOD CATHERAL TOUR. The cathedral amazes visitors with its mighty group of multicolored « onion » domes and the magnitude of its decor.

HERMITAGE EXCURSION – Includes the 4 buildings of this ensemble the Winter Palace, the small Hermitage, the New Hermitage, and the Old Hermitage. Observe the magnificent interiors of the buildings, State Halls, and the most important masterpieces of the Western European artists. When you are inside of its miraculous halls, you’ll have a strong sensation of having gone back to the times of the emperors. Depending upon your interests you may wish to visit other sections of the Museum such as the antique sculpture, numismatic/ ancient coins, the art of Egypt, China, Japan, Iran, and other Eastern countries.

6 pm:  Return to hotel

 

Day 9

Private driver guide at disposal

9:00 am
Then set off for a JOURNEY TO PUSHKIN (TSARSKOE SELO) – one of St.Petersburg’s suburbs within an hour drive from the city center. You will visit the summer residence of former Tsars- Catherine’s Palace (including the famous Amber Room – the 8th Wonder of the World) and Catherine’s Park with its many beautiful pavilions, sculptures, and ponds

Lunch (optional)*

PAVLOVSK TOUR – The Palace in Pavlovskhas the most exquisite interiors decorated to the tastes of Paul and Maria. This palace is known for its outstanding collection of antique sculptures, European furniture, bronze, China sets, and silk fabrics.

YUSUPOV PALACE TOUR – This Palace was the site of the murder of Gregory Rasputin. Your guide will tell you that most mystical and tragic story: a very dramatic moment of Russian history.

18:00
Return to hotel

 

Day 10

Private driver guide at disposal

9:00 am
PETERHOF TOUR. Peterhof is another summer residence of former Russian emperors. You will tour the Upper Garden which resembles Versailles in its planning and, of course, the Lower Park with its incomparable fountains. You’ll be astonished by the Great Cascade with its gold-embossed sculptures glistening amidst springs of crystal clear water! Your guide will show you many beautiful fountains along with pavilions and sculptures that bare historical significance.

On the way back to St. Petersburg you will have a chance to see the « not so touristy » St. Petersburg making a short METRO TRIP the interiors of which recall palaces not subways.

Lunch( optional)*

CANAL CRUISE along rivers and canals of the « Venice of the North ».

1. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL TOUR. The dome is gilded with 100 kilograms of gold. St. Isaac’s is ranked as number one in the world for the richness of its interior decoration.

5 pm return to hotel

Included

Included:

• Guide services
• Driver services
• A/c vehicle
• Admissions to all museums as per program
• Canal cruise
• Metro ride
• Bottled water
• All fees & Taxes
• Photo/video permits

Day 11:  Moscow for 3 nights

Take a taxi on own from hotel to train station

 1^st class train from St Petersburg to Moscow with seat reservations

Departure at 1:10 pm, arrival at 5:10 pm

Meet & greet private transfer from train station to hotel

1 double + 1 single room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Pushkin****

Only a 15-minute walk to Red Square, Pushkin Hotel is located in the centre of Moscow. The famous Tverskaya Street with various restaurants and shops is a short walk away.

The air-conditioned rooms feature free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The private bathrooms are equipped with a shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.

Patriarch Ponds is a 20-minute walk from Hotel Pushkin. Moscow Zoo is just one metro stop away, while Tretyakov Gallery is 3 stops away.

Sheremetyevo Airport is 18.6 miles away and Domodevo Airport is 34.2 miles away.

http://www.otel-pushkin.ru/

 

Day 12

URBAN ADVENTURES Moscow Underground-Small group at 10 am

Duration of tour: 3 hours

We begin our Moscow tour beneath the city, exploring the underground palace of the Moscow Metro. From the Square of Revolution station, famous for its huge statues of soviet people (an armed soldier, a farmer with a rooster, a warrior, and more), we’ll move onto some of the most significant stations, where impressive mosaics, columns, and chandeliers will boggle your eyes! Moreover, these stations reveal a big part of soviet reality , the walls depict plenty of propaganda, with party leaders looking down from images on the walls. Your local guide will share personal stories of his/her family from USSR times, giving you insight into Russia’s complicated past and present. Then we’re coming back up to street level, where we’ll take a break and refuel with some Russian fast food: traditional pancakes, called bliny. And then, stomachs satiated, we are ready to move forward! We’ll take the eco-friendly electric trolleybus, with a route along the Moscow Garden Ring. Used mainly by Russian babushkas (grannies) during the day, the trolleybus hits peak hours in the mornings and evenings, when many locals use it going to and from their days. Our first stop will be the Aviator’s House, one of Stalin’s Seven Sisters, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs , and you’ll hear the legends of what has gone on inside the walls. Throughout your Moscow tour, you’ll learn curious facts from soviet history while seeing how Russia exists now, 25 years after the USSR.

Includes:  Local English-speaking guide, pancake snack and drink.

 

Day 13

Private Moscow city tour with Kremlin 

Duration of tour: 4 hours

This private Moscow tour will enable you to discover one of the symbols of Russia, the Kremlin as well as the beauties of Moscow. You will learn about the turbulent history of Russia and the role the Kremlin has played in it for the past eight hundred years. The Kremlin remains as enigmatic as ever by being not only the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation but also one of the biggest museums in the world. You will see the 5 cathedrals, as well as the Tsar cannon and Tsar Bell, the biggest bell in the world. This tour is a must for every tourist in Moscow.

Includes:  Hotel Pick up, Services of a private guide, City tour, Entrance to the territory of the Kremlin and 5 Cathedrals.

 

Day 14:  Helsinki for 1 night

Private transfer from hotel to airport

Finnair flight from Moscow to Helsinki

Departure at 12:50 pm, arrival at 1:30 pm

Meet & greet private transfer from airport to hotel

1 double + 1 single room, breakfast & taxes included at Hotel Rivoli Jardin****

The stylish property offers accommodation next to the Esplanadi shopping streets, about 10 minutes’ walk from Helsinki Central Station. It provides an on-site gym, business centre and bookable sauna. WiFi is free.

Individual decor, a minbar and a TV are provided at Next Hotel Rivoli Jardin’s rooms.

Staff can help recommend tourist attractions and area restaurants, several within 15 minutes’ walk of Next Rivoli’s guest rooms. The central location offers easy access to culture, shopping and entertainment.

http://www.rivoli.fi/hotellimme/jardin/

 

Day 15

Private transfer from hotel to airport

2 economy + 1 business class

Icelandair flight from Helsinki to Montreal via Reykjavik and Toronto

Departure at 2:20 pm, arrival at 3:55 pm

Departure at 5 pm, arrival at 5:55 pm

Departure at 8 pm, arrival at 9:28 pm