Baltic, Nordic & Eastern Europe
Well Connected Travel offers a wide range of different itineraries & programs in the region of Baltic, Nordic & Eastern Europe. Visit fascinating cities along your journey such as Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen Novgorod, Tallinn, Riga, Cesis, Klaipeda, Kaliningrad, Gdansk, Prague, Cracow, St.Petersberg, Warsaw, Vilnius, Riga, Moscow, Suzdal, Vladimir, Orel & Kiev.
Summer Program
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Regional Highlights
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» ESTONIA

Breathtaking Hanseatic charm in our medieval capital Tallinn and in other old Hansa towns, large areas of almost virgin nature –pine forests, deserted sandy beaches, bogs and wetlands, which have nearly disappeared from the rest of Europe, big and small islands with wooden windmills and juniper fields – that's all just some of the attractions of Estonia, the northernmost of three Baltic Countries, lying around the Baltic Sea cost. Due to Estonia's strategic location as a link between East and West, it's stirring history has come through the ages of rapacious kings and conquerors. Russian Orthodox onion domes, Swedish named villages and towns, German manors and Danish castles – the influence of many different invaders upon Estonia's ancient culture are what make this Baltic country so unique.
X Close» LATVIA
One of Europe's Last hidden treasures. The country is plotted with small picturesque medieval towns, country castles, museums and folk parks, ruined fortresses and, occasionally, grand palaces. Everywhere you will find intriguing evidence of distinctive Latvian customs, crafts and culture, and of a determination to preserve and restore the best of the nation's heritage. The access to the Baltic Sea and the important Daugava River made early the area to an important point on the trading routes from North Europe to Russia and Byzantium. But the location brought not only wealth but also strive and throughout the centuries the area was subjected to foreign rule - all or various parts of country were governed at different times by Germany, Sweden, Poland, Russia and Soviet Union. As a matter of fact Latvia has only existed as an independent state for two short historical periods - during the 2 world wars in the last century and again from August 1991 when Latvian independence was restored in the aftermath of the collapse of the Soviet Union.
After centuries of foreign domination, Latvia is again transforming herself into an economically and politically stable democracy, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Riga - the new Baltic Metropolis. No other city in Europe can boost such fine examples of Art Nouveau and buildings in this particular style occupy more than one third of downtown Riga. Miraculously the medieval Old Town has been neither badly damaged by war nor disfigured by high rise development. You'll fall in love with these cobbled narrow streets. Wherever you turn you'll find a wealth of historic buildings such the Dome Cathedral with it's world famous organ, St. Peters Church built back in 1209 with first clock in the city or Guild Square with the Large and the Small Guild that represent a former glory of Riga as a Hanseatic City. Today vast reconstruction works, new comfortable hotels, modern office buildings, cozy restaurants and fashionable shops help makes Riga to recapture its former beauty and to become the New Baltic Metropolis.
X Close» LITHUANIA
A small country located on the Eastern shore of the Baltic sea. It emerged as a state in the early 13th century and became one of the most powerful states in Eastern Europe. A long history of expansion was followed by shrinkage and even disappearance from the world map. After being incorporated in the Soviet Union during the World War II Lithuania was the first republic to break away in the early 90'es. Today, recovering from the past Lithuanians are building a modern and democratic society based on their historic traditions. Nature has been generous to Lithuania. The country's beauty lies in the diversity of its landscape. This is a place of rolling hills and gentle plains, of quietly flowing rivers and of lakes which reflect the blueness of the sky. The largest river, the Nemunas carries the waters to the Baltic Sea , wherein lies Lithuania's famous "amber coast". Vilnius - a world heritage city Lithuanians capital city is built at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers and surrounded by picturesque wooden hills.
The city has an enormous architectural diversity with many churches and towers, fortifications, secluded medieval courtyards and narrow and curved streets. It is a city with a rich history, it is a place where Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical styles stand side by side and compliment each other. Vilnius has managed to retain its unique character as a northerly cultural meeting point at the crossroads of the Roman and Byzantine and the European and Eurasian worlds. Don't miss the symbols of Vilnius - the Gediminas Castle, the Gothic masterpiece of Saint Ann's church, the old Vilnius University, the gem of Baroque - the St. Peter and Paul's Church and the classical St. Stanislav's Cathedral.
X Close» HUNGARY
Budapest, Hungary's capital is alive with ornate architecture, rich culture and history. Budapest straddles the Danube and is dominated by Várhegy, or Castle Hill, where you can wander for hours immersing yourself in the city's history. Cast your eyes over the wonderful panorama from Fisherman's Bastion, built in 1905.
X Close» POLAND
Birthplace of Chopin, Warsaw is home to one of the most beautiful parks in Europe, Lazienki Park, in addition to one of the most valuable Baroque complexes in Poland, Wilanow Palace. Welcome to Poland, a country that will provide an unforgettable experience. The enthusiasts of nature will surely enjoy the golden sand of its Baltic coastal beaches to the north and the rocky crags of the Tatras to the south. There are the wonderful Mazurian Lakes and the Bieszczady Mountains for those who enjoy the outdoors. To those with a taste for history and its mementoes, Poland extends an invitation to visit the many painstakingly restored old town complexes, the Royal castles of Warsaw and Krakow, the former capital, and into the old palaces erected by Poland's magnates. Numerous museums are bringing to mind the memory of bygone centuries such as the Nicolaus Copernicus Biographical Museum in the former seat of Warmian bishops in Frombork or the medieval underground salt mine in Wieliczka. In spite of a turbulent history and the dramatic changes shaping Polish society today, Poles have vigorously maintained a distinct sense of culture and community.
Warsaw, birthplace of Chopin, is home to one of the most beautiful parks in Europe, Lazienki Park. Visit Wilanow Palace, one of the most valuable Baroque complexes in Poland or see the Warsaw Uprising Monument, depicting an unforgettable period in this country's turbulent history. Krakow's beautiful cobbled streets, Jewish Quarter and amazing altar piece in St Mary's Basilica are just a few of the things to keep you fascinatingly occupied in this cosmopolitan city. Cafes, pubs and restaurants sit comfortably among the original Old Town centre.
X Close» RUSSIA
From the windy Baltic Sea to the Pacific coast, from the Arctic ices to the wild steppe, expands a country, occupying one sixth of the world's landmass - Russia.
This is a country of rustling birch woods and silent pine forests, frosty winters and spectacular summers, mighty Siberian rivers and desolate marshes, frozen tundra and never-ending steppe, golden wheat fields and enormous blue skies, sprawling cities and forgotten villages, onion-domed churches and picturesque Mosques, white-walled monasteries and Imperial palaces, heroic past and thrilling legends, enigmatic icons and stirring symphonies, the home land of Anna Karenina and Doctor Zhivago, Peter Tchaikovsky and Wassily Kandinsky, the Maryinsky opera and the Bolshoy ballet. These are just some of the attractions of this vast and romantic land. Russia has changed a lot over the past fifteen years. Overcoming the difficulties of transforming itself into a modern capitalist nation Russia is a country with a great potential. Moscow Once called "The City of Forty Times Forty Churches" or the "Third Rome", Moscow has grown from a wooden village, first mentioned in the twelve century, into a thriving and dynamic capital city. Moscow has long been the centre of political and religious power in Russia and nowhere is this better seen than in the Kremlin, with its conglomeration of onion-domed churches and presidential apartments. This ancient citadel and the near-by sixteen-century St. Basil Cathedral on Red Square harmonize remarkably well with such diverse modern architecture as the Lenin Mausoleum, Stalinist skyscrapers, ultra-modern shopping centres, restaurants and super de luxe hotels. This unique combination of past and present, historical and contemporary, combined with such cultural gems as the Tretyakov gallery and the Bolshoy Theatre is what makes Moscow so attractive. St. Petersburg The Venice of the North and the Babylon of the Snows, St. Petersburg is an engineering miracle thrown up by Peter the Great on desolate marshland at the mouth of the river Neva. This is a city of bracing frosts in winter and romantic White Nights in summer, when the sun never seems to set on the Imperial palaces, winding canals, arched bridges, granite embankments, wide prospects and leafy islands.
The amazing diversity of architectural styles - the baroque Winter Palace and Smolny Cathedral, the classical Kazan Cathedral and Mikhailovsky Palace, the eclectic Maryinsky Theatre and St. Isaac's Cathedral, the neo-Russian Church on Spilled Blood and the pearls of Art Nouveau on Petrograd island - makes St. Petersburg the eighth wonder of the world. But do not leave St. Petersburg without visiting the parks of Pavlovsk, the palaces of Tsarskoe Selo and the golden fountains of Peterhof.
X Close» SCANDINAVIA
The fresh, crisp Nordic air and beautiful cities are bound to inspire in the land of the midnight sun. The Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland are a mix of lively, progressive cities and rural countryside. From beautifully rugged mountains, to glistening glaciers, cavernous fjords to sidewalk cafes, these countries all present you with stunning natural beauty and a great sense of spaciousness. Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, is a vibrant city full of history yet always moving with the times. Sweden's beautiful Stockholm is also a wonderful blend of old and new in a stunning location spanning 14 islands. The Finnish capital of Helsinki, where east meets west, with tree-lined streets and harbour location, is a pleasant and welcoming city. Or the delightful Norwegian cities of Oslo and Bergen, gateway to the fjords, are charming and unspoiled. Scandinavia - natural beauty with a cosmopolitan edge and vibrancy all wrapped in to one.
X Close» CZECH REPUBLIC PRAGUE
Capital of the Czech Republic, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its majestic Hradcany Castle and the charming Old Town complete with its unique and beautiful astronomical clock. Prague's skyline is punctuated with turrets, towers and steeples and its cobbled streets are filled with quaint cafes. Meander through the streets of Nov´y Svet almost hearing the scuffle of chambermaids and scullions or visit the Old Town Square with the beautiful Astronomical Clock. Warsaw, birthplace of Chopin, is home to one of the most beautiful parks in Europe, Lazienki Park. Visit Wilanow Palace, one of the most valuable Baroque complexes in Poland or see the Warsaw Uprising Monument, depicting an unforgettable period in this country's turbulent history. Krakow's beautiful cobbled streets, Jewish Quarter and amazing altar piece in St Mary's Basilica are just a few of the things to keep you fascinatingly occupied in this cosmopolitan city. Cafes, pubs and restaurants sit comfortably among the original Old Town centre.
X Close» BRNO
Is the country's second largest city. You'll find Art Nouveau houses, Gothic and Baroque architecture and a lively atmosphere all in one. Visit the fascinating Spilberk Castle that dominates the city and is a National Heritage monument.
X Close» CESKY KRUMLOV
Located in Southern Bohemia and dominated by the second largest castle in Europe. Marvel at the magic Renaissance and Baroque facades surrounding the cobbled streets that make this a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
X Close» KARLOVY VARY
One of the oldest Bohemian spa towns and a popular tourist spot. Stroll along the promenades or relax in the many parks that surround this beautiful town.
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