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A journeyfromBelarus toKaliningradTour durationHoliday typeSeasonality13 daysIndividual TourExplore at LeisureYear-roundThis individual itinerary starts in Minsk whereyou will feel as if you have stepped back intime to the Soviet days, especially on seeingthe imposing statue of Lenin in IndependenceSquare. But first impressions can be deceptive,look a little further and you will discover firstraterestaurants and buzzing live music venues.Take the train to the wonderful Baroque cityof Vilnius, before continuing to Klaipeda andonwards to Nida on the stunning CuronianSpit. The quaint fishing village of Nida is anideal base from which to explore places furtherafield such as Thomas Mann’s summer houseand the eerie ‘Hill of Witches’.Finish in Kaliningrad, once a wealthy Germanport and university town called Königsbergbut now changed beyond recognition underSoviet control. Amid the austere Sovietarchitecture, there are still suggestions ofa more creative German past; picturesqueKönigsberg buildings, such as the cathedral,which become even more appealing amid asea of grey concrete.This itinerary is based on 3-star central hotelswith bus and train tickets, as well as a privatetransfer from Lithuania to Kaliningrad. We canof course tailor-make this tour to suit you if youwould prefer to stay longer in any one place orupgrade your hotels to 4/5-star.Day 1 Fly to MinskFly to Minsk and transfer to hotel for 3 nights.Day 2-3 MinskFree days in Minsk to explore at leisure orbook optional excursions. We recommendfollowing a route from Independence Squareto October Square and getting your fill ofStalin-era grandiose gems including the PostOffice, GUM Department Store and Palaceof Culture. (B)Day 4 Minsk to VilniusTake train from Minsk to Vilnius. There areseveral departures daily and the journey takesaround 4½ hours. Arrive Vilnius and check intohotel for 2 nights. (B)Day 5 VilniusFree day in Vilnius to explore at leisure orbook optional excursions. Discover unspoiledwinding streets and a church on every cornerin the picturesque Baroque Old Town. Takethe funicular from the Lower to the HigherCastle for views across the rooftops. To learnmore of the country’s recent history, pay avisit to the Museum of Genocide Victims inthe former KGB headquarters. (B)Day 6 Vilnius to KlaipedaTake train from Vilnius to Klaipeda. Thereare several departures a day and the journeytakes around 4½ hours. Check into hotel for2 nights. (B)Day 7 KlaipedaFree day in Klaipeda to explore at leisure.There’ll be plenty to keep you occupiedhere; take a stroll around the charming OldTown with its slightly hodgepodge attemptsof reconstruction following World War II,visit one of many interesting museums andgalleries including the excellent MartynasMazvydas Sculpture Park, or stay out late andsample the vibrant nightlife. (B)Day 8 Klaipeda To NidaTake bus to Nida. There are several departuresa day and the journey takes around 1½ hours.Check into hotel for 2 nights. (B)Day 9 NidaFree day in Nida to explore at leisure. Thisancient fishing town is brimming with quaint,timber houses painted in a variety of brightcolours and boasts a lovely, cosmopolitanbeach perfect for some relaxing bathing. (B)Day 10 Nida to KaliningradPrivate transfer from Nida to Kaliningrad.Check into hotel for 3 nights. (B)Day 11-12 KaliningradFree days in Kaliningrad to explore at leisureor book optional excursions. Meander throughthe delightful tree-lined former Germanneighbourhoods and discover the remainsof the old city gates, in particular the DohnaTower which contains the Amber Museum.Make time to visit the World Ocean Museum,on a former Soviet research vessel, and the oldFoxtrot-class Soviet submarine. (B)Day 13 Kaliningrad to UKTransfer to airport for flight back to the UK. (B)Prices fromPer person twin-share £1095Single room supplement £299Prices include• Return flights in economy class withAustrian Airlines and SAS via Vienna/Copenhagen from London Heathrow• All airport taxes and security charges• Accommodation in 3-star hotels withbreakfast• Arrival transfer in Minsk• Train tickets, Minsk to Vilnius, Vilniusto Klaipeda• Bus tickets, Klaipeda to Nida• Private transfer from Nida toKaliningrad• Departure transfer in KaliningradPrices exclude• Belarusian and Russian Visa(see page 148)105Call 020 7666 1244 | www.regentholidays.co.uk | visit your local travel agent