My day begins with a visit to the Kremlin, the intriguing seat of the former Soviet Union. In the State Armory, see priceless weaponry, jewels, and ceremonial robes. Tonight, attend Zolotoye Koltso, a local folklore show.

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We have gone from sunshine one day to raining the next. However there is not much choice when you are on a tour so we left the ship to head into the city to first visit the Kremlin.

First stop was to the Armoury. This is where all of the jewels, gold, silver is, there is some serious money in this building. We saw everything from faberge easter eggs, plates and various servery, armour, carriages, thrones, clothing etc. Most things seemed to have diamonds, emeralds, rubies encrusted in them (and they were not small!). There is less than 10% of valuable objects on display so the total wealth is beyond imaginable.

Then we walked around the grounds, visited the church, saw where Putin worked. It was pouring with rain at this time, so did not get to spend as much time for photo's and what I do have are blurred with water.

Next was lunch at a local restaurant, we ate what was like a rissole of goose and chicken with mashed potato - it was not that bad and then finished with russian pastries.

Then it was off to Red Square. It was raining off and on here, so there was a chance for some photo's. There was still a lot of scaffolding being pulled down after the previous days celebrations with stages etc. The square was very popular with tourists and locals and was impressive with its red walls.

My favourite was St Basil's, the colourful church in the photo's, the architecture was interesting both inside and out. Inside we also heard a choir in one of the small rooms where the acoustics were amazing.

The day was not over yet, and finally there was a break in the weather. We made our way to a river boat for a sundowner cruise (without the sunset because it does not set until 9:30pm.). This was a good opportunity to see more of the city from the water and I could take lots of photo's. 

A visit to the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. Here I have the opportunity to meet a real cosmonaut and learn about the history of space exploration, with original exhibits and models relating to space technology, history and art. It's a beautiful and out-of-this world experience that will have me seeing stars. Then lunch in the local restaurant. Tonight, I attend an internationally renowned Russian Circus, where I get to rediscover my sense of wonder all over again (here's hoping eh?).

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Weather today was cloudy, sunny with thunderstorms and rain. Temperature is around 15 degrees.

The space museum was very interesting with many examples of material used in and taken to space. The most exciting part was the talk with a Russian Cosmonaut who talked about his own story of wanting to be a part of the space program, the rigorous training and practice landings in all sorts of terrain. He worked on the Mire Space Station for around 6 months fitting solar pannels. He described the continents as they looked from space - South America like green marsh land, Arfica - brown, US - checker board of colour, Europe with lights. He spoke of the impact to health while in and after space - solar raditation, weightlessness and loss of muscle / calcium (he used to be able to bend his fingers right back because of the loss in calcium, that later returned) and hearing loss because of the noise. Part of his mission was to find fishing spots for his country, the ocean that glowed yellow from space was rich in plankton that attracted fish. He made a joke that when he found the fish more than the Russians were listening in and he believes that he should get free sushi. He was very friendly and had a good sense of humour. He spoke of his first shower in 6 months upon return and eating french fries. During his time in space they received parcels from home - including whiskey. 

After the museum we headed to the centre of town for lunch. We ate Borsch and Beef Stroganoff served in hollowed out bread followed by russian pancakes. All of the food was tasty and I tried it all.

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The show was great and a lot of fun, they allowed photographs so you will see some in the gallery. The performers looked like they were having a great time and performed various traditional dancing and singing with local instruments. The act that I enjoyed the most were dancers in red dresses that moved across the stage as if they were on roller skates, it looked like they were gliding across the stage as you did not see there legs move. They also had some kosak dancing and trampolining.

I can choose to visit the State Tretyakov gallery, a world-famous museum housing a unique collection of Russian art, or explore the Museum of the Armed Forces, where I have an opportunity to see a vast collection of Russian military memorabilia - umm, what to do.

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Today was cold with a top temperature of 11 degress and yes you guessed it still raining.

Half of the group headed off to the Amred Forces Museum while the other went to an art gallery. They refered to the two tours as 'guns & roses'. I chose guns.

This is where we learn't about the second world war or as the Russians refer to it as the Great Patriotic War. Around 27 million Russians were killed during this war, both soldiers and locals. Many were killed in nazi concentration camps.

There were many things on show from the war and there was an outside area with planes, tanks, artillery etc.

After the tour we were back on board the ship to start sailing. You may not hear from me in a while as internet coverage is likely to disappear.

Part of the Golden Ring of cities surrounding Moscow, Uglich is well worth a long, deliberate examination and my guided walking tour will be just what the doctor ordered.

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We left Moscow in the afternoon and sailed through the canal through several locks before joining the Volga River.

The morning was very relaxed and included a port talk on Uglich, Russian History from Rurik up to the October Revolution and then a Russian language class (I can now speak fluent Russian!).

After lunch we arrived at Ulglich, famous for its watch making and munitions factory that I believes still operates today.

We had a traditional greeting with a women in tradtional dress offering bread and salt. The town is not big and we were guided around though the Church of St. Demetrios on the Blood (red church in photos). This is the site where Prince Dmitry the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible had his throat cut at the age of 10.

Welcome to the fascinating and ancient city of Yaroslavl. In fact, dating back to the 1010, it's even older than mighty Moscow. Time to acquaint myself with its long and impressive history by taking an enjoyable guided tour of its most famous sights.

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First things first - it's not raining! (yet). Today we docked in Yaroslavl, a larger city in the golden ring. Here we visited some more churches, a monastry and were fortunate to witness a military parade.

I will explore the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery, built in 1397 and home to a wonderful collection of Russian Orthodox icons. As the ship sets sail, I will get to toast the occasion with a little vodka, a beverage integral to Russian culture for over 600 years, yummy.

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First things first - it's not raining! (yet). Today we docked in Yaroslavl, a larger city in the golden ring. Here we visited some more churches, a monastry and were fortunate to witness a military parade.

This morning my ship docks at Kizhi an open museum with precious collection wooden and chapels. I will also get to view the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with timbered onion domes. It is easily among the most magnificent examples of wooden architecture in Russia, and the world.

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Today we arrived in Kizhi, an island on the river made of rock. It was a mixed day with sunshine and then 10 minutes of rain and then sunshine again. This is the place that is famous for its onion dome church. Unfortunately it is undergoing renovation that has lasted for years, so not all domes were visible. The whole village including the domes are made of wood, the domes are mountain ash. We saw a typical house that made me thankful for electricity and airconditioning, it would be very dark and cold in winter. 

Dinner was Ukrainian and of course included 'Chicken Kiev'. There is now no real sunset, it stays light all night. We have now cross the second largest and largest lakes in Europe, there was no land to be seen on either side of the ship.

It's all ashore to explore this charming museum village, which was reconstructed after World War 1. I get a chance to wander around the distinctive buildings and later try Shashlik, a traditional meal similar to shish kebab, again yum yum.

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Today was a local and tourist resort, there were many handicrafts and some beautiful things. The weather was sunny so it was nice to walk around in the fresh air. The highlight was the Russan BBQ and performance of local folk songs, rock, jazz and classical music (hard to describe, but some very talented musicians)!

Now we set sail for St Petersburg.

I start my day with a guided tour of this uniquely beautiful metropolis, followed by a lunch in a local restaurant. Then, visit the Hermitage, formerly the Winter Palace and home to the Tsars. Today it houses one of the world's most magnificent art collections.

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We arrived in St Petersburg early this morning after crossing the largest lake in Europe. The weather was not great and the lake felt more like an ocean.

St Petersburg is cold and wet, but the show must go on so we boarded our buses at 8:00 this morning. The city has some amazing architecture and is very similar to what you would see in Europe, there are many canals, churches and palaces. Some of the photo's are lacking because of the rain, but we did get to see everything.

Lunch was at a restaurant called 'restaurant', beef stroganoff seems to be a very popular meal to serve to tourists. 

The afternoon was the Hermitage, for anyone that has been would be familiar with the long lines and inside it was very busy. There are around 6 ocean liners in town, plus the river boats. 

Inside can only be described as amazing with various rooms where the ceilings, walls and floors were all art. The paintings including Michelangelo and Rembrant were stunning, but also very popular, you had to fight your way to the front for a photo, not unlike the Mona Lisa.

My choice to explore Catherine’s Block and the fountains in the Lower Garden at Peterhof on a guided tour, or be seduced by the sheer extravagance of Peterhof’s Grand Palace. Alternatively, wander the incomparable Upper and Lower Gardens at Peterhof, including the Palaces’ majestic Fountains. Then I get to enjoy a lunch in a local restaurant.

Another activity choice this afternoon - Visit magnificent St. Isaac's Cathedral, the largest Russian Orthodox cathedral in the city, or discover the Yusupov Palace, where Rasputin was murdered.

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Good news, the weather today became clearer. The palace was amazing with its painted silk walls, no photos allowed sorry. The palace was very similar to Versai and was built after Peter the Great visited Europe and came back to Russia wanting to create similar museums and palaces. This was his summer house.

There were many fountains within the gardens and are turned on at 11am with a musical introduction.

We caught a hydrofoil back into the city of St Petersburg before going to lunch.

This morning I visit Catherine's Palace, famous for its grandiose white and gardens. Then a highlight lunch at the old-world wooden ‘Podvorie’ restaurant. Here I will be offered traditional Russian cuisine where the delicious fare is actually home-grown at the restaurant owner’s private summer residence.

This afternoon I can enjoy some free time to explore or relax.

Tonight I will be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a private Russian ballet concert at the majestic Palace of Prince Vladimir. The Palace was the last Imperial palace to be built in St. Petersburg and is an eclectic combination of architectural styles that will dazzle and amaze you.

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Last night we headed into the city to the Palace of Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich and his private theatre. Champagne on arrival where we were entertained by a string quartet. The ballet covered numbers from 'Sleeping Beauty', Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle and Don Quixote. 

We left the theatre at around 9:30pm and it was still daylight, the city is celebrating 'white night' which is a music festival during the summer where the day lasts all night long. We saw one of the many bridges raised, they are all draw bridges and open at various times during the night. The city was still busy with cruise ships in town, along with the Confederation Cup including Australia playing last night in St Petersburg.

The next day we visited catherines palace, had a traditional lunch and then St Isaacs cathedral in the afternoon. The palace again was very opulent with gold all over the walls, silk wallpaper. We were lucky with the rain, while there were very dark clouds, we missed it while walking around the gardens.

Lunch was at least five courses with entertainment. Vodka was provided on each table and I can report that I have had a few shots followed by food (usually a pickle), there is photo evidence. Vodka is usually shared in groups of three and there is a traditional toast that is something like 'nicedriveway'.

The cathedral in the afternoon is one of the largest in the world and was spectacular. 

Canals and bridges cruise - today I enjoy a cruise through the city’s canals and get to glide under some of the city’s 400 bridges.

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The canal cruises are a really good way to see the city and take photo's. During the afternoon I did a lot of walking, taking photos, walking along the canals and down the main street. One highlight was a 'grocery store' with counters for all types of food. Hard to explain but you will see the photos.

I am not totally exhausted and about to go to dinner so will update photo's later. This will be the last night in Russia before catching the train tomorrow to Helsinki.

After breakfast, the Russian river cruise comes to an end. Disembark the ship and travel Helsinki by the high speed train.

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The train ride was around 3 1/2 hours and they served us lunch, the train travelled up to around 230 km/hr and was very comfortable. At the Russian end I was stopped from taking photo's of the train, but did get some from the Helsinki end.

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That night we had a welcome dinner with traditional Finish food - Creamy Salmon Soup, Peppered beef sirloin steak wth cognac cream sauce and sour milk pannacotta with blueberry jam.

Based on what I have seen we will be eating a lot of fish, reindeer (but not rudolf) and fresh berries. 

I start the day with a sightseeing tour that will take me to such sights as Senate Square, the Sibelius monument, Olympic Stadium and the lively harbour area. Following the city tour, I will take a short trip to the authentic open-air museum of Seurasaari. The museum is a tribute to the traditional Finnish way of life with colourful costumes, entertainment and architecture on display.

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In the morning we had a city tour, some time down town and a visit to an open air museum (an island set up with the houses and lifestyles in history).

The weather was good, with mostly sunshine, a little cool. The locals have said that summer has not started yet and it is late.

During the free time we walked through the open air markets where you could sample some of the local delicacies. Fish soup, white bait, new potatoes, pancakes and plenty of fresh berries - you could smell them they were that fresh.

The Finns are famous for Sauna's, Nokia Phones, the Angry Birds game and its nature

After breakfast today I will be transferred to the airport for my internal flight to Sweden and the archipelago that is Stockholm. Stockholm, said to be one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world, is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. The beautiful buildings, the greenery, the fresh air and the proximity to the water are distinctive traits of this city.

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I think I like Stokholm! After driving from the airport into the city we arrived at our hotel, it was still early and the rooms were not ready. So I headed out to walk around the water and then boarded a canal cruise. These seem to be the best ways to see the city, it is easy to take photos and there is plenty of time to see the sights.

The local guide will unveil the city's most treasured hotspots, during a city tour. Then a visit to the Vasa Ship Museum, where the ornate warship "Vasa' is now housed after it tragically sank on its inaugural voyage in 1628 (oops!).

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Another good day today, the sun was shining and we headed out first thing to do a city tour, visit the town hall and a museum. In the afternoon I headed back to the old town for a cinnamon bun and a walk around the cobbled streets.

This morning I board a flight to Alesund, via Oslo. Upon arrival a journey through the stunning Norwegian fjord region, before arriving at the hotel in Geiranger for two nights.

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I was sad to leave Sweden because Stockholm was a beautiful city with it's canals and architecture, but it was time to move on.

Yesterday was a day of travel with a flight to Oslo and then onto Aeslund. We did experience a bit of a glitch at Oslo airport due to the 'hacking incident' but just made it to our connecting flight.

The flight over the snow capped mountains was beautiful and gave us a taste of what was in store.

Once landing we had a 3 hour drive to the hotel at Geiranger fjord. The scenery was amazing and included a ferry ride across the water. The roads are very narrow and twist and turn with hairpin bends. 

This morning, cruise the magnificent Geiranger Fjord and sail past the "Seven Sisters', The Suitor, and The Bridal Veil" waterfalls. This afternoon travel Troll's ladder road, for spectacular and unforgettable views.

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The hotel is situated looking right over the fjord, as does my room. There is a waterfall to the left and the fjord at the front and with a midnight sun you can see it all day long!

Today was all about the Fjords and the scenery and it did not disapoint. Let me set the scene. The sun is shining and the sky is blue, the mountains are snow capped and the snow that is melting has created majestic waterfalls down the mountains, the landscape is green, there are lupins (pink, blue and purple flowers) in the fields, once the water reaches the ground it turns into streams where the water is so clear that you can see the bottom. In some places the water is so strong it creates mist and you can hear it roar. There are local houses in various colours including red that creates a great back drop to the green forest and fields. The roads zig zag through the mountains, I am not sure how the bus driver does it, around every corner there is a new vista. Some of our time was catching ferries so you could experience the Fjord from the water and gave you a perfect view of some of the waterfalls.

I hope that gives you some idea of the day, I don't even think I can capture it well enough in a photograph. But I did try and have taken hundreds of photos!

Today I enjoy the unforgettable views of Geiranger fjord (weather permitting) from Dalsnibba before continuing to travel alongside spectacular mountains to Jostedalsbreen, the largest icefield in continental Europe covering 487 square kilometres. Visit one of the most photographed and impressive arms of the icefield, Briksdalsbreen, and have a truly Norwegian experience. Be taken by trollcar up the glacier for a spectacular view of the glacier and magnificent waterfall. Continue the journey this afternoon to Balestrand, and arrivie at my hotel located waterside at the junction of the majestic Sognefjord and Esefjord.

This morning I can relax on-board a gorgeous fjord cruise before embarking on the steepest railway in Europe, the world-famous Flam railway. Amid spectacular scenery and roaring waterfalls travel to Myrdal before changing trains and continuing the journey to Norway's second largest city, the Hanseatic fishing port of Bergen. Bergen dates back to the 12th century when the port was an important centre of European trade for the all- powerful German Hanseatic League. Arrive in Bergen and a chance to admire the pretty multi coloured wooden buildings of Bergen.

Today time to explore Bergen and then drive to Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg. Norway's greatest composer. Then a choice - Journey up the funicular railway 1,050 feet to Mt. Floien for a spectacular bird's eye view of the city and fjord, or alternatively, walk the lanes and discover a little of the wonder of this pretty municipality and its surrounds. Then this evening, choose to dine at one of two superb local restaurants, where you're assured of fine food, and even finer company (yummy).

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The last two days have been spent in Bergen. It is a beautiful place by the sea (which also meant several cruise ships). The weather was good to us considering it normally rains there for most of the year with only a few weeks a year without rain. 

As usual we had a city tour, then visited Grieg's (norwegian composer) summer house and took a funicular up to the top of the mountain for a magnificent view of the city. Then dinner in one of the oldest restaurants in Bergen, very nice.

Today has been a travelling day by the fjiords, waterfalls and mountains until we reached a quiet town Lofthus by the Hardangerfjord. I am looking out of my window as I type with snow capped mountains and the water, it is a very nice hotel.

This morning we journey to Lofthus, situated on the shore of sorfjorden, an arm of the Hardangerfjord. This charming town is my home for tonight.

Today a drive through the scenic and breathtaking Hardangervidda, Europe’s highest mountain plateau and home to Norway’s largest herd of wild reindeer, before arriving in the Norwegian capital of Oslo for a two night stay.

Start the day by journeying to the Bygdoy Peninsula, home to three famous museums, all of which we will visit; the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Fram Polar Ship. From the museums, continue to the amazing Vigeland Sculpture Park. This evening enjoy a dinner at Holmenkollen, home of Oslo’s ski jumping arena and the host of the 1952 Winter Olympics.

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Hello from Oslo and Happy Birthday Dad! We spent today in the city of Oslo and tonight I am heading out to dinner at the ski jumps used for the Winter Olympics.

I have just loaded some new photo's under Oslo (some are on the way, the last mountain, snow and fjord pictures).

Today fly from Oslo to Copenhagen, Denmark. From its humble origins as a fishing village to its heyday as the glittering capital of the Danish Empire, to its current position as one of the world’s premier design capitals, the stories and characters of Copenhagen’s history can be discovered in its sumptuous palaces, copper-roofed town houses and atmospheric cobbled squares.

This morning, I tour the wonderful Rosenborg Castle an elegant Renaissance castle built as a country summer house in 1606. I also get to see the delightful courtyard of Amalienborg Palace, home to Princess Mary and the Danish Royal Family. The last tour choice - Either take an iconic cruise through the city canals, or visit the Christianshavn District of Copenhagen, including a tour of the Church of Our Saviour. This evening dinner is at one of Copenhagen's finest restaurants so keen that I savour every morsel.

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Our hotel is centrally located in the city so yesterday I ventured out to explore, there is a really good atmosphere in the city with lots of people walking around on a Friday afternoon and there is a Jazz festival so music is playing in the squares. Because it does not get dark you can do a lot more and the stores are still open. Kohen and Tyla Denmark is where Lego is from so I went into the store to take a photo for you. 

Today we had a city tour - first to see the little mermaid (yes it is little!), then to the palaces to have morning tea with Princess Mary (that's not quite true, they are gone for the summer), there are a lot of bikes here and it is not unusual to see Mary riding with the kids to school on her bike with the body guard following on a mountain bike.

Then the castle and to see the jewels!, a visit to Christiania (a hippy commune where marijuana is sold freely on 'push street' and finally a canal cruise. I am back at the hotel now getting ready for our last dinner in the Tivoli gardens.

After breakfast I will be transferred to Copenhagen Airport for my homebound flight with hopefully, memories of a truly unforgettable trip.

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Returning to Australia from Copenhagen on Sunday 9 July 2017 at 15:35, EMIRATES flight EK152 Business Class. Arriving at 11:55PM in Dubai Sunday 9 July 2017. Overnight stay in Dubai then departing Monday 10 July 2017 at 10:15 on EMIRATES flight EK412 Business Class. I will arrive home in Sydney at 06:05 on Tuesday 11 July 2017!