St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer - 14 nights, August 2013

Embark on a panoramic drive through wonderful Copenhagen passing by many of the city’s top sights, including Gammelstrand, Christiansborg Castle, home to the Danish Parliament, Nyhavn and the Royal Palace, Amalienborg. Enjoy a brief photograph stop at the city’s most famous symbol, the Little Mermaid.

Tivoli Gardens was founded in 1843 by Georg Carstensen and was inspired by the so called romantic pleasure gardens of Europe. When Tivoli first opened its gates, it only had a few rides and amusements, however, today there is a mix of attractions mingled with charming flower and relaxation gardens. One of the most photographed features of Tivoli is the Chinese Pagoda from 1900 and the building is believed to have inspired Hans Christian Andersen to write the ‘Nightingale’. Your guide will host you on a walk through the park, regaling stories about the parks history and famous visitors. Then it’s time to sample the famous Danish pastry with tea or coffee served in the beautiful Concert Hall foyer.

Enjoy some free time to explore independently, shop for souvenirs or for the more adventurous, hop aboard one of the many rides.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There approximately one hour of walking included on this tour over flat, paved terrain.

Situated in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, the grand, blue Catherine Palace was named in honour of Peter the Great’s wife, Catherine I. Built in the mid 18th century during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine II, the baroque façade is nearly 1,000 feet long with decorative white and gold ornaments and the grounds comprise of some 1,482 acres of manicured gardens and parklands.

You will visit various rooms of the Palace’s sumptuous interior and glimpse part of the vast gardens. One of the many highlights will be the Amber Room with its walls decorated with real amber of different hues. The long, classical gallery of heroic Roman and Greek busts that runs alongside the exterior of the Palace was designed as a covered walkway for Catherine the Great by the Scottish architect, Charles Cameron.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Total time allocated inside the Palace is up to 50 minutes, plus 30 minutes in the gardens. Although an early opening has been arranged for cruise ships, the Palace can become crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. There is up to 2½ hours’ total walking on this tour including stairs and gravel pathways. Protective overshoes are provided inside Catherine Palace, which can make the floor slippery and care should be taken. Camera and video fees are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted inside and photography is prohibited in the Amber Room. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside.

Enjoy a sightseeing drive through Tallinn's historic centre with photographic stops en route. Drive past Kadriorg Park, founded by Peter the Great in honour of his wife Catherine I. Then continue to the Song Festival Grounds where Estonian song festivals are held here every five years with up to 30,000 performers singing to a capacity of 300,000 spectators.

Pass by the well-preserved 15th century ruins of St Bridget's Convent and the Forest Cemetery where many prominent Estonians are buried in a natural pinewood setting.

In the district of Pirita you will see the Olympic Yachting Complex located outside of the city before arriving at Tallinn's Old Town. Disembark your coach at Tall Hermann Tower for a short walk up to Toompea Hill to Palace Square. View the baroque Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian Parliament, and visit the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevsky and the 13th century Dome Church.

After walking through the Upper Old Town to a wonderful viewpoint overlooking the Lower Town, you can appreciate a wonderful panorama of towers and steeples rising above the cluster of red-tiled roofs. There will be a short time for shopping here.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The interior visit to the Dome Church is not possible on Sundays. Flash photography or video cameras are not permitted in the Dome Church or Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. You are advised that there is approximately two hours’ total walking, which includes cobbled paths and stairs at the various attractions. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Your guide will give an explanation outside the Dome Church and you will be given free time to explore the interior.

An air-conditioned minivan with an English-speaking guide and local driver is offered on this tour. This is a private vehicle; those accompanying you are family or friends with whom you agree to share costs. We do not match groups of passengers to form a private group for the vehicle. Vehicles and guides are extremely limited and so early reservation is recommended to avoid disappointment. No deviations to duration, venues if included or departure and return times can be made.

Minivans will take up to five guests.

Peterhof Palace and Gardens are situated on a hill overlooking the Gulf of Finland, Peter the Great built the Palace to rival Versailles, personally drafting the layout of the 300-acre Park and giving detailed instructions on the design of its spectacular system of fountains. Water is supplied from natural springs and collects in the reservoirs of the Upper Gardens. The elevation difference creates the pressure that drives most of the fountains in the Lower Gardens allowing all of the fountains to operate without the use of pumps.

See if you can spot any of the fountains that are located within the grounds designed with the specific purpose of soaking visitors! Two take the form of gangly trees rigged with jets that activate when someone approaches. Another, disguised as an umbrella with a circular bench set around the stem, drops a curtain of water from its rim when someone enters to take a seat.

Most famous is the Grand Cascade, with its gold statue of Samson prying open the jaws of a lion. The Samson Fountain is supplied by a special aqueduct, over 2 miles in length, drawing water and pressure from a high-elevation source. The Cascade is aptly named as water flows down terraced steps leading from the Palace down to the Lower Gardens. Spouting fountains spray streams of water over marble statues, culminating in a man-made canal leading out to the Gulf of Finland. After exploring the grounds, you’ll have the opportunity to tour the sumptuous Palace interior and marvel at the opulence of the Throne Room, Portrait Room, White Dining Room and Chinese Rooms.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and the number of guests in your party. Only ticket per party should be booked and the full cost will be charged to that person’s credit card. Once on board, you’ll receive a request for the names of each individual in your party. This information is required to allow your party to disembark the ship for the tour. You may be expected to queue to gain entrance to Palaces in all weather.

Peterhof Palace - Due to its popularity, the Palace is expected to be crowded. Peterhof fountains are subject to maintenance work without advance notification. Photography and videography are prohibited in the Palace. Protective overshoes are provided, which can make the floor slippery in the Palace. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside.

Swedish author Steig Larsson’s Millenium Trilogy books ‘The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’, ‘The Girl Who Played With Fire’ and The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s Nest’ have been read by over 20 million people and made into award winning feature films. Embark on a walking tour that will let you walk in the footsteps of Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, the fictional hero and heroine of the series.

During a short drive your guide will hand out your official souvenir map and your walking tour will begin at ‘Bellmansgatan 1’, Mikael Blomkvist’s apartment, and continues on through the picturesque areas of Södermalm. Suspend your disbelief as you pass the ‘Millenium’ editorial offices, Salander’s luxury apartment at ‘Fiskgartan 9’ and ‘Mellqvists Kaffebar’ which was the haunt of Steig Larsson himself. Perhaps this is where he sat and came up with the plots for the novels. Your guided stroll will be spiced up with factual information and intriguing stories that tie the real Stockholm to the fictional works of the author. You will be able to mark your progress on your official souvenir map.

Rejoin your coach for a scenic drive across the Western Bridge and pass the island of Kungsholmen where the Police Headquarters and Courthouse featured in the novels are located. The inner city will give you your last glimpses of Stockholm before returning to your ship.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.There is approximately 1½ hours’ walking over cobbled ground. Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Be captivated by the flamboyant dance of the St Petersburg Cossacks of Don River. 'Kalinka','Katyusha' and many others are popular songs which will also delight you during your evening.

Russia is well known for its achievements in the performing arts and is justifiably proud of its dance companies with their tradition of folkloric dance and music.

Traditional costumes add to the magic of this special evening and refreshments of Russian 'champagne' will be served during the intermission.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Casual dress is acceptable. You are advised that there are 13 steps to access the auditorium and there is no lift. The venue is non-exclusive to Cunard and the content of the performance is subject to change. It is possible that the repertoire may differ from that described above.

Situated on the south coast, Kristiansand hosts charming small towns and a coastline dotted with tiny rocky islands and skerries. Boarding your boat at the pier, you’ll sail along the protected Blindleia shoreline, past picturesque white-painted houses in sheltered inlets — all set against a backdrop of lush green forests and rugged mountains.

Arriving at Tømmerstø, a maritime centre in a pretty setting, you’ll switch to a coach for a panoramic drive through scenic landscapes of green fields, hills and coves to Lillesand.

Lillesand is a lovely little town on the waterfront which is famous for its summer floral displays. There will be free time to stroll through the narrow streets, browse the shops and galleries or sit back in a café and enjoy the views of the old harbour and the pretty summer houses.



This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. There are a few steps to board the boat. The public address system on the boat is not very audible on the open decks. There is a bar on board, should you wish to purchase refreshments. There is approximately 30 minutes of free time in Lillesand. This tour involves several tunnels.

Your journey will take you through the beautiful New Forest National Park, where you will have the chance to see the famous New Forest ponies which graze on the wild heathland, before arriving at Exbury Gardens. Created in the 1920’s, Exbury Gardens are a spectacular 200 acre site, world famous for the Rothschild collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, rare trees and shrubs. So spectacular are the gardens that the Queen of England enjoys private visits every year.

The Gardens have been specially created to reflect the changing colours of nature throughout the different seasons. During the spring the magnolias, camellias, azaleas and wisteria burst into flower, whilst the Daffodil Meadow is a carpet of glorious gold. The spectacular collection of over ten thousand rhododendron specimens is at its best with its display of beautiful colours.

During the tour there will be the opportunity to take a delightful 20 minute ride on a small narrow gauge steam railway to see parts of the Gardens not accessible on foot.

The Gardens contain a quaint tearoom, which serves a delicious English cream tea (own expense), and an extensive gift shop selling an array of gifts and souvenirs.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach, mini steam train and on foot. There is up to three hours of walking, which is at guests' discretion. The railway and main paths of the Gardens are wheelchair accessible. There is a buggy tour available on the day for those with limited mobility (additional expense, payable direct).

Visit Tallinn’s Lower Town, where romantic narrow streets, little shops and cafés are typically found. Some of the old merchants’ houses have developed new uses for serving the busy citizens of Tallinn, whilst retaining their wonderful medieval atmosphere.

During your tour, your guide will introduce to you some of the best little souvenir shops located in Catherine’s Passage in the Old Town, selling only authentic Estonian handicrafts. This is one of the most romantic places in Tallinn and has been used in films as a backdrop for both medieval London and Paris during the Musketeers’ era.

After a walking tour of the area, you will visit local restaurant located near to the Viru Gates to enjoy refreshments and some wonderful live music.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours' total walking, which includes cobbled paths and steps. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.

Stonehenge is Britain's most remarkable and intriguing prehistoric monument. It is as old as the great temples and pyramids of Egypt and remains as compelling today as it was to the people who built the first phase over 5,000 years ago. This mighty symbol is a wonder of the world drawing thousands of visitors each year to witness its awesome majesty and mystery.

The stone circle of shaped stones, lintels, unique jointing and absolutely perfect geometry make it the most sophisticated stone circle in the world. The stones are fenced off for their preservation and protection, however your guide will accompany you along the encircling pathway for close up views and will describe what has been concluded from observations and archaeological evidence.

After a short drive from Stonehenge, you will arrive at the magnificent medieval city of Salisbury, with its historic streets and alleyways, charming half-timbered buildings, traditional eating houses and medieval Cathedral. Salisbury Cathedral is a beautiful masterpiece of early English Gothic architecture which also boasts the tallest spire in Britain, Europe's oldest working clock and the world's best-preserved original copy of the Magna Carta. Enjoy free time to explore this lovely city at your leisure.


Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in Southampton should not book a shore excursion for this port.  Southampton excursions are available for guests visiting Southampton as a port call.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The transfer time to Stonehenge is approximately one hour. There will be approximately 2½ hours of free time in Salisbury. Luncheon and the Cathedral entrance fee are not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling).

Regular tram traffic began in Helsinki in 1891 and the first carriages were open sided and pulled by horses. In 1901 electric powered trams took over and through the years the city has seen different styles of tram in all weird and wonderful colours.

After a short transfer to Helsinki's central Railway station, you'll continue your city tour on a unique vintage tram from the 1960's. Sit back and admire the scenery as you travel along Mannerheimintie where most of the cities important sights are located. During your panoramic tram ride you'll pass by the Finlandia Hall, the National Museum and Parliament House to name but a few.

Your final destination is the stunning neo-classical Senate Square. Time permitting, you may wish to remain in the city to enjoy a spot of shopping or alternatively a coach transfer will take you back to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach, vintage tram and on foot. Guests must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach. There is approximately ten minutes of walking over flat ground included.

Sit back and relax as your coach takes you on a scenic drive through Copenhagen and Christianshavn towards the island of Amager. On arrival in Amager, you’ll drive along the Oeresound and the beach park ‘Amager Strand’ where you can catch a glimpse of the impressive 11 mile long ‘Oeresoundbridge’ that links Denmark to Sweden.

Stretch your legs in the idyllic village of Dragor as you walk through the traditional Danish cobblestoned streets. Along the way your guide will reveal how the first settlers were actually Dutch farmers invited by King Christian II to supply vegetables for the Royal Court. After your walking tour, enjoy some free time in the attractive marina.

Rejoin your coach and visit the modern and newly built city area of Copenhagen, Oerestaden. You’ll pass outstanding structures such as the Hotel Bella Sky with its two 230 foot high towers that lean 15 degrees in each direction. This amongst other innovative constructions was designed by the award winning architect Bjarke Ingels.

‘Ismageriet’ is a 1950’s style ice cream parlour with more than 25 flavours of homemade ice creams to choose from. Skip the queues to choose your cup or cone first and enjoy the sights of City Hall Square and Rosenborg Castle on your way back to the pier.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 30 minutes of walking on this excursion over cobbled ground.

Helsinki is known as 'Daughter of the Baltic' or the 'White City of the North'. Start your city panorama by passing the shipyard along the coastal road, Embassy Park and the colourful open-air market. Stop for a photo at Senate Square to capture the elegant Lutheran Cathedral, then pass Uspenski Cathedral and see the Icebreakers, docked for the summer season.

Traverse the main street of the city, Mannerheim, and pass by the Parliament House, National Museum, Finlandia Hall, the new Helsinki Music Centre and the Contemporary Art Museum. Take a look at the new Opera House and the Olympic Stadium, venue for the Games in 1952.

At Sibelius Park, stop for a short while to see the Sibelius Monument, before heading back.


This excursion will operate by coach. No entrances are included in this tour. Short photographic stops of approximately five minutes, as indicated, are included. The order of sites may vary.

The Alexandrinsky Theatre is an outstanding example of Russian Classicism. This building makes up part of the ensemble of Ostrovskogo Square with its main façade facing Nevsky Prospect. The graceful façade is adorned with six white columns and crowned with a bronze Apollo chariot by Pimenov.

Within the grandeur of this traditional Russian theatre, you will enjoy an evening performance of Tchaikovsky's famous Swan Lake.

During the intermission, you will be offered refreshments of Russian 'champagne', orange juice or water.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The venue is non-exclusive to Cunard. Seating cannot be reserved in advance and tickets with seat numbers will be given on the coach transfer. Photography and video are not permitted during the performance. Casual dress is acceptable. There is a ten minute walk from the coach to the theatre, steps to the entrance and many steps within to reach various seating arrangements. There is a lift within the theatre, however its capacity is limited which may result in queuing.

Travel to Lohja, a small city outside of Helsinki, where you will have the chance to venture deep underground into the Tytyri Mine.

Make your way into Tytyri Hall and enjoy a glass of locally produced apple cider while you watch a short video on the history of the mine and its workers. Now it’s time to put on your hard hats and venture into the cool, damp tunnels of the mine. Along the way your guide will enlighten you with stories of the miner's lives which will bring to life the pictures and drawings and the old machines located inside the tunnels. As you reach the end of your walk you will see a stunning light show at the edge of a 300 foot wide and deep underground pit which showcases the impressive size of this limestone mine. Before you leave you will be given a piece of limestone as a souvenir.

Enjoy a photo stop at the 15th century Church of St Lawrence, before you rejoin your coach and drive through the Finnish landscape to Koivula Manor. You’ll have some free time to sit on the terrace and enjoy refreshments with the beautiful Finnish landscape as your backdrop before driving back to Helsinki.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This excursion is not suitable for guests that suffer from claustrophobia. There is approximately one hours’ walking on this tour over uneven ground, flat comfortable shoes are recommended. Warm clothing should be worn as it may be cold inside the mine.