St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer - 14 nights, June 2013

Try something unique to Stockholm - a guided walk conducted along the roofs of the city! Buckle up in your safety harness and take your first steps along the narrow rooftop path. Admire the fantastic views and the fascinating stories that your guide will narrate.

Your walking tour begins with a ride in a lift to the top floor and then attic steps to the roof of the Old Parliament building, 43 metres up. Admire the most breathtaking 360 degree views over Stockholm, including the historic old town of Gamla Stan and across 8 of the 14 islands on which the city was built. As you walk in single file along the path you are in touching distance from the spire of Riddarholmen Church, built by the Franciscan monks and the final resting place of most Swedish Kings.

Back on terra firma, you’ll continue your adventure to the Old Town. Have your camera at the ready to capture the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace. As you stroll along the narrow cobbled streets you’ll pass by a number of small boutiques from handicraft workshops, art galleries to antique shops. In the heart of the old town is the Great Square, Stortorget, and the former Stock Exchange, now the home of the Swedish Academy which meets annually to decide the laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature.

ACTIVITY EXCURSIONS
You and all those in your party should be aware that, in undertaking activity excursions, you will be involved in a degree of physical exertion and/or activity such as hiking, biking, snorkelling, kayaking, diving etc. By booking the excursion you confirm that you and all those in your party are in good physical and mental condition, with no history of conditions such as seizures, dizziness, fainting, heart condition, respiratory problems or back/neck problems (by way of example only). You should also ensure that no one in your party is taking medicine that carries a warning about impairment of physical or mental abilities. If you are pregnant this type of excursion may not be appropriate for you. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in the activities booked and you are reminded to take care for your own safety. Because of the risks associated with activity excursions, you may be asked by the excursion provider to sign a document which may affect or limit the excursion provider’s liability. Comfortable flat walking shoes are recommended.

LIABILITY
Cunard will arrange for the excursions to be performed by the relevant excursion provider. Cunard does not provide or supply the excursion services. Cunard will exercise reasonable care and skill in the selection of the excursion provider, but will not in any circumstances have a greater liability than the excursion supplier and Cunard shall not be responsible for the negligent acts/omissions of the excursion supplier. Please note that in relation to all excursions Cunard is not responsible or liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained by you unless such loss, damage or injury arises out of a breach of legal duty of Cunard.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Before booking any activity excursions it is essential that you ensure your travel insurance extends to cover the specified activity. It is your responsibility to obtain adequate insurance.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Participants must be over 18 years of age, minimum height of 150 cm and weigh no more than 18 stone. The tour is not recommended to those who have a history of cardiovascular problems, fear of heights or a tendency to faint. It is strictly prohibited to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The tour is recommended only for those in good physical condition. Flat, enclosed walking shoes are recommended.

Sit back, relax and watch the hustle and bustle of busy St Petersburg pass you by, as you head out of the city to the town of Tsarskoye Selo.

Upon arrival, admire the elaborately decorated Baroque façade of Catherine Palace, which stretches out for nearly 1000 feet, and is flanked by ornate white and gold ornaments. Your guide will host you on a walking tour through the various rooms of the Palace's sumptuous interior. One of the many highlights will be a visit to the Amber Room with its walls decorated with real amber of different hues.

Next, you'll visit the Amber Workshop, which is housed in one of the outbuildings of the Palace. The workshop was created especially for the reconstruction of the Amber Room. Watch the skilled craftsmen at work as they create pieces of fine jewellery using the same traditional techniques that were used when resurrecting the Amber Room to its former glory. As a reminder of your unique visit you’ll be given a piece of natural amber, which was meant to be part of the Amber Room decoration, but did not fit in.

This small group tour is a truly unique experience and needs to be booked early to avoid disappointment.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Palace can become crowded and you may be expected to queue outside in all weather. 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 photos are not permitted inside and photography is prohibited in the Amber Room. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside. There may be occasions that the craftsmen are not working and a full explanation will be given by a local guide.

Titanic pulled away from the White Star dock in Southampton at the start of her maiden voyage on 10th April 1912. Five days later in the early hours of 15th April she sank after striking an iceberg. The disaster made headlines across the world and had a devastating effect on the people of Southampton. Of the 724 crew which lived within in the area - only 175 returned home.

Your interesting walking tour commences at Ocean Terminal, which is located adjacent to the site of the original White Star dock. A leisurely stroll will take you through Queen’s Park and past the luxury flats which used to be the old South Western Hotel. This hotel was where the First Class passengers stayed before embarking on the majestic liner. Close by are the old White Star offices where Southampton residents gathered in their hundreds, waiting day after day for news of loved ones.

A walk along Oxford Street will take you past some of the drinking establishments used by the ill fated crew including The Grapes pub, which is where filming took place for the famous ‘Titanic’ movie. At the end of the street are the ruins of Holyrood Church where a memorial to the Titanic crew stands. As you wander past the ancient Southampton walls and through the main shopping precinct, with its eclectic mix of shops, you’ll hear poignant tales of the Titanic heroes and survivors.

The highlight of the tour is a visit to the SeaCity Museum. This interactive Museum is filled with information and interesting memorabilia of the fateful disaster and illustrates the impact the liner has had on the city.


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 operates on foot. There is two hours walking on mostly flat ground with some slight inclines. The return journey will be by shuttle bus. Guests can opt to remain in the city centre and make their own way back to the berth by shuttle bus at their own convenience. This excursion only operates when the ship is berthed at Ocean Terminal.

Embark on a drive through the breathtaking scenery of the New Forest to Beaulieu, one of England’s top visitor attractions. On the journey, you will pass by a quaint village and glimpse some of the wild ponies and livestock which the New Forest is famous for.

Beaulieu has many highlights including the National Motor Museum, an Ancient Abbey, Palace Manor House and a variety of gardens including a Victorian, kitchen and wilderness garden.

Within the fascinating National Motor Museum you can see some of the earliest examples of motoring from the 1890s through to legendary world-record breakers, such as Campbell’s jet powered Bluebird which broke the world land speed record in 1964. The museum has a 1930s street scene which shows the shops, vehicles and tradesmen of the period which will bring back memories of a bygone era.

During 2013 you'll be able to witness the fascinating BOND IN MOTION exhibition, which houses the world’s largest collection of original James Bond vehicles. Celebrating 50 years of Bond, with 50 vehicles from the films, this exhibition includes iconic on-screen favourites such as Goldfinger’s Rolls-Royce Phantom III, Zao’s Jaguar XKR loaded with weapons from Die Another Day and Bond’s Aston Martin DBS from Quantum of Solace.

Admire the remains of the lovely 13th century Abbey with its timeless beauty and tranquil atmosphere. One of the buildings now houses a monastic exhibition which illustrates the daily life of the Cistercian Monks.

The grand Palace Manor House has been the stately home of the Montagu family since 1538. With its combination of 14th century Gothic and 19th century Scottish Baronial architecture, the House offers an insight into the past with many fascinating family treasures, portraits and photographs.


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 grounds are spread out over a vast area, however there is a monorail which connects the main attractions. There will be approximately three hours of free time to explore the Beaulieu Estate at your own leisure.

During the Northern War of the 18th century, Tsar Peter the Great joined Estonia with Russia. Your tour begins in Tallinn's Lower Old Town, with a view of Toompea Hill and the Town Wall dating from 1265. Pass by Estonia's oldest school to Lai Street, home of many well preserved medieval citizens' residences. Stroll along Laboratooriumi Street, one of the narrowest streets of old Tallinn to see St Olaf's Church. First mentioned in 1267, this was once one of the tallest buildings in the world. Visit the former Russian garrison church, where a powerful iconostasis given to the church by Peter the Great is on display.

An exclusive and verdant seaside district is cantered around Kadriorg Park and Palace, built by Peter the Great. The design of Kadriorg was strongly influenced by the high society of the Tzar's empire and the Palace was built in honour of Peter's empress wife, Catherine I.

On the same level as the Palace, across the flower garden, lies the Estonian President's office and, hardly noticeable, is a tiny stone house. Peter used this humble summer estate for himself even before the building of the Palace had begun and called it his 'cottage in the woods'. Now Peter's cottage is a museum exhibiting items belonging to him.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Entrance is not included to Kadriorg Palace on this tour. You are advised that there is approximately 2½ hours' total walking, which includes cobbled paths and stairs at the various attractions. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended.

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.

Towering above the surrounding meadows and trees, the restored Bad Doberan Minster was originally built as a monastery and was a primary focal point of the community until the Protestant Reformation. Today, the Minster is an important historical sight of the Mecklenburg region. Your guided visit of the beautiful interior reveals the impressive winged altar, tabernacle and sanctuary lamp.

The tiny ‘Molli’ is a narrow-gauge railway train, which has been in operation since 1886, pulled by an old-fashioned steam locomotive. You’ll board the train at the historic train station in Bad Doberan for an approx. 20-minute ride through the scenic landscape of Doberan Linden Alley, a 2-mile-long strip, lined with lovely century-old Linden trees. On arrival in Heiligendamm, known as the ‘White City on the Coast’, board your coach for a short ride to another old seaside resort, Kühlungsborn.

In Kühlungsborn, you’ll have an opportunity to take a short stroll down to the beach promenade.
In Kühlungsborn relax with refreshments including a slice of wonderful German gateau.


This excursion will operate by coach, steam train and on foot. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability. There are steps to embark/disembark the train, and at the refreshment venue. A small charge is made to use any public toilet facilities. Please note that the order of the itinerary may vary.

No visit is complete without seeing the city’s most famous symbol, The Little Mermaid. Completed in 1913, this statue was erected to express gratitude to Hans Christian Andersen and his well-known fairy tales. Close by is Copenhagen's famous Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Kastellet and depicting the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion.

Travel to the royal residence of Amalienborg Palace for a short photo stop, before driving through the lively Nyhavn area. Nearby you’ll see King’s Square where the Royal Theatre, embassies and many fashionable shops are located. View the old fish market warehouses which date back to medieval times and Glyptotek, founded by the Danish Brewer, Carl Jacobsen, the creator of Carlsberg beer. Next to Glyptotek lies Tivoli Gardens (exterior view), one the world’s oldest theme parks. Before returning to the pier, you will catch a glimpse of the City Hall and Rosenborg Castle.



This excursion will operate by coach. This tour does not include any visits. There will be various photograph-stops, depending on traffic and time permitting. There is approximately 30 minutes’ total walking involved in this tour.

For the returning visitor or a serious art lover, the Hermitage Depositary is a must. St Petersburg State Hermitage presents a unique project and a world first, by opening the Restoration and Storage Centre to visitors. This tour unveils the treasures of the Hermitage Museum….and more.

In the company of a knowledgeable guide, you'll enjoy a special early opening at the Hermitage Museum, to get ahead of the crowds. One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, the Hermitage was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great. Its collections, of which only a small portion are permanently on display, comprise of nearly three million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. Perhaps only the British Museum and the Louvre can rival the Hermitage in scale and importance. (Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day)

Next, you'll embark on a journey north to Staraya Derevnya, the 'Old Village' district, where a traditional Russian luncheon will be served at the Hermitage Depositary Café. A highlight of your tour is a visit to the modern Restoration and Storage Centre of the Hermitage. Housed in a closed, high-security storage facility, these chambers hold a wealth of priceless treasures ranging from world-class works of art, to royal carriages, original palace furniture and other fascinating items.

Don't miss this opportunity to join a small group of fellow guests to visit the Hermitage and view some of its collections that have long been hidden from the eyes of the general public.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 4½ hours of walking, including numerous steps. Palace Square is cobbled and uneven in places. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.

Frederiksborg Castle is located north of Copenhagen and considered by many to be the most beautiful Castle in Denmark. A guided tour will take you into impressive interior rooms and to the spectacular Neptune Fountain in the main courtyard.

Not far from Frederiksborg you will find Fredensborg Castle - the Queens Summer residence, this impressive palace is surrounded by the idyllic Esrum Lake, where you will have time to stretch your legs and take a photograph of this impressive palace.

A scenic drive along the Esrum Lake, one of the largest in Denmark leads to Havreholm Castle. The Castle is nestled between farmland, forests and lakes. The Castle, which now serves as a restaurant, was built in 1872 by the merchant Valdemar Culmsee – who owned a large paper industry which has been in their family for several generations. A traditional Danish pastry and coffee will be served in one of the magnificent drawing rooms decorated beautifully for Christmas.

Located at the narrowest point between Denmark and Sweden, Elsinore is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kronborg Castle, famously known as Hamlet’s Castle. Kronborg was built to demonstrate Denmark’s power and prosperity and is visible in the distance as you head towards the coastal road for a scenic drive back to Copenhagen.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour includes a visit to Frederiksborg Castle and exterior views of Hamlet’s Castle and Fredensborg. This tour involves approximately two hours of walking including several steps.

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.

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 guests 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.

From 1721 the Peter and Paul Fortress housed part of the city's garrison and served as a high security political jail. Among the inmates was Peter's own rebellious son, Alexei, plus Gorky, Trotsky and Lenin's older brother, Alexander.

Since 1900, the Trubetskoj bastion of the Peter and Paul Fortress was used as a military jail. 13 ministers of the defeated "Vremennoe Pravitelstvo" (Provisional Government) were some of the last prisoners there from October 1917 to March 1918.

Visit the impressive Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of all the Russian Emperors and Empresses from Peter the Great to Alexander III. On top of the Cathedral’s gilded spire stands a magnificent golden angel holding a cross. This weathervane is one of the most prominent symbols of St Petersburg.

St Isaac’s Cathedral is the third largest domed Cathedral in the world after St Peter’s in Rome and St Paul’s in London. The Cathedral can accommodate a 10,000 strong audience and features 112 solid granite columns weighing up to 114 tons each.

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.

Peter and Paul Fortress – Flash photography restrictions
St Isaac’s Cathedral – Flash photography restrictions apply. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, umbrellas, large bags or bottles inside. Modest dress should be worn.

Step aboard a canal boat for a leisurely 50-minute cruise. As you glide gently along, you’ll pass some of the city’s main sights such as The Little Mermaid and the old naval area of Holmen.

Following your relaxing boat cruise, spend some time absorbing the atmosphere at Copenhagen’s famous amusement park - Tivoli. Situated in the heart of the city, Tivoli has been visited by millions of people since its opening in 1843. There are beautiful merry-go-rounds, as well as more adventurous rollercoaster rides and plenty of attractions to amuse. Alternatively you may prefer to simply watch the world waltz by at one of the many cafés or restaurants. Your guide will advise you of a meeting point and time for your return journey to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and canal boat. From the ship, there is a short distance to walk to reach the boat and approximately ten steps to negotiate when embarking. Entrance to Tivoli is included within the price of the tour. Tivoli has many visual attractions as well as an amusement park including funfair rides, slot machines and souvenir shops, all of which are payable directly and not included in the fare. You may encounter crowds and delays at the attractions during peak season. The advertised itinerary may operate in reverse.

Helsinki boasts a wealth of stunning architecture, and Carl Ludwig's neo-classical Senate Square is one of the most graceful squares in Europe. Enjoy a panoramic tour of city before heading out to discover Finland's second oldest town - charming Porvoo.

The City of Porvoo originated as a trading hub for Porvoo Parish inhabitants at the point where the sea meets the Porvoonjoki River. The town was named after the ancient fortress Borgå, the Swedish name for Porvoo, and was granted town rights by Swedish King Magnus Eriksson in 1346. Old Porvoo is one of the treasures of Finland, and the town looks the same as it did during the middle ages.

The town has lovingly-preserved a section of the old part of the city and a guided walk through this area will take you over cobbled streets, past weathered wooden houses, the town hall and the main square.

Enjoy some welcome refreshments at the Haikko Manor House before returning to Helsinki.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves walking over uneven and gravelled ground. The order of sites may vary.

This tour is filled with memorable sights, the first of which will be Palace Square. You’ll have a brief photo opportunity as you pass it before moving on to one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

The incredible, colourful building of the Church of the Resurrection, also known as The Church of the Saviour on The Spilled Blood was directly inspired by St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. Its main features include a variety of spectacular onion domes, central tower with a pyramidal roof, decorated arches and columns. Built between 1883 and 1907 by Alfred Parland on the site of Alexander II’s assassination, this church was intended as a celebration of Russian art’s enduring values.

You will have a short time for some souvenir shopping before embarking on a leisurely boat cruise along the River Neva to take in the city sights. Pass by the cruiser Aurora, Michael's Castle, the State Hermitage Complex, Spit of Basil Island, the house of Alexander Pushkin, Admiralty shipyard and Troitsky Bridge. Your boat tour will end at the University embankment pier near Kunstkamera – the first museum in Russia established by Peter the Great.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There will be around 1½ hours' walking during this tour and there are 14 steps to negotiate at the boat pier. Local currency is the Rouble, however the local vendors unofficially accept US dollars and Euros. The order of this tour may vary. The boat route is subject to change depending on the water level and weather conditions. It may also be necessary to cross other boats to reach your specific vessel. The boat route is subject to change depending on the water level and weather conditions. It may also be necessary to cross other boats to reach your specific vessel.