St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer - 14 nights, June 2013

Travel along the coastal road past Embassy Park and the colourful open-air market to Senate Square for a short stop. With your guide visit Senate Square and view the magnificent Lutheran Cathedral and enjoy some free time at Market Square. Then, from Mannerheim Street, see the Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall, which is Finland’s concert and convention centre designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto. Another architectural highlight is the new Contemporary Art Museum, Kiasma, designed by the American architect, Steven Holl.

It’s then time for your tasting experience. You are welcomed by the chef of the restaurant with a fresh, sparkling drink made from blackcurrant leaf together with the restaurant’s speciality, Sapas. Sapas is an authentically Finnish hors d’oeuvre, handmade according to Finnish culinary traditions. The chef will tell you the secrets behind the restaurant and how they prepare these unique dishes.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The order of sites may vary.

From the ship, you’ll walk along the harbour front passing the Langelinie Yacht Marina and stopping for a while at The Little Mermaid. Admire views of the Citadel fortification, built to protect the entrance to Copenhagen Harbour, before stopping at the Gefion Fountain, next to the English Church of St Alban. Pass the Resistance Museum en route to the modern, but elegant Amaliehave, which lies right next to the Amalienborg Palace, residence of the Queen of Denmark.

Close to the Palace is Nyhavn, a fashionable promenade with excellent restaurants and bars. A well deserved break will be made at a local restaurant for refreshments, including a Danish pastry.

The walk continues past the Royal Theatre, over cobblestoned and narrow streets to Højbro Plads, by the Holmens Canal. Cross the street to take a closer look at the exterior of Christiansborg Palace, housing the Danish Parliament and the Royal Reception rooms.

In Gammelstrand, you’ll embark the canal boat for a cruise in the Copenhagen Harbour. Sail past some of the major sights of Copenhagen and enjoy the scenery as you relax after your walk.


This excursion will operate by coach and canal boat. This tour involves approximately 2 – 2½ hours’ walking over cobblestones and level ground. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended.

Once you board your coach for your three stop transfer, you will be given a map of Tallinn, so you can plan your free time.

The first stop is the Seaplane Harbour. This area is a treasure chest of marine history that holds incredible stories from above, below and on the water. You can stop and take photos, explore the surrounding area, have a coffee break or take a stroll along the ‘Culture Kilometer’- a path from the former Patarei Prison to the harbour built to commemorate Tallinn being the ‘European Capital of Culture’ for the year of 2011.

The Upper Town is your next destination, where you can gaze at the onion domes of the Russian Orthodox Church of Alexander Nevsky and Toompea (the seat of the Estonian Parliament). Make your way through the narrow streets to two viewing platforms that present a picturesque view over the red rooftops of the Lower Town.

As you head towards your final stop in the city centre you will pass Schnelli Park and Pond, Baltic Railways Station and the church spires of St Mary’s Cathedral. Visit Town Hall Square and discover the pleasant neighbourhood streets of the Old Town where you can take a break at a local café or shop for local souvenirs.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. A tour assistant will be on hand to provide practical information about where and when to meet for the onward transportation. Please note that the assistant is not a tour guide. A map of Tallinn will be provided. No entrance fees are included in the tour price. The itinerary may operate in reverse order to avoid congestion at venues.

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Helsinki which will pass the Shipyard, Embassy Park, the new Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, the Parliament House and the Contemporary Art Museum. Leave the city behind as you enjoy a scenic drive to the village of Hintharaa.

From Hintharaa station, a steam train, named ‘Lili’ will be waiting to take you on a 40-minute ride to Porvoo. Passing farms and agricultural areas, experience the rural side of Finland as you steam along.

On arrival in the town take a leisurely walk to the Old Bridge of Porvoo, stop at the Old Bridge which offers magnificent views. Begin a short walking tour of the town before continuing your tour independently as you are given free time to stroll along the cobbled streets and small shops. Luncheon will be served at the Haikko Manor House on the outskirts of Porvoo.

At Haikko Manor rejoin your coach which will pass the Olympic Stadium as you drive back to Helsinki.


This excursion will operate by coach, steam train and on foot. Early booking of this tour is recommended. The tour includes up to 30 minutes’ walking over cobblestones and with steps to enter the train carriages. The order of sites may vary.

Your tour begins with a drive up to Fjällgatan for a panoramic view of the city. A highlight of your day will be a visit to City Hall, beautifully situated by the shores of Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923, this magnificent building is the result of a 12-year project by Swedish craftsmen, sculptors and artists. There are numerous splendid halls, the most famous of these being the Blue Hall, where the Nobel festivities unfold each year, and the Golden Hall, known for its mosaics.

Afterwards, drive past the Royal Dramatic Theatre, along Strandvägen to the island of Djurgården, regarded as Stockholm’s amusement and recreation centre with great parks and museums, including the Vasa Museum.

Once considered to be one of the world’s largest and most prestigious warships, the Vasa sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628. The Vasa Museum was built around this 17th century warship after it was salvaged in 1961 and restored to its former glory.

To round off your tour, head to the Old Town to join your guide on a walk taking in the historic elegance of the Royal Palace and Cathedral (exterior views). Stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobbled streets, featuring baroque doorways and coats of arms.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is approximately 2½ hours’ walking on this tour. There are 60 steps at the City Hall.

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.

Board a modern tram for a 35-minute journey into the heart of Rostock city. On arrival, take part in a brief orientation walk. See northern Europe’s oldest university built in the Italian Renaissance style. Stroll through the Kroepeliner Strasse and Am Neuen Markt and browse the quaint shopping streets, which have flourished since the re-unification of east and west Germany in 1990. Inside St Mary’s is an amazing astronomical clock, which is still in working condition. The calendar dates from the 14th century to the year 2017.

After some free time, you’ll walk down to the jetty to join your cruise along the Warnow River, ending in Warnemünde. Whilst on board, savour a traditional snack with a drink.


This excursion will operate by coach, tram and boat.The order of this tour may vary. Transfer to the tram departure is by coach. There are approximately 25 steps down to the jetty to join the boat, which is on two levels with seating both inside and out on deck. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability. The duration of this tour will be 4 to 4½ hours.

Your guided walk through the Hanseatic town of Rostock includes a visit to Market Square. This medieval square is lined with carefully-preserved gabled buildings with beautiful façades. Pass by the Town Hall, old post station, city wall and Holy Cross Monastery. See the neo-renaissance Rostock University and the Kroepeliner City Gate. Observe the sharp contrasts between the medieval and 1950’s buildings in the centre and between the modern housing blocks and 19th century villas in the suburbs.

The most famous of Rostock’s seven medieval churches, St Mary’s, was the favourite church of rich Hanseatic merchants and dukes. Inside is an amazing astronomical clock, which is still in working condition and is maintained by the Mathematics Faculty of the University of Rostock.The calendar dates from the 14th century to the year 2017.

You’ll have some free time to explore Rostock at leisure and perhaps purchase a souvenir of your visit.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Warnow River back to Warnemünde. Sit back, relax with some local refreshments as you take in the views.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot.This tour involves up to two hours’ walking. There are approximately 25 steps down to the jetty to join the boat, which is on two levels with seating inside the salon and upstairs on the sundeck. On Sunday calls most shops are closed in Rostock, however a few street vendors will be present. The duration of this tour will be 4 to 4½ hours. The itinerary may vary slightly with the boat journey starting in Warnemünde.

A 30-minute drive brings you to Rostock, passing the typical eastern-bloc living quarters of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's biggest city. You’ll travel through Rostock's centre with its centuries old redbrick architecture and Hanseatic ambience. Pass the beautiful City Hall, and St. Mary's Church - Rostock's famous landmark. Continue past ruins of the old city walls and a former STASI prison (State Security of former East Germany, that was commanded by the KGB), before continuing your panoramic journey into the countryside.

You’ll pass by the Bad Doberan Cathedral, one of Northern Germany’s largest and mightiest medieval churches, which dominates the rest of the village and nearby fields. From here, you’ll continue down part of Germany’s longest Linden Tree avenue, through countryside and small villages before returning to the quayside.



This tour does not include any visits or time at leisure. Photo stops are strictly subject to availability of time. This short trip is the ideal way to gain an overall impression of Mecklenburg.

The Roman City of Bath and the beautiful countryside which surrounds it, has been described as one of England's most beautiful places to visit. Bath is situated within the south west of England and is a 2,000 year old fabulous spa town, built around Britain's only hot mineral springs.

Bath offers a multitude of fantastic places to visit and is very easy to navigate on foot. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, the city has some of the finest architectural sites in Europe and boasts a unique and diverse range of historic features, which attract people the world over.

Your visit will begin with a panoramic tour of Bath, with your guide bringing the city to life as you pass the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, the Circus and the parks, including Royal Victoria Park. There will be approximately three hours’ free time to explore this historic city at your own leisure. Watch the many street performers, visit the Roman Baths Museum, discover Jane Austen’s connection to the city at the Jane Austen Centre, wander around the fabulous shops or simply sit back and enjoy the bustling atmosphere.


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 Bath is approximately 1¾ hours. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency (pounds sterling). Any walking is at guests’ own discretion. Bath is relatively flat but some streets are cobbled.

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.

Board an authentic, well-preserved tram, which was once Rostock’s main transportation system and enjoy a nostalgic 25-minute ride into the heart of the city.

Step back in time with a brief city walk through Mecklenburg Vorpommern’s largest city. See the University of Rostock, founded in 1419, and take a leisurely stroll through the Kroepeliner Strasse and Am Neuen Markt. Explore the quaint shopping streets, which have flourished since the re-unification of east and west Germany in 1990. Even though the city centre was largely destroyed during WWII, you’ll still find many historical buildings in this district.

Inside St Mary’s Church is an amazing astronomical clock, which is still in working condition. The calendar dates from the 14th century to the year 2017. Spend time at leisure in Rostock, before joining the river cruise along the Warnow River back to Warnemünde. Sit back, relax and taste some typical and traditional German refreshments.



This excursion will operate by coach, vintage tram and on foot.The order of this tour may vary. Transfer to the tram departure is by coach. There are approximately 25 steps down to the jetty to join the boat, which is on two levels with seating both inside and out on deck. Early booking is recommended due to limited availability. The duration of this tour will be 4 to 4½ hours.

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.

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.

The Ericsson Globe Arena, resembling a giant golf ball, is the largest spherical building in the world. An exhilarating two minute glass gondola ride will take you to the top of the Globe. Make sure you remember your camera as when you reach 426 feet above sea level, the ‘bubble’ will make a brief stop for you to admire the magnificent views over the city and take some panoramic photographs.

Once back on firm ground enjoy a panoramic tour of the City’s main sights. Admire the enchanting medieval Old Town, Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace overlooking Stockholm’s inner harbour. You’ll also pass by the island of Djurgården, regarded as Stockholm’s amusement and recreation centre with great parklands, beautiful gardens and numerous museums including the world famous Vasa Museum. On the island of Kungsholmen, enjoy impressive views of City Hall, renowned for its architecture, mosaics and for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize Banquet.

This excursion operates by coach. This tour has very little walking included however guests must be able to negotiate the steps of the coach and 30 steps at the entrance to the SkyView.