St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer - 14 nights, August 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.

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.

Your drive to the Hermitage will take you through a section of the city of St Petersburg and past the impressive buildings of a bygone imperialist era. You will see Palace Square in front of the Hermitage, the Alexander Column and the Headquarters of the Central Staff Building.

The Hermitage Museum was built during the reigns of Elizabeth and Catherine the Great, the grandiose Baroque ‘Winter Palace’ and its four adjacent buildings house works such as those of Da Vinci, Raphael, Titian and Rembrandt, among others (Routes around the Hermitage are determined on the day by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen during your tour). As you walk across patterned parquet floors and up ornate staircases you can admire moulded and painting ceilings, gilded furniture, decorative malachite, lapis lazuli and jasper appointments of the Palace itself. Your guide will lead you through the many display rooms relaying fascinating facts about the Museum’s history, art and architecture.

Private tours are non-refundable once confirmed. Actual vehicle type varies depending on availability and number of passengers in your party. Request only 1 ticket per group and not the number in your party. Vehicles are air-conditioned and come with an English-speaking guide and local driver. No deviations to tour content, duration, departure or return time can be made. You may be expected to queue to gain entrance to palaces in all weathers.

The Hermitage - Flash photos are not permitted. You are advised that during peak season, the Hermitage can be very crowded. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum.

A short drive from the pier, you’ll find the most famous lady in Denmark, The Little Mermaid. Looking wistfully out into the sea, she has been sitting here since 1913. Nearby is the Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Kastellet and depicting the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion.

Travelling through the Frederiksstad, you soon arrive at Amalienborg Palace, home of the Danish Royal Family (exterior visit). The Palace consists of four equal size rococo palaces surrounding a square that is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. No visit to Denmark would be complete without sampling the fabulous pastries, enjoy a brief refreshment stop and savour these sweet treats served with tea or coffee. Afterwards, you’ll continue to Nyhavn, a fashionable and popular part of the city where there are plenty of sidewalk cafés and restaurants. Next to Nyhavn, you will see King’s Square, where the Royal Theatre and Embassies are located.

It is then time to see the city from a different angle. Join a leisurely 50-minute canal cruise, which passes the Holmens Church and the Old Stock Exchange. Cruise along the canals of Christianshavn and see the spectacular Church of Our Saviour and the newly-opened Copenhagen Opera House, opposite the Amalienborg Palace.


This excursion will operate by canal boat. There are approximately ten steps to negotiate when embarking/disembarking the canal boat. The canal route may differ to that advertised, depending on weather and berth. It may be necessary for you to walk a short distance from the boat to the ship at the end of the tour.

Due to Tallinn’s rich architectural heritage, large vehicles are not permitted to enter the Old Town, so sit back and relax in the comfort of your minibus as you discover the highlights of both the Upper and Lower Old Town.

During this exclusive guided tour, have your camera poised, as you travel along Toompea Hill in the Upper Town to Palace Square. View the baroque Toompea Castle, home to the Estonian Parliament, and see the Russian Orthodox Church of St Alexander. The Lower Old Town is full of ancient walls and tower gates and as you drive along the cobbled street, look out for the medieval merchant houses.

Continuing your panoramic drive, you’ll head to the outskirts of the city to see one of Estonia’s most important landmarks. Enjoy at brief photo stop at the impressive Song Festival Ground, a natural amphitheatre which seats up to 30,000 spectators. Finally, you’ll pass through Pirita to admire the stunning sea front views of the Old Town.



This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour has very little walking included, however guests must be able to negotiate the steps in to the minibus.The minibuses cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

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.

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.

Sit back, relax and enjoy a scenic transfer passing Market Square, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the Presidential Palace and the Finnish Ice Breaker fleet, docked for the summer.

Upon arrival at the kayak centre you'll receive a brief induction on basic kayaking techniques before you paddle off to explore the unique archipelago. With your knowledgeable guide, you'll discover the numerous islands and diverse birdlife, whilst admiring the stunning scenery and natural beauty of the Finnish archipelago.

Stretch your legs and tuck into a picnic snack on one of the islands, before heading back to the kayak base.


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.

BEACH/WATER RELATED EXCURSIONS
For any excursion involving water, guests are reminded to exercise particular care. Alcohol and eating a full meal should be avoided before swimming. If buoyancy aids are provided for an activity they must be worn at all times. You should bear in mind that the sea is unpredictable. Lifeguards are unlikely to be present and there may not be a flag system to indicate whether or not it is safe to go in the water. In addition, beach activities may not be supervised or accompanied and so you should take care to satisfy yourself as to the safety of the beach and/or the sea at the time of your excursion. Please exercise caution when entering the sea as the seabed and aquatic environment is capable of springing surprises and we have not inspected the beach or seabed for its safety. Children must be supervised by you at all times near water. All activities on the beach, water and in the sea are undertaken at your own risk. You’ll need to take swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and flat shoes that can be worn in the water.

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 minibus and kayak. Participants should be competent swimmers and physically fit. There is a weight restriction of 120kg. Participants must be at least ten years of age and children under 14 years must ride in a double kayak with an adult. Double kayaks may be available on request.The kayaking will take approximately 2¼ hours. Passengers are advised to wear sports clothing with trainers or sandals, jeans are not recommended. The tour will operate in wet weather conditions, and a basic rain jacket will be provided, you may wish to bring additional wet weather clothing. Please bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a change of clothing.

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.

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.

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.

Begin your tour with a drive to the Song Festival Grounds for a photograph stop. Then, leave your coach at Tall Hermann Tower for a walking tour of Tallinn’s Upper Old Town, including the baroque Toompea Castle on Toompea Hill. Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral dominates Palace Square and you will have a chance to step inside and view its golden icons and mosaics.

Continue on foot along the medieval cobbled streets to visit the gothic Dome Church, the city’s oldest church. From a scenic viewpoint you will have wonderful views of the Lower Old Town rooftops, before descending to the Lower Town itself. Stop in Town Hall Square for some free time before relaxing over luncheon in one of Tallinn's typical old town restaurants.

A visit to an historical residence will include a wonderful concert of traditional medieval music. In Catherine’s Passage there will be free time for shopping at the craft workshops, where glass, leather and ceramic wares can often be seen in production.


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 three hours’ total walking, which includes cobbled paths and steps. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Wine is not included with luncheon. Should the historical residence not be available, a church may be visited for the concert instead. Your guide will give an explanation outside the Dome Church and you will be given free time to explore the interior.

Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates 900 years of British history and dates back to the time of William the Conqueror.

Enjoy an audio tour around the opulent rooms of the Castle including the splendid State Apartments and grand St Georges Hall where the Queen entertains visiting heads of states. The rooms are furnished with some of the finest works of art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Reubens and Gainsborough. You will be able to admire the world famous Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which took three years to complete and involved 1,500 craftsmen, artists and authors. The house has electric lighting, hot and cold running water and even flushing lavatories.

One of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England can be found in St George's Chapel. The chapel contains the tombs of ten sovereigns, including Charles I, Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. After visiting the Castle, there will be around one hour of free time to explore the town of Windsor with its Georgian shops, houses and inns.


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 Windsor is 1½ hours. There is a ½ mile walk from the car park to the Castle entrance and two hours walking within the Castle. If the Royal Family is in residence some of the state rooms will be unavailable. St George’s Chapel is closed on Sundays. Queues may be experienced due to the strict security procedures. Luncheon is not included to allow maximum flexibility. Please remember to carry local currency.

After a short transfer, arrive at Senate Square, the historical centre of Helsinki. From here, stroll past formidable buildings that make a strong impression on the Helsinki skyline, such as the Railway Station, Sanoma Building, the Finlandia Congress Hall and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

A stop will be made at a waterfront café for some light refreshments.

Continue your walk up to Toolo residential area and through Hesperia Park. Then head to The Rock Church, a unique church blasted into the solid rock. The walking part of the tour will conclude at the Rock Church, where a coach will await to return you to the ship.

Alternatively, you may choose to remain in the city for further independent exploration and shopping. If taking this option, you will be responsible for your own return to the ship.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is a total of 2½ hours of walking over mainly paved and gravel surfaces. You are advised that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The order of sites may vary.

Visit one of the largest open-air museums in Norway - Vest-Agder. Approximately 30 houses have been re-erected here and the area divided into four sections, giving you an impression of the various districts. Your tour will concentrate on the various farmhouses from the Setesdal region, as well as ‘Bygaden’ – the town street – where you will find 11 houses, which have been moved from the town centre. The next stop is Søgne, where you will take a stroll through Høllen, the former fishermen’s street.

Part of your tour will take you on a panoramic drive around Kristiansand. Take in the sights from the comfort of your coach, including the typical Norwegian architecture, charming wooden houses as well as the new residential areas, the small harbour and the Christiansholm Fortress. Pass by one of the oldest Olav churches in Norway, commemorating Norway’s patron saint. The return journey to Kristiansand will be by the coastal road, passing idyllic summer cottages along the way.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour involves approximately 45 minutes of walking. There are some steps and thresholds at the entrance to the houses at the open-air museum. This tour involves several tunnels.

Stockholm, strategically built where the freshwater Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, shows off her most beautiful side when seen from the water. Often referred to as ‘the Beauty on Water’, Stockholm is built upon 14 different islands and the mainland, all linked together by over 50 bridges.

Water plays an important role in everyday life. Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities in this capital city, where over a third of the total surface area is water. While cruising the glittering waters, glide under bridges, pass through locks, and see most of the main sights of the city, including the Old Town with the Royal Palace, the magnificent City Hall, the Djurgården island, Vasa Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum and the Tivoli ‘Gröna Lund’.


This excursion will operate by boat. Depending on your ship’s berth, you may either walk to the boat or take a short coach transfer. Refreshments are available for purchase on board the boat; local currency is required (Swedish Kroner).