St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer - 14 nights, August 2013

Your unique evening visit will start after the Hermitage Museum has been closed to the general public. Explore the Winter Palace, wander through its hallways, stairways and rooms, view a selection of art and treasures, and learn about its history and residents; the Romanovs, rulers of Russia for over 300 years (Routes around the Hermitage are determined by museum curators therefore we cannot guarantee which works of art will be seen on the day). Today the Hermitage is considered to be one of the three leading museums in the entire world and a highlight of anyone's visit to St Petersburg.

After the Hermitage tour, in one of the Ceremonial Halls, the full symphonic orchestra of the Hermitage Academy of Music will perform for your pleasure. Enjoy a short concert of classical music by world famous composers and refreshments of Russian 'champagne' on the upper landing of the Gala staircase.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour involves approximately two hours' walking, including many steps. Camera and video fees for the Museum are included in the tour cost. Flash photography is not permitted. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Museum. The concert and 'champagne'; reception are exclusive to Cunard, however the Hermitage reserves the right to allow other small groups into the Museum.

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.

Sit back and relax as you take a scenic drive from Helsinki to the Finnish archipelago and the Hommanäs Estate. The Estate is located in the rural countryside, dates back to the 18th Century and has been the home of noblemen and the Finnish Partisan leader Tapani Löfving.

As you arrive at the Manor, you will be greeted by the owner, enjoy a welcome drink in the garden before discovering the history of this impressive Manor House, parts of which date back to the 16th Century. You’ll have some free time to explore the grounds and the original ‘smoke sauna’ before making your way inside to the sitting room where you will be served homemade pastries and tea with the sea providing a scenic backdrop.

After your tea, you will have the chance to purchase some of the Estates’ attractively packaged homemade berry juices and jams before you leave the tranquil surroundings to return to Helsinki.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The drive to the Hommanäs Estate is approximately one hour.

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.

At the unique Amber Museum, you’ll see a selection of jewellery, works of art and amber with stunning inclusions of plants and insects. Enjoy a guided tour before taking a look at the small workshop, where you may be invited to have your own piece of amber processed. After this visit there’ll be an opportunity to purchase some amber artefacts or unusual jewellery in the Amber Gallery, which is situated close by.

Continue your tour to the beautiful half-timbered Hunting Lodge at Gelbensande, once the ‘get-away-from-it-all’ residence of the rulers of Mecklenburg. Built in 1887 in the style of an English cottage, the ground floor is made from yellow brick and the rest is in half-timber. The Hunting Lodge served as a summer residence to Grand Duke Friederich Franz III and his wife Anastasia Mikhailovna. One of the most important social events that took place here was the engagement of crown-princess Cecille, daughter of the Grand Duke, with the Prussian Crown-Prince Friedrich-Wilhelm.

Light refreshments including goulash and red wine will be served at the Hunting Lodge.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are a few steps at the Hunting Lodge and exhibitions are on different levels at the Amber Museum.

Sit back and relax on a scenic drive through Copenhagen, en route, enjoy a brief photo stop at Copenhagen’s most famous resident, the Little Mermaid. During your panoramic drive you’ll pass by the Church of our Saviour, with its spectacular winding staircase on the spire, the lively waterfront of Nyhavn, the Old Stock Exchange and Christiansborg Castle, where Danish Parliament sits. Enjoy a brief photo stop at Amalienborg Palace, the Royal residence.

Upon arrival at the Carlsberg Brewery, discover the history of Carlsberg, its brewing techniques and sample some of “probably the best lager in the world”. During your visit indulge in a traditional Danish lunch plate.

Then it’s time to head out of town, across the bridge to the island of Amager. At the very end of the island is the picturesque village of Dragør. With your guide, stroll along the charming harbour front and through the narrow streets to admire the traditional yellow painted houses with red roofs.

Returning to the hustle and bustle of city life, you’ll change your mode of transport and hop aboard a canal boat for a leisurely cruise along Christianshavn, before returning to your ship.


This excursion will operate by coach, canal boat and on foot. The order of highlights may vary. There is approximately two hours of walking included throughout the day, over flat terrain.

A short drive out of Southampton will bring you to the New Forest. The New Forest, originally created by William the Conqueror for deer hunting, is a mixture of open grazing, woodland and heath. The Forest has remained almost untouched for 1,000 years and is famous for its tiny villages with traditional thatched cottages and wild ponies which roam free on the land. Today it is managed by the Forestry Commission and in 2004 was designated a National Park.

Your scenic drive will take you through the heart of the New Forest, with its famous New Forest ponies, past a variety of beautiful landscapes to three of its prettiest villages; Hythe, Beaulieu and Lyndhurst.

The historic marina village of Hythe is located alongside Southampton Water and on a clear day you can see across to where your cruise ship is berthed. The village also boasts the world’s oldest operating pier train.

The picturesque village of Beaulieu dates back to the 13th century and is renowned for its Abbey, Motor Museum and Palace Manor House. Admire the lovely views across Beaulieu River as you pass through this quaint village.

The New Forest capital, Lyndhurst is a bustling village containing tea rooms, pubs, souvenir shops, local stores and ice cream vendors. You will have the chance to visit the New Forest Visitor Centre to view its exhibits, browse the local shops or relax in one of the tea rooms.


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. The sightseeing is conducted from the comfort of your coach with a photograph stop at Hythe and Beaulieu. There will be approximately 45 minutes free time in Lyndhurst.

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.

The impressive blue Catherine Palace’s façade is nearly 1,000 feet-long with decorative white and gold ornaments, and the grounds comprise acres of manicured gardens. Visit various rooms of the sumptuous Palace, including the Amber Room, and stroll alongside the gallery of Roman and Greek busts designed as a covered walkway for Catherine the Great.

Peterhof Palace attests to the pomp, pageantry and extravagance of Russia’s ruling class with its lovely yellow and white exterior and gilded trimmings. Peter the Great personally drafted the layout of the 300-acre park and its spectacular system of fountains. Most famous is the Grand Cascade, with its gold statue of Samson prying open the jaws of a lion. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the Throne Room, Portrait Room and the White Dining Room.

Luncheon will be served in a leading restaurant and includes a glass of ‘champagne’ tea or coffee.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There is up to six hours’ walking. Time allocated inside the Palaces is up to one hour, plus time in the gardens. Crowds are likely and you may be expected to queue outside in all weathers. Protective overshoes are provided, which can make the floor slippery. Camera and video fees are included in the tour cost. Flash photos are not permitted inside Catherine Palace and photography is prohibited in the Amber Room. Photography is prohibited in the Grand Palace of Peterhof. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, large bags, umbrellas or bottles inside the Palaces. Peterhof fountains are subject to maintenance work without notification.

A boat trip on St Petersburg’s canals and waterways is one of the highlights of any visit to the city. Join a river boat for an hour-long trip along the Neva, Fontanka and Moyka rivers, taking in the impressive landmarks. Refreshments of Russian ‘champagne’ will be provided during the boat trip.

Yusupov Palace belonged to the wealthy Yusupov family and is the historic site of the gruesome murder of the peasant and mystic Rasputin. The mysterious circumstances of his death are legendary. The yellow, colonnaded building was acquired by the aristocratic Yusupov’s in 1830 to house their collection of paintings. The unique collections of art assembled by the Yusupovs and their reputation as well-educated hosts attracted the most outstanding representatives of Russian cultural life to the Palace. Tour the cellar, which houses an exhibition on the infamous mystic.


This excursion will operate by coach, boat and on foot. The boat route is subject to change depending on the water level and weather conditions. There are steps at the embarkation/disembarkation of the canal boat. It may also be necessary to cross other boats to reach your specific vessel. There are many steps in the Palace and narrow steep steps into the cellar. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Special overshoes have to be worn in Yusupov Palace during wet weather conditions to protect the floors. These will be available on entering the Palace. Crowds are to be expected and you may have to queue outside in all weathers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.