St Petersburg and Baltic Explorer - 14 nights, August 2013

With its Palace, Theatre Park and Chinese Pavilion, the whole of Drottningholm has been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. It was appointed as the best preserved example of an 18th century palatial setting in Sweden and is also representative of all European royal architecture using Versailles as a model. Located on the island of Lovön, the Palace has been the residence of the Swedish royal family since 1981.

En route to Drottningholm, pass through Stockholm’s western suburbs, before crossing the two bridges linking Drottningholm and the island of Lovön with the mainland. Work on Drottningholm Palace began in 1662 to the design of Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. Upon his death in 1681, the project was completed by his son, Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, who also designed the French inspired Baroque garden. Visit the magnificently decorated State Apartments and enjoy a short visit to the French and English-style landscaped gardens

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Comfortable, flat, walking shoes are recommended as this tour involves up to two hours’ walking. There are a lot of stairs at the Palace and the gardens have gravel terrain.

Once onboard your four stop transfer, you will be given a map of Copenhagen, so you can plan your free time.

The first stop is by the Cathedral of Copenhagen, you’ll have time here to look inside or maybe take a stroll in the Bohemian Quarter. You might like to wander to Nytorv (New Square) and Gammeltorv (Old Square) where you will find the City Court of Copenhagen and the oldest fountain in Copenhagen - The Well of Caritas that dates back to 1608.

At Gammel Strand you may choose to wander down the famous shopping street, Stroeget or admire the fabulous architecture including Christiansborg Castle, home of the Danish Parliament, the Old Stock Exchange, the Naval Church and Thorvaldsens Museum.

The third stop is at Amalienborg Royal Palace, the home of Queen Margrethe II. Enjoy an hour of free time to view the palace from the beautiful square; visit the nearby Marble Church which boasts the fourth largest dome in Europe or head off on a short walk to Nyhavn, famous for its charming old houses and lively waterfront. No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to the Little Mermaid, for photographs.


This excursion will operate by coach. 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 Copenhagen will be provided. No entrance fees are included in the tour price.

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.

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.

Discover the daily struggles and affect that WWII had on Kristiansand during a visit to Stiftelsen Arkivet and the Kristiansand Cannon Museum.

Stiftelsen Arkivet was a former Gestapo headquarters, known as the country's most notorious place for physical/psychological violence and torture - gaining it the reputation as the ‘House of Horror’. The Gestapo prison cells and torture chambers in the basement have been recreated as they existed during WWII. The events which took place in the basement are illustrated with the help of full-sized exhibits and mannequins. Arkivet provides a chilling and heart rending glimpse into some of the horrendous conditions and atmosphere that the prisoners endured during the German Occupation.

The Kristiansand Cannon Museum (The Vara Battery) is an important part of Norwegian military history. The main attraction is a large battery canon built by the Germans to defend the coastline during WWII. It is the only complete surviving 380mm calibre Kruppcannon and at almost 66 foot in length, weighing 337 tons and a firing range of 34 miles (the range extends half way to Denmark) - it is one of the largest ever built. The large gun casement surrounding the cannon contains bunkers with interesting exhibits displaying artillery, uniforms and materials from WWII.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The Gestapo headquarters are located down several flights of stairs, however there is a lift available. There is uneven terrain at the Cannon Museum and an incline to reach the top of the cannon and one of the emplacements.

A panoramic tour of the city will take you past Copenhagen’s most notable landmarks. Glimpse the famous Tivoli Gardens, the new Carlsberg Glyptotek, the Town Hall and Rosenborg and Christiansborg Palace. Copenhagen's famous Gefion Fountain, set amidst the parkland of the Kastel, depicts the Nordic legend of the Goddess Gefion. The winter residence of the royal family, Amalienborg Palace is situated on one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Nyhavn is the colourful and lively waterfront district, once a favourite haunt of sailors. Nowadays, the canal district is lined with 500-year-old gabled houses, pavement cafés and bars.

On the Island of Amager, you’ll visit the charming village of Dragor, one of the best preserved in Denmark. Dragor was an international marketplace for Hanseatic merchants who came here every year to buy their herrings.

A coffee stop will be made and includes a typical Danish pastry.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The tour involves approximately one hour of walking, over cobbled streets.

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.

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 first visit will be to Yusupov Palace, one of the most interesting sights in St Petersburg, representing a rare combination of an architectural monument and ‘a temple of art’.

The rich and powerful Yusupov family have owned the Palace since 1830 and it is the only Russian Palace approved on the list of international private Palaces to maintain its original interior and furniture.

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. The Palace is also famous for being where Grigory Rasputin’s assassination took place in the winter of 1916.

Your next stop is the ornate and brightly coloured exterior of the Church of the Saviour of the Spilled Blood. This recently restored Church is a photographer's delight. This uniquely-named Church sits on an equally unique site: the place where Alexander II was assassinated. The striking multi-coloured onion domes, representative of the intricate pseudo-Russian style of architecture, will create a memorable picture.



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.

Yusupov Palace - Flash photography restrictions may apply in certain rooms. Protective overshoes are provided in wet weather which can make the floors slippery in the Palace. It is forbidden to take long overcoats, umbrellas, large bags or bottles inside.

Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood – Flash photography restrictions apply. There is a strict dress code inside Churches and Cathedrals; no shorts, men should remove hats, ladies should cover their shoulders and chest and preferably wear a headscarf.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See the city's focal point, Senate Square, with fine 19th century neo-classical buildings and the impressive Lutheran Cathedral of St Nicholas. Pass the Uspenski Cathedral and the North Harbour where the icebreaker fleet is stationed.

The Rock Church (Temppeliaukio), a unique creation carved out of solid rock and topped with a copper dome is a striking example of modern Finnish architecture. En route you will see the Presidential Palace, the colourful Market Square and the beautiful Kaivopuisto Park, where many of the foreign embassies are situated.

Stop to admire the massive, stainless steel Sibelius Monument dedicated to the musical vision of Jean Sibelius and situated in the beautiful Sibelius Park. View the Olympic Stadium, where the Olympic games were held in 1952 and travel past the new Opera House, Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building, the National Museum and the Railway Station.


This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Should you opt to remain in the city for independent sightseeing, you will be responsible for your own return to the ship. Please note that the Rock Church may close without prior notice. The tour does involve some walking, with gravel walkways at the Sibelius Monument and steps at Senate Square. The order of sites may vary. Due to parking restrictions at The Rock Church there is a 10 minute uphill walk to the Church from the parking area.

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.

Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a 1-1½ hour ride through the charming seaside town of Warnemünde and its countryside. The region is full of history and is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. Sit back and enjoy your ride through Mecklenburg’s countryside, past small villages, century-old homes, crooked-walled buildings, ancient barns and restored houses.

Stop to ‘stretch your legs’ at one of the last remaining original farmhouses in the area. Meet the farmer and enjoy refreshments and a traditional German Bratwurst.

Many of the houses here have thatched roofs, a tradition that has lasted for generations and one that local residents maintain with much dedication and energy. During your stop, you’ll see a presentation on the art of thatched roofing.

Your return to the ship will be by coach, via the typical eastern-bloc living quarters of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

This excursion will operate by coach and horse drawn carriage.Early booking is recommended due to limited availability. This tour may operate in reverse to that described. This tour may not be suitable for those passengers who suffer from neck or back problems, due to the bumpy nature of the carriage ride. There are approximately three steep steps to embark the carriage. The coach portion of this tour will be with an English-speaking guide. The carriage portion will be with an English-speaking escort.