11-day Baltic Adventure

SHORE EXCURSIONS (Oslo Roundtrip)
April 18 - 28, 2010

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STOCKHOLM

April 20, 2010

Stockholm & the Vasa Museum

Code: E-STO1
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Price: $64
This guided coach tour is an excellent introduction to Stockholm passing most of the main sights of the city including an inside visit to one of the top attractions - the Vasa Museum. Our tour begins with a drive up to Fjällgatan for a panoramic view of the city and then through Gamla Stan, the enchanting medieval Old. We'll then visit the island of Djurgården, Stockholm's amusement and recreation center with great park lands and museums including the Skansen Open AirMuseum and the Vasa Museum, housing the Swedish warship Vasa, once considered to be one of the world's largest and most prestigious warships. The museum is built around the 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm's inner harbor on her maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to much of her former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history. Finally we'll continue through the Diplomat areas and through Östermalm, a fashionable neighborhood before returning to the ship.

Stockholm & The Fabulous ICEBAR

Code: E-STO3
Duration: approx. 2.5 hrs
Price: $69
Head for the Nordic Hotel in the heart of the city to discover the world's first permanent ice bar, one of the most popular bars in Stockholm. The temperature inside is kept below freezing and the entire interior including your drinking glasses are made from pure, Swedish water from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. All guests are provided with warm ponchos and mittens before entering. A vodka drink in an ice glass will be served and the staff will tell you more about the bar and the famous construction. We'll then continue to Stockholm's oldest and coziest quarter, the Old Town. Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace and enjoy a stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets with buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. At Stortorget, the Great Square, stands the Old Stock Exchange, now home of the Swedish Academy and the Nobel (Prize) Museum. Note: Includes one Vodka drink

HELSINKI

April 21, 2010

Highlights of Helsinki and Concert

Code: E-HEL1
Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs
Price: $103
This city tour will give you a nice introduction of Helsinki as we drive through the neo-classical Senate Square, surrounded by public buildings built in the old center in the mid-19th century. We see the Esplanades and drive to the Mannerheim Street passing several historically important buildings and parks. A classical musical concert will be performed in the beautiful church of Johan's or at the main Dom church's crypt. We will continue with our tour and visit the famous Temppeliaukio Kirkko, the church hewn from solid rock with a ceiling faced with copper. Before ending your tour, you will visit the Sibelius park to view the magnificent monument in honor of the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.

ST. PETERSBURG

April 22, 2010

Important: Please note that participants on these excursions will not need a VISA. If you choose not to purchase an excursion and explore St Petersburg on your own, you will need to apply for a personal tourist VISA. If so, please contact your travel agency.

Panoramic City Tour

Code: E-STP1
Duration: approx. 3 hrs
Price: $37
St. Petersburg is situated on the banks of the Neva River and the numerous islands of its delta. This panoramic city bus tour starts with a drive along the embankments of the Neva where a rich parade of sights can be enjoyed; the ochre painted Menshikov's Palace, the impressive building of Peter the Great's 12 Ministries, the Academy of Sciences and The Chamber of Curiosities. We continue past the Artillery Museum and pass along the Petrograd side where Art Nouveau architecture flourished at the end of the 19th century. We'll see the Aurora cruiser, which signaled the start of the revolution in 1917 by firing a single blank shot from its bow gun. We then cross the Trinity Bridge, from where one can observe the Summer Garden, the oldest park in the city. The coach will then approach one of the main landmarks of St. Petersburg - The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood built on the site where Alexander the Second was assassinated on March 1, 1881. We will also pass Nevsky Prospect - Russia's most famous street that has figured prominently in Russian history and literature. From here the coach will turn into the Isaac's Square dominated by the majestic Saint Isaac Cathedral and then finally we will pass Decembrists Square on our way back to the ship.

Neva River Cruise & Yusupov Palace

Code: E-STP4
Duration: approx. 4 hrs
Price: $62
Saint Petersburg is often called the Venice of the North. The city is situated on 42 islands and more than 60 small rivers and canals crisscross the city in various directions. However, the main waterway of Saint Petersburg is the Neva River. Sail along the magnificent palaces facing the Neva, granite walls of Peter and Paul fortress, the gilded spire of Peter's & Paul's cathedral, while your guide tells us about the fascinating history of St. Petersburg. At a distance you will see the onion shaped domes of the Smolny Cathedral. After the Neva Cruise we'll visit the Yusupov Palace. The Yusupov Palace on the Moika Embankment is an outstanding historic and architectural monument of the late 18th - early 20th centuries. It presents a fine example of the Russian classicism. The Yusupovs were great collectors of art, and their collection was known well beyond Russia. Not only is the Palace a remarkable architectural monument, but it is also one of the most mysterious places in the city, full of occult memories, a historical site, tied to the fall of imperial Russia. It was here that Gregory Rasputin, a peasant who had gained control over the czar's family through his alleged supernatural powers, was murdered by the young prince Felix Yusopov. Our guide will escort you to the cellar, where Madame Tussaud's style wax figures reconstitute the whole event.
Note: This tour is not recommended for guests with difficulty walking. Photo and video costs are not included.

ST. PETERSBURG

April 23, 2010

Catherine Palace, Russian Lunch & Isaac Cathedral

Code: E-STP2
Duration: approx. 8.5 hrs
Price: $141
In Pushkin we will tour Catherine palace, one of the masterpieces of world architecture, designed by architect Rastrelli in 1752 for Empress Elizabeth, who named it Catherine Palace in honor of her mother, Catherine I, who originally owned the estate. Rastrelli used over 200 pounds of pure gold for the exterior gilding (contemporary visitors did complain that the palace blinded their eyes on sunny days). During the tour of the palace we will see among other the State rooms, the Great staircase and the impression of golden corridors. Of special interest is the Amber Room of the palace, which was once considered to be the "Eighth Wonder of the World". The amber wall panels were presented to Peter the Great in 1717 by King Friedrich Wilhelm. The Amber Room is a successful reconstruction as the panels were too heavy (1,763 lbs) to dismantle and evacuate when the Second World War broke out. They were looted by the Nazi army, dispatched into Germany and never seen again. The restoration work is still ongoing in some rooms of the palace after the destructions of the Second World War. After the tour of the palace we may enjoy a short walk in the park. The 1,400 acres of grounds are dotted with charming pavilions set around the central lake. A one-hour transfer will bring you back to St. Petersburg where you will enjoy a traditional Russian lunch served at one of the best local restaurants. A special treat of the tour is a visit to the magnificent St. Isaac Cathedral (1818 - 1858) designed by French architect August Montferrant. The Cathedral is named after St. Isaac of Dalmatia whose Saint's Day (May 30) coincides with Peter the Great's birthday. The vast and opulent interior covers 43,000 sq ft. Inside the church is filled with hundreds of impressive 19th century works of art. Some 200 lbs. of pure gold went into gilding the huge dome. The décor of the church was most expensive. The architect used Russian rose marble, gray marble from Finland, green from Genoa, yellow from Sienna; the floors are finished in Russian, Italian and French marble. 14 colored marbles and 43 other types of semiprecious stones and minerals were used for the decoration of the Cathedral.
Note: Includes lunch. This tour is not recommended for guests with difficulty walking as the terrain may be uneven or steep. Photo and video costs are not included.

City Tour with Peter and Paul Fortress & Hermitage

Code: E-STP3
Duration: approx. 9 hrs
Price: $135
St. Petersburg lies on the banks of the Neva River and the numerous islands of its delta. The city's rich architecture and history comes alive as our coach travels along the bustling avenues and embankments of the city. Our first photo stop will be at the St. Isaac's Square dominated by the majestic Saint Isaac Cathedral (1818 - 1858) with the 4th largest dome in the world. In the center of the Square is a monument to Nicholas the First. From the Neva River we'll drive to the birthplace of the city - the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral. This magnificent church was built between 1713 - 1732, and with its 404 feet, the cathedral is the city's highest building. Following the visit to the Fortress, the coach drives past the Artillery Museum and passes along the Petrograd side where Art Nouveau architecture flourished at the end of the 19th century. The next stop is at the Aurora cruiser, which signaled the start of the revolution in 1917 by firing a single blank shot from its bow gun. The coach will proceed to one of the main landmarks of St. Petersburg - The Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. From here you will reach Nevsky Prospect, Russia's most famous street. A delicious typical Russian lunch will be served to you at one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg. Following lunch we'll continue the exploration of the city with a visit to the world-famous Hermitage Museum - the "Crown Jewel" on the museum list in St. Petersburg. Founded in 1764 as a private museum of Catherine the Great to which only she and her closest courtiers had access, today it is Russia's largest art museum that owns an astounding collection of about 3 million pieces of art. The collection occupies four buildings: the Winter Palace, the Small Hermitage, the Old Hermitage and the New Hermitage. We will get a tour of all these buildings, and explore their beauty and art.
Note: Includes lunch. This tour involves a wait to enter the Hermitage and approximately 2 hours of walking. Due to the vastness of the museum, it is not possible to see it all and the areas to be visited will be established by the curator upon arrival. Please, note that the route may change due to current traffic circumstances. This tour is not recommended for guests with difficulty walking. Photo and video costs are not included.

Walking Tour of St. Petersburg

Code: E-STP5
Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs
Price: $37
This unique tour is specially designed for people who enjoy walking and seeing all numerous aspects and details. A coach will take you from the pier to the downtown area of St. Petersburg and finally proceed to the Bronze Horseman, the most famous monument to the founder of St. Petersburg - Peter the Great. According to a 19th century legend, enemy forces will never take St. Petersburg while the "Bronze Horseman" stands in the middle of the city. From this square you start your promenade along the Neva River embankment towards the main square of the city. Then, approach the Palace Square, considered to be the main square of the city. Here you board the coach to continue to the Square of Arts, dominated by the famous monument to Alexander Pushkin. The square itself is a remarkable architectural ensemble and, at the same time, has become one of the most important cultural centers of the city. Every single building facing the square is either a theater or a museum. The coach will be waiting on the square while you explore it, and will take you back to the ship along the city's main street - Nevsky Prospect. It is lined with magnificent architectural ensembles and offers a wealth of cultural interests: libraries and museums, palaces and beautiful mansions, numerous theaters and movie houses, clubs, cafes and restaurants.
Note: This tour is not recommended for guests with difficulty walking. The terrain may be uneven or steep.

TALLINN

April 24, 2010

Old Town Walking Tour, incl. Folk Show

Code: E-TLL1
Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs
Price: $50
An UNESCO World Heritage Site - Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League. Departing from the pier, our coach will circle around the Old Town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city walls. We'll disembark and start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and the 13th century Gothic style Dome Cathedral. You can view the exterior of the Castle which is now the seat of Estonia's Parliament. Built on a cliff top, the Upper Town provides a superb vantage point from which to admire the red-gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town. Our tour continues as we follow the guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. Among the highlights of the Lower Town are the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). At Blackhead's, a medieval guild house, we'll enjoy a typical folk show, where coffee and cake will be served. On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colorful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts center, where you can enjoy some free time before rejoining the coach and returning to the pier.
Note: Not suitable for guests with difficulty walking.

Tallinn with Surroundings and Lunch

Code: E-TLL2
Duration: approx. 7 hrs
Price: $101
Departing from the pier, your coach will drive around the medieval city wall which encompasses the Old Town before you start a guided walking tour through its atmospheric streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You'll also visit the 13th century Gothic style Dome Cathedral and view the exterior of the Castle which is now the seat of the Estonia's Parliament. Built on a cliff top, the Upper Town provides a superb vantage point from which to admire the red-gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town. Your tour continues as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. You'll reach the Town Hall Square where you'll find the oldest surviving Gothic Town Hall in Northern Europe. Across the square is a 15th century Apothecary shop, probably the oldest pharmacy still in use. You'll also walk past several medieval guild houses and merchants' homes. Lunch is served at a charming restaurant in the Old Town followed with some 30 minutes of free time for shopping at St. Catherine's arts and crafts center. We board the coach again and drive through the cultural centre of Tallinn and towards Kadriorg (Catherine's Valley), the largest park in Estonia. We visit the newly renovated Baroque Palace and the garden from the outside and continue with a visit to the Tallinn Song Bowl, a natural amphitheatre officially said to hold about 150,000 people. After this, we visit the St Birgit's Convent, a magnificent monument of the 15th century limestone architecture.
Note: includes 3-course meal, coffee/tea.

Best of Tallinn by Bicycle

Code: E-TLL3
Duration: approx. 3-4 hrs
Price: $48
The best way of discovering the recreation area of Tallinn is by bike. You get close to all sights and can enjoy fresh air with enjoyable activity. The route will take you straight from the harbor to the romantic Kadriorg Park and Palace, founded by Peter the Great. You will see the Estonian President's Residence, modern art museum KUMU, the Estonian Song Festival Grounds and the Memorial complex, a monument of the Soviet times. After passing a contemporary residential area you will reach Pirita beach and the Olympic Yachting Centre. You return to the harbor via the seaside bike road with panoramic view of both the Old Town and the new city center.
Note: approx. 8 miles by bicycle. Includes bike, helmet, safety vests and instructions.

GYDNIA

April 26,2009

Gdansk City Tour

Code: E-GDA1
Duration: approx. 3.5 hrs
Price: $45
This combined coach and walking tour takes you to the Old Town of Gdansk. From the pier in Gdynia, we'll drive into the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on our way to the Old Town. We'll pass by the Gdansk Shipyards, previously known as the Lenin Shipyards, and "Solidarity Square," with its famous monument commemorating the deaths of shipyard workers shot down in December 1970 by the Communist regime. The city's 1,000 year history has left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. During the guided walk we'll see marvelous buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by myriad ornate gables. We'll pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant's Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune's Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk's Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. We'll then turn up Mariacka or St. Mary's Street, which delights its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings. We'll visit St. Mary's Church - the pride of Gdansk, is the world's largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the center of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels.
Note: Includes entrance fee for St. Mary´s Church. Walking information: cobblestone in Old Gdansk.