Baltic's Historic Waterways
Aboard National Geographic Explorer
- 15 days 29 August 2012
- 15 days 6 September 2012
Sail on one of our Europe cruises through eight countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fascinating cultures and long-neglected histories. These unique cultural travel experiences allow you to discover fairytale castles and the 'city of ruins and roses,' before delving into the European capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg, where we spend three nights at the superb Grand Hotel Europe. Each of the capitals has an Old Town, and the buildings have been beautifully restored; especially moving are those of Tallinn and Riga, flourishing in the 21st century. The great cities and Hansa towns of Lubeck and Gdansk are balanced with peaceful island stops for nature walks, where the vitality of summer enhances your educational travel cruise experience.
Day 1
Arrive St. Petersburg
Check in to the five-star Grand Hotel EuropeD
Day 2-4
St. Petersburg - Embarkation
We check in to the five-star Grand Hotel Europe, spending three days exploring St. Petersburg's imperial luxuries and artistic bounty. Visit the Hermitage, with its renowned art collections, the grandiose Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the cascading golden fountains at Peter the Great's Summer Palace at Petrodvorets, with its gilded fountains and grand cascade, and the opulent palace of Catherine the Great at Pushkin. By special arrangement, former president Mikhail Gorbachev will speak to Lindblad guests. And on one evening, dinner will be on your own with the option to attend a musical performance. On the afternoon of day 4, we embark our ship and head out on deck as National Geographic Explorer sails from its dock near the grand Hermitage Museum and along the Neva River - an illustrious beginning to our journey. Day 2: BLD - Day 3: BL - Day 4: BLD
Day 5
Tallin, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is known for its awe-inspiring city walls and narrow, well-preserved medieval streets. Our walking tour includes the scenic Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Town Hall Square, where a new breed of entrepreneurs have proudly opened an array of shops, cafes and galleries. A highlight is the vista from Dome Hill of Tallinn's picturesque assortment of spires and gables. Have free time this afternoon to continue exploring this compact city on your own.BLD
Day 6
Mariehamn, Aland Islands, Finland
Politically part of Finland, linguistically Swedish, and culturally autonomous, the Aland islanders are proud inhabitants of a naturally beautiful archipelago that is also home to a wonderful maritime museum. We'll explore via foot, as well as Zodiac and kayak.BLD
Day 7
Stockholm
Today we arrive in Stockholm, the royal capital of Sweden. The city that 'floats on water,' Stockholm is built on 14 islands. Our exploration begins with a guided walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace and the famed Vasa Museum with its remarkable 17th-century warship, raised virtually intact in 1961.BLD
Day 8
Swedish Archipelago
Today is a day of exploration. We wind our way through the enchanting islands of the archipelago, looking for opportunities to kayak, walk ashore and soak up the idyllic Swedish landscape.BLD
Day 9
Visby, Gotland, Sweden
During the Viking Era, and for several hundred years onwards, the island of Gotland and especially the city of Visby, became a center of trade in the Baltic Sea. Today Visby is a well-preserved, walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, winding streets evoke the Middle Ages and together with the numerous gardens, have earned the city its nickname 'the city of ruins and roses.' See the superb Viking exhibits at the Fornsal Museum and take a walk along the ramparts to enjoy the views. BLD
Day 10
Riga, Latvia
A beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, Riga is dominated by its jumble of eclectic architecture from many periods, with Parisian-style parks and boulevards. The historic city center is a World Heritage Site, recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. We explore the cobbled streets of Old Town dominated by the magnificent Cathedral.BLD
Day 11
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Arrive in Klaipeda, the country's primary port with its red-roofed 19th-century buildings. Travel to Palanga, visiting a lavish estate which houses the celebrated Amber Museum.BLD
Day 12
Gdánsk, Poland
Homeland to our notable guest speaker Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Poland, Gdansk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity, the pivotal democratic movement that helped shape the changes throughout Eastern Europe. We dock at the historic shipyards with its moving Solidarity Monument, and stroll the lively streets of Old Town, with superb examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Explore the old merchant's houses and 15th-century Artus Court, and have ample time to explore on your own.BLD
Day 13
Christiansø & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
These small islands off southern Sweden have belonged to Denmark since 1522. Today we land by Zodiac at tiny Christiansø. The bastion that stood here in the 18th century is now in ruins; its castle and cannons have made way for a charmingly lazy artists' village. Continue to the verdant island of Bornholm, rich in natural history. Starting at the picturesque fishing port, we visit the ruins of ancient Hammershus Castle, the largest in northern Europe. BLD
Day 14
Lübeck, Germany
Today we explore lovely Lübeck, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, Europe's first Common Market. A boat ride along the canals gives us an overview of the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture. After lunch, join a guided walk exploring this culturally rich city.BLD
Day 15
Copenhagen, Denmark - Disembarkation
Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark and disembark. B
