Circumnavigation of the
Baltic Sea
Aboard National Geographic Explorer
- AMSTERDAM - COPENHAGEN 16 days 11 May 2013
The treasures of St. Petersburg and the great Scandinavian capitals of Stockholm and Copenhagen display only a fraction of this region’s storied past. Delve deeper into your understanding of the Baltics through dramatic water approaches to the larger cities and forays into lesser-known towns and UNESCO Sites. Hear a presentation from former President Lech Walesa of Poland in his hometown of Gdansk.
EXPEDITION HIGHLIGHTS
- Hear a talk from former President of Poland and Nobel Laureate Lech Walesa.
- Explore St. Petersburg for two days, visiting the Hermitage with a special before hours visit.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Lübeck, Riga, Tallinn and more.
Day 1
AMSTERDAM
Arrive in Amsterdam.
Day 2
Amsterdam/Embark Ship
In Amsterdam and have an overview of the city’s canals and cafes before embarkation. LD
Day 3
At Sea/Kiel Canal
We have a relaxing day to settle in to shipboard life as we sail along the German coast this morning and transit the 63-mile-long Kiel Canal. Opened in 1895, the Kiel Canal passes south of Denmark, connecting the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. One of the busiest canals in the world, with more than 50,000 ships transiting a year, its banks are surrounded by pastoral lowlands.BLD
Day 4
Lübeck, Germany
Our ship heads into the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. We have a splendid introduction to the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture of Lübeck during a boat ride along the canals. After lunch, we have a different perspective, walking the lively streets on a guided tour of Old Town, with its superb examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.BLD
Day 5
Christiansø & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
These small islands off southern Sweden have belonged to Denmark since 1522. Today we land by Zodiac at the small island of Christiansø for a morning of reflection and photography. Wander through an artists’ village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. Continue to the verdant island of Bornholm, rich in natural history. Starting at the picturesque fishing village, we head to the tip of the island to visit the ruins of an ancient fortress and castle, Denmark’s largest built around 1250.BLD
Day 6
Gdánsk, Poland
Dock at the historic Gdansk shipyards, where Poland’s Solidarity movement was born. Visit the moving Solidarity Monument and a museum detailing the fall of communism in Poland. Stroll around Gdansk’s Old Town, seeing the old red-brick merchant’s houses and 15th-century Artus Court. Then, by special arrangement, meet with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa.BLD
Day 7
Klaipeda, Lithuania
Arrive in Klaipeda, the primary port of Lithuania. The city that grew up following a serious fire in 1854 is a delightful assemblage of red-roofed 19th-century and restored older buildings. We visit the remains of Old Town and stroll through the sculpture garden. Then travel to the seaside town of Palanga, visiting the lavish 19th-century estate of former Polish prince Tishkevich, which now houses the celebrated Amber Museum. BLD
Day 8
Riga, Latvia
Riga is a beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, with architectural gems in all styles and from all periods. The city is recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. We explore the cobbled streets of Riga’s Old Town and the Great Guild Hall Square, venturing into 14th-century Riga Castle. BLD
Day 9
Tallinn, Estonia
Enclosed by walls and turrets, Tallinn’s Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltics’ best-preserved medieval cities. On a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll past the bustling cafés and galleries of the Town Hall Square and visit the Church of St. Nicholas. From the top of Dome Hill, gaze at a skyline that bristles with pointed gables and spires. If you wish, have dinner ashore and explore the city by night. BLD
Day 10-11
St. Petersburg
Enclosed by walls and turrets, Tallinn’s Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltics’ best-preserved medieval cities. On a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll past the bustling cafés and galleries of the Town Hall Square and visit the Church of St. Nicholas. From the top of Dome Hill, gaze at a skyline that bristles with pointed gables and spires. If you wish, have dinner ashore and explore the city by night. BLD
Day 12
Exploring Coastal Finland
Today we explore the granite islands along the coastline, looking for idyllic places to take a Zodiac cruise, launch our kayaks, and go for a hike. BLD
Day 13
Stockholm, Sweden
National Geographic Explorer arrives in Stockholm, the “city that floats on water.” Our explorations begin with a guided stroll though the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s pastel-hued Old Town. Continue with a visit to the Vasa Museum, with its famed 17th-century warship — the prize of King Gustavus Adolkphus’s navy that sank in the harbor on its maiden voyage in 1628—and was raised virtually intact in 1961.. BLD
Day 14
Visby, Gotland
Today we explore the walled city of Visby, a former Viking trading post. The narrow, winding streets evoke the Middle Ages, and the numerous gardens ablaze with flowers have earned Visby the nickname “the city of ruins and roses.” We visit the botanical gardens and see fascinating Viking artifacts at the Fornsal Museum, with its superb exhibits covering eight thousand years of history. BLD
Day 15
Exploring Southern Sweden
Our plans are kept flexible today so we can enjoy the best of summer in southern Sweden. Take leisurely walks, get acquainted with Swedish coastal culture, and photograph everyday life in centuries-old seaside villages. BLD
Day 16
Copenhagen, Denmark - Disembarkation
Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark and disembark. B
