Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
15% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys
Stockholm - Copenhagen
Dates:
10/8/2023
to
18/8/2023
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.
This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.
Join PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys for an extraordinary 9-day voyage through the Baltic Sea featuring a specially arranged, exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk, Poland.
The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings. We will visit the great cities that ring its shores and experience a comingling of cosmopolitan life with centuries of rich history.
Begin in cosmopolitan Stockholm, whose lively Gamla Stan (old town) located on a compact island showcases narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the Royal Palace.
Le Champlain sails first to Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the vibrant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
You call next in Tallinn, an important hub for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. Its Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage Site and retains remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses, and warehouses.
Continue on to Latvia's capital, Riga, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which combines the charms of its Old Town with an impressive array of Art Nouveau architecture.
On Gotland—the largest island in the Baltic Sea—you stop at the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League.
Klaipeda is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula and an opportunity to learn the traditional art of beekeeping or to immerse yourself in the local food and folklore of Lithuania.
You sail next to Gdansk, a city with a 1000 year history whose shipyard served as the birthplace of the Solidarity Trade Union in 1980. The wave of dissent arising from the Solidarity movement helped lead to Polish independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Call at the small Danish island of Bornholm, whose lush farmland and rich herring fisheries share the land with the ruins of a medieval fortress and four of the ancient round churches for which Denmark is noted.
End in sophisticated Copenhagen, which displays 800 years of royal history at the stunning Christiansborg Palace, once home to kings and queens and now home to the Danish Parliament.
Ref : SC6845US - EC100823
Your itinerary
A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions...
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Your trip in detail
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Included in your cruise
To make sure things run smoothly, PONANT has included certain elements before and after your cruise as part of the price.
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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LE LYRIAL
7/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
1/10/2023 to the 8/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
6/2/2024 to the 3/3/2024
LE BORÉAL
7/7/2024 to the 20/7/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Robin Wright
Robin Wright has been a contributing writer to The New Yorker since 1988. Her first piece on Iran won the National Magazine Award for best reporting. A former correspondent for the Washington Post, CBS News, the Los Angeles Times, and the Sunday Times of London, she has reported from more than a hundred and forty countries. She is also a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. She has been a fellow at the Brookings Institution and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, as well as at Yale, Duke, Dartmouth, and the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Wright received the U.N. Correspondents Association Gold Medal for international coverage, and the Overseas Press Club Award for the “best reporting in any medium requiring exceptional courage and initiative,” for her coverage of African wars. The American Academy of Diplomacy named her journalist of the year for “distinguished reporting and analysis of international affairs.” She also won the National Press Club Award for diplomatic reporting and has been the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation grant.
Wright is the author of several books, including “The Last Great Revolution: Turmoil and Transformation in Iran,” “Sacred Rage: The Wrath of Militant Islam,” and “Dreams and Shadows: The Future of the Middle East,” which was selected by the New York Times and the Washington Post as one of the most notable books of 2008. Her book, “Rock the Casbah: Rage and Rebellion Across the Islamic World,” was selected as the best book on international affairs by the Overseas Press Club.
Language spoken: English
Glenn Kranking
Glenn Kranking is Associate Professor of History and Scandinavian Studies at Gustavus Adolphus College. He received his Ph.D. in History from The Ohio State University and has lived and researched in Sweden, Estonia, Finland, and Russia. His area of research includes Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Region with an emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries, nationalism, and minorities. One of his more recent courses looks at Nordic Explorers, from the Vikings to the Polar explorers.
Language spoken: English
Lech Wałęsa
Lech Wałęsa is the legendary leader of the “Solidarity” movement and the author of its victory in 1989 over the communist regime in Poland.
Wałęsa was born on 29 October 1943. First mention of his activity in the anti-communist opposition originates from 1968 when Wałęsa, then a young electrician in the Gdansk Shipyard, tried to persuade his colleagues not to take part in the mass meetings organized by the Polish government to condemn student strikes. He then became actively engaged in public affairs, taking part in the work of the Strike Committee in December 1970.
After the death of many protesters shot by police forces suppressing strikes in December 1970, Wałęsa, realizing he cannot allow the situation to repeat itself, engaged himself in the Free Trade Unions. He was responsible for organizing workers and educating laborers on their rights.
In August 1980 Wałęsa was one of the organizers of the strike in the Gdansk Shipyard. His bravery resulted in unyielding negotiations and the struggle for the realization of protester demands. Wałęsa’s activity led to a bloodless victory and the foundation of “Solidarity,” the first independent and oppositional social movement in the Soviet bloc.
The success of “Solidarity” and Wałęsa as its leader, now recognized around the world, resulted in a fierce reaction by the communist regime. On 13 December 1981, in an attempt to suppress political opposition, martial law was introduced. “Solidarity” was quickly delegalized and Wałęsa interned.
Martial law caused many to lose hope for freedom, but Wałęsa did not consider surrender. His belief in the idea of solidarity was stronger than the repression of the regime. This commitment was recognized by the global community in 1983 when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
In 1989 Wałęsa was the leader of the oppositional delegation during the Round Table Talks. Although relatively weak, the Polish regime was still dangerous. Wałęsa’s courage led to compromise with the communist authorities. The election of 4 July 1989 was a great success for the opposition and resulted in the formation of the first noncommunist cabinet in the Soviet bloc.
On 22 December 1990 Wałęsa was elected president of free Poland. During and after his presidency he remained engaged in public life as an advocate of Poland around the world. He strongly supported Poland’s accession to NATO and the EU. In 1995 he founded the Lech Wałęsa Institute. Its aim is to popularize the achievement of “Solidarity,” educate young generations, and support democracy and the creation of civil society in Poland and around the world.
Today Wałęsa continues his mission of promoting the idea of solidarity. Around the world, he speaks about Poland’s bloodless transition towards peace and democracy as a role model for different nations and calls for a world based on universal values and peaceful cooperation.
In 1989, Wałęsa was awarded the highest US decoration for foreigners, the Medal of Freedom.
Language spoken: Polish
Photo credit: Lars Møller
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys is the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education and research complex, consisting of 21 museums, the National Zoological Park, education centers, research facilities, cultural centers, and libraries. Drawing on Smithsonian's resources dating back 175 years, these sailings will feature notable experts and experiences that embrace local cultures and dive deeper into a destination’s history, cuisine, language, environment, and wildlife. For more than 50 years, Smithsonian Journeys has been rooted in and focused on cultural immersion and discovery – with a goal of inspiring guests to become global citizens through travel.
Subject to withdrawal in case of force majeure
Highlights
- A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call.
- Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts including historian and Scandinavian studies expert Glenn Kranking and foreign affairs journalist and author Robin Wright.
- An exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk.
- A voyage through seven countries along the Baltic Sea – Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Denmark.
- Five UNESCO World Heritage sites en route – Fortress of Suomenlinna in Helsinki, the Historic Centers (Old Towns) of Tallinn and Riga, the natural Curonian Peninsula in Lithuania, and the Hanseatic Town of Visby.
Ports of Call & Excursions
10 August 2023 - Stockholm
Embarkation 10/8/2023 From 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Departure 10/8/2023 at 5:00 pm
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
11 August 2023 - Helsinki
Arrival 11/8/2023 early afternoon
Departure 11/8/2023 evening
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
12 August 2023 - Tallinn
Arrival 12/8/2023 early morning
Departure 12/8/2023 midday
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13 August 2023 - Riga
Arrival 13/8/2023 midday
Departure 13/8/2023 late afternoon
At the place where East meets West on the edge of the Baltic Sea, Riga, the capital of Latvia, will charm you with its contrasts. Although it is one of the oldest cities in the Baltic states, with a unique atmosphere that is imbued with the memory of its medieval past, Riga is also tangibly dynamic and modern. As you stroll through its old town, you will enjoy its exceptional architecture, its cathedrals, the remains of old walls and the typical narrow streets. Nicknamed “the Paris of the North” in the 1930s, this cosmopolitan city boasts a rich heritage.
14 August 2023 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 14/8/2023 midday
Departure 14/8/2023 early evening
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
15 August 2023 - Klaipeda
Arrival 15/8/2023 midday
Departure 15/8/2023 late afternoon
Klaipeda was founded in the 13th century by Christian crusaders from the German Order of Teutonic Knights. Its strategic location on the edge of the Baltic Sea has made it a source of conflict between Germans, Poles, Lithuanians and even the French since its creation. Today, the legacy of Klaipeda’s rich history is a great multiculturalism. This is the main port of Lithuania and the country’s third largest city. The beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Baltic coast make it a popular tourist destination. The city centre is very pleasant to visit due to its architecture blending German and Scandinavian influences.
16 August 2023 - Gdansk
Arrival 16/8/2023 early morning
Departure 16/8/2023 early evening
This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.
17 August 2023 - Ronne
Arrival 17/8/2023 midday
Departure 17/8/2023 early evening
To the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the small Danish island of Bornholm is a magnificent and light-filled setting for the charming town of Ronne, its capital. Close to Sweden, Poland and Germany and coveted many times for its strategic position, the island has managed to preserve its identity. Strolling its cobbled streets, fall under the spell of the colourful half-timbered houses and discover Denmark’s oldest theatre. The museum located in a former market hall retraces the traditional life of the island and its history. In the midst of landscapes alternating rocky coastlines and fine sandy beaches, maybe you will come across the medieval fortress of Hammerhus, or one of the remarkable round churches scattered over the island.
18 August 2023 - Copenhagen
Arrival 18/8/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 18/8/2023 at 8:00 am
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
The Great Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to Suomenlinna Island, one of the group of islands that guards the approach to Helsinki. The island is home to a major monument of military architectural history, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.
Construction of the Fortress began during the period of Swedish rule, expanded under the Russian Imperial Government in the 19th century, and was taken over by the Finnish when they achieved independence in 1918 and renamed the massive structure Suomenlinna, the "Castle of Finland."
In the heyday of its operations, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the fortress was compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. Its military shipyard was one of the largest dry docks in the world and a major center of naval architectural expertise. In the 1960s the fort was decommissioned from most military uses, but it remains the site of the Finnish Naval Academy.
Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the island, after which you will have some time at leisure, perhaps to enjoy a coffee and pastry.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is non-exclusive.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Helsinki
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park, named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969, and due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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This tour involves 1 mile of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
20th-Century Estonian History & Old Town
This tour allows you to explore the events of the 20th century that shaped Estonia’s most recent history, from its establishment as a Republic in 1918, through Soviet occupation, and to its Singing Revolution, which reestablished Estonia’s independence in 1991.
Drive to Maarjamäe Palace, passing the Song Festival Ground. This small but lovely Palace was built in the 1870s for Russian Count Orlov-Davydov as his summer residence and reopened in 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, as a history discovery center. The highlight of the center is the comprehensive interactive exhibit, "My Free Country," which tells the story of the Estonian people through the Liberation War, Soviet occupation, deportation to Siberia, and restoration of independence. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit before heading outside to visit its park with huge monuments of Communist leaders collected from all over Estonia.
Drive to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, opened in 2018 and dedicated to those who were murdered, deported, and imprisoned by the Communist regime from 1940 to 1991. During this time, Estonia lost nearly 1 in 5 of their population to the terror imposed by the regime. The somber but beautiful memorial consists of two parts: the Journey consisting of a walkway between two walls displaying the names of those who perished, and the Home Garden, with informational texts of where terror was carried out. Visit the memorial with your guide.
End with a drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. See all the most important sites of the Upper and Lower Towns, including Toompea Castle, Nevsky Cathedral with an inside visit, the towers of the city wall, Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, medieval Apothecary, and Town Hall. End with free time at St. Catherine’s arts and crafts center before returning to the pier.
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This tour includes approximately 1 mile of walking over cobblestone streets with some stairs to get into the Palace and Church. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its Old Town included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
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. 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 view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
The tour continues as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets for a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights you will see are the medieval apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, and the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall. On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colorful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts center, where you may enjoy some free time before rejoining the coach and returning to the pier.
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This is a tour including 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestone streets, and we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Riga Old and New with Organ Recital
Founded in 1201, Riga is an ancient city with a proud past recognized in the designation of its historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a vibrant modern metropolis, named a European Capital of Culture in 2014.
Your exploration of both of these aspects of Latvia's capital begins with a panoramic motorcoach tour through the city, past the Latvian National Museum of Art; the Freedom Monument, erected in 1935 from citizen donations; the University of Latvia; and the National Opera. Stop at Alberta Street for a short walk through this neighborhood of Art Nouveau buildings constructed in the early 20th-century, before continuing through the modern part of the city, past the National Opera, the Music Academy, the Council of Ministers, the Academy of Art, and the State Museum of Fine Arts.
Your coach tour ends at Dome Square, where a guided walking tour of Old Riga begins. One of the first buildings you encounter will be the magnificent Dome Cathedral, famous for its prestigious organ, constructed in 1883, with more than 6,700 pipes. Here you will enjoy a brief organ recital, demonstrating the power and beauty of its impressive sound. Continue your tour to Town Hall Square, where you will see the House of Blackheads, the Roland Monument, and St. Peter’s Church. Make a stop at Livu Square, home to the houses of the guilds that once dominated the economic life of the city, where your guide will share with you the story of the Cat House, a custard-yellow building on the square with statues of two black cats on its roof.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 1.2 miles of walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is requested to enter the Cathedral (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Riga by Canal Boat and on Foot
Founded in 1201, Riga is an ancient city with a proud past recognized in the designation of its historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a vibrant modern metropolis, named a European Capital of Culture in 2014. This introduction to both aspects of Latvia's capital city begins with a relaxing cruise along Riga's City Canal and continues with a walking tour through Old Town.
A short drive brings you to a pier on the Daugava River where you board a small wooden boat for an hour-long cruise along Riga's Canal. Originally a moat protecting the city's medieval walls, the canal is now at the center of a green park that runs through the center of Old Town and provides a unique perspective on many of Riga's most important monuments.
Following this leisurely cruise, a panoramic motorcoach tour through the modern part of the city takes you past the National Opera, the Music Academy, the Council of Ministers, the Academy of Art, and the State Museum of Fine Arts, before dropping you off for your guided walking tour of Old Riga. One of the first buildings you encounter will be the magnificent Dome Cathedral that marks Dome Square, the cultural center of the city. The Dome is famous for its prestigious organ, constructed in 1883, with more than 6,700 pipes. Continue your tour to Town Hall Square, where you will see the House of Blackheads, the Roland Monument, and St. Peter’s Church. Make a stop at Livu Square, home to the houses of the guilds that once dominated the economic life of the city. Your guide will share with you the story of the Cat House, a custard-yellow building on the square with statues of two black cats on its roof.
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This moderate tour involves approximately 1.2 miles of walking on cobblestone streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Participants must be able to get on and off the canal boat without assistance.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Visby Highlights
Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League, is a beautifully preserved medieval town, proud of its heritage and anxious to share it with visitors.
Your tour begins with a drive to an area just north of Visby town called Galgberget (“Gallows Hill”), a nature reserve high on a limestone cliff providing beautiful views of the town below and the sea beyond. At the edge of the cliff, three stone pillars stand in a circle—the ruins of a 13th-century gallows, where local criminals were executed. Here, you will also find the ruins of a limestone kiln, remnants of the time when stone from this area was used to build Visby's walls.
Board your motorcoach for a panoramic drive to the former harbor of Almedalen, now a public park. Your walking tour of Almedalen includes Visby’s oldest building, the Powder Tower, erected in the 12th century to defend the harbor. Stroll through the Fisherman’s Gate of the town’s defensive wall to the Botanical Garden Park, which displays many rare plants and is particularly known for its roses.
On the return to Visby, stop on a bridge over the town’s moat, which, though it stretches nearly two miles, has never been filled with water. Your coach will leave you at historic Dalmans Gate, where your walking tour resumes among the cozy alleyways of old Visby. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, built by German merchants at the end of the 11th century and still in use today, before exploring the Gotland Museum, noted for its extensive collections, reflecting 8,000 years of local history. Exhibits include unique Iron Age picture stones and gold and silver treasures from the Middle Ages, testifying to Visby's wealth during the period of the Hanseatic League's control of Baltic trade.
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This tour includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking along both flat and uneven surfaces, with some steps. We recommend you wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Exploring the Curonian Peninsula
One of Klaipeda's most intriguing features is the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula—a 60-mile-long spit of land that creates a natural lagoon protected from storms in the Baltic. The peninsula is famous for its natural beauty and for the quaint fishing villages that dot its coastline.
This excursion begins with a ferry ride across the lagoon to Juodkrante (Blackshore), the oldest village on the Spit. Although it has been converted to a resort, it retains its charming character and continues to showcase traditional fishermen's houses. Here you will stroll along the quay decorated with modern sculptures and visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church before arriving at the Gallery of Weathervanes, displaying this unique artistic form as well as amber pieces designed by local artists.
Just south of the village, the Hill of Witches is a collection of some 80 wooden sculptures depicting characters from Lithuanian fairy tales, arranged along paths in a forest setting. You can make wishes come true by whispering them into the ear of one of the witches, or you can sit on the bench that is said to cure all diseases. Folklore is a deeply important part of Lithuanian culture, and this collection of monsters and demons is not entirely fanciful as it resonates with well-known stories and legends.
When you return to the mainland, you will make a brief stop in the heart of Old Town before returning to the ship.
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This moderate tour involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces. The paths in Witches Hill are gravel and include inclines. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rural Lithuania and Old Town
Leave the city behind and travel into the countryside for a glimpse of the way of life in rural Lithuania. Begin with a panoramic drive through the center of Klaipeda and its suburbs to a small town about 20 miles east on the city. Here you will visit the local cultural center and meet with some villagers to learn about the hardship of the Soviet period, when thousands of Lithuanians were sent to Siberia, and about the rise of the resistance, which led to Lithuania becoming the first Soviet republic to declare independence in March 1990.
Your exploration of rural life continues as you drive deeper into the heart of Samogitia, the lowlands, to an apiary on the edge of a dense forest. Beekeeping is one of the oldest crafts in Lithuania, and this farm, run by two sisters, builds on the work of their grandfather and maintains traditional practices. The sisters will greet you personally and lead you on a tour of the hives while explaining how honey is produced and harvested. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of honeys: raw honey, honey mixed with thyme and mint, and honey mixed with other special ingredients. Dark bread and locally made mead are also on the menu.
On your return to Klaipeda, enjoy a brief tour of Old Town, with its well-preserved 18th-century wood-framed buildings and the impressive Theater Square.
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This is an easy excursion with about half a mile of walking. The surface at the bee farm is grassy and uneven, and there are cobblestones in Old Town.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Old Town Klaipeda: Folk Traditions
Klaipeda today is a busy port, specializing in shipbuilding and repair and home to a large deep-sea fishing fleet. It also boasts an industrial sector that includes papermaking, timber working, and the manufacture of radio and telephone parts. But Klaipeda has a long history, and this walking tour of the Old Town is designed to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage that is proudly preserved here.
You begin with a stroll along the promenade where cafés and yachts line opposite sides of the street, passing by the site of Klaipeda Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Entering Old Town, you discover well-preserved 18th-century Germanic wood-framed buildings neatly arranged in a rectangular grid, and as you continue through narrow streets paved with cobblestones, you arrive at Theater Square, the city's cultural center and main gathering spot. Here you will enjoy a performance of traditional song and dance that give a sense of how important Lithuanian folklore continues to be. These songs, fairy tales, legends, and proverbs have deep roots in a language and culture that is among the oldest in Europe.
Before returning to the ship, stop in at a local restaurant where you will be invited to sample some authentic Lithuanian fare, including beetroot soup, potato dumplings, and Lithuanian pastries, along with a glass of local beer.
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This is a walking tour of approximately 2 miles over a combination of paved and cobblestone streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk Highlights & a Concert of Chopin
As you leave the pier on your way to Old Town, you will pass by the Gdansk Shipyards, previously known as the Lenin Shipyards, and see Solidarity Square with its monument to the workers who died protesting the Communist regime in December 1970.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. On your guided walking tour, you will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market, and the beautiful 15th-century Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city. 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. Then turn up St. Mary’s Street, which delights visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and lovely terraced buildings. Enjoy time at leisure here to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before continuing to Gothic St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. St. Mary's is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Its deceptively plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The high altar displays an ornate polyptych, the floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept is home to an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with Zodiac and a calendar of the saints.
Your experience of Gdansk ends with an exclusive concert of Polish classical music, presenting Fryderyk Chopin's most famous pieces, as well as works of other great masters who continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer), and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire program will be performed by renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 1.5 miles walking overly mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones and a few steps. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk: City of Solidarity
This excursion focuses on the important role Gdansk played in the 1980s as the center of the Solidarity movement that helped pave the way to Poland's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact in 1990. But it also affords ample time in the Old Town to get a sense of the rich history of this 1,000-year-old city.
You begin with a short drive to the European Solidarity Centre, opened in 2014 as a monument to, and a center for the study of, Polish resistance to Soviet Communist authority in the post-WWII world. While most of the exhibition is devoted to the history of the "Solidarity" movement led by Lech Walesa, it also covers earlier episodes of challenges to authoritarian rule and tells the story of the ultimate emergence of the Third Polish Republic. Following your guided tour through this impressive place, transfer to the center of Gdansk and the Old Town.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Follow the royal route from Green Gate on the banks of the Motlawa River along Long Street to Long Market, home to townhouses that span 400 years. Continue past the Main Town Hall, Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city, and the iconic symbol of Gdansk—the Neptune Fountain. You will find yourself on St. Mary Street, perhaps the liveliest place in the city, with its quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings, where you will have time at leisure to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before returning to the harbor and your ship.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones in the Old Town. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Villages of Bornholm by Coach
Your introduction by motorcoach to the countryside and coastal towns of Bornholm begins with a drive across the island from Ronne through lush farmland to the fishing village of Svaneke, the easternmost point in Denmark. You will have time here to browse in the shops offering artisanal crafts and local delicacies, or to sample a beer from Svaneke's microbrewery, the first brewery in Denmark to use only organic ingredients and to rely on solar power.
From Svaneke, your motorcoach turns northward and inland to pass by the famous Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century, and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). Returning to the coastal road, you will travel through the villages of Gudhjem, Kås, Tejn, Allinge, and Sandvig, whose timbered and half-timbered houses are among the most popular attractions on the island, to reach the northwestern tip of Bornholm, where you will stop briefly for an overview of Hammershus, the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. Continue your journey down the scenic west coast of the island as you make your way back to Ronne and your waiting ship.
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This easy excursion involves approximately a quarter mile of walking on flat terrain. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Bornholm
This tour of some of the best that Bornholm has to offer begins with a drive through the picturesque farmland of this small Baltic island to visit Hammershus, a medieval fortress built on the northern tip of the island and the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the castle was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power of the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king. For the next 500 years, Hammershus was rebuilt and expanded by the various rulers of the island, until it was finally abandoned in 1743.
The next stop on your tour is at the charming fishing village of Allinge, where you will visit one of the smokehouses for which Bornholm is known. Here, enjoy some smoked herring and an ice-cold beer.
Then make your way south to the seaside town of Gudhjem on the island's east coast, where you will visit the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, one of the most famous glass-blowing studios in Denmark. Established in a converted egg farm, the Studio and Gallery welcome between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors a year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for gallery and museum exhibitions.
From Gudhjem travel the short distance across the island to Almindingen, one of the largest forest areas in Denmark, to discover the Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). You will tour the interior of the church, provided no religious services are scheduled.
A leisurely drive returns you to your ship in Ronne.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.2 miles of walking on flat terrain with some steps and uneven surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Shore excursion in each port of call + transfers included
PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys have organised the following included programme for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A programme of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts including historian and Scandinavian studies expert Glenn Kranking and foreign affairs journalist and author Robin Wright
- An exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Stockholm to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 8-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Champlain, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Copenhagen at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Programme is subject to change without notice
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
HISTORIC STOCKHOLM (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed program.
Day 1 – Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. You will be met at the exit of the Arrivals hall. Look for the PONANT sign or a sign with your name on it. Transfer from the airport to the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel (or similar) and check in. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. An independent dinner is at your leisure.
Day 2 – Stockholm | Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, visit the Vasa Museum, which features the 17th-century Vasa warship, rescued from the bottom of the sea after 333 years and lovingly restored. Next, depart on an excursion that explores Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town). After viewing the Royal Palace and the 13th-century Storkyrkan (outside only), enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant and some free time to shop and explore on your own. Then, take a guided tour of City Hall, the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Transfer to the ship for embarkation and take in the views as you sail through the Stockholm Archipelago.
Your hotel:
The Sheraton Stockholm Hotel is located right in the city center and overlooks Lake Mälaren. The cobblestone streets of the picturesque Gamla Stan, or Old Town, are a short stroll from the hotel. World-class shopping and City Hall, home of the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, are also within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 465 guest rooms and suites decorated in a contemporary Scandinavian style with thoughtful modern conveniences.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel (or similar), including breakfast
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
- Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Swedish krona. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Sheraton Stockholm Hotel
Tegelbacken 6
Stockholm 101 23
Sweden
Telephone: +46.8.412.34.00
Total : AU$980
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
The Great Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to Suomenlinna Island, one of the group of islands that guards the approach to Helsinki. The island is home to a major monument of military architectural history, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.
Construction of the Fortress began during the period of Swedish rule, expanded under the Russian Imperial Government in the 19th century, and was taken over by the Finnish when they achieved independence in 1918 and renamed the massive structure Suomenlinna, the "Castle of Finland."
In the heyday of its operations, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the fortress was compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. Its military shipyard was one of the largest dry docks in the world and a major center of naval architectural expertise. In the 1960s the fort was decommissioned from most military uses, but it remains the site of the Finnish Naval Academy.
Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the island, after which you will have some time at leisure, perhaps to enjoy a coffee and pastry.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is non-exclusive.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Helsinki
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park, named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969, and due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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This tour involves 1 mile of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
20th-Century Estonian History & Old Town
This tour allows you to explore the events of the 20th century that shaped Estonia’s most recent history, from its establishment as a Republic in 1918, through Soviet occupation, and to its Singing Revolution, which reestablished Estonia’s independence in 1991.
Drive to Maarjamäe Palace, passing the Song Festival Ground. This small but lovely Palace was built in the 1870s for Russian Count Orlov-Davydov as his summer residence and reopened in 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, as a history discovery center. The highlight of the center is the comprehensive interactive exhibit, "My Free Country," which tells the story of the Estonian people through the Liberation War, Soviet occupation, deportation to Siberia, and restoration of independence. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit before heading outside to visit its park with huge monuments of Communist leaders collected from all over Estonia.
Drive to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, opened in 2018 and dedicated to those who were murdered, deported, and imprisoned by the Communist regime from 1940 to 1991. During this time, Estonia lost nearly 1 in 5 of their population to the terror imposed by the regime. The somber but beautiful memorial consists of two parts: the Journey consisting of a walkway between two walls displaying the names of those who perished, and the Home Garden, with informational texts of where terror was carried out. Visit the memorial with your guide.
End with a drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. See all the most important sites of the Upper and Lower Towns, including Toompea Castle, Nevsky Cathedral with an inside visit, the towers of the city wall, Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, medieval Apothecary, and Town Hall. End with free time at St. Catherine’s arts and crafts center before returning to the pier.
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This tour includes approximately 1 mile of walking over cobblestone streets with some stairs to get into the Palace and Church. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its Old Town included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
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. 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 view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
The tour continues as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets for a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights you will see are the medieval apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, and the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall. On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colorful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts center, where you may enjoy some free time before rejoining the coach and returning to the pier.
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This is a tour including 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestone streets, and we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Riga Old and New with Organ Recital
Founded in 1201, Riga is an ancient city with a proud past recognized in the designation of its historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a vibrant modern metropolis, named a European Capital of Culture in 2014.
Your exploration of both of these aspects of Latvia's capital begins with a panoramic motorcoach tour through the city, past the Latvian National Museum of Art; the Freedom Monument, erected in 1935 from citizen donations; the University of Latvia; and the National Opera. Stop at Alberta Street for a short walk through this neighborhood of Art Nouveau buildings constructed in the early 20th-century, before continuing through the modern part of the city, past the National Opera, the Music Academy, the Council of Ministers, the Academy of Art, and the State Museum of Fine Arts.
Your coach tour ends at Dome Square, where a guided walking tour of Old Riga begins. One of the first buildings you encounter will be the magnificent Dome Cathedral, famous for its prestigious organ, constructed in 1883, with more than 6,700 pipes. Here you will enjoy a brief organ recital, demonstrating the power and beauty of its impressive sound. Continue your tour to Town Hall Square, where you will see the House of Blackheads, the Roland Monument, and St. Peter’s Church. Make a stop at Livu Square, home to the houses of the guilds that once dominated the economic life of the city, where your guide will share with you the story of the Cat House, a custard-yellow building on the square with statues of two black cats on its roof.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 1.2 miles of walking on cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is requested to enter the Cathedral (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Riga by Canal Boat and on Foot
Founded in 1201, Riga is an ancient city with a proud past recognized in the designation of its historic center as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is also a vibrant modern metropolis, named a European Capital of Culture in 2014. This introduction to both aspects of Latvia's capital city begins with a relaxing cruise along Riga's City Canal and continues with a walking tour through Old Town.
A short drive brings you to a pier on the Daugava River where you board a small wooden boat for an hour-long cruise along Riga's Canal. Originally a moat protecting the city's medieval walls, the canal is now at the center of a green park that runs through the center of Old Town and provides a unique perspective on many of Riga's most important monuments.
Following this leisurely cruise, a panoramic motorcoach tour through the modern part of the city takes you past the National Opera, the Music Academy, the Council of Ministers, the Academy of Art, and the State Museum of Fine Arts, before dropping you off for your guided walking tour of Old Riga. One of the first buildings you encounter will be the magnificent Dome Cathedral that marks Dome Square, the cultural center of the city. The Dome is famous for its prestigious organ, constructed in 1883, with more than 6,700 pipes. Continue your tour to Town Hall Square, where you will see the House of Blackheads, the Roland Monument, and St. Peter’s Church. Make a stop at Livu Square, home to the houses of the guilds that once dominated the economic life of the city. Your guide will share with you the story of the Cat House, a custard-yellow building on the square with statues of two black cats on its roof.
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This moderate tour involves approximately 1.2 miles of walking on cobblestone streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Participants must be able to get on and off the canal boat without assistance.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Visby Highlights
Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League, is a beautifully preserved medieval town, proud of its heritage and anxious to share it with visitors.
Your tour begins with a drive to an area just north of Visby town called Galgberget (“Gallows Hill”), a nature reserve high on a limestone cliff providing beautiful views of the town below and the sea beyond. At the edge of the cliff, three stone pillars stand in a circle—the ruins of a 13th-century gallows, where local criminals were executed. Here, you will also find the ruins of a limestone kiln, remnants of the time when stone from this area was used to build Visby's walls.
Board your motorcoach for a panoramic drive to the former harbor of Almedalen, now a public park. Your walking tour of Almedalen includes Visby’s oldest building, the Powder Tower, erected in the 12th century to defend the harbor. Stroll through the Fisherman’s Gate of the town’s defensive wall to the Botanical Garden Park, which displays many rare plants and is particularly known for its roses.
On the return to Visby, stop on a bridge over the town’s moat, which, though it stretches nearly two miles, has never been filled with water. Your coach will leave you at historic Dalmans Gate, where your walking tour resumes among the cozy alleyways of old Visby. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, built by German merchants at the end of the 11th century and still in use today, before exploring the Gotland Museum, noted for its extensive collections, reflecting 8,000 years of local history. Exhibits include unique Iron Age picture stones and gold and silver treasures from the Middle Ages, testifying to Visby's wealth during the period of the Hanseatic League's control of Baltic trade.
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This tour includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking along both flat and uneven surfaces, with some steps. We recommend you wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Exploring the Curonian Peninsula
One of Klaipeda's most intriguing features is the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula—a 60-mile-long spit of land that creates a natural lagoon protected from storms in the Baltic. The peninsula is famous for its natural beauty and for the quaint fishing villages that dot its coastline.
This excursion begins with a ferry ride across the lagoon to Juodkrante (Blackshore), the oldest village on the Spit. Although it has been converted to a resort, it retains its charming character and continues to showcase traditional fishermen's houses. Here you will stroll along the quay decorated with modern sculptures and visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church before arriving at the Gallery of Weathervanes, displaying this unique artistic form as well as amber pieces designed by local artists.
Just south of the village, the Hill of Witches is a collection of some 80 wooden sculptures depicting characters from Lithuanian fairy tales, arranged along paths in a forest setting. You can make wishes come true by whispering them into the ear of one of the witches, or you can sit on the bench that is said to cure all diseases. Folklore is a deeply important part of Lithuanian culture, and this collection of monsters and demons is not entirely fanciful as it resonates with well-known stories and legends.
When you return to the mainland, you will make a brief stop in the heart of Old Town before returning to the ship.
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This moderate tour involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces. The paths in Witches Hill are gravel and include inclines. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Rural Lithuania and Old Town
Leave the city behind and travel into the countryside for a glimpse of the way of life in rural Lithuania. Begin with a panoramic drive through the center of Klaipeda and its suburbs to a small town about 20 miles east on the city. Here you will visit the local cultural center and meet with some villagers to learn about the hardship of the Soviet period, when thousands of Lithuanians were sent to Siberia, and about the rise of the resistance, which led to Lithuania becoming the first Soviet republic to declare independence in March 1990.
Your exploration of rural life continues as you drive deeper into the heart of Samogitia, the lowlands, to an apiary on the edge of a dense forest. Beekeeping is one of the oldest crafts in Lithuania, and this farm, run by two sisters, builds on the work of their grandfather and maintains traditional practices. The sisters will greet you personally and lead you on a tour of the hives while explaining how honey is produced and harvested. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of honeys: raw honey, honey mixed with thyme and mint, and honey mixed with other special ingredients. Dark bread and locally made mead are also on the menu.
On your return to Klaipeda, enjoy a brief tour of Old Town, with its well-preserved 18th-century wood-framed buildings and the impressive Theater Square.
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This is an easy excursion with about half a mile of walking. The surface at the bee farm is grassy and uneven, and there are cobblestones in Old Town.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Old Town Klaipeda: Folk Traditions
Klaipeda today is a busy port, specializing in shipbuilding and repair and home to a large deep-sea fishing fleet. It also boasts an industrial sector that includes papermaking, timber working, and the manufacture of radio and telephone parts. But Klaipeda has a long history, and this walking tour of the Old Town is designed to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage that is proudly preserved here.
You begin with a stroll along the promenade where cafés and yachts line opposite sides of the street, passing by the site of Klaipeda Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Entering Old Town, you discover well-preserved 18th-century Germanic wood-framed buildings neatly arranged in a rectangular grid, and as you continue through narrow streets paved with cobblestones, you arrive at Theater Square, the city's cultural center and main gathering spot. Here you will enjoy a performance of traditional song and dance that give a sense of how important Lithuanian folklore continues to be. These songs, fairy tales, legends, and proverbs have deep roots in a language and culture that is among the oldest in Europe.
Before returning to the ship, stop in at a local restaurant where you will be invited to sample some authentic Lithuanian fare, including beetroot soup, potato dumplings, and Lithuanian pastries, along with a glass of local beer.
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This is a walking tour of approximately 2 miles over a combination of paved and cobblestone streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk Highlights & a Concert of Chopin
As you leave the pier on your way to Old Town, you will pass by the Gdansk Shipyards, previously known as the Lenin Shipyards, and see Solidarity Square with its monument to the workers who died protesting the Communist regime in December 1970.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. On your guided walking tour, you will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market, and the beautiful 15th-century Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city. 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. Then turn up St. Mary’s Street, which delights visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and lovely terraced buildings. Enjoy time at leisure here to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before continuing to Gothic St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. St. Mary's is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Its deceptively plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The high altar displays an ornate polyptych, the floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept is home to an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with Zodiac and a calendar of the saints.
Your experience of Gdansk ends with an exclusive concert of Polish classical music, presenting Fryderyk Chopin's most famous pieces, as well as works of other great masters who continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer), and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire program will be performed by renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 1.5 miles walking overly mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones and a few steps. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk: City of Solidarity
This excursion focuses on the important role Gdansk played in the 1980s as the center of the Solidarity movement that helped pave the way to Poland's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact in 1990. But it also affords ample time in the Old Town to get a sense of the rich history of this 1,000-year-old city.
You begin with a short drive to the European Solidarity Centre, opened in 2014 as a monument to, and a center for the study of, Polish resistance to Soviet Communist authority in the post-WWII world. While most of the exhibition is devoted to the history of the "Solidarity" movement led by Lech Walesa, it also covers earlier episodes of challenges to authoritarian rule and tells the story of the ultimate emergence of the Third Polish Republic. Following your guided tour through this impressive place, transfer to the center of Gdansk and the Old Town.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Follow the royal route from Green Gate on the banks of the Motlawa River along Long Street to Long Market, home to townhouses that span 400 years. Continue past the Main Town Hall, Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city, and the iconic symbol of Gdansk—the Neptune Fountain. You will find yourself on St. Mary Street, perhaps the liveliest place in the city, with its quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings, where you will have time at leisure to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before returning to the harbor and your ship.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones in the Old Town. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Villages of Bornholm by Coach
Your introduction by motorcoach to the countryside and coastal towns of Bornholm begins with a drive across the island from Ronne through lush farmland to the fishing village of Svaneke, the easternmost point in Denmark. You will have time here to browse in the shops offering artisanal crafts and local delicacies, or to sample a beer from Svaneke's microbrewery, the first brewery in Denmark to use only organic ingredients and to rely on solar power.
From Svaneke, your motorcoach turns northward and inland to pass by the famous Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century, and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). Returning to the coastal road, you will travel through the villages of Gudhjem, Kås, Tejn, Allinge, and Sandvig, whose timbered and half-timbered houses are among the most popular attractions on the island, to reach the northwestern tip of Bornholm, where you will stop briefly for an overview of Hammershus, the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. Continue your journey down the scenic west coast of the island as you make your way back to Ronne and your waiting ship.
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This easy excursion involves approximately a quarter mile of walking on flat terrain. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Bornholm
This tour of some of the best that Bornholm has to offer begins with a drive through the picturesque farmland of this small Baltic island to visit Hammershus, a medieval fortress built on the northern tip of the island and the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the castle was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power of the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king. For the next 500 years, Hammershus was rebuilt and expanded by the various rulers of the island, until it was finally abandoned in 1743.
The next stop on your tour is at the charming fishing village of Allinge, where you will visit one of the smokehouses for which Bornholm is known. Here, enjoy some smoked herring and an ice-cold beer.
Then make your way south to the seaside town of Gudhjem on the island's east coast, where you will visit the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, one of the most famous glass-blowing studios in Denmark. Established in a converted egg farm, the Studio and Gallery welcome between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors a year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for gallery and museum exhibitions.
From Gudhjem travel the short distance across the island to Almindingen, one of the largest forest areas in Denmark, to discover the Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). You will tour the interior of the church, provided no religious services are scheduled.
A leisurely drive returns you to your ship in Ronne.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.2 miles of walking on flat terrain with some steps and uneven surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.