Guest Speaker 
No single supplement 
Flight credit 800 AUD 
Deluxe Stateroom
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
Helsinki - Copenhagen
Dates:
24/7/2023
to
2/8/2023
days
nights on board
At the heart of the Baltic Sea, discover the emblematic towns and capitals of the region, a blend of History and sumptuous landscapes. During this brand-new 10-day cruise aboard Le Champlain, fall under the spell of the majestic panoramas of northern Europe.
Your cruise will sart at Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
You will visit Tallinn, emblematic city of the Hanseatic League, the large trading network that dominated the Baltic Sea for several centuries. Listed as UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still have remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
Le Champlain will then chart a course for Stockholm. Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.
Le Champlain will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
You will also discover Riga, capital of Latvia. A unique blend of different architectural styles, the old town will open itself up to you like the pages of a history book.
Further south, Klaipeda, formerly known as Memel, the main port town in Lithuania, is separated only by a narrow channel from the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO Heritage.
Your ship will call at Gdansk, famous for its amber stone and its shipyards, before reaching the charming town of Ronne, on the small Danish island of Bornholm, which is greatly appreciated by the Danish for its variety of landscapes ranging from granite to great sandy beaches.
Your ship will finally set sail for Copenhagen, where you can explore its canals and historic districts.
Ref : EC240723
Your itinerary
A cruise through the Baltic Sea, discovering historic towns in seven countries of northern Europe: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Denmark. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Helsinki,...
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Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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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*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
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- 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
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:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, 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
Highlights
- A cruise through the Baltic Sea, discovering historic towns in seven countries of northern Europe: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Denmark.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Helsinki, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, the old town of Tallinn, the historical centre of Riga, the Hanseatic town of Visby and the Curonian Spit from Klaipeda.
- Discover five European capitals on a single cruise: Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden), Riga (Latvia) and Copenhagen (Denmark).
- A unique excursion to Bornholm, to discover the history and culture of this island of wild natural beauty.
Ports of Call & Excursions
24 July 2023 - Helsinki
Embarkation 24/7/2023 From 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Departure 24/7/2023 at 10:00 pm
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.
25 July 2023 - Tallinn
Arrival 25/7/2023 early morning
Departure 25/7/2023 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.
26 July 2023 - Stockholm
Arrival 26/7/2023 early morning
Departure 26/7/2023 late afternoon
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.
27 July 2023 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 27/7/2023 early morning
Departure 27/7/2023 midday
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.
28 July 2023 - Riga
Arrival 28/7/2023 early morning
Departure 28/7/2023 early 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.
29 July 2023 - Klaipeda
Arrival 29/7/2023 midday
Departure 29/7/2023 early evening
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.
30 July 2023 - Gdansk
Arrival 30/7/2023 early morning
Departure 30/7/2023 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.
31 July 2023 - Ronne
Arrival 31/7/2023 midday
Departure 31/7/2023 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.
1 August 2023 2 August 2023 - Copenhagen
Arrival 1/8/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 2/8/2023 at 7:00 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.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Departing from the pier by coach, you will pass the modern city centre with its hotels, banks and shopping centres. Reaching the Old Town, a stop is made at the Tall Hermann Tower to get an outside view of the imposing castle. You can walk to the Kiek in de Kök Tower to get a view of the towers and steeples of the Upper Town.
Continue your guided visit on foot to the old Hanseatic town viewing the Transfiguration church, Nun's Gate and numerous merchants' homes on your way. You can admire Gothic facades of the guild houses and the Holy Ghost church with the oldest street clock in Tallinn till you reach the Town Hall Square.
In the centre of the square is the 15th century Town Hall, one of the very few well-survived Gothic town halls in Europe. You will be treated a guided tour of this magnificent building visiting the citizens' hall which is now often used for VIP receptions and concerts as well as the councillors' hall where part of the unique 15th century furniture has been exhibited.
After the Town Hall inside visit, you can admire other old buildings that line the square paying a special attention to the facade of the Town Hall apothecary shop, probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has been functioning since 1422. You will also enjoy some free time there.
On the way back to your coach, pass the Viru gate, one of the three gates that has survived in the city wall.
Reboard your coach for the 15-minute return drive to your ship.
- This tour includes approximately 1.3 km (0.8 mile) of walking on uneven ground and cobblestone streets and involves approximately 100 steps at the Town Hall. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in 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.
You will 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 filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves 2 km (1.24 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
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
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.
No single supplement
FREE SINGLE SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Flight credit 800 AUD
FLIGHT CREDIT
Air allowance of 500€ per guest for flights booked with Ponant (appliable also on potential hotel nights).
Offer subject to availability and cannot be applied retrospectively. Offer non combinable with No Single Supplement offer. Offer available from 4th August to 11th September - code "ATL500"
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Departing from the pier by coach, you will pass the modern city centre with its hotels, banks and shopping centres. Reaching the Old Town, a stop is made at the Tall Hermann Tower to get an outside view of the imposing castle. You can walk to the Kiek in de Kök Tower to get a view of the towers and steeples of the Upper Town.
Continue your guided visit on foot to the old Hanseatic town viewing the Transfiguration church, Nun's Gate and numerous merchants' homes on your way. You can admire Gothic facades of the guild houses and the Holy Ghost church with the oldest street clock in Tallinn till you reach the Town Hall Square.
In the centre of the square is the 15th century Town Hall, one of the very few well-survived Gothic town halls in Europe. You will be treated a guided tour of this magnificent building visiting the citizens' hall which is now often used for VIP receptions and concerts as well as the councillors' hall where part of the unique 15th century furniture has been exhibited.
After the Town Hall inside visit, you can admire other old buildings that line the square paying a special attention to the facade of the Town Hall apothecary shop, probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has been functioning since 1422. You will also enjoy some free time there.
On the way back to your coach, pass the Viru gate, one of the three gates that has survived in the city wall.
Reboard your coach for the 15-minute return drive to your ship.
- This tour includes approximately 1.3 km (0.8 mile) of walking on uneven ground and cobblestone streets and involves approximately 100 steps at the Town Hall. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in 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.
You will 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 filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves 2 km (1.24 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.