Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
25% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Iconic Capitals & Towns of the Baltic
Helsinki - Copenhagen
Dates:
3/8/2024
to
10/8/2024
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 8-day cruise aboard Le Dumont-d’Urville, 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 Dumont-d’Urville 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 Dumont-d’Urville 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.
Your ship will then call at Gdansk, famous for its amber stone and its shipyards. The former Hanseatic city will reveal some of its architectural treasures, in Gothic and Baroque styles, restored or rebuilt.
For the first time, PONANT will make a port of call on the Danish island of Christiansoe, a territory measuring less than 0,5 km2 (barely 0,3 square miles) in the very heart of the Baltic Sea. The rocky shorelines of this natural and preserved sanctuary have magnificent panoramas.
You will set a course for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations.
Your ship will finally reach Copenhagen, where you can explore its canals and historic districts.
Ref : EU030824
Your itinerary
A cruise on the Baltic Sea, to discover important cities of the Hanseatic League, through five northern European countries: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Poland and Denmark. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from...
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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 PAUL GAUGUIN
LE JACQUES-CARTIER
30/1/2024 to the 8/2/2024
- New
L'AUSTRAL
11/3/2024 to the 26/3/2024
L'AUSTRAL
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
*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
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
Highlights
- A cruise on the Baltic Sea, to discover important cities of the Hanseatic League, through five northern European countries: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Poland and Denmark.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: from Helsinki, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, the old town of Tallinn and the Hanseatic town of Visby.
- Discover four European capitals on a single cruise: Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden) and Copenhagen (Denmark).
- A unique excursion to Bornholm, to discover the history and culture of this island of wild natural beauty.
- An all-new port of call on the Danish island of Christiansoe, a real natural sanctuary in the very heart of the Baltic Sea.
Ports of Call & Excursions
3 August 2024 4 August 2024 - Helsinki
Embarkation 3/8/2024 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 4/8/2024 at 7:00 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.
5 August 2024 - Tallinn
Arrival 5/8/2024 at night
Departure 5/8/2024 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.
6 August 2024 - Stockholm
Arrival 6/8/2024 early morning
Departure 6/8/2024 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.
7 August 2024 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 7/8/2024 early morning
Departure 7/8/2024 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.
8 August 2024 - Gdansk
Arrival 8/8/2024 early morning
Departure 8/8/2024 late afternoon
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.
9 August 2024 - Christiansoe
Arrival 9/8/2024 early morning
Departure 9/8/2024 midday
In the very heart of the Baltic Sea, in the Ertholmene archipelago, the small island of Christiansoe – less than 0,5 km2 (barely 0,3 square miles) – awaits you. Thanks to its geographic form, which constitutes a natural harbour with the island of Frederiksø, it has been used as such for more than a thousand years. Pirates and fishermen succeeded one another here before the construction of its fortress, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, in the time of the Danish-Swedish wars. Visiting Christiansoe, you see the shaping of great history, the re-emergence of the rivalries and alliances that took place in the Baltic Sea. Today, this peaceful island offers you wild and preserved nature. A natural reserve since 1926, it is home in particular to a very large population of nesting and migrating birds that find food and tranquillity here.
9 August 2024 - Gudhjem, Bornholm
Arrival 9/8/2024 midday
Departure 9/8/2024 early evening
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.
10 August 2024 - Copenhagen
Arrival 10/8/2024 early morning
Disembarkation 10/8/2024 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.
Foraging in a Finnish forest
This tour takes you on a journey through Mother Nature's kitchen, right in the heart of the Finnish forest.
Board your coach for a 45 minute drive through the Finnish landscapes towards Nuuksio National Park.
Here, you will meet your local Finnish forest guide, who has studied all the edible herbs, berries and mushrooms. He will guide you through the national park and will explain all the secrets of the forest, which is a kind of open-air market garden and kitchen. Indeed, Finland's ever-changing and organic forests provide families with a wide variety of ingredients that change with each season.
During your tour in the middle of the forest the guide will tell you about the Finnish culture, and the importance of the open spaces for the locals.
Every story is unique when it starts in nature. The story of the day will be directed by the season and the wild foods you can find in the heart of it. From spring to autumn, you will be on the hunt for wild herbs like ground elder and nettle, wild berries like blueberries, raspberries and lingonberries, and some of nature's finest fungi (depending on the season), such as the golden chanterelle and the picturesque porcini.
Accompanied by your guide, you will stop for a delicious Finnish-style lunch by a lake. This perfect moment will allow you to enjoy the serene beauty of the Finnish wilderness in your own way.
After this journey in the forest, you will reboard your coach and drive back to the ship.
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This tour includes approximately 3km of walking in the forest. A raincoat in case of rain is included in the tour. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing in accordance with the weather. Guests must be well fit for a nature walk. The picking depends on the season and the product of the forest mentionned cannot be guaranteed at the time of the call.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
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.
Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the Market Square and enjoy free time before walking back to the ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) 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 nonexclusive.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Helsinki highlights
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was 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.
Then 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. 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 (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Porvoo Old Town and Malmgård manor
Enjoy a delightful drive through the Finnish countryside to the medieval town of Porvoo for a walking tour and a visit of Malmgård manor.
Board your motorcoach for a one hour drive to Porvoo.
The second oldest town in Finland, Porvoo is one of Finland's six medieval towns. It is famous for its wooden buildings in the old town and cobbled streets with charming shops and cafes. Celebrated as a national treasure, its old town has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. With your guide, you will admire the red warehouses on the riverbank that once formed the medieval port. Today, these old buildings have become the symbol of Porvoo and are among the most photographed attractions in Finland. After a short orientation walk, you will enjoy some free time before heading to Malmgård Castle.
The manor house is of renaissance inspiration and is one of the most beautiful in Finland. Malmgård is now a private estate.
Your host will welcome you and invite you to visit this magnificent building which has belonged to the Creutz family since the early 1600s. Count Henrik Creutz still resides in the manor and has modernised the property by creating an organic farm and an ecological brewery. After the tour, you will be served a light lunch before heading to the farm's eco-brewery. The brew master will show you the secrets of his products. You will taste 3 types of beer and have a chance to share your opinion with the brewer ! And of course, the history of the farm and how it became involved in ecological farming is also a very interesting topic.
The estate also has a shop selling produce from the farm, local specialities and beers.
Back on the bus, you will return to Helsinki after this pleasant day in the Finnish countryside.
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This tour includes approximately 2km of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestoned streets and wooden floors. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
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This tour involves 4 km (2.48 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.
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.
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This tour includes approximately 4 km (2.48 mile) of walking on uneven ground and cobblestone streets and involves approximately 20 rather steeps stairs 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.
Discover the Estonian cuisine
This tour offers a unique opportunity to familiarize yourself with the most popular Estonian hors d'oeuvres of yesterday and today.
You will meet your guide on the pier and board your bus for a short trip to Tallinn's medieaval castle on the bank of the old moat.
You will cross the Nuns' Gate to City Hall Square, the liveliest part of town, filled with restaurants and cafés, many of which are open-air. Across the square, in a charming Jugendstil building, you will find the day's restaurant serving an assortment of typical Estonian hors d'oeuvres. The restaurant's chef will explain the preparation process for the various appetizers and their ingredients and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The dishes are accompanied by different types of apple cider. Estonia's climate is highly conducive to growing apples.
At the end of the tasting, you will be served a delicious cup of coffee and dessert.
Before heading back to your ship, you will have some free time in one of the city's most popular districts.
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This tour includes 1.5 km of walking on relatively flat surfaces with cobblestones. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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 and surrondings by bike
Discover the best Tallinn has to offer. This tour takes you to Tallinn's seaside, Peter the Great's summer palace, the romantic Kadriorg Park and the site of the Song Festival. The seaside promenade leads to Tallinn's Old Town, where you will cycle along the ancient walls.
You will meet your guide/instructor on the quay, where you will be given your equipment and a safety briefing before starting your tour. You will head for Kadriorg Park, a green oasis in the centre of Tallinn. Here, you can admire the Baroque palace of Peter and Catherine (now a museum of foreign art) and the presidential palace.
Continue on to Pirita with a stop at the Song Festival Grounds, home of the major Estonian song festivals, which have been held here for over 150 years.
On the way back, you will drive along Seaside Avenue, enjoying a magnificent view of the Tallinn skyline. You will pass the Rotermann district, a fine example of the symbiosis between unique modern architecture and a collection of renovated 19th-century industrial buildings. Before reaching Tallinn's well-preserved Hanseatic Old Town, you will enjoy a refreshment break in a local café.
After passing St. Margaret's Tower and St. Olav's Church, you will make a longer stop at Town Hall Square.
Here, you can spend some free time before cycling back to the pier or stay longer in the city and take a shuttle back to the pier.
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The tour includes 10 km of cycling on fairly flat roads with occasional climbs. This tour is offered in English. All cycling equipment is provided. We advise you to wear comfortable cycling clothes and shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle “Three Crowns”, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armoury will be offered.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Gdansk city tour
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate façades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of the Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.
You will enjoy time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Gdansk city tour & Chopin concert
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints. Enjoy some time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
Next, drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and enjoy an exlusive concert of Polish classical music, which presents the most famous pieces of classical music written by Frédéric Chopin, as well as other great masters that continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer) and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire programme will be performed by a renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
After the concert, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.24 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A welcome drink before the concert will be offered.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
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.
Polish culinary traditions in Gdansk
Discover one of the most popular specialties of Poland: pierogi. This tour will allow you to taste the local food and enjoy a guided tour of Gdansk.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a short 30-minute drive to downtown Gdansk.
Together with your guide, you will arrive at a local workshop where you can make and taste pierogi. Indeed, as far as cuisine is concerned, Poland is the most famous country for its pierogi, also called dumplings. They are made by wrapping pockets of unleavened dough around a savoury or sweet filling and cooking them in boiling water. During this workshop, your local chef will explain all the subtleties of this dish. He will guide you in the preparation of your pierogi. You will have the opportunity to get your hands dirty by following the Polish recipe with local ingredients and your chef's instructions, and prepare your own Polish dumplings. Your chefs know the recipes inside out, so you will not only prepare and taste these delicious dishes, but you will also learn about the true Polish traditions. After the workshop, you will taste your preparations accompanied by a glass of a typical Polish drink, namely kompot. It is a national drink, that is non-alcoholic, which and accompanies the meals in Poland. Very different from the traditional compote, the Polish kompot is prepared with stewed fruits and water.
After this workshop and tastings, you will head to a local restaurant for another tasting: the Goldwasser. This is a strong liquor made from roots and herbs that has been produced since at least 1598 in Gdansk. The most striking feature of this drink is the presence of small gold flakes of 22 or 23 carats suspended in the drink. You will learn more about its history from your guide and taste the liquor.
Finally, your guide will take you to the heart of Gdansk for a guided tour of the Old Town. - tThe city's 1,000-year history has left a rich collection of buildings and monuments designed in a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Although Gdansk's Old Town is not as old as it looks, as over 80% of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, it has been thoroughly and lovingly restored to its former glory.
Enjoy some free time before re-joining your guide and coach to return to your ship.
- This tour includes 2.5 km of walking over flat and partially cobblestoned streets. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
Malbork Castle
Discover the beauty of Poland and visit the castle that has remained an object of European fascination since its mediaval origins.
Meet your guide, then board your bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Malbork.
Follow your guide and get immersed in medieval Poland, the time of the Teutonic Knights and the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork, is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. Moreover, in 1997 it was included in the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites. A large part of the original structure remains in Malbork and testifies to the high standard and exceptional quality of craftsmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River began in 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, keeps and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the headquarters of the knights left Venice to settle here. In 1466, the castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, and served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation work on the castle was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the severe damage it suffered during the final phase of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Today, the castle serves as a museum, with large exhibition halls, which display collections of armour, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
At the end of this exceptional tour, you will return, by bus, to your ship in Gdansk.
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This tour involves approximately 1km of walking with 150 steps to negotiate at the Castle. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars , where a uick photo stop will be made (outside visit), which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
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This tour involves approximately 400 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
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Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. The stairs to go on the roof of the church are narrow and dark. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note, there is no guarantee that the glassblowers will be working at the time of the visit.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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 Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, an underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
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.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
DISCOVER FISKARS FROM HELSINKI (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Day 1 - Helsinki
Meet at Helsinki Airport in the Arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the flight selected by PONANT or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
You will be transferred to the hotel Haven 5*.
Day and dinner are at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2 – Helsinki/Fiskars
After breakfast and check-out, leave Helsinki for a panoramic drive through the beautiful Finnish countryside.
In just over an hour, you will arrive in Fiskars - a flourishing ironworks village with a colourful history. Fiskars is best known for jewellery, ceramics, woodcrafts, and distilleries. You can take a restroom stop at the information centre before you continue to KWUM. In the Korean language, the word KWUM means “dream”, but in Fiskars it means The Karin Widnäs’ museum. The idea of creating a ceramics museum had a long gestation period, but once the project got under way, the over 300- square meter building was completed in just a few years. The architecture combines timber and ceramics elements, and indeed can be seen as a blueprint of just how to do so. The architect Tuomo Siitonen designed Studio Widnäs, the artist’s home, workshop, and gallery.
After leaving KWUM, take a walk with your guide through Fiskars village and hear about the history of the village and the items that are still being made there, and you can even pop into some of the shops. On the other side of the village, you will find a glass studio where the host will entertain you with a presentation of glass blowing.
Enjoy a traditional village lunch with local beverages at a cozy restaurant, and then take time to browse some of the artisan’s shops before returning to Helsinki. When arriving at Helsinki, a photo stop will be made at the Senate Square.
You will then be transferred to the pier of Helsinki to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel:
Hotel Haven is an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of Helsinki. Located by the South Harbour and Market Square, Hotel Haven is a perfect place to feel the unique energy of the city. Its 137 comfortable rooms offer a cosy and quiet atmosphere in which to relax.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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1-night accommodation in Superior room at Hotel Haven 5*, local standards (or similar), breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
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Hospitality desk at the hotel, the day of your arrival.
Your programme does not include:
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Lunch and dinner on day 1.
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Personal expenses.
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Visa if necessary.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Early check-in and late check-out.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Official hotel check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
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Official hotel check-out time is 12:00 a.m.
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Early check-in or late check-out might be available depending on availability and on a supplement basis.
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This programme requires you to be capable of walking on gravel pathways and some minor hills. We recommend casual clothes and wearing comfortable walking shoes.
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For people with reduced mobility, a foldable wheelchair can be stored in the bus but must be requested separately, since there is no room for wheelchair and luggage in smaller vehicles.
Contact of your hotel:
Hotel Haven
Unioninkatu 17, 00130
Helsinki, Finland
Telephone number: +358 9 681930
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$1,010
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
Foraging in a Finnish forest
This tour takes you on a journey through Mother Nature's kitchen, right in the heart of the Finnish forest.
Board your coach for a 45 minute drive through the Finnish landscapes towards Nuuksio National Park.
Here, you will meet your local Finnish forest guide, who has studied all the edible herbs, berries and mushrooms. He will guide you through the national park and will explain all the secrets of the forest, which is a kind of open-air market garden and kitchen. Indeed, Finland's ever-changing and organic forests provide families with a wide variety of ingredients that change with each season.
During your tour in the middle of the forest the guide will tell you about the Finnish culture, and the importance of the open spaces for the locals.
Every story is unique when it starts in nature. The story of the day will be directed by the season and the wild foods you can find in the heart of it. From spring to autumn, you will be on the hunt for wild herbs like ground elder and nettle, wild berries like blueberries, raspberries and lingonberries, and some of nature's finest fungi (depending on the season), such as the golden chanterelle and the picturesque porcini.
Accompanied by your guide, you will stop for a delicious Finnish-style lunch by a lake. This perfect moment will allow you to enjoy the serene beauty of the Finnish wilderness in your own way.
After this journey in the forest, you will reboard your coach and drive back to the ship.
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This tour includes approximately 3km of walking in the forest. A raincoat in case of rain is included in the tour. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing in accordance with the weather. Guests must be well fit for a nature walk. The picking depends on the season and the product of the forest mentionned cannot be guaranteed at the time of the call.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
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.
Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the Market Square and enjoy free time before walking back to the ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) 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 nonexclusive.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Helsinki highlights
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was 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.
Then 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. 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 (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Porvoo Old Town and Malmgård manor
Enjoy a delightful drive through the Finnish countryside to the medieval town of Porvoo for a walking tour and a visit of Malmgård manor.
Board your motorcoach for a one hour drive to Porvoo.
The second oldest town in Finland, Porvoo is one of Finland's six medieval towns. It is famous for its wooden buildings in the old town and cobbled streets with charming shops and cafes. Celebrated as a national treasure, its old town has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. With your guide, you will admire the red warehouses on the riverbank that once formed the medieval port. Today, these old buildings have become the symbol of Porvoo and are among the most photographed attractions in Finland. After a short orientation walk, you will enjoy some free time before heading to Malmgård Castle.
The manor house is of renaissance inspiration and is one of the most beautiful in Finland. Malmgård is now a private estate.
Your host will welcome you and invite you to visit this magnificent building which has belonged to the Creutz family since the early 1600s. Count Henrik Creutz still resides in the manor and has modernised the property by creating an organic farm and an ecological brewery. After the tour, you will be served a light lunch before heading to the farm's eco-brewery. The brew master will show you the secrets of his products. You will taste 3 types of beer and have a chance to share your opinion with the brewer ! And of course, the history of the farm and how it became involved in ecological farming is also a very interesting topic.
The estate also has a shop selling produce from the farm, local specialities and beers.
Back on the bus, you will return to Helsinki after this pleasant day in the Finnish countryside.
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This tour includes approximately 2km of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestoned streets and wooden floors. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
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This tour involves 4 km (2.48 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.
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.
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This tour includes approximately 4 km (2.48 mile) of walking on uneven ground and cobblestone streets and involves approximately 20 rather steeps stairs 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.
Discover the Estonian cuisine
This tour offers a unique opportunity to familiarize yourself with the most popular Estonian hors d'oeuvres of yesterday and today.
You will meet your guide on the pier and board your bus for a short trip to Tallinn's medieaval castle on the bank of the old moat.
You will cross the Nuns' Gate to City Hall Square, the liveliest part of town, filled with restaurants and cafés, many of which are open-air. Across the square, in a charming Jugendstil building, you will find the day's restaurant serving an assortment of typical Estonian hors d'oeuvres. The restaurant's chef will explain the preparation process for the various appetizers and their ingredients and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
The dishes are accompanied by different types of apple cider. Estonia's climate is highly conducive to growing apples.
At the end of the tasting, you will be served a delicious cup of coffee and dessert.
Before heading back to your ship, you will have some free time in one of the city's most popular districts.
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This tour includes 1.5 km of walking on relatively flat surfaces with cobblestones. We recommend that you wear good walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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 and surrondings by bike
Discover the best Tallinn has to offer. This tour takes you to Tallinn's seaside, Peter the Great's summer palace, the romantic Kadriorg Park and the site of the Song Festival. The seaside promenade leads to Tallinn's Old Town, where you will cycle along the ancient walls.
You will meet your guide/instructor on the quay, where you will be given your equipment and a safety briefing before starting your tour. You will head for Kadriorg Park, a green oasis in the centre of Tallinn. Here, you can admire the Baroque palace of Peter and Catherine (now a museum of foreign art) and the presidential palace.
Continue on to Pirita with a stop at the Song Festival Grounds, home of the major Estonian song festivals, which have been held here for over 150 years.
On the way back, you will drive along Seaside Avenue, enjoying a magnificent view of the Tallinn skyline. You will pass the Rotermann district, a fine example of the symbiosis between unique modern architecture and a collection of renovated 19th-century industrial buildings. Before reaching Tallinn's well-preserved Hanseatic Old Town, you will enjoy a refreshment break in a local café.
After passing St. Margaret's Tower and St. Olav's Church, you will make a longer stop at Town Hall Square.
Here, you can spend some free time before cycling back to the pier or stay longer in the city and take a shuttle back to the pier.
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The tour includes 10 km of cycling on fairly flat roads with occasional climbs. This tour is offered in English. All cycling equipment is provided. We advise you to wear comfortable cycling clothes and shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle “Three Crowns”, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armoury will be offered.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Gdansk city tour
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate façades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of the Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.
You will enjoy time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Gdansk city tour & Chopin concert
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints. Enjoy some time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
Next, drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and enjoy an exlusive concert of Polish classical music, which presents the most famous pieces of classical music written by Frédéric Chopin, as well as other great masters that continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer) and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire programme will be performed by a renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
After the concert, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.24 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A welcome drink before the concert will be offered.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
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.
Polish culinary traditions in Gdansk
Discover one of the most popular specialties of Poland: pierogi. This tour will allow you to taste the local food and enjoy a guided tour of Gdansk.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a short 30-minute drive to downtown Gdansk.
Together with your guide, you will arrive at a local workshop where you can make and taste pierogi. Indeed, as far as cuisine is concerned, Poland is the most famous country for its pierogi, also called dumplings. They are made by wrapping pockets of unleavened dough around a savoury or sweet filling and cooking them in boiling water. During this workshop, your local chef will explain all the subtleties of this dish. He will guide you in the preparation of your pierogi. You will have the opportunity to get your hands dirty by following the Polish recipe with local ingredients and your chef's instructions, and prepare your own Polish dumplings. Your chefs know the recipes inside out, so you will not only prepare and taste these delicious dishes, but you will also learn about the true Polish traditions. After the workshop, you will taste your preparations accompanied by a glass of a typical Polish drink, namely kompot. It is a national drink, that is non-alcoholic, which and accompanies the meals in Poland. Very different from the traditional compote, the Polish kompot is prepared with stewed fruits and water.
After this workshop and tastings, you will head to a local restaurant for another tasting: the Goldwasser. This is a strong liquor made from roots and herbs that has been produced since at least 1598 in Gdansk. The most striking feature of this drink is the presence of small gold flakes of 22 or 23 carats suspended in the drink. You will learn more about its history from your guide and taste the liquor.
Finally, your guide will take you to the heart of Gdansk for a guided tour of the Old Town. - tThe city's 1,000-year history has left a rich collection of buildings and monuments designed in a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Although Gdansk's Old Town is not as old as it looks, as over 80% of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, it has been thoroughly and lovingly restored to its former glory.
Enjoy some free time before re-joining your guide and coach to return to your ship.
- This tour includes 2.5 km of walking over flat and partially cobblestoned streets. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
Malbork Castle
Discover the beauty of Poland and visit the castle that has remained an object of European fascination since its mediaval origins.
Meet your guide, then board your bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Malbork.
Follow your guide and get immersed in medieval Poland, the time of the Teutonic Knights and the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork, is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. Moreover, in 1997 it was included in the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites. A large part of the original structure remains in Malbork and testifies to the high standard and exceptional quality of craftsmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River began in 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, keeps and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the headquarters of the knights left Venice to settle here. In 1466, the castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, and served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation work on the castle was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the severe damage it suffered during the final phase of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Today, the castle serves as a museum, with large exhibition halls, which display collections of armour, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
At the end of this exceptional tour, you will return, by bus, to your ship in Gdansk.
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This tour involves approximately 1km of walking with 150 steps to negotiate at the Castle. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars , where a uick photo stop will be made (outside visit), which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
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This tour involves approximately 400 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
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.
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
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Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. The stairs to go on the roof of the church are narrow and dark. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes. Please note, there is no guarantee that the glassblowers will be working at the time of the visit.
Price range:
Find out more
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
PANORAMIC TRANSFER FROM PIER TO AIRPORT
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Copenhagen
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local English-speaking representative.
You will go for a panoramic transfer to the airport.
On the way, you will have a glimpse of some of the main points of interest of the Danish capital city.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight.
Your programme includes:
- Panoramic transfer as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : AU$136
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.
DANISH ART DE VIVRE (2 NIGHTS)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme
Day 1 - Copenhagen
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at the port by our local representative.
During this post-cruise stay, you will have the chance to discover hygge, the Scandinavian art of living that is based on well-being, slow life, and small everyday pleasures. There is even a hygge aesthetic, which expresses itself through design and decoration that tend to make Danish interiors as warm as possible.
Your day will begin with a panoramic tour of Copenhagen during which you will have the opportunity to capture the famous Little Mermaid on photo and gain an understanding of the soul of this charming and colourful city, which is criss-crossed with canals.
Lunch in a local restaurant
The afternoon will be dedicated to exploring Copenhagen's Design Museum Denmark, where you will be able to discover the work of the most famous Danish designers as well as the leading figures of 20th-century design and its main movements (Bauhaus, etc).
At the end of this day of visits, you will be driven to the Nobis Hotel, not far from the Tivoli Gardens in the very heart of the historic centre.
Check-in.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel
Day 2 - Copenhagen
After breakfast, you will go to a Danish cookery class given by a chef where you will be able to taste your creations afterwards.
You will then head off to visit the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, located half an hour away from Copenhagen. You will discover its very beautiful sculpture garden offering a magnificent panorama over the Baltic Sea as well as many masterpieces by Giacometti, Andy Warhol, Calder, Francis Bacon or Asger Jon, one of the prominent figures in the CoBrA avant-garde movement. This small architectural jewel is perfectly integrated into its environment and will delight art lovers.
After the visit, back to the hotel to freshen up and enjoy a time at leisure to stroll around in the city.
Dinner in a local restaurant
Overnight at the hotel
Day 3 - Copenhagen
After breakfast and check-out, time at leisure depending on your flight schedule.
You will then be transferred to the airport in time for check-in for the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (if you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Your hotel:
The Nobis, a member of Design hotels, is ideally located in the historic heart of Copenhagen. Its rooms are elegantly decorated with Scandinavian furniture in a sleek and contemporary spirit, with bathrooms in grey marble. You will be able to enjoy access to its fitness centre as well as its relaxation area, with a swimming pool, sauna and hammam.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
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2-nights accommodation in Deluxe room Nobis 5* hotel or similar, breakfast included.
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Meals as mentioned in the programme.
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Beverage package during meals (bottled water + 1 soft drink or 1 local beer or 1 glass of wine and 1 coffee or tea).
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Transfers, visits, and entrance fees as mentioned in the programme.
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The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
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Personal expenses.
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Tips for the driver and local guide.
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Optionnal activity.
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Late check-out.
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Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Please note:
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It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
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Denmark's unit is Danish Krone.
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This programme is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Contact of your hotel:
The Nobis Hotel
Niels Brocks Gade 1
1574 København, Danemark
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : AU$3,040
Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability.