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Peregrine Travel Centre

Baltic Renaissance – A Voyage from Stockholm to Portsmouth

Baltic Renaissance – A Voyage from Stockholm to Portsmouth

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Description

If ever there was a sea perfect for exploring by ship, it is the Baltic, an endlessly fascinating corner of Northern Europe. Join us on this summer voyage of discovery as we explore the many delights of this fascinating region. One of the many extraordinary experiences of the Baltic is the summer light that gives the sea and landscape a very special quality. After a long winter, the region responds to the sun unlike anywhere else and there is a calm and order which makes exploration so enjoyable, especially when travelling aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with just over 100 like-minded, fellow guests.
Our trip is certainly one of the most comprehensive, visiting as it does Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands before ending in the UK. We will spend time in the beautiful Scandinavian ports with their unique atmosphere and architecture and discover the Baltic capitals including Tallinn and Riga with their charming Medieval old towns. A highlight for many will be our visit to Gdansk where we will enjoy a recital by members of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic orchestra, and we will moor overnight in order to experience the city in its evening splendour. With the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky as our base, we have the advantage of also being able to call into some smaller ports which the larger ships in the region are unable to access including the former Danish capital of Nyborg and picturesque Mariehamn in Finland with its strong seafaring traditions.
The history of the region is intriguing, with countries vying for commercial and political influence for over a thousand years. This complex past will be brought to life by our onboard Guest Speaker and informative local guides, helping us to gain a greater understanding of both old and new Baltic nations. Our voyage will be a leisurely one with the benefit of some daytime sailing allowing you to relax on board and experience the serenity of sailing through the region in summer.

Trip Name
Baltic Renaissance - A Voyage from Stockholm to Portsmouth
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Length: 90.6 metres Passenger Capacity: 118 Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2016 The MS Hebridean Sky is a beautifully appointed small ship, designed to offer an atmosphere of refined elegance and intimate comfort. With just 59 spacious suites, many featuring private balconies, she provides all guests with an outside view and a sense of relaxed luxury. Suites are finished in warm wood panelling and brass, with thoughtful details such as rainfall showers, dressing gowns, Noble Isle toiletries and flexible bed configurations. The public areas are equally welcoming, from the bright dining room and convivial Club bar to the well-stocked library and panoramic observation deck. A clinic with doctor, hairdressing facilities, a lift serving all decks and complimentary Wi-Fi ensure that every journey is made in comfort and ease. Life on board the MS Hebridean Sky is calm, sociable, and tailored to those who value discovery and relaxation over large-scale entertainment. Dining is a highlight, with talented chefs crafting exquisite à la carte menus often enhanced by fresh local produce, complemented by fine wines included with meals. Guests may enjoy al fresco meals on the Lido Deck, afternoon tea, or informal evenings with music in the lounge. Enrichment comes through fascinating lectures, daily briefings, and the company of like-minded travellers, while the warm and attentive service creates the feel of a private yacht or country house hotel. With her understated elegance, exceptional service, and focus on exploration, the Hebridean Sky offers a truly memorable and distinguished cruising experience.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 London or Manchester to Stockholm, Sweden.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive in Stockholm and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board and moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 Stockholm.
This morning we will enjoy a guided city tour which includes the Vasa Museum, built around the 17th century warship which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628; its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. In addition to the well-preserved, elaborately decorated hull, thousands of items from the ship, including hundreds of sculptures, have been recovered. On our return to the MS Hebridean Sky we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. After some free time we sail in the late afternoon through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago. This is a great sailing area and the islands are peppered with attractive summer homes.
Day 3 - Day 3 Mariehamn, Finland.
Sail this morning into the attractive town of Mariehamn. On an island tour we will head into the beautiful countryside along scenic roads towards the Jan Karlsgarden Museum where we learn about the island’s farming traditions. We continue to Badhausberget which provides panoramic views over the town and islands before visiting the fascinating Aland Maritime Museum with its exhibits of model ships as well as highlighting the region’s shipbuilding history. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon cruising through some of the 6700 islands of the Aland archipelago.  
Day 4 - Day 4 Helsinki.
Arriving in Helsinki over breakfast, our morning city tour will take us to the colourful Market Square, the President’s Palace and the impressive architecture of Senate Square including the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland and Uspenski Cathedral. We continue to the Sibelius Monument and the impressive Temppeliaukio, the church in the rock before returning to the ship. This afternoon we journey to Ainola, the home of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius situated on the edge of the city on the shores of Lake Tuusula where, after exploring the museum, we will enjoy a private concert of his music.
Day 5 - Day 5 Tallinn, Estonia.
Over breakfast we arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with her awe inspiring city walls and fortifications, narrow Medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved. In the Upper Town we will enjoy the views from Dome Hill with the extraordinary vista of domes, spires and gables and see Toompea Castle, once a fortress, and now the seat of the Estonian parliament. Walking to the Lower Old Town we will visit the main Square where we will find the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the Gothic Cathedral and the 15th century Town Hall.
Day 6 - Day 6 At Sea.
Enjoy a relaxing day at sea as we head for Riga. Perhaps find a spot on deck, listen to an informative talk in the lounge or enjoy a book in the library.
Day 7 - Day 7 Riga, Latvia.
This morning we will explore Latvia’s capital by foot. Founded in the 13th century it became one of the most successful trading cities of the Baltic. Explore the Old Town with its Medieval streets lined with Hanseatic warehouses and punctuated with Gothic and Baroque churches including St Peter Cathedral, the largest Medieval church in the Baltic. Return to the ship for lunch and spend an afternoon exploring independently, maybe see the Art Nouveau district, visit one of the many local museums or the impressive central market housed in an old zeppelin hangar.
Day 8 - Day 8 Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Founded in 1252 by the Teutonic Knights of East Prussia, Klaipeda was annexed by Hitler in 1939 and almost destroyed towards the end of World War II. Arriving at lunchtime we will explore the old town of Klaipeda including a stop in Theatre Square before strolling along the atmospheric narrow streets where in the past craftsmen including shoemakers, blacksmiths and bakers used to live and work. Continue towards the resort town Palanga where, after a walk through the Botanical park, we arrive at a 19th century Neo-Renaissance style mansion which houses the largest Amber Museum in the Baltics. Here we will learn all about “Baltic gold” before returning to Klaipeda where we will enjoy a drink and live music in a nearby restaurant before setting sail this evening.
Day 9 - Day 9 Gdansk, Poland.
Gdansk’s 1000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. On a morning city tour we will walk along the cobbled streets of the Royal Way in the old quarter and view the elaborate architecture, including the 15th century merchant’s palace of Artus Court. Also see the pride of Gdansk, Gothic St Mary’s, which is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to explore further at your own pace before we meet this evening to enjoy a recital by members of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic at a local venue.
Day 10 - Day 10 Gdansk.
This morning we will visit 13th century Malbork Castle which belonged to the Teutonic Order and at the time was the largest castle in the world. Over the years it has been used as a royal residence as well as a fortress and was renovated after being damaged during World War II. In 1997 it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNSECO and now serves as a museum with grand exhibition halls displaying collections of armoury, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea as we make our way to Bornholm Island.
Day 11 - Day 11 Ronne, Bornholm Island, Denmark.
Spend a morning cruising before we arrive into Ronne. During our afternoon excursion we explore the highlights of northern Bornholm. Bornholm Island is a mixture of wheat fields, forests and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. On an island drive we will see the famous 12th century Osterlars Round Church and visit the town of Gudjem where we can sample the smoked herring. Also see Hammerhaus Castle offering fantastic views of the island’s rugged coastline. On our return to Ronne we have some free time before we set sail for Nyborg.
Day 12 - Day 12 Nyborg.
Arrive today on the island of Funen and the small town of Nyborg. Being in the centre of the country it was chosen as Denmark’s first capital city from 1183 to 1413 and it was in Nyborg Castle that the first Danish Constitution was signed. Our morning is free to explore, maybe see the impressive castle, walk through the pretty town with its well preserved historic buildings or learn about the local gin industry at the distillery. After lunch we visit the fairytale Egeskov Castle. Built in 1554 it is one of the best preserved Renaissance moat castles in Europe and is surrounded by one of Denmark’s finest gardens. Spend the afternoon exploring the rooms of the castle and see the remarkable Titania’s Palace doll house, made up of over 3000 individual components, or wander along the garden paths.
Day 13 - Day 13 Kiel Canal, Germany.
In the very early hours we begin our transit of the historic 61 mile long Kiel Canal and sail from the Baltic into the North Sea. Kaiser Wilhelm I set the first foundation stone in place on June 3, 1887 in Brunsbuttel, and the final stone was laid by Kaiser Wilhelm II on June 21, 1895, in Holtenau. Today, the Kiel Canal is one of the busiest man-made waterways in the world. Depart the canal mid-morning and spend the remainder of the day cruising.
Day 14 - Day 14 The Hague, Netherlands.
This morning we will call into the port of Scheveningen and visit The Hague, the Netherlands’ third largest city. A stately, regal place it is filled with mansions, green boulevards and parks and some of the most stunning palaces and museums. On our tour this morning we pass the Peace Palace and explore the historical Binnenhof on foot. Also visit the delightful Mauritshuis Museum, the unique 17th century palace that houses “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” and “The Goldfinch” as well as many other world famous paintings by the Dutch Masters. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 15 - Day 15 Portsmouth, UK.
Arrive this morning. Transfers will be provided to our London departure airport and Portsmouth Harbour Railway Station at a fixed time.
Day 16 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type

Inclusions

    • Stockholm’s Vasa Museum and Archipelago Sail: Explore the Vasa Museum, home to the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship, and enjoy a scenic cruise through Stockholm’s picturesque archipelago, dotted with charming summer homes.
    • Tallinn’s Medieval Old Town, Estonia: Wander Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Upper and Lower Old Town, marveling at well-preserved city walls, Toompea Castle, the Gothic Cathedral, and Europe’s oldest pharmacy in the historic main square.
    • Malbork Castle, Poland: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Malbork Castle, the world’s largest brick castle, once home to the Teutonic Order, with its grand exhibition halls showcasing armor, ceramics, sculptures, and Baltic amber.

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