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Peregrine Travel Centre

Cities & Islands of the Baltic

Cities & Islands of the Baltic

From £6,495 GBP

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Description

Exploring the Baltic by small ship is the most perfect way to visit this endlessly fascinating corner of Northern Europe. The history of the region is intriguing, with countries vying for commercial and political influence for over a thousand years and this complex past will be brought to life by our onboard Guest Speaker, helping us to gain a greater understanding of both old and new Baltic nations.

Our trip is certainly one of the most comprehensive, visiting as it does Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands before ending in the UK. We will visit some relatively new states with their charming Medieval Old Towns, especially striking are those of Tallinn and Riga where the old and new flourish like never before since the departure of their Soviet masters. We also spend time in some charming old Hanseatic ports and on delightful and scenic islands as well as the magnificent city of St Petersburg where we have two full days of exploration.

We have ensured that in addition to the included, guided excursions there is time to relax on board and attend some informative lectures by our Guest Speaker with time at leisure in some of our ports of call to explore independently.

Trip Name
Cities & Islands of the Baltic
Days
15
Overview
Vessel Type:  Luxury Small Ship Length:  90 metres Passenger Capacity:  116  Built / refurbished:  1992 / 2010 / 2017 Sister ship to Hebridean Sky. Island Sky and Hebridean Sky are truly sisters. Built in the same Italian Shipyard, both boast spacious, well-appointed suites, stylish common areas, and redundant core technology that allows them to operate smoothly, even under the most challenging of conditions. Both ships are all-suite, all-inclusive small expedition vessels with touches of elegance throughout. The Island Sky is scheduled for additional upgrades in 2017, including the addition of tinted sliding glass doors to all cabins on the Promenade Deck. Services: World-Class Cuisine Complimentary Wine or Beer with Dinner Live Entertainment Complimentary Coffee/Tea station Voyage Photographer On-board MD and Facilities Dedicated Passenger Service Manager Pre-voyage hotel night Complimentary Expedition Jacket Facilities: Elevator serving all passenger decks Upgraded WIFI Internet Library with computers Panoramic Top Deck Observation Platform Bar/Lounge with Live Entertainment Lounge with Audiovisual Facilities DVD Movie Library Tinted sliding glass doors in all cabins on the Promenade Deck World-Class Cuisine: Great expeditions require great food! Our team of world-class chefs offer breakfast, lunch and dinner menus that change daily. They have boat-loads of creativity, so you are sure to experience a variety of remarkable cuisine throughout your voyage. Accommodations: All Suites Feature: Exterior views Your choice of queen-sized or two twin-sized beds Sitting area with sofa and side chair Flat Screen TV with DVD/CD player Telephone Independent temperature controls Mini-Bar Marble-appointed bathroom with fine toiletries Hair dryer 220 square feet or more Sofa can be converted to bed for third person Owner's, Penthouse & Veranda Suites: INCLUDE ALL STANDARD FEATURES PLUS: En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) En suite Nespresso machine Promenade & Deluxe Suites: INCLUDE ALL STANDARD FEATURES PLUS: Tinted sliding glass doors, bringing Antarctica into your suite and giving easy access to the outer deck En suite Champagne & Chocolates on Arrival Complimentary mini-bar (beer, wine & soft drinks) En suite Nespresso machine available on request  

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London Heathrow to Stockholm, Sweden.
Fly by scheduled flight and transfer to the MS Island Sky on arrival. Moor overnight.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Stockholm.
We spend the morning exploring this handsome city, known as the ‘city on the water’. It is built on 14 small islands among open bays and narrow channels. 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 Island Sky we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace. After lunch be on deck as we sail 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 - Helsinki, Finland.
Spend a relaxing morning at sea and arrive during lunch into Helsinki. A guided 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 MS Island Sky.
Day 4 - Days 4 & 5 - St Petersburg, Russia.
We have two days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian cities. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg is a fascinating mix of classic and Baroque architecture on a network of canals. There will be a number of included guided tours for you to choose from during our time here including visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the wonderful Peterhof Palace and gardens, Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin and Yussupov’s Palace. There will also be the opportunity to join a private evening tour of the fascinating Hermitage Museum.
Day 5 - Day 6 - Tallinn, Estonia.
After a busy couple of days in St Petersburg we will have a relaxing morning at sea. During lunch 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. After dinner on board this evening we will enjoy a private concert ashore.
Day 6 - Day 7 - Saaremaa, Estonia.
After a morning at sea we arrive at Estonia’s largest island which offers a glimpse of a bygone age. Untouched by industry it is a green and very pleasant land dotted with attractive villages in a rolling forested landscape. During an afternoon tour we will visit the lovely capital Kuressaare with its magnificent Medieval castle and stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town. Later, an island drive will take you back in time through a countryside of stone walls, thatched roofs, traditional villages and windmills.
Day 7 - Day 8 - 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. Enjoy an afternoon to explore independently or relax on board before we set sail for Lithuania.
Day 8 - Day 9 - 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. This afternoon there will be a choice of touring options. You may wish to head into the countryside where we will experience village life and visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to Lithuanians sent to Siberia or who fought against the Soviets during the Cold War Years. Alternatively take the scenic drive to the Zemaitija National Park, home to Lake Plateliali and surrounded by dense forest. It was in these forests that, during the Cold War, the Soviets hid their first nuclear missile base directed at all the major European cities. Our tour will visit the Cold War Museum located in the former Soviet Missile Base. We will visit the bunkers, see the control centre and learn more about the weapons held at the site and their evolution.
Day 9 - Day 10 - Gdansk, Poland.
We have a full day in this charming city. This old, Hanseatic port’s 1000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. On a morning tour we will walk along the cobbled streets of the Royal Way in the old quarter and view the elaborate architecture before ending at 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. 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. This afternoon is free for further independent exploration.
Day 10 - Day 11 - Christianso & Bornholm Island, Denmark.
Over breakfast we arrive at the tiny island of Christianso, the easternmost part of Denmark. This is a very special and peaceful place where eider ducks appear everywhere and on the bird sanctuary of Grasholmen, thousands of herring gulls, razorbill and guillemot breed. We will land using the vessel’s Zodiacs and explore at leisure. Over lunch we sail to neighbouring Bornholm where we will also use the Zodiacs to land. Peaceful and scenic, Bornholm Island is a mixture of wheat fields, forest and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. There will be a choice of touring options. You may wish to explore by bicycle or alternatively 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.
Day 11 - Day 12 - Wismar, Germany.
The Medieval town of Wismar was a major trading centre of the Hanseatic League in the 14th and 15th centuries before coming under Swedish rule in the 17th century. Today the small, photogenic city is a lovely place to explore the cobbled streets and picturesque old harbour. It is also our base for a visit to one of Germany’s most decorative castles in Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg. After a relaxing lake cruise we will visit the grand residence of the former Dukes of Mecklenburg gaining an insight into the ancestors and royalty of Mecklenburg Western Pomerania. While here, enjoy viewing the lovely painted oil canvasses and admire intricate wooden carvings and inlays in this fairy-tale castle museum. We return to the ship for lunch followed by an afternoon at leisure in Wismar.
Day 12 - Day 13 - Kiel Canal.
Early this morning we begin our transit of the historic 61-mile-long Kiel Canal and sail from the Baltic to 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 manmade waterways in the world. We will spend a relaxing afternoon at sea sailing to the Netherlands.
Day 13 - Day 14 - Harlingen, Netherlands.
Harlingen lies on the shores of the Wadden Sea and is one of the eleven cities that make the beautiful and quaint Dutch province of Friesland. It is often referred to as the undiscovered jewel of northern Europe with its charming canals, listed houses and scenic harbours. Our morning walking tour will include the city hall, the Great Church housing the majestic Hinsz organ and the historic city centre. Return to the MS Island Sky for lunch and set sail for Dover.
Day 14 - Day 15 - Dover, England.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to London Heathrow or Victoria Coach Station at a fixed time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
10-09-201824-09-2018£8,695Explorer Owners Balcony
10-09-201824-09-2018£7,395Marco Polo Deck Premium
10-09-201824-09-2018£6,495Magellan Suite
10-09-201824-09-2018£10,495Magellan Suite Sole
10-09-201824-09-2018£10,695Columbus Deck Superior Sole
10-09-201824-09-2018£6,895Columbus Deck Superior
10-09-201824-09-2018£8,295Erikson Deck Deluxe Balcony
10-09-201824-09-2018£7,795Marco Polo Deck Corner Suite

Inclusions

    • A comprehensive exploration of the Baltic States including a mixture of cities and islands.
    • Visit 10 countries in 14 nights from the comfort of the all-suite MS Island Sky
    • Transit of the historic Kiel Canal
    • Exclusive, private tour of the Hermitage Museum
    • Private concert in Tallinn

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