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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sailing from the Baltic to Britain

Sailing from the Baltic to Britain

From £5,595 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 Speakers, 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, Germany and Belgium before ending in the UK. We will spend time in the charming Scandinavian ports before arriving in St Petersburg, surely the most endlessly fascinating of all Baltic ports. Our two full days here will be spent exploring Peter the Great’s magnificent city as well as venturing out to some of the fabulous country estates on the Baltic shores. 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 will moor overnight in Gdansk so that we can explore this handsome city as well as enjoy a full day tour to Malbork Castle, the largest castle in the world during the 13th century and a journey along the unusual Elblag Canal. Added to this, and due to our many years of operating in the region, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary with visits to some of the more remote ports and islands such as the Estonian island of Saaremaa, the Polish port of Swinoujscie and Lubeck, places only accessible by a small ship like the MS Serenissima.

Whether your interest lies in the region’s Viking and Medieval history or the more recent events of the breakaway Baltic States, it is an endlessly fascinating region and our expert local guides and guest speakers will add much to your knowledge and understanding of this intriguing region.

Trip Name
Sailing from the Baltic to Britain
Days
16
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 107 (from Dec 2018 - 95) Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 We are delighted to have had the MS Serenissima on long term charter since 2013. There are so few ships of her generation still cruising and the fact that she is is a great testament to her owners who invest considerable sums to keep her in top form. In December 2018, the vessel will once again undergo a significant refurbishment after which she will accommodate a maximum of just 95 guests. MS Serenissima is a charming vessel and one of her best known and loved features of this vessel is its unique style. During a major refit the then owners commissioned Swedish interior designers to create a Gustavian style interior. This bright Swedish 18th century influenced, country house style works particularly well on a vessel of this vintage, providing intimacy and classic nautical sensibility often lacking in larger vessels. The vessel is equipped with a fleet of Zodiac landing craft allowing us to visit remote places where normal tender arrangements are not possible. The European Captain, Officers, Expedition Staff, and crew offer a first class service and have been selected for their professionalism and caring attitudes. The atmosphere on board is warm and welcoming and dedicated to discovery and relaxation. AIR-CONDITIONING The ship is air conditioned throughout. Please note that only the Serenissima Suites have individually controlled air-conditioning. DAILY PROGRAMME A Daily Programme, detailing the following day’s arrangements as well as any specific information about the day’s activities is produced onboard and delivered to your cabin each evening during the turn down service. DINING, DRINKING AND DIETARY REQUIREMENTS The Venice Restaurant onboard serves international cuisine and accommodates all guests at a single open seating. Tables seat 4 to 10 diners. In addition, there is an outside dining area for when the weather and itinerary permit. Breakfast and lunch are both buffet style, dinner is waiter service only. Complimentary (red and white) house wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Bar drinks and other beverages with meals are not included; these may be purchased onboard and paid for at the end of your cruise. Complimentary tea and coffee are available between 07:00 hours and 23:00 hours at the tea and coffee station located in the Andrea lounge. Please advise of any special dietary requests in advance. DISABLED FACILITIES The ship can accommodate passengers with mobility restrictions and wheelchair dependent passengers in cabin 407, which has a wider door and no step into/out of the bathroom and shower area. There is a lift serving decks 3 to 6, but there is no stair lift. DOCTOR A medical doctor is available on board 24 hours a day. A fee is charged for any consultations and medication prescribed. Please ensure you carry adequate supplies of any regular medications you may require.  ELECTRICITY The electrical outlets in the cabins and public areas are 220V and take a two-round-pin plug (as in continental Europe). There is a 110/220V, 60Hz outlet for electric shavers in the bathroom. We recommend that you bring an international adaptor. GRATUITIES Gratuities to crew and whilst on excursions are included in the cost of your holiday. INTERNET The onboard library has a computer equipped for email/internet access and Wi-Fi access is available in public areas, although you will require your own laptop, tablet or smartphone, and charges apply – 100mb for €15 Euros, or 500mb for €25 Euros. Please note that connection is dependent on weather conditions and location. LANGUAGE All members of the crew speak English. MONEY The following payment methods are accepted for settlement of shipboard accounts: Cash (Euros or British Pounds), Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa, American Express), Debit Card (MasterCard and Visa). Please note that personal cheques and Travellers’ Cheques are not accepted. PUBLIC AREAS • Andrea Lounge (on Deck 5). The bar is open from 11.00 until 24.00. • Harald Jarl Lounge (on Deck 5). There is a small library here with books and games. There is also a computer for public use (charges apply for internet access) • Lido area (on Deck 5) with a Jacuzzi and fitness room with two running machines • Observation Deck (access from Deck 5 lido area) • Deck 5 and Deck 6 outside seating areas SNORKELLING Snorkelling equipment is kept onboard. Please note that there is no snorkelling from Zodiacs. All snorkelling stops will operate from a beach.  TELEVISION The ship is equipped with a satellite TV system which receives 15 channels. TV reception depends on the satellite dish and on occasion it may not be possible to receive a signal. There is one central video channel on which it is possible to listen to the lectures delivered in the Andrea Lounge. There is also a channel for the ship’s camera located in front of the ship. ZODIACS Some destinations may require the use of Zodiacs to go ashore. These are usually on expedition cruises though may sometimes be used on destination cruises.  PLEASE NOTE: Deck plan varies for 2019 cruises, no inside cabins.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - Stockholm, Sweden.
Arrive in Stockholm and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we 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 Serenissima we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. After lunch be out 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 maybe join a lecture or find a spot to enjoy a book. Over lunch we arrive into Helsinki and an afternoon 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 vessel and sailing this evening.
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. We will be offering a number of 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 Palace and Yusupov Palace.
Day 5 - Day 6 - Tallinn, Estonia.
After a busy couple of days in St Petersburg we will have a morning at sea to relax on board. During lunch we arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with its 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 7 - Saaremaa.
This morning 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 a morning drive we will visit the lovely capital Kuressaare with its magnificent Medieval castle and stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town. Continue inland on a journey that will take you back in time through a countryside of stone walls, thatched roofs, traditional villages and windmills. Return to the ship for lunch and spend an afternoon at sea.
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’s Cathedral, the largest Medieval church in the Baltic. Spend an afternoon exploring independently before returning to the ship and sailing this evening.
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. We will arrive over lunch and have a choice of touring options this afternoon. You may wish to head into the countryside where we will experience village life and visit the Memorial Museum, dedicated to the Lithuanians sent to Siberia to fight 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 - Days 10 & 11 - Gdansk, Poland.
We will spend a day and a half 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. Upon arrival we will leave the city and enjoy a full day tour to Malbork Castle and a journey on the Elblag Canal. The 13th century Malbork Castle 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. The 80 kilometre Elblag Canal is a wonder of engineering designed in 1860 to connect East Prussia with the Baltic Sea. The challenges of the 100 metre difference in water levels between Bruzno Lake and Piniewo Lake was solved by a series of slipways, locks and dams with boats being carried across dry land on rail mounted trolleys. We will take a boat trip along the canal before returning to the ship in Gdansk. The following morning we will enjoy a city tour where 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.
Day 10 - Day 12 - Swinoujscie.
The small port of Swinoujscie is the gateway to the most beautiful stretch of the Polish coast and the Wolin National Park, Poland’s first maritime park. Wolin is on the main migration path of birds in the Baltic and the white-tailed eagle that shelters here is the symbol of the park. We will spend time in the park which is home to deer, wild boar and European bison before continuing to Miedzyzdroje where we find a former German bunker which was used as a base in World War II and is now a museum of a secret weapon, the V3 supergun. Continue to Kamien Pomorski which from the 14th century belonged to the Hanseatic League. The town was badly damaged in World War II, but remnants of the old town walls with Wolin Gate have survived to the present day. We will see the Gothic arcaded town hall which has been rebuilt, several half-timbered houses and the Gothic Church of St Nicholas, which now houses the Regional Museum. The town’s most valuable architectural relic is the 12th century Cathedral of St John where we enjoy a concert before viewing the priceless late 13th century mural paintings which have survived in its presbytery and side chapel.
Day 11 - Day 13 - Lubeck, Germany.
Over breakfast we will cruise along the scenic River Trave which connects the port of Lubeck with the Baltic Sea and is dotted with summer houses. Lubeck, founded in the 12th century was the former “Queen City” of the Hanseatic League and prospered as one of Northern Europe’s major ports until the 16th century. On a morning walking tour we will explore the old town, which is situated on an island completely surrounded by water and famed for its five gothic cathedrals and a multitude of hidden alleys and courtyards amongst the old merchants’ houses. This afternoon is free to explore further and you may want to see the Hansemuseum, which documents the history of the Hanseatic League, sample some of the famous local marzipan or try the traditional Rotspon red wine.
Day 12 - Day 14 - Kiel Canal Transit.
Early this morning 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 in the early afternoon and spend the afternoon cruising.
Day 13 - Day 15 - Bruges, Belgium.
From the port of Ostend we drive inland to Bruges, a UNESCO site which has an illustrious history as one of the finest Medieval cities in Europe. The 15th century Belfry still dominates the centre as it did then and the Town Hall, St John Hospital and the Begijnhof border the narrow canals. On an afternoon tour we will see some of the most important monuments and buildings which survive from the Middle Ages including the Basilica of the Holy Blood, City Hall, the Begijnhof and Minnewater. You may also want to visit one of the local chocolate or lace shops for which Bruges is famous.
Day 14 - Day 16 - Dover, England.
Arrive this morning. Transfers will be provided to London Heathrow and London Victoria Coach Station at a fixed time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-08-201806-09-2018£5,595Inside Cabin
22-08-201806-09-2018£6,895Junior Suite
22-08-201806-09-2018£6,495Superior Stateroom
22-08-201806-09-2018£5,595Inside Single
22-08-201806-09-2018£6,095Standard Stateroom
22-08-201806-09-2018£8,595Standard Stateroom Sole
22-08-201806-09-2018£8,895Standard Stateroom Plus Sole
22-08-201806-09-2018£6,295Standard Stateroom Plus
22-08-201806-09-2018£7,395Executive Suite
22-08-201806-09-2018£7,395Owners Suite
22-08-201806-09-2018£6,095Standard Single
22-08-201806-09-2018£6,795Deluxe Stateroom

Inclusions

    • Visit Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany and Belgium before ending in the UK.
    • Featured Expert
    • Major JGH Corrigan. Commissioned from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 1962, Gordon Corrigan was an officer of the Royal Gurkha Rifles before retiring from the Army in 1998. He served mainly in the Far East but also in Berlin, Cyprus, Belize and Northern Ireland. He is now a military historian and author. His television appearances include The Gurkhas, Napoleon’s Waterloo and Battlefield Detectives, and so far he has presented five series on various aspects of military history. He has conducted military history study tours in France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Holland, Spain, Portugal, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Libya and Tunisia.
    • Featured Expert
    • Imogen Corrigan. He served for twenty years in the British Army, retiring in the rank of Major. In 2004 she graduated from the University of Kent with a 1st Class Honours degree in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval History and has recently submitted for an M.Phil. at Birmingham University. She runs study tours and has lectured extensively on Anglo-Saxon and Medieval subjects in Britain and Europe. She is a NADFAS lecturer as well as being a speaker for the Kent Federation of History, the National Trust and U3A amongst other lecturing agencies and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

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