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Peregrine Travel Centre

Summer In The Baltic Cities

Summer In The Baltic Cities

From £4,575 GBP

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Description

Join us on a voyage of discovery as we explore the eight nations of the Baltic. Nations who speak different languages, have a diverse culture and cuisine, worship in different churches, yet are united by a single sea. Over the centuries, wars and conflicts may have divided them, but as always trade has been the great unifier as the Hanseatic ports brought wealth and knowledge to the Baltic shores. The cities of the Baltic offer a cornucopia of delights: whether it be the grandeur of St Petersburg and its surrounding country estates, the newly independent Baltic states and their capitals with marvellously untouched Medieval quarters, or the sheer delight of Scandinavian ports with their colourful architecture and a freshness that is unique to the area.

After operating voyages in the Baltic for twenty five years we believe this in-depth journey offers the perfect balance of time to explore cities, towns and islands during the included excursions with our excellent local guides combined with some time to relax or explore at leisure. A highlight for many will be the fact that we have included three days in the magnificent city of St Petersburg, enough time to explore the city’s many wonders. We also visit some smaller ports which the big cruise vessels are unable to access such as the islands of Christianso and Bornholm in Denmark and the Estonian Island of Saaremaa, a gem with its Medieval Episcopal castle and timeless countryside.

Trip Name
Summer In The Baltic Cities
Days
13
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 - Copenhagen, Denmark.
Arrive in Copenhagenindependently and transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Day 2 - Christianso & Bornholm Island.
Over breakfast we arrive at the tiny island of Christianso, the easternmost part of Denmark. Using Zodiacs to land we will see the old fortress of King Christian V and learn about the island’s past including its history as an island prison. Today, it 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. Over lunch we sail to neighbouring Bornholm. Peaceful and scenic, 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.
Day 3 - Day 3 - 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 4 - Day 4 - 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. Today we have 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. Return to the ship for lunch and maybe join a lecture as we enjoy an afternoon at sea.
Day 5 - Day 5 - 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. Spend an afternoon exploring independently before enjoying a special private classical concert at the stunning 16th century Rundale Palace, one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in Northern Europe.
Day 6 - Day 6 - Saaremaa, Estonia.
After a relaxing 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 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.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Stockholm, Sweden.
Be on deck this morning as we sail through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago into Stockholm. This is a great sailing area and the islands are peppered with attractive summer homes. On arrival 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 Serenissima we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. The afternoon is free for independent exploration from our central berth before we sail tonight.
Day 8 - Day 8 - Mariehamn, Finland.
Arrive over breakfast into the attractive town of Mariehamn on the island of Aland in the Finnish archipelago. It is a charming little town, founded in 1861 by Tsar Alexander II and named after his wife Maria. On a morning drive we will head into the beautiful countryside along scenic roads, stopping at Badhausberget with panoramic views over the archipelago. This afternoon is free to explore the town at leisure, maybe visit the sea quarter where boats are built and repaired using traditional techniques, walk along the esplanade, an avenue of lime trees that link the harbours or enjoy time in the handicraft shops.
Day 9 - Day 9 - Tallinn, Estonia.
Arrive this morning 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. After lunch on board the afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore independently before we sail in the early evening.
Day 10 - Days 10 to 12 - St Petersburg, Russia.
We have the luxury of three 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 including a number of tours during our time here including visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the wonderful Peterhof Palace and Gardens, the fascinating Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace at Pushkin and a canal cruise through the city. In your free time you may wish to join the optional excursion to Yusupov Palace, the famed scene of Rasputin’s murder, or attend a folklore show. For anyone wishing to visit the ballet one evening we will be able to assist with bookings once the schedules for the theatres are released and we hope to send details 12 weeks prior to departure.
Day 11 - Day 13 - Helsinki, Finland
Disembark after breakfast for your onward travels.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
31-07-201812-08-2018£7,095Standard Stateroom Sole
31-07-201812-08-2018£6,095Junior Suite
31-07-201812-08-2018£5,295Standard Stateroom Plus
31-07-201812-08-2018£7,545Standard Stateroom Plus Sole
31-07-201812-08-2018£4,575Inside Cabin
31-07-201812-08-2018£5,095Standard Stateroom
31-07-201812-08-2018£4,575Inside Single
31-07-201812-08-2018£5,495Superior Stateroom
31-07-201812-08-2018£5,795Deluxe Stateroom
31-07-201812-08-2018£5,095Standard Single
31-07-201812-08-2018£6,195Owners Suite
31-07-201812-08-2018£6,195Executive Suite

Inclusions

    • Guest Speaker – Jeremy Black. Professor of History at the University of Exeter, Jeremy has lectured and written extensively on Baltic history, especially on the response to the rise of Russia and more particularly the Great Northern War. His books include Eighteenth
    • Century Europe and a series of studies on war from 1450 to the present. Jeremy will speak on Baltic history from the Vikings to the Cold War, with particular emphasis on the Hansa, the rise of Russia and the World Wars.
    • Visit 8 different countries of the Baltic.
    • Spend three days in the magnificent city of St Petersburg.

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