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Peregrine Travel Centre

Summer in the Islands and Cities of the Baltic

Summer in the Islands and Cities of the Baltic

From GBP £4,995

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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. 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.

Having operated voyages in the Baltic for over 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 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.

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 speaker will add much to your knowledge and understanding of this intriguing region.

Trip Name
Summer in the Islands and Cities of the Baltic
Days
13
Overview
Vessel Type: Small Ship Length: 87 metres Passenger Capacity: 95 Built / refurbished: 1960 / 2013 / 2018 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. 

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 - London to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Fly by scheduled flight to Copenhagen and on arrival transfer to the MS Serenissima. Enjoy 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 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. Alternatively you may wish to hire a bicycle and explore at your own pace. Please note that we will be at anchor at Christianso and Bornholm and, weather permitting, will use Zodiacs to go ashore.
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. This afternoon is free for further independent exploration. Alternatively join a full day tour starting with a drive to Malbork Castle, passing through the colourful countryside and small traditional villages that have remained unchanged for many years. Malbork Castle is a large Medieval castle and one of the oldest castles in Poland dating from 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created an impressive stone fortress which included a labyrinth of chambers, dungeons and towers. We will explore the castle complex and its exhibition halls displaying an array of armoury, ceramics and sculptures. After lunch we return to Gdansk for a walking tour in the old town before returning to the ship for dinner and sailing this evening.
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 hearing about the times of collective farming during the Soviet era and the changes that have taken place since independence. Also visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to Lithuanians sent to Siberia or who fought against the Soviets during the Cold War years. Alternatively we will drive to the amber centre of Palanga. A stroll through the Botanical Park with its 500 varieties of trees and bushes takes you to the Amber Museum, housed in a 19th century neo- Renaissance-style mansion. Return to the Old Town for a walking tour. From beautiful Theatre Square, explore the narrow streets that meander between the charming half-timbered houses and shops.
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. Discover 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 - Parnu, Estonia.
Established in 1265, the Hanseatic town of New Parnu has been a market town, a fortress, a university town, an industrial and administrative centre as well as a resort town. A morning walk through the town will include the 14th century Red Tower and Mary-Magdalena Guild before we head into the Estonian countryside. We will stop at the Kurgja Farm museum and take a lunch of locally grown produce before continuing to Viljandi, one of the oldest towns in Estonia, situated on the shores of a beautiful lake which was historically one of the key strongholds in Livonia. We will see the 13th century castle that overlooks the town before exploring the ancient cobbled streets where we find museums and galleries. Return to the ship via the picturesque landscape of the Soomaa National Park. Alternatively spend time at the Tamme Farm where we visit the herb garden and hear about the alternative growing methods used here before trying some of the locally grown herbal teas, jams and vegetables.
Day 7 - Day 7 - Saaremaa Island.
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 8 - Day 8 - Tallinn.
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. Either return to the ship for lunch or remain in the city for some leisure time before we sail in the late afternoon.
Day 9 - Days 9 to 11 - 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 offering 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 prior to departure.
Day 10 - Day 12 - Helsinki, Finland.
This morning 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 before returning to the MS Serenissima for lunch. Maybe join a lecture or find a spot on deck to relax as we spend the afternoon at sea.
Day 11 - Day 13 - Stockholm, Sweden to London.
At first light we will be sailing through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago into Stockholm. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
18-07-201930-07-2019GBP £4,995Standard Stateroom
18-07-201930-07-2019GBP £5,695Superior Stateroom
18-07-201930-07-2019GBP £6,295Deluxe Stateroom
18-07-201930-07-2019GBP £6,495Standard Single
18-07-201930-07-2019GBP £6,795Junior Suite
18-07-201930-07-2019GBP £7,195Owners Suite

Inclusions

    • 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.
    • Explore Riga
    • Latvia’s capital. Founded in the 13th century it became one of the most successful trading cities of the Baltic.
    • Discover 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.
    • Enjoy the luxury of three days to explore St. Petersburg
    • most endlessly captivating of Russian cities.

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