Day 1
This afternoon you begin embarkation to prepare for an afternoon departure from Dover.
Day 2
Full days cruising the Kiel Canal with time to explore the ship and meet fellow passengers and crew members.
Day 3
Early morning arrival in Warnemunde, Germany.
MARINE SCIENCE CENTRE - (TOUR E) - 1.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Leaving our ship with the tour escort, we will walk to the ferry quay in Warnemünde. The passenger ferry will take us across the River Warnow and into the yacht harbour of Warnemünde - home to the Marine Science Centre.
The Centre consists of a research station aboard a docked boat and a pool area - the swimming basin for the seals. Our guide, a member of the station’s scientific staff, will welcome us on arrival. Working every day with the research teams and the seals, our guide will introduce us to the scientific basis of the station - its goals, methods and, of course, the seals themselves. We will learn how the seals navigate and fish, about their senses and underwater manoeuvring capabilities as well as how the new information gained will effect future science, and even every day life.
Wouldn’t it be terrific to learn more about whales and sharks and deep sea life? Well this would require a mini-self-guided submarine-device, completely independent. Such devices still seem impossible today, but with the results from the Marine Science Centre, this dream could come true in the coming years.
After our visit we will again return on foot, and by ferry, to our awaiting ship.
FLAVOURS OF ROSTOCK - (TOUR C) - 5.5 hours - £65 to £75 per person
Walking from the pier in Warnemünde with our guide, we board our tour boat nearby for a trip upstream on the River Warnow. We will view the city of Rostock and its port. The cruise will last approximately one hour.
Arriving in Rostock we will commence a city tour which concentrates on the centre with its centuries old red brick architecture. As the roads in the centre are very narrow and partly closed off to traffic, our visit to Rostock is conducted as a guided walking tour. We shall see the centuries old New Market, with the beautiful City Hall (outside view), and St Mary’s Church – Rostock’s landmark – at the Goat Market. A visit will be made inside the church, which has a unique astronomical clock. We will also view remnants of the old city walls – the Kröpeliner Gate and the Stone Gate – whose old towers guaranteed security in medieval times. The restoration of historic architecture, which has taken place since Germany’s reunification in 1990, combined with more modern features such as souvenir shops and romantic cafés make a visit to Rostock very worthwhile. We should have a little free time to wander by ourselves.
Continuing, we board our coach for a transfer to another highlight of the day – a farmers market that is well known in the area. Locals love to shop here. There is an immense choice of typical German products and goods common to the area such as cakes, wines, all kinds of local food and refreshments, as well as souvenirs. Since Rostock is located on the Baltic it is widely renowned for its seafood. In the market we will learn how fresh fish is smoked in ovens. Naturally we will not want to leave without a hearty sample of this delicacy, helped along with some schnapps.
Our final visit, following another short transfer, will be to a local microbrewery. Here we are shown the process of original German beer making. Beer is not only one of Germany’s best known products, but it is also a staple part of the nations’ diet! One of the master brewers will explain the brewing process, and we will be treated to samples of original German beer accompanied by typical bratwurst and sauerkraut.
We return to Warnemünde by coach.
THE MOLLI & THE MINSTER - (TOUR B) - 4.5 hours - £50 to £60 per person
Leaving Warnemünde, we begin a relaxing countryside tour. Driving through the typical flat landscape of former East Germany, passing several small villages, we will arrive in Bad Doberan. Here we shall visit the 700-year-old Minster, constructed of red bricks, and can also stroll through the park surrounding this lovely church. Inside, treasures from the 14th and 15th centuries are on view. With strong walls protecting the entire town, the Minster was once a bishop’s seat and a centre of religious and military power.
Close to the Minster is the train station, from where we will enjoy a ride on the historic Molli narrow gauge steam train. The journey (which will last approximately 30 minutes) will be in classic carriages pulled by an antique locomotive. We will travel from Bad Doberan, along Europe’s oldest avenue of lime trees, to Kühlungsborn.
At Kühlungsborn, a resort with a beautiful beach, we will disembark the train and take a refreshment break at a seaside café. We will be served a slice of typical German cake and a cup of tea or coffee in one of the historic buildings along the romantic promenade (which we shall have some time to stroll along).
This concludes our tour and we return by coach to our ship in Warnemünde.
BEST OF BERLIN - (TOUR A) - 13 hours - £160 to £165 per person
We leave Warnemünde by coach with an English-speaking escort for our journey to Berlin. The countryside of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is characterised by its hundreds of lakes and typical flatland. For our convenience a short restroom stop will be made. Arriving in Berlin’s outskirts we will pick up our official guide.
Our exciting tour programme starts upon arrival. We shall pass the Alexander Platz Square, with Berlin’s Television Tower – the centre and heart of former East Berlin. Passing Museum Island with the Dome of Berlin, we drive on to the Unter den Linden Boulevard towards Brandenburg Gate for a short photo stop. Next is the stunning Gendarmenmarkt Square for a photo stop, before we have lunch at a local restaurant.
We rejoin our coach and head for Kurfürstendamm, the western city’s main boulevard. Here we find the Europa Center, the KaDeWe shopping mall and the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial Church. We travel east, passing the Victory Column and Tiergarten Park, along the Avenue of June 17th. Finally we reach the heart and centre of modern Germany – the Reichstag. Under the recently built cupola by Sir Norman Foster, we will gather for a glass of sparkling wine on the garden terrace of one of Germany’s most well known restaurants. Usually it is not possible for groups to visit, but we can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate, and have a unique perspective of the building itself, as the restaurant is located right beside the Reichstag’s famous glass cupola. We will have the opportunity to walk up to the cupola, a technical and aesthetic masterpiece constructed from steel, glass and mirrors.
Our tour recommences with sightseeing in the historic centre of Berlin. A short photo stop and walk is made at Potsdam Square. Next we pass Checkpoint Charlie (probably the world’s most notorious borderline) and Niederkirchner Straße, with huge remnants of the wall. We may take a photo of this once deadly ‘iron curtain’ before we begin our journey back to Warnemünde. (Our official guide leaves us in Berlin.)
During the return transfer, whilst reflecting on an eventful and unforgettable day, we are served a cold dinner snack; a short comfort stop will be made. FORGOTTEN FISCHLAND - (TOUR F) - 4.5 hours - £45 to £55 per person
We shall travel by coach, with our guide, to the beautiful peninsular of Fischland-Darss. Following the coastline we will pass woods, fields and old fishing villages before reaching Ribnitz-Damgaretn which is known as the ‘town of amber’. Here we embark a boat and sail into the National Park. The shallow coastal waters of the Baltic mix with small creeks – creating a unique habitat. We will pass the Pütnitz Peninsula, where until 1945 the Kriegsmarine trained its pilots and during the Cold War Russian pilots were hidden from western espionage. As we travel across the lake we will be given information on the National Park by the captain and also be served with coffee and a slice of typical German cake. There will be a brief photo stop at Dierhagen, where high ranking officers of the East German Secret Service (or Stasi) had their summer residences (datschas) and the area was exclusive to these families. Now the peninsular is a recreation and nature area – local birds and water birds should be seen, and we may be lucky enough to see fish eagles or even a grey Baltic seal.
At the seaside resort of Wustrow we will have a little free time – the opportunity to perhaps visit the small but beautiful church amongst the thatched houses, or sample some local freshly smoked fish. After our time here we will rejoin our coach and make the return drive to Warnemünde and our awaiting ship.
TOP SECRET BUNKER TOUR - (TOUR G) - 4 hours - £90 to £99 per person
This unique tour is a must for those interested in the military, or the history of the Cold War.
Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the reunification of Germany, sites associated with the 40-year long Cold War and the division of the country into West and East Germany have become relics. One example of East Germany’s preparation for the so-called Third World War was the construction of highly specialised military bunkers. Unlike typical civilian air raid protection bunkers, Eastern Germany was littered with bunkers of every size and type serving a multitude of different agencies. Some of these bunkers already existed during World War II, but during the Cold War there was a new sense of urgency with a genuine belief that NATO would attack the country. This led to a new and unstoppable demand for protected accommodation for everyone in command, at any level. There were bunkers for the East German army, Soviet forces, the East German government and for the Stasi – the East German secret police.
Today we will visit a very special bunker complex of former East Germany, kept top secret and not identified by western secret services until it was passed to West German forces during reunification. It is the atomic attack-proof Troposphere Radio Command & Communications Bunker of Eichenthal. On arrival at the bunker complex we are treated as special guests. Everything we will see and hear must be kept top secret! We will hear the guard dog barking and see the high voltage protection fence, which is still in use. No one is allowed to walk through the bunker site alone, so we will be guided to the entrance of the bunker – a very unique and mostly modern construction. The Bunker was created to ensure communication between headquarters and the divisional commanders, in the case of a NATO attack. Entering the bunker we hear all the machinery still working – pumps, air filters, radios and telecom equipment. We will experience what it was like to work and live in the bunker, which was designed to go ‘live’ – meaning atomic attack proof operational – within seconds! During our tour we will learn more about the use of the troposphere radio. At the end of tour, in the command post, we will then experience how it would have felt if the purpose this bunker was built for had become a terrifying reality....
While enjoying a cup of tea or coffee we are able to talk to a bunker specialist, here to answer our questions. There is a small souvenir area in the bunker to purchase mementoes, before rejoining our coach for the return transfer to Warnemünde.
Day 4
Full days cruising.
Day 5
Early evening arrival in Turku, Finland
TURKY RIVER CRUISE - (TOUR C) - 3 hours - £50 to £60 per person
Departing from the pier by coach we shall first travel through the city of Turku, passing the Handicraft Museum, and we will stop to visit the "Mother Church" of Finland – Turku Cathedral. This is the oldest cathedral in Finland, consecrated in 1300. This magnificent church is the final resting-place for many important people in Finnish history.
From here, after a short walk we will reach the Cathedral Bridge. Here we will board our sightseeing boat and continue downstream along the River Aura and towards the harbour area. The approximate 60-minute journey lets us experience Turku from a different perspective. As we cruise along the River Aura, under the many bridges, we shall see the nautical Turku come into sight as the boat passes the lush, green island of Ruissalo. After passing Kansanpuisto Park we catch a glimpse of the Lace Pavilion which was built in the 1800s, as the boat circles around Pikku-Pukki Island, after which we return to the River Aura and land at a pier near Turku Castle.
We will rejoin our coach and, after a short transfer, we will have a short photo stop outside the Castle of Turku, which was originally built in 1280. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Finland’s national heritage. The castle’s heyday was in the mid 16th century, during the rule of Duke Johan and Katarina Jagellonica. After this short stop (please note it will be viewed from the outside only) our coach will take us back to our ship.
PANORAMIC TURKU - (TOUR B) - 2.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
This panoramic tour is the best way to see the highlights of Turku, with little walking. Departing from the pier by coach, our first photo stop will be at the Castle of Turku which was originally built in 1280. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Finland’s national heritage. The castle’s heyday was in the mid 16th century, during the rule of Duke Johan and Katarina Jagellonica.
Continuing our drive through the centre of the city, we pass the Handicraft Museum. Then it is onto the "Mother Church" of Finland – Turku Cathedral – for a photo stop. This is the oldest cathedral in Finland, consecrated in 1300. This magnificent church is the final resting-place for many important people in Finnish history.
Departing from the Cathedral we will drive towards the beautiful town of Naantali. Naantali's charm stems from the historical surroundings, the sea and the archipelago. Yachts can sail right into the heart of the old town, and the President's summer residence Kultaranta stands tall on the opposite shore. Naantali is a popular family resort and a traditional spa town. We will enjoy coffee or tea and a pastry at an old town restaurant.
Our return drive to Turku will take approximately 30 minutes.
TURKU CITY TOUR - (TOUR A) - 3 hours - £40 to £50 per person
A guided tour will take us through the major parts of the castle, to give us an idea of life in the 15th century. The castle houses an important collection of medieval wooden sculptures, glass, and gold and silver artefacts.
Leaving the castle, we will drive through the centre of the city to reach the Handicraft Museum – a living, open-air museum with artisans showing working methods from the 18th century. These buildings, about 60 in total, were saved from the Great Fire in 1827 that destroyed much of the city.
Our final stop is at Turku Cathedral – the mother church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland, and Finland's national shrine. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of Finland. It is Finland’s oldest cathedral, and was consecrated in 1300. The memorials and smaller details of the church provide a good deal of information about the history of the Finnish people. The Cathedral is the final resting-place of several bishops and even a queen.
After our guided tour here, we shall have a short drive to return to our ship.
Day 6
Early morning arrival in Helsinki, Finland
HELSINKI FROM LAND & SEA - (TOUR F) - 4 hours - £50 to £60 per person
Departing the ship by coach, we will have a short transfer to a pier near Embassy Park, where we will board our private sightseeing boat. Our boat trip, of approximately 90 minutes, will take us only a few kilometres from the city centre, but we shall see a unique urban archipelago, with waterfront saunas and old villas, and pass the Suomenlinna fortification islands and the zoo. A guide will be on hand to enlighten us with the interesting history of Helsinki.
Arriving at the Market Square, we will leave our boat and have some free time here. We can perhaps taste some Finnish berries or shop for handicrafts from the local artisans.
From the Market Square we rejoin our coach for a leisurely panoramic tour of the main city highlights. We will pass the Presidential Palace and Uspenski Cathedral, before having a short photo stop at Senate Square with the elegant Lutheran Cathedral. On to Mannerheim Street, which is the main street through the city, we shall see the Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall, which is the concert and convention centre designed by the architect Alvar Aalto.
Continuing on, we will pass the new Opera House, completed in 1993, and then the Olympic Stadium - venue for the Olympic Games in 1952. Our tour then takes us to Sibelius Park, where we will make a brief stop to view the monument of approximately 600 steel pipes, which honour the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius.
Finally, we will pass the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church blasted into solid rock before arriving back at our awaiting ship.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF SIBELIUS - (TOUR D) - 3.5 hours - £60 to £70 per person
Our tour begins as we leave the harbour, travelling on to the main street, Mannerheim Street, and passing Parliament House, the National Museum, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House.
At Sibelius Park we will take a short stroll to photograph the unique Sibelius Monument – constructed with approximately 600 steel pipes.
Driving out of Helsinki through the picturesque countryside, we head for Ainola – former home of the world famous composer Jean Sibelius. Sibelius built his house in 1904, on a pine-clad hill near Lake Tuusula (approximately 30 kilometres/19 miles from the city), when he decided that “My art demands a different environment”. As we walk up to Ainola (named after his wife Aino), we will understand why this milieu attracted so many writers and painters to establish their homes here. The grave of the composer and his wife is located in the garden.
After touring Sibelius’ home, we continue to nearby Aino Hall, for a short private concert performed by student musicians from the Sibelius Academy. We will receive a glass of sparkling wine. We shall then return to our ship in Helsinki.
HELSINKI BY BOAT - (TOUR C) - 2 hours - £45 to £55 per person
At Market Square, we board a private sightseeing boat for a cruise of approximately 90 minutes. The tour will take us to the magnificent Helsinki archipelago where we can enjoy the beauty of nature, pretty beaches and historical sights only a few kilometres from the city centre – an experience to add to our overall impression of this lovely area.
We shall see a unique urban archipelago, with waterfront saunas and old villas, and pass the Suomenlinna fortification islands and the zoo. A guide will be on hand to enlighten us with the interesting history of Helsinki. Coffee or tea and a cake will be available onboard.
After a relaxing time, our tour concludes. We have the option of staying at the Market Square and making our own way back to our ship, or returning straight to our ship by coach.
PORVOO & HELSINKI HIGHLIGHTS - (TOUR B) - 6.5 hours - £75 to £85 per person
From the harbour we drive past Market Square, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral and the Presidential Palace, after which we will make a brief photo stop at Senate Square.
Leaving the city we will follow the coastal road to Porvoo – the second oldest town in Finland, dating back to 1346. A photo stop at the Old Bridge of Porvoo will be made – offering magnificent views of this attractive town. Continuing, we follow the cobbled streets of this old wooden town on our walking tour of Porvoo. We will also have some free time – to perhaps explore further or do some shopping.
A short drive from Porvoo will bring us to Kiala Manor, where a traditional lunch will be served in the old distillery building. On our return journey to Helsinki we will make a photo stop at the Olympic Stadium, after which we will visit the Temppeliaukio Rock Church. This unique landmark was carved out of solid rock and topped with a copper dome. (Entry will be subject to the church not being used for services at the time of our visit.)
HELSINKI CITY TOUR - (TOUR A) - 3 hours - £25 to £35 per person
Helsinki is known both as ‘The Daughter of the Baltic’ and ‘The White City of the North’.
Our tour commences with a drive through Embassy Park, along the coastal road, to Senate Square with its elegant Lutheran Cathedral (a brief photo stop is made). We travel onwards past the colourful open-air market and along the Esplanade shopping street (traffic permitting), where most of the designer shops are located.
Our next sight will be the Olympic Stadium where the 1952 Olympic Games were held. This is followed by the Opera House, which was completed in 1993. At Sibelius Park we can photograph the famous monument, comprising approximately 600 steel pipes, honouring the great composer Jean Sibelius.
We continue our journey to the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church, which was blasted out of solid rock. If services are not in progress, we will stop here for a visit.
Lastly we will travel to Mannerheim Street, which is the main street of Helsinki. Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall (a concert and convention centre designed by the famous architect Alvar Aalto) are all situated here. We will have the option of staying downtown to shop or continuing back to our ship.
HIGHLIGHTS & HVITTRASK - (TOUR E) - 4.5 hours - £45 to £55 per person
We start our tour in Helsinki by passing the colourful open-air market, Uspenski Cathedral and Icebreakers docked for the summer. Continuing on to the Senate Square with the elegant Lutheran Cathedral, we will have a short photo stop (external visit only).
Then on to Mannerheim Street, which is the main street through the city, where we can see the Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall – a concert and convention centre designed by the architect Alvar Aalto. We will also pass the new Contemporary Art Museum, Kiasma. After that it is on to the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church – blasted into solid rock, where we will make a short stop.
We now leave Helsinki behind us and travel towards Hvitträsk – the former home of the Finnish architects Eliel Saarinen, Armas Lindgren and Herman Gesellius. Built in 1902, Hvitträsk is famed for its architecture, with buildings of natural stone and logs. Hvitträsk is also the birthplace of Eliel’s son Eero Saarinen. His best known architectural projects include the TWA terminal at John F Kennedy Airport, the Arch of St Louis and Washington Dulles Airport. Situated on a forested hill overlooking a lake, Hvitträsk is now an exhibition centre for Finnish arts and crafts. Our guide will take us through the magnificent former home of Eliel Saarinen and then we have time to explore the grounds.
Days 7, 8 & 9
After arriving this morning in St Petersburg, Russia why not try one of the excursions on offer.
SPILLED BLOOD CATHEDRAL & SHOPPING - (TOUR K) - 3.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
This Cathedral has quite a remarkable history. The Cathedral on Spilled Blood was built on the spot where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. A bomb was thrown into his carriage while he was riding along the canal and it was Alexander II’s blood that gave the name to the Cathedral – Saviour on Spilled Blood. The original cobblestones, where Alexander II’s blood fell, are kept intact inside the Cathedral. The design of the Cathedral, selected after a two-year search, was by architect Alfred Parland. In a strikingly original way Parland incorporated all the features of Old Russian wooden churches and translated them into stone. The result was startling and beautiful. With its golden domes, coloured spirals and textured cupolas it is a structure that bewilders and enchants the eye. Jeweller’s enamel was used to cover the 1,000 square metre surfaces of the five domes. The 144 mosaic coats of arms represent the regions, towns and provinces of the Russian Empire. Mosaic panels showing scenes from the New Testament adorn the exterior.
The interior of the Cathedral is a riot of colour. Over 7,000 square metres of mosaics embellish the church’s extravagant interior. More than 20 types of semi-precious stones including jasper, rhodonite, porphyry and Italian marble are lavished on icon cases, canopies and the floor. When it was built, the temple belonged to the Ministry of the Court and was not intended for daily worshipers. It was open only a few times a year and used for services in memory of Alexander II. After the 1917 revolution the Cathedral was closed and served as storage for theatrical sets and scenery props.
Following our internal visit to the Cathedral we will have some free time – an opportunity to see the colourful Cathedral from the outside or do some shopping at the neighbouring flea market.
NORGOROD - THE SPIRIT OF ANCIENT RUSSIA - (TOUR R) - 13 hours - £120 to £130 per person
On arrival in Novgorod we will stop for tea or coffee with a Russian pastry at one of the city’s hotels. Refreshed, we will start with a scenic drive around the city, with photo stops near the most interesting highlights. We will see the 14th century Church of St Theodore Stratilates as well as several other cathedrals.
We shall then visit the Novgorod Kremlin at the heart of the old town. This is the oldest Russian fortress and was mentioned in the chronicles as early as 1044. Within the Kremlin we will pay a visit to the St Sophia Cathedral. Erected in 1045, this impressive structure still dominates the Kremlin and the whole historic downtown of Novgorod. In the Kremlin’s central square is the "The Millennium of Russia" monument designed by Mikhail Mikeshin (from 1862).
Following our tour of the Kremlin, we will cross the Volkhov River, by foot bridge, for a walking tour of an outstanding open-air museum – the Yaroslav’s Court and ancient trade yard feature numerous 12th to 16th century architectural monuments. These include the Cathedral of St Nicholas, churches of St John The Baptist, Paraskeva-Pyatnitsa, Myrrh-Bearing Women and others.
Following a traditional Russian meal at one of the city’s best restaurants, we will have a drive to the Yuriev Monastery, founded in the 12th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Here we will be amazed by the striking beauty of St George Cathedral (built 1119) – another masterpiece of ancient Russian architecture. Leaving the monastery, a stop will be made at the open air architectural and ethnographic museum – Vitoslavlitsy - which provides a whole complex of genuine 16th and 17th century wooden architecture, including churches, wooden peasant huts, flour mills and store houses - brought here from different parts of the Novgorod Region.
The return drive will then be made to St Petersburg, and our awaiting ship.
PANORAMIC CITY TOUR OF ST PETERSBURG - (TOUR A) - 3.5 hours - £21 to £30 per person
A visit to St Petersburg is always a rewarding and unforgettable experience. By European standards it is a young city – in 2003, St Petersburg celebrated the 300th anniversary of its foundation – yet wherever we look there are reminders of an eventful history.
St Petersburg is situated on the banks of the Neva River and the numerous islands of its delta. The rich tapestry of the city comes alive as our coach travels along its bustling avenues and embankments.
Our first photo stop will be at St Isaac’s Square, dominated by the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral which has one of the largest domes in the world, covered with gold. In the centre of the square is a monument to Nicholas I. We pass Palace Square, the main square of the city in which the Alexander Column stands – an important focal point for this architectural ensemble. On the northern side of the square is the picturesque Winter Palace, a Baroque vision in green and white.
Driving across the Neva River we shall see the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, flanked by the two Rostral Columns, once used as beacons to guide ships through the busy port. We can enjoy the magnificent view of the Neva River at its widest, and the Naval Museum (formerly the Stock Exchange). In front of us stands the Peter and Paul Fortress, the first structure to be built in the new city. In the centre of the fortress is the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul with its needle thin spire.
The coach briefly pauses at the cruiser Aurora which signalled the start of the October Revolution in 1917 by firing a single blank shot. The Cathedral of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood now comes into view, one of St Petersburg’s main landmarks, built on the site where Alexander II was assassinated in 1881. It is a riot of colour – the large, textured cupolas and stylised peaks herald it as a jewel of St Petersburg. From here we reach the Nevsky Prospekt – St Petersburg’s main thoroughfare which is lined with palaces, churches and theatrical buildings, as well as numerous shops.
We travel past Decembrists’ Square – the name of which alludes to the momentous event in Russian history when, in 1825, liberal-minded army officers attempted to stage a coup with the aim of overthrowing the Tsar. In the square stands the graceful statue, the Bronze Horseman, portraying Peter the Great on horseback – a fitting tribute to the founder of the glorious city of St Petersburg.
AN EVENING AT THE BALLET - (TOUR E) - 3.5 hours- £TBA per person
The history of Russian choreographic art goes back more than two and a half centuries, although foreign masters played an important role in the establishment and evolution of Russian ballet. Starting from small ballet divertissements (interludes at the opera or theatre) in the 18th century this genre of dance reached its culmination in the second half of the 19th century. This was the time of the Russian musical genius, Tchaikovsky, and his co-creator, choreographer Marius Petipa. Together they made such masterpieces as Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker. This was the time of fabulous ballet stars whose talent created new movements in dance that are now known as classical ballet. St Petersburg’s school of ballet still creates world famous stars.
In the early 20th century Russian ballet triumphantly conquered Paris. The best Russian ballets were performed by the best Russian dancers, during the so-called ‘Saisons Russes’. Since that time, classical Russian ballet has become a cultural brand of the country. St Petersburg is regarded as a ballet Mecca, and as in the past, every evening the curtain goes up and dancers tell timeless romantic stories through their mysterious and intricate body language. This evening of ballet is an opportunity to experience an exciting performance at one of the leading centres of art. Dancers from one of the St Petersburg companies are invited to perform on stage for our special enjoyment.
MUSICAL EVENING AT THE HERMITAGE - (TOUR J) - 3.5 hours - £125 to £135 per person
Since the time of Catherine the Great, the staterooms of the Winter Palace were opened for evening receptions organised by the Tsarina for her friends and foreign guests. The rooms for these receptions she called her ‘hermitage’ – a place where she could forget about state affairs and the hardships of a monarch. Catherine the Great would send invitations to clever, talented people who could amuse Her Majesty with interesting conversation. In return she would show them new purchases for her rapidly growing collection of paintings and treat them to a beautiful musical recital. During these evening parties, Catherine transformed herself into a hospitable lady, who conducted without ceremony.
To revive this exquisite tradition of the 18th century we are invited to visit the Hermitage during the evening, when it is closed to the majority of the public. Our guide will walk us through the numerous staterooms of the Winter Palace, and we shall see masterpieces from the collection of Western European art. At the conclusion of the tour members of the State Hermitage Orchestra perform a short concert, exclusively for us. A truly moving experience.
PETERHOF - (TOUR H) - 4.5 hours - £45 to £55 per person
Crowning the hill is Peter’s Grand Palace, commanding a magnificent view over the Lower Park and the Gulf beyond. The palace has changed considerably over the decades: some of the rooms are in Rastrelli’s flamboyant Baroque style, others the later reworking of Velten (Rastrelli’s assistant). We will ascend the main staircase, adorned with gilded carvings, that leads into a suite of staterooms. The staterooms are sumptuously appointed, especially the opulent Throne Room used in the past for great receptions and official ceremonies. We will see Peter’s Oak Study, one of the few rooms to have survived unaltered.
After leaving the Grand Palace we shall enjoy a truly breathtaking view of the Grand Cascade, the chief delight of the grounds. The Grand Cascade comprises three waterfalls and a stunning avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues. A true wonder of engineering, the fountains are fed by underground springs of the Ropsha Hills some 21 kilometres (13 miles) away. A great variety of fountains can be found in the Lower Park – including the Chess Board Hill cascade, Adam and Eve Fountains, and the Sun Fountain – all of which are fed naturally by gravity. The largest fountain of Peterhof is Samson Rending the Jaws of a Lion – a symbolic representation of Russia’s victory over Sweden in the Northern War. The complete Peterhof estate was occupied during World War II and the fountains were destroyed, but since then nearly all the damage has been repaired. What we see nowadays is a splendid post-war restoration. This can also be said of the palace. Inside, photographs show the extent of the devastation.
PALACE OF THE ROMANOVS - (TOUR N) - 7.5 hours - £95 to £105 per person
Our coach journey will take approximately one hour to reach Pushkin – formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo (or Tsar’s Village) – which is located 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of St Petersburg. The name Pushkin has been used since 1937 - the celebrated Russian poet lived in the town at the beginning of the 19th century, and the Lyceum School where he studied can be seen.
Catherine Palace ranks high on the list of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Rastrelli designed the lavish palace in 1752 for Empress Elizabeth, who named it Catherine Palace in honour of her mother, Catherine I, who originally owned the estate. The stunning turquoise, white and gold Baroque façade stretches 300 metres (1,000 feet) and is adorned with a profusion of atlantes (sculpted figures), columns, pilasters and ornamental window framings. Rastrelli used 100 kilograms of pure gold for the exterior gilding!
Entering the Palace we will ascend the grand staircase to the staterooms on the first floor. The view of a seemingly interminable succession of staterooms gives the impression of a golden corridor. This splendid passageway prepares us for the opulent décor of the Great Hall. Light streams into this glittering hall, illuminating the mirrors, gilded carvings and the vast ceiling painting. For official receptions and balls the hall was lit with 696 candles set in sconces in front of the mirrors.
We shall also see the famous Amber Room. King Friedrich Wilhelm presented the amber wall panels to Peter the Great in 1717. Rastrelli set narrow pilasters faced with mirrors between the panels and installed a canvas frieze above them, painted to match the amber. The panels were made of small pieces of amber and each weighed 800 kilograms. These works of art were too heavy to dismantle and evacuate to safety in World War II and were looted by the Nazis, who dispatched them to Germany and they were never seen again. Preserved photographs and archives helped the Russian art experts to fashion thin amber pieces to match exactly the originals in shape and colour, thus recreating this legendary work of art. Once again, after 30 years of restoration, visitors can be mesmerised by the wealth and warmth of the amber tones, from lemon yellow to a deep red.
After the tour of the palace we will enjoy a pleasant walk in the park. The 1,400 acres of grounds are dotted with charming pavilions set around the central lake. The romantic landscape of the park is animated with the neo-Gothic Admiralty, Chesma Column, Turkish Bath, Marble Bridge, Chinese Pagoda, the Grotto Pavilion and the Hermitage (not the famous museum). After the walk our tour continues with a short drive to Pavlovsk.
In 1777, Catherine the Great – overjoyed at the birth of her first grandson, Alexander – presented the vast hunting grounds of Pavlovsk to her son Paul. The design of the palace and grounds was entrusted to Catherine’s favourite architect, Charles Cameron. He managed to finish only the first six rooms in the Palace. Decorative work was then entrusted to the Italian architect Vincenzo Brenna. He was also responsible for the reconstruction and extension of the Palace after Paul had become Emperor. Pavlovsk, though, was to serve as an Imperial country residence for only four years. In 1803 a fire destroyed the whole interior of the Palace’s central block. The Russian architect Andrei Voronikhin, a former serf of Count Stroganov, was put in charge of the restoration of the Palace and it took its final shape in the 1820’s.
Although the building and decoration of the Palace was carried out by a succession of architects, its interiors and architecture show a great unity of style. Its vast collections won the Palace world recognition. In the 1880’s and early 1890’s, it was furnished with French furniture, unique porcelain and beautiful French bronzes. In the same period, works by the best Russian craftsmen also began to find their way to the Palace’s rooms, and they did not lose their prominence even in these fabulous surroundings.
Although the Palace and Park were destroyed during World War II, they have now been totally restored. Pavlovsk is one of the largest landscaped parks in Europe – with around 1,800 acres of fir and birch trees, meadows and wild flowers – and is renowned for its beautiful natural landscape, which is enhanced by garden sculptures, and architecture. We will take a short walk through the park after the palace is visited.
HERMITAGE - (TOUR D) - 3 hours - £45 to £55 per person
This is our opportunity to visit St Petersburg’s most famous museum, the Hermitage – Russia’s largest collection of art, with over 2.8 million works.
Founded by Catherine II in 1764 as a private museum, to which only Catherine and her courtiers had access, it has evolved into one of the most prestigious museums in the world. The Hermitage is composed of a number of buildings, the most impressive being the Winter Palace – the former residence of the Tsars. The Jordan Staircase is the grand entrance to the Winter Palace.
Reaching the upper landing we walk through the Winter Palace’s superb staterooms. These include the Field Marshall’s Hall, Small Throne Room dedicated to the memory of Peter the Great, Armorial Hall with its vast gilded columns, 1812 Gallery displaying portraits of Russian military heroes of the Napoleonic War and the Hall of St George bedecked with cararra marble and gilt bronze. The parquet floor is made up of 16 varieties of wood and repeats the ceiling motif.
We proceed to the Small Hermitage to find ourselves in the Pavilion Hall. Here, marble columns support an elegant gallery and 28 sparkling cut-glass chandeliers. Exhibits include the unusual Peacock Clock in its glass cage. Turning right takes us to the Old Hermitage, devoted to 13th - 18th century Italian art. On proud display are two paintings by Leonardo da Vinci (Madonna with a Flower and Litta Madonna), an early work by Rafael (Connestabile Madonna) and a later work by him (Holy Family).
Other names simply roll off the tongue: Titian, El Greco, Velasquez, Goya, Rubens, the list goes on. The Hermitage is proud of its vast Rembrandt collection. Within a short period of time Rembrandt produced the dramatic Abraham’s Sacrifice, the gentle Flora and the brilliant Descent from the Cross. One of his last works was The Return of the Prodigal Son – painted with an emotional depth unseen before. After the 1917 Revolution some private collections were incorporated into the Hermitage. Through two collectors, Ivan Morozov and Sergey Schukine, the Hermitage acquired its superb array of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings.
See paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Picasso. After a thoroughly fascinating tour, we return to our ship.
ST PETERSBURG CATHEDRALS - (TOUR I) - 3.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
The Kazan Cathedral was built over the period 1801-1811 and consecrated on 15th September 1811. The Icon of Our Lady of Kazan, which protected the house of the Romanovs, was placed inside the cathedral. When the Museum of the History of Religion and Atheism was opened here in 1932, the icon was consequently transferred to another church following believers’ requests.
The Kazan Cathedral is also a reminder of the Russian victory over Napoleon’s Grande Army, in 1812. The grave of Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, who was Russia’s greatest general of that time, can be found here. Moreover, the keys and banners of vanquished cities are kept here. In 2000, the cathedral was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church, and divine liturgies have been held here ever since.
Our next stop will be at the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral - a landmark of St Petersburg with its enormous golden dome. The church functioned until 1928 and was then converted into a Museum in 1931. During World War II the interior suffered extensive frost and moisture damage, but was restored from 1947 to 1963. Today it is still a museum, but since 1992 religious services have been held here for special occasions. The vast interior really is a sight to behold. There is enough standing room for 14,000 worshippers (nobody sits in an Orthodox Church). The intricate details include huge monolithic columns of red Finnish granite (almost 18 metres (60 feet) high and weighing a mighty 114 tonnes), three great doors of oak and bronze (each with carved reliefs and weighing 20 tonnes), walls of spectacular coloured marble inlaid with semi-precious stones and minerals and floors of marble too. Many fine mosaic icons which, from only a short distance, appear as paintings and a silver dove hanging from the centre of the dome as a symbol of the Holy Spirit will also enthral us.
We now drive to the Peter and Paul Fortress, located on a small island in the Neva River delta. The Peter and Paul Fortress was the nucleus around which St Petersburg grew. The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul was constructed between 1712 and 1733 following the design of architect Domenico Trezzini. Peter the Great decreed that the church should remain the city’s tallest structure and even today only the television tower exceeds it in height. The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul is the burial place of the Romanov dynasty from Peter I onwards.
CATHERINE PALACE - (TOUR G) - 4 hours - £35 to £45 person
Our coach journey will take approximately one hour to reach Pushkin – formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo (or Tsar’s Village) – which is located 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of St Petersburg. The name Pushkin has been used since 1937 - the celebrated Russian poet lived in the town at the beginning of the 19th century and the Lyceum School where he studied is connected to the Catherine Palace by an arch.
Catherine Palace ranks high on the list of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Rastrelli designed the lavish palace in 1752 for Empress Elizabeth, who named it Catherine Palace in honour of her mother, Catherine I, who originally owned the estate. The stunning turquoise, white and gold Baroque façade stretches 300 metres (1,000 feet) and is adorned with a profusion of atlantes (sculpted figures), columns, pilasters and ornamental window framings. Rastrelli used 100 kilograms of pure gold for the exterior gilding.
Entering the Palace we will ascend the grand staircase to the staterooms on the first floor. The view of a seemingly interminable succession of staterooms gives the impression of a golden corridor. This splendid passageway prepares us for the opulent décor of the Great Hall. Light streams into this glittering hall, illuminating the mirrors, gilded carvings and the vast ceiling painting. For official receptions and balls the hall was lit with 696 candles set in sconces in front of the mirrors.
During our visit to the Catherine Palace, we shall see the famous Amber Room. King Friedrich Wilhelm presented the amber wall panels to Peter the Great in 1717. Rastrelli set narrow pilasters faced with mirrors between the panels and installed a canvas frieze above them, painted to match the amber. The panels were made of small pieces of amber and each weighed 800 kilograms. These works of art were too heavy to dismantle and evacuate to safety in World War II and were looted by the Nazis, who dispatched them to Germany and they were never seen again. Preserved photographs and archives helped the Russian art experts to fashion thin amber pieces to match exactly the originals in shape and colour, thus recreating this legendary work of art. Once again, after 30 years of restoration, visitors can be mesmerised by the wealth and warmth of the amber tones, from lemon yellow to a deep red.
The next ruler to leave her mark on the palace was Catherine the Great. She commissioned the Scotsman Charles Cameron to redesign the Baroque interior according to her neo-classical taste. The Green Dining Room, which will remind us of Wedgwood, is considered to be one of his best.
The 1,400 acres of grounds at Pushkin are dotted with charming pavilions set around the central lake. The romantic landscape of the park is animated with the neo-Gothic Admiralty, Chesma Column, Turkish Bath, Marble Bridge, Chinese Pagoda, the Grotto Pavilion and the Hermitage (not the famous museum). We will walk through the grounds and then return to our coach for the journey back to our awaiting ship.
RASPUTIN & YUSUPOV PALACE - (TOUR P) - 3 hours - - £30 to £40 per person
Rasputin, labelled ‘Mad Monk’ by historians, was born in 1869 in Siberia and arrived in St Petersburg in 1911. Within a few years he had become one of the most influential men in government circles. His rise to prominence was due to his close relationship with Nicholas II and his wife Alexandra. The heir to the throne, Alexis, suffered from haemophilia and only Rasputin could stop the boy’s bleeding. Because of this Nicholas II and Alexandra believed he was a holy man sent to protect the boy.
We first drive past the house on Gorohovaya Street where Rasputin lived. Then we continue to one of the most beautiful palaces in St Petersburg – the Yusupov Palace, where his life ended. Rasputin is as famous in death as he was in life. At the end of 1916, a group of aristocrats in league with the Grand Duke Dmitri Pavlovich (a cousin of Nicholas II) and Prince Felix Yusupov (married to Nicholas’s niece) decided that Rasputin’s influence was too great, and that he had to be killed to save Russia. They lured him into the Yusupov Palace where he was assassinated.
The Yusupov Palace, located on the Moika Embankment, is an impressive historic and architectural monument. It is a fine example of the Russian classicism and preserves the memory of its noble owners, the Yusupov Princes, whose wealth could only be compared to that of the Romanovs. The Yusupovs were great collectors of art, and while most of their collection was moved to the Hermitage after the Revolution, traces of the incredible wealth still remain: sitting rooms decorated in various architectural styles, intricate chandeliers and candelabras, sculptures and paintings. The Palace was always one of the centres of aristocratic social life of imperial St Petersburg.
Our guide will then escort us to the cellar, where waxwork style figures recreate Rasputin’s assassination. From here we re-board our tour coach for the return journey to our awaiting ship.
PALATIAL ST PETERSBURG - (TOUR F) - 9 hours - £90 to £100 per person
The stunning turquoise, white and gold Baroque façade stretches 300 metres (1,000 feet) and is adorned with a profusion of atlantes (sculpted figures), columns, pilasters and ornamental window framings. Rastrelli used 100 kilograms of pure gold for the exterior gilding. Our coach journey will take approximately one hour to reach Pushkin – formerly known as Tsarskoye Selo (or Tsar’s Village) – which is located 25 kilometres (15 miles) south of St Petersburg.
Entering the Palace we will ascend the grand staircase to the staterooms on the first floor. The view of a seemingly interminable succession of staterooms gives the impression of a golden corridor. This splendid passageway prepares us for the opulent décor of the Great Hall. Light streams into this glittering hall, illuminating the mirrors, gilded carvings and the vast ceiling painting. For official receptions and balls the hall was lit with 696 candles set in sconces in front of the mirrors.
During our visit to Catherine Palace, we shall see the famous Amber Room. King Friedrich Wilhelm presented the amber wall panels to Peter the Great in 1717. They were too short for Catherine Palace’s high ceilings, but Rastrelli found a simple solution. He set 24 narrow pilasters faced with mirrors between the panels and installed a canvas frieze above them, painted to match the amber. The panels were made of small pieces of amber and each weighed an incredible 800 kilograms. These works of art were too heavy to dismantle and evacuate to safety in World War II and were looted by the Nazis, who dispatched them to Germany and they were never seen again. Preserved photographs and archives helped Russian art experts to fashion thin amber pieces to match exactly the originals in shape and colour, thus recreating this legendary work of art. Once again, after 30 years of restoration, visitors can be mesmerised by the wealth and warmth of the amber tones, from lemon yellow to a deep red.
The 1,400 acres of grounds at Pushkin are dotted with charming pavilions set around the central lake. The romantic landscape of the park is animated with the neo-Gothic Admiralty, Chesma Column, Turkish Bath, Marble Bridge, Chinese Pagoda, the Grotto Pavilion and the Hermitage (not the famous museum). After a walk through the park, our tour continues with a short drive to Pavlovsk.
In 1777, Catherine the Great – overjoyed at the birth of her first grandson, Alexander – presented the vast hunting grounds of Pavlovsk to her son Paul. The design of the palace and grounds was entrusted to Catherine’s favourite architect, Charles Cameron. Although they were destroyed during World War II, they have now been totally restored. Pavlovsk is one of the largest landscaped parks in Europe – with around 1,800 acres of fir and birch trees, meadows and wild flowers – and is renowned for its beautiful natural landscape, which is enhanced by garden sculptures, and architecture. We will take a short walk through the park (the palace is not visited).
After travelling back to the heart of St Petersburg, our lunch will be served at a local restaurant and will include a glass of champagne and a shot of vodka.
Refreshed, we now drive to the Peter and Paul Fortress, located on a small island in the Neva River delta. The Peter and Paul Fortress was the nucleus around which St Petersburg grew. In the heart of the fortress stands the Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul. Peter the Great decreed that the church should remain the city’s tallest structure and even today only the television tower exceeds it in height. The Cathedral of St Peter and St Paul is the burial place of the Romanov dynasty from Peter I onwards.
Our final stop will be at St Isaac’s Square – dominated by the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral, which we shall visit. The Cathedral – honouring St Isaac of Dalmatia, whose Saint’s Day (30th May) coincides with Peter the Great’s birthday – is a landmark of St Petersburg with its enormous golden dome. The church functioned until 1928 and was then converted into a Museum in 1931. During World War II the interior suffered extensive frost and moisture damage, but was restored from 1947 to 1963. Today it is still a museum, but since 1992 religious services have been held here for special occasions. The vast interior really is a sight to behold. There is enough standing room for 14,000 worshippers (nobody sits in an Orthodox Church). The intricate details include huge monolithic columns of red Finnish granite (almost 18 metres (60 feet) high and weighing a mighty 114 tonnes), three great doors of oak and bronze (each with carved reliefs and weighing 20 tonnes), walls of spectacular coloured marble inlaid with semi- precious stones and minerals and floors of marble too. Many fine mosaic icons which, from only a short distance, appear as paintings and a silver dove hanging from the centre of the dome as a symbol of the Holy Spirit will also enthral us.
After a thrilling tour, we return to our ship with many a tale to tell.
FOUNTAINS OF PETERHOF - (TOUR L) - 4 hours - £45 to £55 per person
A short coach ride and then a 30-minute journey by hydrofoil will take us to Peterhof – one of the summer residences of the Russian Tsars – 18 miles from St Petersburg. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in splendour. Nowadays the residence, with its parks and fountains, is included in the UNESCO list of the world’s most precious historical sights. A true wonder of engineering, the fountains are fed by underground springs of the Ropsha Hills some 21 kilometres (13 miles) away.
From the sea we can enjoy the majestic panorama unfolding before us, with the Grand Palace towering on a natural terrace 16 metres (52 feet) high. The Grand Cascade glistens with gilded sculptures and silvery water jets. In the centre of the pool in front of the Grand Cascade, The Samson Fountain, Rending the Jaws of a Lion – a symbolic representation of Russia’s victory over Sweden in the Northern War – spurts upwards. From there, the water of the Cascade flows along the straight canal to the gulf. The canal is lined by 22 fountains and divides the park into two parts – the west (Marly) and the east (Monplaisir). The Grand Cascade comprises three waterfalls and an avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilt statues. Their powerful jets make a majestic crystal-like colonnade.
We will walk to parts of the Lower Park to see the great variety of fountains there – including the Chessboard Hill Cascade. Four sloping cascade terraces are patterned with black and white squares – giving the cascade its name. On the topmost terrace three dynamic figures of dragons can be seen. To the west of the canal is another fountain ensemble – The Golden Hill Cascade. Its construction began by order of Peter I after he saw a similar construction in Marly Park near Paris. This cascade has 22 steps covered with copper gilded laminas and antique statues.
The parks are brought to life with numerous pavilions, sculptural compositions and intricately shaped footbridges. In the depths of the park there are two similarly decorated fountains that were elements in the original layout, so are the earliest (over 250 years old). Adam is in the east and Eve in the west. The sculptures adorning the fountains are copies of Antonio Rizzi’s works, which decorate the Doge’s Palace in Venice. The return to our ship will be by coach.
EVERDAY ST PETERSBURG - (TOUR S) - 8 hours - £55 to £65 per person
Dramatic political, economic and social changes in Russia have attracted the attention of the world. Yet, the fact remains that few westerners really understand life in today’s Russia. Our tour allows us a unique look inside a country's life affected by the collapse of the Communist regime and subsequent liberalisation.
Our tour will start with a panoramic sightseeing tour of St Petersburg. The main sights will be seen and will include photo stops at St Isaac’s Square, dominated by the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral, the Peter and Paul Fortress, The Cathedral of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood and our coach will briefly pause at the cruiser Aurora, which signalled the start of the October Revolution in 1917 by firing a single blank shot. After a souvenir shop visit also, we shall have lunch in a central restaurant and then our experience will really begin.
The St Petersburg underground, known as the Metro, is certainly worth a visit. The first plans to build a metro in St Petersburg were drawn in 1899, but were not implemented due to the outbreak of WWI and then the Revolution of 1917. In 1941 construction work began on the Leningrad metro, but a few months later the USSR was forced to enter WWII. After the war the construction work resumed and the first metro line was opened on November 15th, 1955 linking all the five railway stations of the city. From the moment it opened it was acclaimed as one of the best in the world not only because of its efficiency and cleanliness, but also for its architecture. Today it is the quickest, safest, most reliable and comfortable means of travel. The older stations are richly decorated with polished granite, marble of various colours, stainless steel, bronze, aluminium, synthetic materials, glass, various mosaics, reliefs and sculptures. The new stations are mostly simple and modern in design, but not less impressive. Each station has its own unique design.
After our underground journey we will leave the Metro at one of the central stations and find ourselves close to the Kuznechny Food Market. Our guide will take us to the market and show us the huge variety of food sold there as well as the friendly atmosphere. We will have the chance to sample some of the food.
Before the October Revolution of 1917, there were over 100 orthodox cathedrals and churches in St Petersburg. After the Revolution, the numbers became fewer and fewer for various reasons - some were blown up and destroyed, others used as warehouses or turned into museums. There were only a few active churches in St Petersburg (then Leningrad) at the end of 1980’s. After the beginning of Perestroika, the process of reviving the churches started and renovation and reconstruction began. Now there are about 40 active churches and we will have a short visit to one this afternoon.
Before returning to our ship, we will visit Nevsky Prospect. The street is lined with magnificent architectural ensembles and offers a wealth of cultural interests - cathedrals and churches, theatres and cinemas, the Small Philharmonic Concert Hall, the City’s National Public Library, cafés, restaurants, casinos and night clubs. It is also the main shopping area of St Petersburg. Some of the best shops can be found around Gostiny Dvor Arcade and Passage. The street always teems with people until late into the night right through the year.
ST PETERSBURG SOUVENIRS - (TOUR C) - 3.5 hours - £20 to £30 per person
This excursion gives us the opportunity to go ashore and enjoy some time to explore and indulge in a little retail therapy. Our coach will take us to a recommended store where a variety of items can be purchased.
We will be dropped within walking distance of the Nevsky Prospekt, the main shopping area in St Petersburg, for some free time to shop and sightsee at leisure – an excellent way to really make the most of our visit to the city.
For bargain hunters amongst us the flea market by the Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood is also a short walk away.
PETERHOF & HERMITAGE - (TOUR B) - 8.5 hours - £90 to £100 per person
Crowning the hill is Peter’s Grand Palace, commanding a magnificent view over the Lower Park and the Gulf beyond. The palace has changed considerably over the decades: some of the rooms are in Rastrelli’s flamboyant Baroque style, others the later reworking of Velten (Rastrelli’s assistant). We will ascend the main staircase, adorned with gilded carvings, that leads into a suite of staterooms. The staterooms are sumptuously appointed, especially the opulent Throne Room used in the past for great receptions and official ceremonies. We will see Peter’s Oak Study, one of the few rooms to have survived unaltered.
Outside the Grand Palace we shall enjoy a truly breathtaking view of the Grand Cascade, which comprises three waterfalls and a stunning avenue of 64 fountains and 37 gilded statues. A great variety of fountains can also be found in the Lower Park, including the Chess Board Hill cascade, Adam and Eve Fountains, and the Sun Fountain – all of which are fed naturally by gravity. The largest fountain of Peterhof is Samson Rending the Jaws of a Lion – a symbolic representation of Russia’s victory over Sweden in the Northern War. The complete Peterhof estate was occupied during World War II, and the fountains were destroyed, but since then, nearly all the damage has been repaired. What we see nowadays is a splendid post-war restoration. This can also be said of the palace. Inside, photographs show the extent of the devastation.
Before commencing the second half of this fascinating tour, we shall enjoy lunch in a local restaurant – including a glass of champagne and a shot of vodka.
Back in the city, it is now time for our visit to St Petersburg’s most famous museum, the Hermitage – Russia’s largest collection of art, with over 2.8 million works, and one of the most prestigious museums in the world. Catherine II founded the Hermitage in 1764 as a private museum, to which only Catherine and her courtiers had access. Since then the remarkable collection has evolved and grown. The Hermitage is composed of a number of buildings, the most impressive being the Winter Palace – the former residence of the Tsars. The Jordan Staircase is the grand entrance to the Winter Palace, with its striking splendour of golden stuccowork and dazzling white marble statues. Reaching the upper landing we walk through the Winter Palace’s superb staterooms. These include the Field Marshall’s Hall, Small Throne Room dedicated to the memory of Peter the Great, Armorial Hall with its vast gilded columns, 1812 Gallery displaying portraits of Russian military heroes of the Napoleonic War and the Hall of St George bedecked with cararra marble and gilt bronze.
We proceed to the Small Hermitage to find ourselves in the Pavilion Hall. Here, marble columns support an elegant gallery and 28 sparkling cut-glass chandeliers. Exhibits include the unusual Peacock Clock in its glass cage. Turning right takes us to the Old Hermitage, devoted to 13th – 18th century Italian art. On proud display are two paintings by Leonardo da Vinci (Madonna with a Flower and Litta Madonna), an early work by Rafael (Connestabile Madonna) and a later work by him (Holy Family). The Crouching Boy is the only work by Michelangelo in Russia. Other names simply roll off the tongue: Titian, El Greco, Velasquez, Goya, Rubens, the list goes on. The Hermitage is proud of its vast Rembrandt collection: from the early dramatic Abraham’s Sacrifice to one of his last works was The Return of the Prodigal Son. After the 1917 Revolution some private collections were incorporated into the Hermitage. Through two collectors, Ivan Morozov and Sergey Schukine, the Hermitage acquired its superb array of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. Monet’s art can be admired both in his early works (Woman in a Garden) and in later canvases (Waterloo Bridge). See paintings by Renoir, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse and Picasso.
After a thoroughly fascinating tour, we return to our ship.
Day 10
Full days cruising.
Day 11
Early morning arrival in Kalmar, Sweden.
OLAND ON HORSEBACK - 3.5 hours - £85 to £90 per person
After a briefing and an introduction to our horse, we shall ride across open meadows and fields in the company of an experienced instructor. We will view the unique landscape of Alvaret, with its limestone bedrock and thin soil which creates many special floral species not found elsewhere.
After approximately one hour of riding, our lovely nature experience will end with some free time at the farm before we return to Kalmar and the awaiting Boudicca.
WALKING TOUR AND KALMAR CATHEDRAL - 2.5 hours - £25 to £30 per person
We shall start our guided walk of this charming city at the tender pier - walking past the harbour and through the green and beautiful City Park arranged in a romantic English style. With many unusual plants and a lot of sculptures, the park has magnificent views of the castle and gives us an excellent photo opportunity.
Returning to the city centre, we walk past the old city wall and through small and charming alleys. We pass the water tower "Europa Nostra", and the most well known houses in Kalmar - Tripp, Trapp, Trull from the 17th century. We then walk along the main street towards the "Stortorget" the big square where we will find the 17th century Cathedral - the biggest baroque church in Sweden. On the other side of the square is the City Hall, built in Dutch renaissance style. We shall visit the impressive Cathedral and have afternoon coffee and a local cake in one of the cafés.
A short walk through the city gate will then bring us back to the pier.
KALMAR AND ITS CASTLE - 2.5 hours - £35 to £40 per person
The highlight of Kalmar is the dominating castle, which found fame in 1397 when the Kalmar Union was signed here, uniting Sweden, Norway and Denmark. Perched on a tiny island just off the coast, the castle was rebuilt in the 16th century in the style of a Renaissance palace and now has an almost magical, storybook appearance.
Our tour commences with a drive past the Guest Harbour. The view of Kalmar Castle from the city’s park, which contains many unusual trees, plants and sculptures, is magnificent and gives an excellent photo opportunity. We will now walk across the old jetty for a guided visit of the castle. Kalmar Castle has a history that stretches back to the 12th century and represents over 800 years of brotherhood and blood. It was a ‘Key to the Kingdom’, a significant defensive fortification on the Danish border with an essential part in international, political life.
Travelling into the city centre, we will pass the old city wall and see small and enchanting alleys. We pass the water tower ‘Europa Nostra’, and probably the best known houses in Kalmar – Tripp, Trapp and Trull – from the 17th century. Driving along the main street, at ‘Stortorget’ (the Great Square) we will find the 17th century Cathedral, which is the largest Baroque church in Sweden. On the other side of the square is City Hall, built in a Dutch Renaissance style.
A short drive through the city gate will bring us back to the pier.
ORREFORS GLASSWORKS AND PANORAMIC KALMAR - 4 hours - £35 to £40 per person
We begin with a drive to the small Glassworks of Pukeberg. It is one of the oldest glassworks in Sweden. Crystal in different shapes has been made here for over 130 years. We can watch and marvel at the skills of a master glassblower as he transforms lumps of molten glass into sparkling crystal. Pukeberg today is also a design centre in the region. The Design University of Kalmar and the Archive of Swedish Design have moved into some of the renovated old buildings of Pukeberg.
We continue to Orrefors Glassworks where we will have free time to browse the Museum or visit the shop. In the Orrefors Museum we will be able to see wonderful examples of the development of art glass, from Simon Gate and Edward Hald to today’s designers. The museum also houses a complete display of the current Orrefors range. A tour of the glassworks reveals some of the mysteries of glass-blowing, while a visit to the factory’s shop provides the opportunity to purchase some of the superb glasses, bowls and objets d’art produced.
Returning to Kalmar we will enjoy a panoramic drive through this charming city, before returning to our ship.
Day 12
Early morning arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark.
ROYAL COPENHAGEN - (TOUR B) - 4 hours - £55 to £65 per person
Copenhagen, which was proclaimed as the national capital in 1417, has a long history as the ‘Royal’ city of Denmark. The location of the city, at the mouth of the Baltic and astride the trade routes between continental Europe and Scandinavia, made it the obvious choice for the Danish Monarchs, who once reigned over large parts of Sweden and Norway.
We will board our coach for a very memorable tour through the old city to the renaissance Rosenborg Castle. The castle was built in 1607 by King Christian IV, who decided to build himself a summer residence outside the old city. It houses the Danish crown jewels and a unique collection of treasures and furniture. On the top floor there is a large collection of silver furniture as well as tapestries that used to be at Christiansborg Palace. The Rosenborg Park is called the King's Garden (‘Kongens Have’) and is a very popular oasis to Copenhageners and visitors alike.
Our tour will then take us to Christiansborg Palace – until 1794 the home of the Danish Royal Family. After several fires, the palace was rebuilt between 1907 and 1928, and today houses the Danish Parliament. We will visit the Royal Reception Rooms, used by the Queen when entertaining VIP visitors and heads of foreign states. Of special interest are the tapestries given to the Queen on her 50th birthday in 1990, and only completed in 2000, which decorate the large banqueting hall.
COPENHAGEN & TIVOLI - (TOUR H) - 4 hours - £50 to £60 per person
We travel from our ship to the bustling district of Nyhavn, a long-time seafarer's favourite filled with activity, cafés, shops and pedestrians. We shall visit the Amaliehaven to see the new opera house across the water, and the large fountain with a view of the impressive marble church in the background. Just across the street is the Amalienborg Royal Palace, where we may witness the changing of the guard. Continuing on to the Latin Quarter, or Student Quarter, we will pass the university and a monument dedicated to Denmark's King Christian IV. The Copenhagen waterfront is filled with visually spectacular sites, including the Old Stock Exchange, Christiansborg Palace, home of the Danish Parliament and the Gefion Fountain.
We continue to the highlight of our tour - the Tivoli Gardens. These delightful Gardens, located on Hans Christian Andersen Boulevard, have become a firm family tradition in the heart of Copenhagen. Since it opened in 1843, the park has observed the original agreement that three-quarters of its area should be dedicated to open space. This ensures that the colourful gardens remain as much an attraction as the more contemporary white-knuckle rides. The Gardens offer a mixture of plant displays, live entertainment and funfair rides, including the fastest roller coaster in Denmark - with three loops and a top speed of 80 kilometres per hour. Tivoli also boasts a cluster of restaurants, cafés, snack bars and food stands ranging from some of Copenhagen's finest gastronomic experiences to ever-popular hotdogs.
Even though the Little Mermaid statue will be leaving Denmark in April, on loan to the Expo 2010 World Fair in Shanghai, we shall be able to see an exact copy of her in Tivoli. The family of the sculptor, Edvard Eriksen, have a personal family copy of the Little Mermaid which is being placed in Tivoli while her ‘sister’ is away from Copenhagen. She will be sitting in the Tivoli Lake outside the restaurant Divan 2. We will have free time in Tivoli Gardens, before rejoining our guide and returning to our ship by coach.
FISHING VILLAGE OF DRAGR - (TOUR FX) - 3 hours - £40 to £50 per person
We shall travel approximately 12 kilometres (7½ miles) to Dragør – one of Denmark's oldest and quaintest fishing villages. With our guide, we will take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone back streets of this historic village, and arrive at the bustling harbour. The well-preserved state of the town is due to the fact that conservation work was started in 1934. In 1968 parking became prohibited in the old district, and in 1978 Dragør became Denmark's first pedestrianised town. After our guided tour we shall have some free time to explore the village on our own, or perhaps to visit some of the small handicraft shops that line the main street.
One of the highlights of the tour is the fantastic view of the Oresund Bridge, which connects Denmark and Sweden. The 16 kilometre (10 mile) bridge opened in 2000 and has an average of 12,000 vehicles, as well as rail traffic, using it daily. The bridge can be seen from the coastal road to and from the village, and from the village itself.
Refreshments of coffee or tea and a Danish pastry will be served at a harbour front hotel, before our return to Copenhagen and our ship.
CASTLES OF NEW ZEALAND - (TOUR CX) - 6 hours - £70 to £80 per person
The oldest parts of the castle were built in 1560 by King Frederik II, and the castle is named after him. The majority of the present castle was built between 1600-1620 by Frederik II's son, Christian IV, in Dutch Renaissance style with sweeping gables, sandstone decorations and copper-covered roofs and spires. The castle was damaged by fire in 1859, but was rebuilt between 1860 and 1884. Our visit will be guided and also includes a look into the chapel, which has the oldest organ in the world still in use.
Afterwards, we continue by coach to the charming village of Fredensborg, for a short photo stop at the summer residence of the Royal Family (exterior only).
In the town of Elsinore, further north, we then have a visit to Kronborg Castle, perhaps better known as Hamlet’s Castle – chosen by William Shakespeare as the setting for his play. It is the most famous castle in Denmark and is visited each year by about 200,000 Danes and tourists.
Frederik II's Kronborg is both an elegant Renaissance castle and a monumental military fortress surrounded by major fortifications. Some of the rooms house collections of Renaissance and Baroque interiors, and among the most important attractions are the 62 metre long ballroom, the wonderfully preserved chapel and the statue of ‘Holger the Dane’.
We return to Copenhagen along the “Danish Riviera” coastal road.
COPENHAGEN CITY & HARBOUR TOUR - (TOUR D) - 3 hours - £38 to £40 per person
At Gammel Strand – formerly the old Fish Market – we leave our coach to board a canal boat. Copenhagen is surrounded by water and a network of bridges connects the two main islands of Sjælland and Amager, on which the city is built. We can enjoy the view as we travel on the narrow canals – passing the Christiansborg Palace and Nyhavn canal area – and into the open harbour, where we will pass the new Opera House and onwards to the Langelinie area where we may spot our own cruise ship!
Our leisurely cruise continues through the canals of Christianshavn – a very charming area with houseboats and very low bridges. It has picturesque old buildings and Our Saviour’s Church, with its unusual green and gold steeple. Historic buildings are to be enjoyed side by side with the newer architecture. En route the guide will tell us about the sites we pass.
Back at Gammel Strand, opposite Christiansborg Palace, our coach awaits to take us on a mini sightseeing tour of the city. As well as passing most of the main places of interest, we shall make a short stop at Amalienborg Palace – residence of the reigning monarch, Queen Margrethe II – for a courtyard visit. We then return to our ship.
COPENHAGEN CITY TOUR - (TOUR A) - 3 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Enjoying the view from our coach we pass the City Hall Square. The 1.3 kilometre (0.8 mile) long pedestrian street, Strøget, connects the City Hall Square with the King's New Square, and along this street there are plenty of shops, boutiques and cafés. On the other side of the City Hall Square we pass the world famous Tivoli Gardens – founded in 1843 and offering a wealth of flowers, restaurants and entertainment. Passing the Glyptotek Art Museum, we reach the Christiansborg Palace – home of the Danish Parliament and the Queen's Reception rooms. On the other side we will see the old quarter of Copenhagen, lining the route of one of the city's many canals. Here we pass the old Stock Exchange – a building in Dutch renaissance style with its spire of entwined dragon tails.
Driving on through the colourful canal area of Nyhavn – once a disreputable area of the city, frequented by sailors and home to bars and entertainment of questionable taste – now a most charming part of Copenhagen with brightly coloured houses along the canal. Amalienborg, the royal winter residence, is the next site to be seen. It is the residence of the reigning monarch, Queen Margrethe II. At the beginning of the 17th century King Christian IV decided to build himself a summer residence – Rosenborg. We will drive by the Rosenborg Castle, which houses the crown jewels and a collection
SKJOLDENAESHOLM TRAM MUSEUM - (TOUR K) - 4.5 - 5 hours - £60 to £70 per person
Skjoldenæsholm Tram Museum opened to the public on 26th May 1978, and is constantly expanding. The Museum is located approximately 65 Kilometres south west of Copenhagen, at Jystrup, which is between the towns of Ringsted and Roskilde, in the beautiful Danish countryside.
Trams from the old tramway systems of Copenhagen, Odense and Aarhus, along with a number of foreign trams, run on two tramlines. On our arrival, a tram will take us from the coach park to the depots. We shall be able to take as many rides as we wish, on the different trams operating in the Museum.
The tram stops are placed the same distance as the stops would be in the cities – approximately every 300 metres. Every stop at the Museum has a history, which the conductor will tell us about. It is possible to get off and have a look around, before the next tram comes along. At the stop, Flemmingsminde, there is an exhibition about the former railway, which operated here. At the depots many of the trams are stationary so we can look at them, and we can see how the trams are being restored and maintained. It is also possible to have a walk into the surrounding forest before we take the tram back to the Museum.
During our visit we may get the opportunity to learn to drive a tram, under the supervision of an authorised driver, however places are very limited. A certificate will be issued after completion of the tram driver course.
COPENHAGEN & ICE BAR - (TOUR I) - 3 hours - £55 to £65 per person
We start our exploration of this fascinating and historic Baltic capital city with a sightseeing drive past the 17th century fortress of Kastellet and into the district of Frederiksstad – home of the Royal Winter Residence of Amalienborg since the 1750s. We will have a short stop here with a short walk to the octagonal Amalienborg Palace Square – one of Europe’s most beautiful squares, surrounded by four identical rococo palaces and flanked by the massive Marble Church on one side and the Amalie Gardens on the other. Continuing on our city drive, further photo stops are made at the massive neo-baroque Christiansborg Palace which today houses the Danish Parliament and the fairy tale style Rosenborg Castle, located inside the King’s Garden.
Next, it is on to the Ice Bar - kept at –5o Celsius all year round and everything inside is made out of crystal clear ice transported especially from the Torne River in Jukkasjarvi, 200 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle in northern Sweden. We shall step into an environment where the walls, bar, tables, and even our own personal glass with a vodka cocktail is made out of the purest ice.
After our visit here, we will return by coach to our ship.
LOUISIANA MODERN ART MUSEUM (TOUR J) - 3.5 - 4 hours - £45 to £55 per person
After a drive of approximately 45 minutes, firstly through residential areas north of Copenhagen then scenic countryside with beautiful views of the sea and Sweden, and Jaegersborg Deer Park, we will arrive at Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.
The art collection consists of many international artists’ works such as Arp, Francis Bacon, Calder, Dubuffet, Max Ernst, Sam Francis, Giacometti, Kiefer, Henry Moore, Picasso, Rauschenberg and Warhol. Furthermore there are changing exhibitions throughout the year. Modern art, classic art and works by new artists will be shown.
This Museum is a place for rest and tranquillity and is used by the locals as an ‘escape’ from their everyday life. After a guided tour of the Museum we can relax and enjoy the scenic park with its beautiful views of the Oresund Belt, and in the distance we should be able to see Sweden. We can stroll along one of the paths and admire the sculptures, while listening to the waves rolling quietly onto the beach or may wish to rest on one of the benches. There is also a café with stunning views (refreshments would be at our own expense), and a shop.
After our interesting tour we will head back to Copenhagen through the scenic landscape of North Zealand.
Day 13
Full days cruising and to take this last opportunity to enjoy the facilities on board the ship.
Day 14
Morning arrival into Dover.
|
