Day 1
This afternoon you begin embarkation to prepare for an afternoon departure from Dover.
Day 2
Full day cruising the Kiel Canal. Time to explore the ship and meet fellow passengers and crew members.
Day 3
Early evening arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark and this is your opportunity to join one of the following excursions.
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 4
Full days cruising.
Day 5
Early morning arrival in Stockholm, Sweden.
PANORAMIC STOCKHOLM - (TOUR B) - 2.5 hours - £25 to £35 per person
We will travel through Gamla Stan – the enchanting medieval Old Town – passing the Royal Palace overlooking Stockholm’s inner harbour where a short photo stop is made. We proceed past the Royal Dramatic Theatre along Strandvägen to the island of Djurgården. We will briefly tour this island, regarded as Stockholm’s outdoor recreation centre, with Gröna Lund Tivoli, Skansen Open Air Museum and extensive parklands beyond.
We continue our tour through the Diplomatic Town to Östermalm – a fashionable neighbourhood of stately apartment buildings – to Hamngatan and Sergel’s Torg, the focal point of modern Stockholm. In the distance we will see the three crowns atop the imposing Stadshuset – City Hall. This magnificent fortress like building is renowned for its architecture, murals and mosaics – the result of a 12 year effort by the combined elite of Swedish construction workers, sculptors, artists and craftsmen – and is famous as the site of the Nobel Prize Banquet.
Proceeding south, we cross the Western Bridge to the residential district of Södermalm, the large island of Stockholm’s south side, containing a number of small, closely integrated neighbourhoods. Our tour ends with a short stop at Fjällgatan, for a splendid panoramic view of the city, before we return to our ship.
STOCKHOLM CITY TOUR - (TOUR A) - 4 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Here we will visit the museum built around the 17th century warship Vasa, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage. The discovery of the ship was made in 1956, and its subsequent salvage in 1961 is an important event in marine archaeology. Painstakingly restored to much of its original glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history. We will be guided through the Museum before having some free time.
Leaving the Vasa Museum, we now continue to Stockholm’s oldest quarter, Gamla Stan (Old Town). As we take a guided walk along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets, we will take in the elegance and experience the medieval intimacy. Houses sporting Baroque doorways and rusting coats of arms add to the Bohemian atmosphere.
WATERWAYS OF STOCKHOLM (TOUR D) - 2 hours - £30 to £40 per person
We will be joining a motor launch at the pier for a cruise of the many waterways and canals, to contemplate the serene beauty of Stockholm’s waterside setting. Everywhere there are parks, tree lined squares and wide boulevards, playgrounds and wading pools. It is difficult to imagine as we glide peacefully along that we are in a bustling city. We will have views of Strandvägen, the Royal Dramatic Theatre, the National Museum, the Opera House, the Grand Hotel and the Royal Palace, located in the Old Town. Our motor launch will also pass through the Carl Johan Lock, the Hammarby Lock and will cruise Lake Mälaren.
HISTORIC STOCKHOLM & SIGTUNA (TOUR C) - 7 hours - £65 to £75 per person
Here we will see the elegant exterior of the Royal Palace, and stroll through the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets of this oldest and cosiest quarter of Stockholm. Walking with our guide, we will savour the Bohemian atmosphere created by the ancient houses with their baroque doorways and rusting coats of arms. We shall also see Stortorget (the Great Square) which is the heart of the Old Town and the Stock Exchange – now home of the Swedish Academy.
Passing through the city centre, we journey to the nearby island of Djurgården – once the Royal Family’s private hunting grounds – to visit the Vasa Museum. In its day (the early 17th century), the battleship Vasa was considered to be the largest battleship in the world, and it was to be the pride of Sweden’s Navy. However, setting out on her maiden voyage in 1628, she capsized and sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour. In 1961, 333 years after the tragic event, a Swedish team succeeded in salvaging the great ship, which was astonishingly well preserved. It was then painstakingly restoredto much of its original magnificence, and today forms the dramatic centrepiece of the museum. We will be guided through the Museum before having some free time.
Lunch will be in Sigtuna with some free time afterwards, before taking a panoramic route back to the pier in Stockholm.
A 45 minute drive through the northern outskirts of Stockholm and some scenic countryside will take us to our next stop – the idyllic little town of Sigtuna, with its wooden houses, narrow alleys and pocket size museum focusing on the past days of Viking glory. Set on Lake Mälaren, it was founded around 1,000 years ago by the first Christian King of Sweden, and even today, the real strength of Sigtuna lies in its religious and educational foundations which flourish on the heights above the town. During our visit, we will tour the major points of interest, including Stora Gatan, ‘the oldest street in Sweden’.
VIKINGS & THE GOLD ROOM - (TOUR F) - 3.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
More than 4,000 objects from the Viking era are on display. We also visit the Gold Room, opened in 1994, which contains Sweden's most prized gold and silver treasures - 114 pounds of gold in total, and an even greater quantity of silver. We can admire the skill of ancient goldsmiths and listen to the stories behind the objects that we see. We will be captivated by the magic of gold! Before we leave the museum, there will also be time to visit the museum shop where we can find small momentos to take home, as well as copies of prehistoric jewellery.
We then continue with a panoramic sightseeing tour of Stockholm. We shall drive through the city centre, proceed south past the Royal Opera House, the Parliament Building and across to Gamla Stan - the enchanting, medieval Old Town, passing the Royal Palace which overlooks Stockholm's inner harbour.
OLD TOWN & THE ICE BAR (TOUR E) - 2.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
We will first visit Stockholm's oldest quarter – the Old Town (Gamla Stan). Here we witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the dominating Royal Palace, combined with the possibility to stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets. We will experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. As we walk with our guide, we can savour the romantic atmosphere and sense of antiquity in buildings dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries – with baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. We shall also see the Stortorget – Great Square – the hub of the Old Town, dominated by the old Stock Exchange, which is today home to the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy, which meets each year to decide the laureate of the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Rejoining our coach and continuing through the city centre of Stockholm, we now make our way to the Nordic Hotel, situated right in the heart of the city, and location of the ice bar. The interior is kept at below zero – a temperature of -5° C (23o F) – all year round. The entire interior, including the glasses, is made of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in Northern Sweden. A vodka drink in an ice glass will be served and the staff will tell us more about the bar and its construction. OUT & ABOUT TALLINN - (TOUR B) - 3.5 hours - £25 to £35 per person
Departing from the harbour, we travel through Tallinn’s cultural heart towards Toompea (Cathedral Hill). We shall stop near the foot of the medieval tower named Pikk (or Tall) Hermann, which stands guard over the National Parliament in this, Estonia's capital. The tower has withstood countless foreign invasions over the centuries and, most recently, became an important focal point for the people's movement that helped restore independence to Estonia in the early 1990’s. The Tower is one of the three remaining towers from the Knights of the Sword Castle. From the base of the nearby Cannon Tower, we can take in a wonderful panoramic view of Tallinn’s Upper Town, with its churches and spires.
Our tour continues with a drive through beautiful Kadriorg Park – home to a charming Baroque Palace, designed as a summer residence for Peter the Great. We shall then pause for photos at the Song Festival Ground – a natural amphitheatre that is the venue for great national music festivals.
Proceeding to a seaside café, we can now enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack, accompanied by live zither music – the national instrument. We may have a little free time to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts offered on the premises.
The 15th century St Birgit’s Convent is a wonderful example of local limestone architecture, and we will pay a visit here before returning to our ship. En route we pass the summer residence of Count Orlov (Catherine the Great’s lover) as well as the Estonian monument Russalka (Mermaid) – dedicated to the shipwreck in the Gulf of Finland in 1893.
Day 6
This morning you arrive in Tallinn, Estonia.
KADRIORG PALACE - (TOUR D) - 3.5 hours - £30 to £40 per person
Walking up to Palace Square, we will view (from the outside) Toompea Castle, now the residence of the Estonian Parliament, and visit the picturesque Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (also known as the Russian Orthodox Church).
After this visit, we will walk to a fantastic viewpoint over the Lower Town, with its high gabled red roofs and spires. Rejoining our coach we drive to Kadriorg Park, for a visit to Kadriorg Palace – a wonderful example of Baroque architecture. The main hall is decorated with rich stucco work and ceiling paintings. Kadriorg was a former residence of Peter the Great, named after Catherine I (Kadriorg means ‘Catherine’s Valley’). Most of the Russian rulers visited this imperial summer residence. Today the palace houses the Western and Russian Art Museum and we shall view the collection. Tea or coffee and cakes are served later in the coffee shop.
After this interesting visit, we drive through Kadriorg Park and the recreation area of Pirita, pausing for photos at the Song Festival Ground and Pirita Marina. En route back to the pier we pass the summer residence of Count Orlov (Catherine the Great’s lover) as well as the Estonian monument Russalka (Mermaid) – dedicated to the shipwreck in the Gulf of Finland in 1893.
OUT & ABOUT TALLINN - (TOUR B) - 3.5 hours - £25 to £35 per person
Departing from the harbour, we travel through Tallinn’s cultural heart towards Toompea (Cathedral Hill). We shall stop near the foot of the medieval tower named Pikk (or Tall) Hermann, which stands guard over the National Parliament in this, Estonia's capital. The tower has withstood countless foreign invasions over the centuries and, most recently, became an important focal point for the people's movement that helped restore independence to Estonia in the early 1990’s. The Tower is one of the three remaining towers from the Knights of the Sword Castle. From the base of the nearby Cannon Tower, we can take in a wonderful panoramic view of Tallinn’s Upper Town, with its churches and spires.
Our tour continues with a drive through beautiful Kadriorg Park – home to a charming Baroque Palace, designed as a summer residence for Peter the Great. We shall then pause for photos at the Song Festival Ground – a natural amphitheatre that is the venue for great national music festivals.
Proceeding to a seaside café, we can now enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a snack, accompanied by live zither music – the national instrument. We may have a little free time to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts offered on the premises.
The 15th century St Birgit’s Convent is a wonderful example of local limestone architecture, and we will pay a visit here before returning to our ship. En route we pass the summer residence of Count Orlov (Catherine the Great’s lover) as well as the Estonian monument Russalka (Mermaid) – dedicated to the shipwreck in the Gulf of Finland in 1893.
WILDLIFE TREASURES OF ESTONIA - (TOUR C) - 5.5 hours - £40 to £50 per person
Leaving the pier we will circle the Old Town, getting a view of the medieval city wall and the castle. We pass through the cultural centre of Tallinn with its theatres, concert halls and shops. Driving through the Kadriorg Park, Pirita marina, residential areas of private homes and summerhouses, we reach the St Petersburg Highway.
After approximately an hour’s drive passing forests and settlements, we leave the highway at Loksa Road. We now leave our coach behind as our wildlife adventure begins in the Viru Bog – an approximate three kilometre square area of peat bog, formed over a period of 10,000 years from decaying moss. We will walk along the boardwalk, built over the bog to provide a good view of this strange landscape of lichens and conifers. Pine covered dunes are also visible in the distance. In spring, stretches of the bog can be covered in wild flowers. Our guide will tell us about the plants we can see.
Our tour then continues by coach through the Lahemaa National Park, known for its scenic beauty, to the Altja fishing village, where a typical Estonian lunch will be served in an old village inn.
After lunch we can have a stroll in the old fishing village and admire the coastline of northern Estonia before our return drive to the ship.
HIGHLIGHTS OF TALLINN - (TOUR F) - 3.5 hours - £20 to £30 per person
We leave the harbour and drive through the cultural centre of Tallinn, viewing some of the highlights of Estonian architecture. Approaching the Old Town we will get fascinating views of the medieval city wall with its fairy tale turrets. We leave the coach near the Nun’s Gate to walk to the historic city centre. Here we can see the real highlights of Old Tallinn – medieval guild houses, the Gothic Town Hall and the 15th century Pharmacy (all viewed from the outside). We are treated to some refreshments and a folk show in one of the old guild houses.
After this pleasant interval we continue our tour of the Lower Town. After some free time in St Catherine’s Arts and Crafts Centre we shall rejoin our coach and drive towards Kadriorg Park – originally founded by Peter the Great. We will pause for photos at the Song Festival Ground – a natural amphitheatre that is the venue for great national music festivals. From here, we will drive through one of the most beautiful residential areas of private homes and Pirita Marina – a former site of Olympic yachting.
En route back to our ship we shall pass the Estonian monument Russalka (Mermaid) – dedicated to the shipwreck in the Gulf of Finland in 1893.
Day 7
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.
Day 8
A further day in St Petersburg departing late evening. Please see excursions on Day 7.
Day 9
Full days cruising.
Day 10
Late morning arriving into Sassnitz, Rugen Island, Germany.
OCEANEUM AQUARIUM - (TOUR E) - 4.5 hours - £65 to £75 per person
After travelling across the island of Rügen, and the new bridge to the German mainland, we will arrive in the city of Stralsund and the modern Oceaneum.
Built to rival the world’s greatest scientific aquariums, its modern architecture alone is stunning! Built of steel and glass it contrasts greatly with the medieval red brick of Stralsund. Once inside, it focuses on marine life of the Baltic and North Seas and is home to several aquariums housing lobster, sturgeon, cod, flatfish, starfish, jelly fish rays and cat shark.
On arrival we shall have a guided tour to introduce us to various exhibits of whale, dolphin, marine birds, mussels and sand worm models – we can see life size humpback, sperm and blue whales – the blue whale is 26 metres long and sings melancholic underwater songs. We will also have some free time here for individual viewing.
After this fascinating visit we will drive through Stralsund before making our return journey to Rügen Island.
KONIGSSTUHL BY BOAT - (TOUR B) - 4 hours - £50 to £60 per person
First joining our coach, we shall head south and will get our first impression of the Island of Rügen’s beauty. Very soon we will pass the town of Prora – planned and partially constructed during the Second World War; it was originally intended to be a seaside resort in the most beautiful bay on the island. The several mile long complex of buildings, that were to form a resort, was never really finished. Today the site is protected and there are museums, a restaurant, hotel and offices. We continue to the seaside resort of Binz, set on the Baltic coast. Driving through Binz we will see the wonderful buildings – typically wooden, well preserved, resort spa architecture.
Our tour will continue to Putbus – nicknamed “White City on the Ocean". We will make a brief stop for photographs at Putbus Castle's Orangerie and its sanctuary (viewed from the outside only). The flair of this centuries old recreational and relaxation hideout of politicians, prominent figures and artists will impress and stimulate our imagination. Driving on through the countryside, our knowledgeable guide will inform us of the history, geology, and flora and fauna of the island, as our tour continues to Sassnitz – capital of this island.
Joining our sightseeing boat here in the port, we shall now head north. We can enjoy the panorama from the open sun deck or the inside saloon where drinks are available (to be purchased at our own expense). We will soon arrive at the picturesque chalk cliffs, with the imposing Königsstuhl (or King’s Chair). From the sea, we will get the best view of these steep, rugged cliffs over 100 metres (350 feet) high. The rock formations show the island's geologic history and are a brilliant white colour. These cliffs inspired the artist Caspar David Friedrich to capture the scene.
Once back at Sassnitz port we will have a little free time for souvenir shopping, before the short return drive to our awaiting ship.
SIGHTS OF RUGEN - (TOUR C) - 3 hours - £35 to £45 per person
The island of Rügen is Germany's largest island and probably the most beautiful. The great variety of different landscapes – forests, cliffs, heath land, beaches, dry grass valleys and swamps – make it unique in the whole of Europe. Today it is almost entirely a National Park and is still a very popular holiday destination in Germany, especially on sunny summer weekends. Our panoramic tour will be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who will inform us of the history, geology, and flora and fauna of the island.
Leaving the port we will drive through Sassnitz – the island’s main town. We shall then head south towards Putbus, and will get our first impression of the Island of Rügen’s beauty. Very soon we will pass the town of Prora – planned and partially constructed during the Second World War; it was originally intended to be a seaside resort in the most beautiful bay on the island. The several mile long complex of buildings, that were to form a resort, was never really finished. Today the site is protected and there are museums, a restaurant, hotel and offices.
Our tour continues to the seaside resort of Binz, set on the Baltic coast. Driving through Binz we will see the wonderful buildings – typically wooden, well preserved, resort spa architecture.
Driving on through the countryside, our tour will continue to Putbus – nicknamed “White City on the Ocean". We will make a brief stop for photographs at Putbus Castle's Orangerie and its sanctuary (viewed from the outside only). The flair of this centuries old recreational and relaxation hideout of politicians, prominent figures and artists will impress and stimulate our imagination.
HANOMAG JEEP TOUR - (TOUR D) - 4 hours - £80 to £90 per person
Hanomag Jeeps are the world’s largest jeeps to be driven without a truck license. The Hanomags we will travel in on our tour, are models from the 1930’s but are still going strong. The size of each Hanomag is nearly twice as big as the modern Hummer Jeep.
We shall join our impressive Jeep from the dockside. Driving on public roads, farm tracks and roads inaccessible to normal vehicles we go into the National Parks of Jasmund and Stubbenkammer. We will have numerous photo opportunities in this natural forest and at the impressive chalk cliffs.
Continuing our drive in the Hanomag we visit several tribal sites, including a sacrifice stone and a burial site of a Germanic tribe. We will also have the opportunity to taste a Germanic tribal beer or bette – the grandfather of modern beer. Later on we will also sample the typical Rügen Sanddorn Schnapps – made from the orange berries of the seabuckthorn. The great combination of breathtaking nature, historic tribal background and the off-road driving create a special tour experience we will remember for a long while after.
STEAM RAILWAY & HUNTING LODGE - (TOUR A) - 4.5 hours - £65 to £75 per person
Rügen is Germany’s largest island, and probably the most beautiful. Departing from the port we set off along the coast for the drive to Granitz Castle. During the drive we shall get the first impression of the island’s beauty. Granitz Castle is a hunting lodge and one of Rügen's main attractions. The Hunting Lodge Express (a small road train) takes us through a wood to the castle. An inside visit may give us the opportunity to climb the stairs of the 28 metre (90 feet) high central tower – offering a unique panoramic view over Rügen Island as well as the German mainland. An exhibition shows hunting equipment and pieces of hunting art from the nobility of the castle's early days to the socialist regime of the DDR, who also used the castle for recreation.
Our tour continues to the west and takes us to Putbus – nicknamed “White City on the Ocean". Here we visit Putbus Castle's Orangerie and its sanctuary (viewed from the outside only) and have photo opportunities of the interesting royal styled architecture. The flair of this centuries old recreational and relaxation hideout of politicians, prominent figures and artists will impress and stimulate one's imagination. The comments of the guide on the island's history, geology, flora and fauna will make the visit very worthwhile.
We then board the narrow gauge steam train Rasender (Racing) Roland. Since it began operating more than 100 years ago the steam railway has been introducing passengers to Rűgen. The narrow-gauge line, which is 24 kilometres (14 miles) long and 750 mm (30 inches) wide, is the last remaining section of the network. Our journey will follow the historical tracks across the island – taking approximately 25 minutes – to the seaside resort of Binz, which is perfectly situated between the Baltic Sea and Lake Schmachter. It boasts fine sandy beaches and well preserved hotels and guesthouses, and is renowned for the fine architecture. The handsome villas along the promenade date from the end of the last century and the long pier was rebuilt in 1994.
In Binz we will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea together with a slice of German cake. We will also have some free time.
The return coach ride to Sassnitz will take approximately 20 minutes.
Day 11
Early morning arrival into Arhus, Denmark
Day 12
Full day cruising and to take this last opportunity to enjoy the facilities on board the ship.
Day 13
Morning arrival into Dover
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