Tsar Peter the Great wanted to create a window to the west – and left St. Petersburg, a city full of breathtaking architecture, to posterity. Plenty of royal history and a charming old district enable Stockholm to cast its spell on you, and former Hanseatic cities such as Tallinn and Visby will delight you with their historic alleys. A mighty fortress in Poland tells of the age of the crusaders. And on board, you can look forward to a glittering birthday party for the EUROPA – vivid impressions throughout the Mare Balticum.
The cruise is fully booked.
For further assistance please contact us at 040 30703050.
At anchor - If the ship anchors in open water the ferrying ashore will be done with tenders or Zodiacs.
Individual travel arrangements to
Travemuende, departure 19.00 hrs
Travemuende
Before you put to sea in Travemuende, you could spend a couple of delightful days in the city featuring the Elbe and the Alster - start out by enjoying Hamburg individually*.
Relaxation at sea
Stockholm, arrival 9.15 hrs
Stockholm/Sweden
After navigating her way past the skerries, the EUROPA reaches Sweden’s “floating” metropolis and remains until the next day. Built on 14 islands, Stockholm is relaxed and offers plenty of variety. The city tour* taking in the Blue and Golden Halls in the City Hall, the Royal Palace and a famous old warship will delight you. The Vasa sank over 300 years ago on her maiden voyage and has now been honoured with her own museum*. Or you explore the pretty historic city centre in a sportive way - with the bicycle*. Take a walk* through the cobbled lanes of the historic district to soak up the atmosphere and see the Royal Palace. Some of the no less than 608 rooms are open to the public. The royal family’s residence is located on an island in Lake Mälaren – experience baroque Drottningholm Palace*, a fantastic UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site set in magnificent parkland.
Stockholm, departure 12.00 hrs
Helsinki, 7.00 – 17.00 hrs
Helsinki/Finland
Carl Ludwig Engel created a masterpiece of Classicism just behind the harbour - marvel at Helsinki’s* Senate Square with its beautiful white cathedral. The city’s striking attractions also include the rock-hewn church, Alvar Aalto’s Finlandia Hall and the abstract Sibelius Monument. A boat trip which enables you to explore Helsinki from the water* takes you through the skerries world and to the fortress Suomenlinna.
St. Petersburg, arrival 7.00 hrs
St. Petersburg/Russia
Peter the Great’s legacy was the capital of Russia for 200 years. To this day, St. Petersburg has an awe-inspiring wealth of architectural and cultural treasures, of which you can gain first impressions during a city tour* that includes a visit to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. You have two whole days to explore the city and to visit attractions such as the baroque Catherine Palace* in Pushkin, which houses the radiant reconstruction of the famous Amber Room. You will become acquainted with one of the world’s largest and most important museums during a visit to the Hermitage*, where you can view a selection of the finest European masterpieces. A canal trip* enables you to get to know the city of the tsars from the water and stride through the doors of the imposing St Isaac’s Cathedral. St. Petersburg’s metro stations are veritable works of art. Take the metro to the St. Alexander Nevsky Monastery* and visit the Church of the Holy Trinity and Tikhvin Cemetery, where many famous people are buried. Peterhof*, the summer residence of the tsars, overlooks the Gulf of Finland. Wander round the sumptuously decorated rooms on a guided tour before going for a walk through the magnificent gardens with their many fountains.
St. Petersburg, departure 19.00 hrs
Tallinn, 9.00 – 14.00 hrs
Tallinn/Estonia
A guided walk* through Tallinn’s Upper and Lower Towns is like a journey through time back to the Middle Ages. A thousand years of history reverberate around the thick walls of the former Reval. And from the cathedral hill Toompea, you will enjoy fantastic views of the alleys of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site which, incidentally, you can also effortlessly explore by Segway*.
Riga, 9.00 – 19.00 hrs
Riga/Latvia
Narrow alleys traverse the historic district* of this Baltic belle. They tell of the days when Hanseatic merchants inhabited the guild houses and historical monuments such as the “Three Brothers” and the cathedral were built. This is a mediaeval UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site you can conveniently explore on foot. The view to a leisurely stroll along a never-ending Baltic beach or a relaxing time in a beach café will tempt you to visit the popular Latvian spa resort of Jurmala*. Another highlight will await you in the late afternoon: an exclusive concert in the Small Guild promises some wonderful musical moments.
Visby, 12.00 – 17.00 hrs
Visby/Gotland/Sweden
On the largest island in the Baltic Sea, you will be delighted by the “city of roses and ruins” with its rich history and the “queen of flowers” - a walk through mediaeval Visby* offers you the opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens, which are famous for their plant diversity. Nowadays, a fabulous view of the city and the sea can be enjoyed from the old “Gallows Square”. A hike on Gotland* allows you to follow in the footsteps of pirates and takes you through sublime natural island scenery to the rock plateau “Hoegklint”.
Gdansk, 7.00 – 18.00 hrs
dansk)/Poland
Neptune’s Fountain splashes away in front of the Artus Court, and the legacy of more than 1000 years of history forms an impressive ensemble in the lovingly restored historic district of Gdansk*. This includes St. Mary’s Church, Europe’s largest Brick Gothic church. Malbork Castle* on the banks of the Nogat takes you back on a journey through time - Europe’s oldest castle was the base of the Teutonic Knights in East Prussia and is today a museum.
Relaxation at sea
Evening passage through the Kiel Canal
Hamburg, arrival 6.00 hrs
Individual travel arrangements from Hamburg
Hamburg
Time to disembark – if you wish, you can now explore Hamburg individually*.
* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
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