Changing Tides of History, Cruising the Baltic Sea

Itinerary

Note
June 13-24 Departure: Operates from Stockholm to Oslo
June 21-July 2 Departure: Operates from Oslo to Stockholm

June 13 & 14 – U.S., Stockholm, Sweden, Embark Le Boréal
Depart from the U.S. and arrive in Stockholm. Upon arrival, transfer to the deluxe Le Boréal and depart for Helsinki, Finland. (14th- D,R)

June 15 – Helsinki, Finland
On the afternoon tour of Finland’s dynamic capital, see the old fortifications of Suomenlinna, a World Heritage site, the stately Senate Square, lively Market Square, and the diplomatic quarter of Kaivopuisto. Tour the modernistic Temppeliaukio Church, or “Church of the Rock,” impressively hewn out of natural bedrock. Then, visit Sibelius Park, where Eila Hiltunen’s remarkable sculpture honors Finland’s most beloved composer, Jean Sibelius. Enjoy a private concert in the prestigious Sibelius Academy. This evening, join the Captain for a special welcome reception and dinner. (B,L,D)

June 16 – St. Petersburg, Russia
Peter the Great founded the majestic city of St. Petersburg in 1703 as his “Window on the West.” Enjoy exploring the city’s legendary landmarks, which are scattered across more than 100 islands linked by six times as many bridges. St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfare, Nevsky Prospect, showcases exquisite examples of Russian Baroque and neoclassical architecture. On the morning tour, see the beautiful Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood (Church of the Resurrection of Christ), built on the site of Emperor Alexander II’s assassination, and the 19th century St. Isaac’s Cathedral, with a striking golden dome that is one of the glories of the city’s skyline. Visit St. Petersburg’s first building, the Peter and Paul Fortress, constructed to secure the country’s access to the sea. See the impressive Baroque Cathedral of Sts. Peter and Paul, containing the tombs of 32 tsars, from Peter the Great to Nicholas II, the last of the Romanovs.

This afternoon, experience the treasures of this magnificent city at your own pace, or join the optional excursion* to the splendid parklands and palace of Petrodvorets, a World Heritage site, commissioned by Peter the Great. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil, skimming over the Gulf of Finland. The evening is at leisure. Optional opportunities are offered to attend a ballet performance held in the Hermitage or Palace Theater or a Russian folklore show performed in the Nikolaevsky Art Center. (B,L,D)

June 17 – St. Petersburg
Today, see one of the world’s greatest repositories of art masterpieces during a specially arranged, early opening tour of the incomparable State Hermitage Museum, former tsarist palace of Catherine the Great. The spectacular collection is rivaled only by the museum’s ornate interiors. The afternoon is at leisure. Alternatively, join the optional excursion* to the imperial compound of Pushkin and Catherine the Great’s elaborate Rococo palace, highlighted by a special visit to the extraordinary Amber Room. (B,L,D)

June 18 – Tallinn, Estonia
Having largely escaped the ravages of World War II, Tallinn’s Old Town, now a World Heritage site, has remained virtually unchanged for the past 600 years. During a walking tour, see Toompea Castle, the landmark Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the 13th-century Church of St. Nicholas, and visit the medieval Town Hall, the only intact Gothic‑style hall in Northern Europe. The afternoon is at leisure in Tallinn. (B,L,D)

June 19 – Cruising the Baltic Sea
Spend the day at leisure cruising the Baltic Sea and enjoying a series of onboard lectures. (B,L,D)

June 20 – Gdansk, Poland; Lech Walesa
The historic city of Gdansk features some of Poland’s finest medieval and Renaissance architecture. Walk past elegant patrician mansions featuring late Renaissance and Baroque facades in the Old Town and see the famous Neptune’s Fountain. Visit the 14th century Artus Court, a meticulously restored Gothic guildhall that houses a fascinating collection of Polish art. In 1980, workers led by Lech Walesa founded the Solidarity movement, the first independent trade union in Eastern Europe and the key factor in the Polish struggle against Communism. See the historic Lenin Shipyard and its Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers.

On board the ship this evening, by special arrangement, meet the leader of the Solidarity movement, former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa. President Walesa will discuss his perspective on globalization and progress in the region. (B,L,D)

June 21 – Copenhagen, Denmark
Arrive in Copenhagen after lunch and drive towards the City Hall Square where the famous pedestrian street “Stroget” begins. During a coach tour, pass Tivoli Gardens, the New Carlsberg Glyptotheque, and the National Museum. At Christiansborg, see the library garden and the courtyards of the castle. Enjoy a photo stop at the Royal residence Amalienborg Palace, then pass by the King’s Garden on your way back to the ship. (B,L,D)

June 22 – Copenhagen
After breakfast drive to the old fish market Gammel Strand to embark on a sightseeing cruise through the old canals and the port of Copenhagen. Pass historic buildings such as Christiansborg Palace, the Naval Church, and the Old Stock Exchange before entering the harbor where you will see the ancient Battery Sixtus and the fortress Three Crowns. Also pass the Little Mermaid and the Amalienborg Palace before entering into the canal of Christianshavn, with its fine mixture of ancient warehouses, houseboats, and modern architecture. (B,L,D)

June 23 – Oslo, Norway; Disembark Le Boréal; Mikhail Gorbachev
Disembark Le Boréal for a tour of the capital city of Norway and experience the rich history and exquisite modern style of this city set on its spectacular harbor. Check into a deluxe, centrally located hotel.

By exclusive arrangement this afternoon, meet with former President of the Soviet Union and Nobel Peace Prize winner Mikhail Gorbachev. Attend a meet-and-greet reception with Mr. Gorbachev, who will speak about the Soviet Union’s evolution into modern Russia, with time for questions. (B,L)

June 24 – Oslo, Norway, U.S.
Continue on the Norway Post Program Optional Extension or transfer to the airport for your return flight to the U.S. (B,R)


*Optional excursions are available at additional cost. Details will be provided with your reservation confirmation.