Deluxe Kabine Deck 3
5% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
- WENIGE KABINEN
Kreuzfahrt zu den historischen Städten der Ostsee – mit Smithsonian Journeys
Stockholm - Kopenhagen
Datum:
18.07.2024
bis
25.07.2024
Tage
Nächte an Bord
Inkl. Landausflug oder Aktivität in jedem Hafen + Transfers
Auf dieser Kreuzfahrt ist die Bordsprache ausschließlich Englisch.
In Zusammenarbeit mit Smithsonian Journeys.
Diese Kreuzfahrt gehört zu einer besonderen Auswahl von PONANT Reisen, die speziell für englischsprachige Gäste konzipiert wurden. Neben den gewohnten Elementen einer PONANT Reise, umfassen die aufgeführten Preise für diese Kreuzfahrten Transfers zum und vom Schiff, Vorträge und Diskussionen an Bord mit Weltklasse-Experten, und einen Landausflug oder eine Aktivität in jedem Hafen, bei denen die Gäste die Sehenswürdigkeiten und vieles mehr entdecken und in die unbekannte Kultur eintauchen können.
PONANT und Smithsonian Journeys laden Sie ein zu einer außergewöhnlichen 8-tägigen Reise durch die Ostsee mit einem speziell organisierten, exklusiven Vortrag und einer Diskussion an Bord mit dem früheren polnischen Präsidenten und Friedensnobelpreisträger Lech Wałęsa in Danzig, Polen.
Die Ostsee ist seit den Wikinger-Tagen eine Handelsstraße. Wir besuchen die großen Städte an ihren Ufern und erleben eine Mischung aus kosmopolitischem Leben und jahrhundertealter Geschichte.
Die Reise beginnt in der weltoffenen Stadt Stockholm, deren quirlige Gamla Stan (Altstadt) mit engen Kopfsteinpflasterstraßen mit Gebäuden aus dem 17. und 18. Jahrhundert, darunter der Königspalast, auf einer kompakten Insel liegt.
Die Le Dumont-d‘Urville läuft zunächst Helsinki an. Die pulsierende Hauptstadt Finnlands liegt auf einer von fast 300 Inseln umgebenen Halbinsel und bezaubert mit ihrer Jugendstil-Architektur.
Die nächste Station ist Tallinn, ein bedeutender Knotenpunkt der Hanse in der Ostsee im 13. Jahrhundert. Die Altstadt gehört zum UNESCO-Welterbe und enthält bemerkenswert gut erhaltene Stadtmauern, öffentliche Bauwerke, Kaufmanns- und Lagerhäuser.
Auf Gotland, der größten Insel in der Ostsee, machen Sie Halt in der wunderschön erhaltenen mittelalterlichen Stadt Visby, einst ein wichtiger Hanse-Stützpunkt.
Klaipeda ist das Tor zum UNESCO-Welterbe Kurische Halbinsel und eine Gelegenheit, die traditionelle Kunst der Bienenzucht kennenzulernen oder in die Küche und Folklore Litauens einzutauchen.
Sie fahren weiter nach Danzig. In der Werft dieser Stadt, die auf 1000 Jahre Geschichte zurückblickt, entstand 1980 die Gewerkschaft Solidarność. Die Welle des Aufruhrs der Solidarność-Bewegung trug Polen 1991 in die Unabhängigkeit von der Sowjetunion.
Sie machen Halt auf der kleinen dänischen Insel Bornholm, deren üppiges Ackerland und reiche Heringsfischerei sich das Land mit den Ruinen einer mittelalterlichen Festung und vier der alten Rundkirchen teilen, für die Dänemark bekannt ist.
Die Reise endet im wundervollen Kopenhagen. Der beeindruckende Christiansborg-Palast, der heutige Sitz des dänischen Parlaments, in dem früher Könige und Königinnen lebten, zeigt 800 Jahre königliche Geschichte.
Ref : SC7145US - EU180724
Reiseroute
Eine speziell auf englischsprachige Reisende zugeschnittene Reise. Gespräche mit Experten, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und ein Landausflug in jedem Anlaufhafen sind inbegriffen Spannende...
Reiseverlauf ansehen
Reisedetails
Kabinen
Kabinen
Reiseleistungen
Reiseleistungen
In Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten
Für mehr Sicherheit organisiert PONANT Ihre Reise vor oder nach der Kreuzfahrt. Dieses Paket ist im Preis Ihrer Kreuzfahrt enthalten.
Zusatzleistungen
Für mehr Sicherheit wählt PONANT Flüge aus und kümmert sich um Ihre Transfers für Ihre Reise sowie um Landbesuche vor und nach dem Ausschiffen.
Diese Reise könnte Ihnen auch gefallen...
Diese Reise könnte Ihnen auch gefallen...
- Neu
LE CHAMPLAIN
LE BOUGAINVILLE
13.12.2024 bis 23.12.2024
LE BOUGAINVILLE
LE LYRIAL
03.03.2025 bis 21.03.2025
- Neu
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
05.04.2025 bis 17.04.2025
*Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit und basiert auf der Auslastung des jeweiligen Schiffes. Die Kabinenkategorie, für die dieser Preis gilt, ist möglichweise nicht mehr verfügbar
Kabinenausstattung
- 24-Stunden-Roomservice
- Kostenfreier Internetanschluss und WLAN-Zugang (Verfügbarkeit abhängig vom Navigationsgebiet)
- Individuell einstellbare Klimaanlage
- Kleiderschrank mit Regalen und Staufläche
- Frisiertisch und Haartrockner
- Auswahl hochwertiger Pflegeprodukte von Diptyque Paris
- Minibar
- Nespresso Kaffeemaschine und Wasserkocher
- Elektronischer Safe
- Telefon per Satelittenverbindung
- Bluetooth-Lautsprecher von Bose
- Flachbildfernseher mit internationalen Kanälen (Verfügbarkeit abhängig vom Navigationsgebiet) und großer Filmauswahl
- 110/220 Volt Steckdosen
- Zwei barrierefreie Kabinen
Wählen Sie eine Kabinenkategorie aus
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT Aktivitäten
Smithsonian Journeys
Smithsonian Journeys ist das Reiseprogramm der Smithsonian Institution, eine bedeutende US-amerikanische Forschungs- und Bildungseinrichtung, das aus 21 Museen, dem National Zoological Park, Bildungszentren, Forschungseinrichtungen, Kulturzentren und Bibliotheken besteht. Die Kreuzfahrten in gemeinsamer Kooperation stützen sich auf die Ressourcen von Smithsonian, die auf eine 175-jährige Geschichte zurückblicken, und bieten bemerkenswerte Experten und Erfahrungen. Diese Reisen beziehen insbesonders die lokalen Kulturen mit ein und tauchen tiefer in die Geschichte, Küche, Sprache, Umwelt und Tierwelt eines Reiseziels ein. Seit mehr als 50 Jahren ist Smithsonian Journeys in der Kultur verwurzelt und konzentriert sich auf das Eintauchen und Entdecken von Kulturen - mit dem Ziel, Gäste zu inspirieren und zu einem tieferen Verständnis der Orte beizutragen.
Vorbehaltlich des Widerrufs im Falle von höherer Gewalt
Highlights
- Eine speziell auf englischsprachige Reisende zugeschnittene Reise. Gespräche mit Experten, Transfers vor und nach der Kreuzfahrt und ein Landausflug in jedem Anlaufhafen sind inbegriffen
- Spannende Diskussionen an Bord mit zwei Experten von Smithsonian Journeys
- Ein exklusiver Vortrag und eine Diskussion an Bord mit dem früheren polnischen Präsidenten und Friedensnobelpreisträger Lech Wałęsa in Danzig
- Eine Reise durch sechs Länder an der Ostsee: Schweden, Finnland, Estland, Litauen, Polen und Dänemark
- Vier UNESCO-Welterbestätten auf der Fahrt: die Festung Suomenlinna in Helsinki, die historische Altstadt von Tallinn, die Kurische Halbinsel in Litauen und die Hansestadt Visby
Häfen & Landausflüge
18. Juli 2024 - Stockholm
Einschiffung 18.07.2024 von 15:00 bis 16:00
Abfahrt 18.07.2024 um 17:00
Die Hauptstadt Schwedens erstreckt sich über ein Archipel im Osten des Landes am Übergang zwischen Mälarsee und Ostsee. In der Gamla stan, "Altstadt" auf Schwedisch, schlendern Sie durch malerische mittelalterliche Gassen bis zum majestätischen königlichen Schloss. Auf der grünen Insel Djurgården können Sie mehrere sehr verschiedene Kulturstätten besichtigen: Das Vasa-Museum widmet sich einem Dreimaster des 17. Jahrhunderts, das Freilichtmuseum Skansen präsentiert die Bräuche in früheren Zeiten und das ABBA-Museum ist der namensgebenden Popgruppe geweiht. Um einen ungewöhnlichen Panoramablick auf Stockholm zu genießen, steigen Sie in den SkyView, dessen Glasgondeln die sphärischen Wände des Ericsson Globe erklimmen.
19. Juli 2024 - Helsinki
Ankunft 19.07.2024 am frühen Nachmittag
Abfahrt 19.07.2024 abends
Ganz im Süden von Finnland auf einer Halbinsel errichtet, bietet Ihnen Helsinki die Lebendigkeit einer kosmopolitischen Hauptstadt, die nicht zwischen Eleganz und pittoreskem Stadtbild hat wählen wollen. Sie können das historische Zentrum durchstreifen, wo die neoklassizistischen Gebäude in zarten Farben neben spektakulären modernen Gebäuden stehen. Das quirlige Viertel Kallio eröffnet Ihnen eine Welt aus Läden und Restaurants, wo Sie die lokalen Spezialitäten wie Graavilohi, ein marinierter, gesüßter und aromatisierter Lachs, probieren können. Der Park Keskuspuisto, nur wenige Schritte vom Zentrum entfernt, lädt zu entspannenden Augenblicken ein.
20. Juli 2024 - Tallinn
Ankunft 20.07.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 20.07.2024 mittags
Die an der Ostsee im äußersten Norden von Estland gelegene Stadt Tallinn besticht durch den pittoresken Charme ihrer Architektur. Sie lädt zu einem Bummel durch die Gassen ihres mittelalterlichen Zentrums ein, das vom Rathaus, ein 1404 fertiggestelltes gotisches Gebäude, geschmückt wird. Um einen Einblick in die reiche Vergangenheit der Stadt zu erhalten, können Sie auch den Turm Kiek in de Kök, die orthodoxe Alexander-Newski-Kathedrale oder auch die Burg Toompea besichtigen. Eine kulinarische Pause ermöglicht Ihnen, lokale Spezialitäten wie geräucherten Hering, Elchbraten oder Lachs mit Wildbeeren zu entdecken.
21. Juli 2024 - Visby, Gotland
Ankunft 21.07.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 21.07.2024 am frühen Abend
Diese ehemalige Hansestadt liegt an der Westküste von Gotland, einer schwedischen Ostseeinsel. Sie durchschreiten die Stadtmauern von Visby am Dalmans-Tor, um die zum UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe erklärte Altstadt zu besichtigen. In den Straßen entdecken Sie reiche Kaufmannshäuser, während die Gassen mit niedrigen Holzhäusern gesäumt sind. Unbedingt sehenswert ist die Domkirche Sankt Maria mit Zwiebeltürmchen sowie der Pulverturm an den Festungsanlagen. Vergessen Sie auch nicht, in eines der mit den emblematischen Rosen geschmückten Cafés einzukehren, um die Spezialität der Insel, Safranpfannkuchen mit roten Früchten, zu kosten.
22. Juli 2024 - Klaipeda
Ankunft 22.07.2024 mittags
Abfahrt 22.07.2024 am späten Nachmittag
Klaipeda wurde im 13. Jahrhundert von christlichen deutschen Rittern des Deutschritterordens gegründet. Wegen ihrer strategischen Lage an der Ostseeküste war die Hafenstadt seit ihrer Gründung Gegenstand von Konflikten zwischen Deutschen, Polen, Litauern und sogar Franzosen. Aufgrund dieser reichen Geschichte ist Memel heute sehr multikulturell. Die Schönheit der Ostseeküste macht die drittgrößte Stadt Litauens mit dem wichtigsten Hafen des Landes zu einem beliebten Touristenziel. Die Architektur ist von deutschen und skandinavischen Einflüssen geprägt und verspricht einen interessanten und angenehmen Besuch in der Innenstadt.
23. Juli 2024 - Danzig
Ankunft 23.07.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Abfahrt 23.07.2024 am frühen Abend
Diese entzückende Stadt an der Ostsee trägt den Beinamen "Goldenes Tor von Polen", dem die schöne hanseatische Architektur alle Ehre erweist. Die von Zierstäben und Giebeln verlängerten, farbenfrohen Fassaden der Häuser üben einen besonderen Reiz aus. Entlang der Weichsel-Ufer macht es Spaß, durch die Kunsthandwerksläden zu bummeln. In der eleganten Frauengasse locken die Bernsteinläden mit ihrem Schmuck. Bei dieser Gelegenheit können Sie auch die Marienkirche und ihre astronomische Uhr besichtigen. Ganz in der Nähe lässt Sie der Lange Markt den sehr berühmten Artushof und das historische Museum von Danzig mit reichen Sammlungen entdecken.
24. Juli 2024 - Gudhjem, Bornholm
Ankunft 24.07.2024 amormittag
Abfahrt 24.07.2024 am frühen Abend
Das im Südwesten der Ostsee verankerte mittelalterliche Dorf Gudhjem auf der Insel Bornholm zählt zu den meistbesuchten und beliebtesten Dörfern Dänemarks. Lassen Sie sich bei einem Spaziergang durch die hübschen Gassen von der abwechslungsreichen Landschaft, dem Flair und der Authentizität dieses charmanten Städtchens mit typisch dänischen Fachwerkhäusern mit roten Dächern verzaubern. In diesen malerischen Alleen wurden Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts die ersten Heringsräuchereien gebaut, die damals alle Fischer der Region anzogen. Gudhjem liegt in einer natürlichen Umgebung mit felsigen Klippen, dichten Wäldern und weißen Sandstränden. Bei dieser unvergesslichen Auszeit scheint die Zeit stillzustehen.
25. Juli 2024 - Kopenhagen
Ankunft 25.07.2024 am frühen Vormittag
Ausschiffung 25.07.2024 um 08:00
Die im äußersten Osten der Insel Seeland, in nur wenigen Kilometern Entfernung von den schwedischen Küsten gelegene Stadt Kopenhagen bietet Ihnen die ganze Buntheit der skandinavischen Metropolen. Sie können deren Sehenswürdigkeiten mit dem entlang der Kanäle durch die historischen Viertel Christiansborg und Nyhavn entdecken. Zahlreiche Paläste geben Ihnen einen Einblick in die dänische Geschichte. Kulinarisch lockt das Smorebrod, ein traditionelles dänisches Gericht mit verschiedenem Räucherfisch.
Highlights of Helsinki
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park, named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969, and due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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This tour involves 1 mile of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.The Great Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to Suomenlinna Island, one of the group of islands that guards the approach to Helsinki. The island is home to a major monument of military architectural history, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.
Construction of the Fortress began during the period of Swedish rule, expanded under the Russian Imperial Government in the 19th century, and was taken over by the Finnish when they achieved independence in 1918 and renamed the massive structure Suomenlinna, the "Castle of Finland."
In the heyday of its operations, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the fortress was compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. Its military shipyard was one of the largest dry docks in the world and a major center of naval architectural expertise. In the 1960s the fort was decommissioned from most military uses, but it remains the site of the Finnish Naval Academy.
Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the island, after which you will have some time at leisure, perhaps to enjoy a coffee and pastry.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is non-exclusive.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its Old Town included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
Start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900, and the 13th-century Gothic style Dome Cathedral. View the exterior of the castle, which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top, the Upper Town provides a superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
The tour continues as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets for a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights you will see are the medieval apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, and the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall. On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colorful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts center, where you may enjoy some free time before rejoining the coach and returning to the pier.
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This is a tour including 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestone streets, and we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.20th-Century Estonian History & Old Town
This tour allows you to explore the events of the 20th century that shaped Estonia’s most recent history, from its establishment as a Republic in 1918, through Soviet occupation, and to its Singing Revolution, which reestablished Estonia’s independence in 1991.
Drive to Maarjamäe Palace, passing the Song Festival Ground. This small but lovely Palace was built in the 1870s for Russian Count Orlov-Davydov as his summer residence and reopened in 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, as a history discovery center. The highlight of the center is the comprehensive interactive exhibit, "My Free Country," which tells the story of the Estonian people through the Liberation War, Soviet occupation, deportation to Siberia, and restoration of independence. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit before heading outside to visit its park with huge monuments of Communist leaders collected from all over Estonia.
Drive to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, opened in 2018 and dedicated to those who were murdered, deported, and imprisoned by the Communist regime from 1940 to 1991. During this time, Estonia lost nearly 1 in 5 of their population to the terror imposed by the regime. The somber but beautiful memorial consists of two parts: the Journey consisting of a walkway between two walls displaying the names of those who perished, and the Home Garden, with informational texts of where terror was carried out. Visit the memorial with your guide.
End with a drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. See all the most important sites of the Upper and Lower Towns, including Toompea Castle, Nevsky Cathedral with an inside visit, the towers of the city wall, Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, medieval Apothecary, and Town Hall. End with free time at St. Catherine’s arts and crafts center before returning to the pier.
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This tour includes approximately 1 mile of walking over cobblestone streets with some stairs to get into the Palace and Church. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Visby Highlights
Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League, is a beautifully preserved medieval town, proud of its heritage and anxious to share it with visitors.
Your tour begins with a drive to an area just north of Visby town called Galgberget (“Gallows Hill”), a nature reserve high on a limestone cliff providing beautiful views of the town below and the sea beyond. At the edge of the cliff, three stone pillars stand in a circle—the ruins of a 13th-century gallows, where local criminals were executed. Here, you will also find the ruins of a limestone kiln, remnants of the time when stone from this area was used to build Visby's walls.
Board your motorcoach for a panoramic drive to the former harbor of Almedalen, now a public park. Your walking tour of Almedalen includes Visby’s oldest building, the Powder Tower, erected in the 12th century to defend the harbor. Stroll through the Fisherman’s Gate of the town’s defensive wall to the Botanical Garden Park, which displays many rare plants and is particularly known for its roses.
On the return to Visby, stop on a bridge over the town’s moat, which, though it stretches nearly two miles, has never been filled with water. Your coach will leave you at historic Dalmans Gate, where your walking tour resumes among the cozy alleyways of old Visby. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, built by German merchants at the end of the 11th century and still in use today, before exploring the Gotland Museum, noted for its extensive collections, reflecting 8,000 years of local history. Exhibits include unique Iron Age picture stones and gold and silver treasures from the Middle Ages, testifying to Visby's wealth during the period of the Hanseatic League's control of Baltic trade.
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This tour includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking along both flat and uneven surfaces, with some steps. We recommend you wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Rural Lithuania and Old Town
Leave the city behind and travel into the countryside for a glimpse of the way of life in rural Lithuania. Begin with a panoramic drive through the center of Klaipeda and its suburbs to a small town about 20 miles east on the city. As you drive through typical Lithuanian villages and past traditional farmsteads, learn about traditional farming equipment and practices, and how life has changed in Lithuania since its independence in March 1990.
Your exploration of rural life continues as you drive deeper into the heart of Samogitia, the lowlands, to an apiary on the edge of a dense forest. Beekeeping is one of the oldest crafts in Lithuania, and this farm, run by two sisters, builds on the work of their grandfather and maintains traditional practices. The sisters will greet you personally and lead you on a tour of the hives while explaining how honey is produced and harvested. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of honeys: raw honey, honey mixed with thyme and mint, and honey mixed with other special ingredients. Dark bread and locally made mead are also on the menu.
On your return to Klaipeda, enjoy a brief tour of Old Town, with its well-preserved 18th-century wood-framed buildings and the impressive Theater Square.
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This is an easy excursion with about half a mile of walking. The surface at the bee farm is grassy and uneven, and there are cobblestones in Old Town.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Old Town Klaipeda: Folk Traditions
Klaipeda today is a busy port, specializing in shipbuilding and repair and home to a large deep-sea fishing fleet. It also boasts an industrial sector that includes papermaking, timber working, and the manufacture of radio and telephone parts. But Klaipeda has a long history, and this walking tour of the Old Town is designed to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage that is proudly preserved here.
You begin with a stroll along the promenade where cafés and yachts line opposite sides of the street, passing by the site of Klaipeda Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Entering Old Town, you discover well-preserved 18th-century Germanic wood-framed buildings neatly arranged in a rectangular grid, and as you continue through narrow streets paved with cobblestones, you arrive at Theater Square, the city's cultural center and main gathering spot. Here you will enjoy a performance of traditional song and dance that give a sense of how important Lithuanian folklore continues to be. These songs, fairy tales, legends, and proverbs have deep roots in a language and culture that is among the oldest in Europe.
Before returning to the ship, stop in at a local restaurant where you will be invited to sample some authentic Lithuanian fare, including beetroot soup, potato dumplings, and Lithuanian pastries, along with a glass of local beer.
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This is a walking tour of approximately 2 miles over a combination of paved and cobblestone streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Exploring the Curonian Peninsula
One of Klaipeda's most intriguing features is the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula—a 60-mile-long spit of land that creates a natural lagoon protected from storms in the Baltic. The peninsula is famous for its natural beauty and for the quaint fishing villages that dot its coastline.
This excursion begins with a ferry ride across the lagoon to Juodkrante (Blackshore), the oldest village on the Spit. Although it has been converted to a resort, it retains its charming character and continues to showcase traditional fishermen's houses. Here you will stroll along the quay decorated with modern sculptures and visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church before arriving at the Gallery of Weathervanes, displaying this unique artistic form as well as amber pieces designed by local artists.
Just south of the village, the Hill of Witches is a collection of some 80 wooden sculptures depicting characters from Lithuanian fairy tales, arranged along paths in a forest setting. You can make wishes come true by whispering them into the ear of one of the witches, or you can sit on the bench that is said to cure all diseases. Folklore is a deeply important part of Lithuanian culture, and this collection of monsters and demons is not entirely fanciful as it resonates with well-known stories and legends.
When you return to the mainland, you will make a brief stop in the heart of Old Town before returning to the ship.
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This moderate tour involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces. The paths in Witches Hill are gravel and include inclines. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Gdansk: City of Solidarity
This excursion focuses on the important role Gdansk played in the 1980s as the center of the Solidarity movement that helped pave the way to Poland's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact in 1990. But it also affords ample time in the Old Town to get a sense of the rich history of this 1,000-year-old city.
You begin with a short drive to the European Solidarity Centre, opened in 2014 as a monument to, and a center for the study of, Polish resistance to Soviet Communist authority in the post-WWII world. While most of the exhibition is devoted to the history of the "Solidarity" movement led by Lech Walesa, it also covers earlier episodes of challenges to authoritarian rule and tells the story of the ultimate emergence of the Third Polish Republic. Following your guided tour through this impressive place, transfer to the center of Gdansk and the Old Town.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Follow the royal route from Green Gate on the banks of the Motlawa River along Long Street to Long Market, home to townhouses that span 400 years. Continue past the Main Town Hall, Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city, and the iconic symbol of Gdansk—the Neptune Fountain. You will find yourself on St. Mary Street, perhaps the liveliest place in the city, with its quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings, where you will have time at leisure to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before returning to the harbor and your ship.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones in the Old Town. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Gdansk Highlights & a Concert of Chopin
As you leave the pier on your way to Old Town, you will pass by the Gdansk Shipyards, previously known as the Lenin Shipyards, and see Solidarity Square with its monument to the workers who died protesting the Communist regime in December 1970.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. On your guided walking tour, you will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market, and the beautiful 15th-century Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront. Then turn up St. Mary’s Street, which delights visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and lovely terraced buildings. Enjoy time at leisure here to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before continuing to Gothic St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. St. Mary's is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Its deceptively plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The high altar displays an ornate polyptych, the floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept is home to an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with Zodiac and a calendar of the saints.
Your experience of Gdansk ends with an exclusive concert of Polish classical music, presenting Fryderyk Chopin's most famous pieces, as well as works of other great masters who continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer), and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire program will be performed by renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 1.5 miles walking overly mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones and a few steps. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Villages of Bornholm by Coach
Your introduction by motorcoach to the countryside and coastal towns of Bornholm begins with a drive across the island from Ronne through lush farmland to the fishing village of Svaneke, the easternmost point in Denmark. You will have time here to browse in the shops offering artisanal crafts and local delicacies, or to sample a beer from Svaneke's microbrewery, the first brewery in Denmark to use only organic ingredients and to rely on solar power.
From Svaneke, your motorcoach turns northward and inland to pass by the famous Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century, and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). Returning to the coastal road, you will travel through the villages of Gudhjem, Kås, Tejn, Allinge, and Sandvig, whose timbered and half-timbered houses are among the most popular attractions on the island, to reach the northwestern tip of Bornholm, where you will stop briefly for an overview of Hammershus, the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. Continue your journey down the scenic west coast of the island as you make your way back to Ronne and your waiting ship.
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This easy excursion involves approximately a quarter mile of walking on flat terrain. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Highlights of Bornholm
This tour of some of the best that Bornholm has to offer begins with a drive through the picturesque farmland of this small Baltic island to visit Hammershus, a medieval fortress built on the northern tip of the island and the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the castle was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power of the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king. For the next 500 years, Hammershus was rebuilt and expanded by the various rulers of the island, until it was finally abandoned in 1743.
The next stop on your tour is at the charming fishing village of Allinge, where you will visit one of the smokehouses for which Bornholm is known. Here, enjoy some smoked herring and an ice-cold beer.
Then make your way south to the seaside town of Gudhjem on the island's east coast, where you will visit the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, one of the most famous glass-blowing studios in Denmark. Established in a converted egg farm, the Studio and Gallery welcome between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors a year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for gallery and museum exhibitions.
From Gudhjem travel the short distance across the island to Almindingen, one of the largest forest areas in Denmark, to discover the Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). You will tour the interior of the church, provided no religious services are scheduled.
A leisurely drive returns you to your ship in Ronne.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.2 miles of walking on flat terrain with some steps and uneven surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d'Urville gehört zu einer neuen Schiffsgeneration, die innovativ und umweltfreundlich ausgestattet ist. Das Schiff verfügt über nach außen weit offene Salons, einen Außenpool und ein Blue Eye, eine Unterwasserlounge. All dies für ein außergewöhnliches Kreuzfahrterlebnis. Nunmehr ist es möglich, an Bord eines Schiffes mit luxuriösen Annehmlichkeiten zu Abenteuern an den entlegensten Orten der Welt aufzubrechen.
Decks
Inkl. Landausflug oder Aktivität in jedem Hafen + Transfers
PONANT has organized the following included program for you, which starts the day of embarkation.
Included Features:
- A program of onboard enrichment provided by two Smithsonian Journeys Experts
- An exclusive presentation and discussion aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wałęsa while in Gdansk
- Transfers and luggage handling from the airport in Stockholm to the ship on the day of embarkation
- Comprehensive 7-night cruise aboard the deluxe Le Dumont-d’Urville, with all the amenities for which PONANT ships are famous
- One included shore excursion in each port of call (see “Itinerary” for more information and choice of excursions, if applicable)
- Transfer from the ship to the airport in Copenhagen at the end of the cruise on the morning of disembarkation
Not included:
- Independent meals and beverages ashore
- Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, etc.)
Notes:
- This voyage is offered on a space available basis
- Program is subject to change without notice
Lektor
An Bord Ihres Schiffes bieten Ihnen ausgewählte Lektoren kulturelle und historische Einblicke, damit Sie noch mehr über Ihr Reiseziel erfahren können: den Ursprung der lokalen Traditionen, die Geschichte symbolischer Orte, berühmte Persönlichkeiten und historische Helden... Die Experten begleiten Sie während der gesamten Kreuzfahrt, an Bord und bei den Ausflügen an Land, um ihr Know-how und ihre Einsichten mit Ihnen zu teilen.
Unsere Zusatzleistungen
HISTORIC STOCKHOLM (1 NIGHT)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a specially designed program.
Day 1 - Stockholm, Sweden
Arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. You will be met at the exit of the Arrivals hall. Look for the PONANT sign or a sign with your name on it. Transfer from the airport to the Hotel Diplomat (or similar) and check in. Official check-in time is 3:00 p.m.
A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception this evening. An independent dinner is at your leisure.
Day 2 - Stockholm | Embarkation
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. After check-out, visit the Vasa Museum, which features the 17th-century Vasa warship, rescued from the bottom of the sea after 333 years and lovingly restored. Next, depart on an excursion that explores Stockholm's Gamla Stan (Old Town). After viewing the Royal Palace and the 13th-century Storkyrkan (outside only), enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant and some free time to shop and explore on your own. Then, take a guided tour of City Hall, the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Transfer to the ship for embarkation and take in the views as you sail through the Stockholm Archipelago.
Your hotel:
The Hotel Diplomat is a 5-star property located in Strandvägen in the city center of Stockholm. The cobblestone streets of the picturesque Gamla Stan, or Old Town, are a short stroll from the hotel. World-class shopping and City Hall, home of the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, are also within easy walking distance. The hotel boasts 130 guest rooms and suites decorated in a bright Scandinavian palette with thoughtful modern conveniences.
Your program includes:
- 1 night at the Hotel Diplomat (or similar), including breakfast
- Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day
- Transfer and luggage handling to the pier on embarkation day
- Welcome cocktail reception on Day 1
- Breakfast and Lunch on Day 2
- Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking guide
- Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
- Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day
- Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
- It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.
- Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
- The official currency is the Swedish krona. Credit cards are largely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
- The duration of the visits is given as a guide only, and the order of the visits may change.
- This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
- Program is offered on a space available basis.
- Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
Strandvägen 7C
114 56 Stockholm
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 459 68 00
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : € 900
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.Highlights of Helsinki
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park, named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969, and due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki, and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
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This tour involves 1 mile of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.The Great Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to Suomenlinna Island, one of the group of islands that guards the approach to Helsinki. The island is home to a major monument of military architectural history, added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1991.
Construction of the Fortress began during the period of Swedish rule, expanded under the Russian Imperial Government in the 19th century, and was taken over by the Finnish when they achieved independence in 1918 and renamed the massive structure Suomenlinna, the "Castle of Finland."
In the heyday of its operations, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the fortress was compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. Its military shipyard was one of the largest dry docks in the world and a major center of naval architectural expertise. In the 1960s the fort was decommissioned from most military uses, but it remains the site of the Finnish Naval Academy.
Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the island, after which you will have some time at leisure, perhaps to enjoy a coffee and pastry.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is non-exclusive.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its Old Town included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
Start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900, and the 13th-century Gothic style Dome Cathedral. View the exterior of the castle, which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top, the Upper Town provides a superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
The tour continues as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets for a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights you will see are the medieval apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, and the 15th-century Gothic Town Hall. On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colorful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts center, where you may enjoy some free time before rejoining the coach and returning to the pier.
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This is a tour including 1.5 miles of walking over cobblestone streets, and we recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.20th-Century Estonian History & Old Town
This tour allows you to explore the events of the 20th century that shaped Estonia’s most recent history, from its establishment as a Republic in 1918, through Soviet occupation, and to its Singing Revolution, which reestablished Estonia’s independence in 1991.
Drive to Maarjamäe Palace, passing the Song Festival Ground. This small but lovely Palace was built in the 1870s for Russian Count Orlov-Davydov as his summer residence and reopened in 2018, on the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, as a history discovery center. The highlight of the center is the comprehensive interactive exhibit, "My Free Country," which tells the story of the Estonian people through the Liberation War, Soviet occupation, deportation to Siberia, and restoration of independence. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit before heading outside to visit its park with huge monuments of Communist leaders collected from all over Estonia.
Drive to the Memorial to the Victims of Communism, opened in 2018 and dedicated to those who were murdered, deported, and imprisoned by the Communist regime from 1940 to 1991. During this time, Estonia lost nearly 1 in 5 of their population to the terror imposed by the regime. The somber but beautiful memorial consists of two parts: the Journey consisting of a walkway between two walls displaying the names of those who perished, and the Home Garden, with informational texts of where terror was carried out. Visit the memorial with your guide.
End with a drive to the Old Town for a walking tour. See all the most important sites of the Upper and Lower Towns, including Toompea Castle, Nevsky Cathedral with an inside visit, the towers of the city wall, Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church, medieval Apothecary, and Town Hall. End with free time at St. Catherine’s arts and crafts center before returning to the pier.
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This tour includes approximately 1 mile of walking over cobblestone streets with some stairs to get into the Palace and Church. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Visby Highlights
Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League, is a beautifully preserved medieval town, proud of its heritage and anxious to share it with visitors.
Your tour begins with a drive to an area just north of Visby town called Galgberget (“Gallows Hill”), a nature reserve high on a limestone cliff providing beautiful views of the town below and the sea beyond. At the edge of the cliff, three stone pillars stand in a circle—the ruins of a 13th-century gallows, where local criminals were executed. Here, you will also find the ruins of a limestone kiln, remnants of the time when stone from this area was used to build Visby's walls.
Board your motorcoach for a panoramic drive to the former harbor of Almedalen, now a public park. Your walking tour of Almedalen includes Visby’s oldest building, the Powder Tower, erected in the 12th century to defend the harbor. Stroll through the Fisherman’s Gate of the town’s defensive wall to the Botanical Garden Park, which displays many rare plants and is particularly known for its roses.
On the return to Visby, stop on a bridge over the town’s moat, which, though it stretches nearly two miles, has never been filled with water. Your coach will leave you at historic Dalmans Gate, where your walking tour resumes among the cozy alleyways of old Visby. Visit St. Mary’s Cathedral, built by German merchants at the end of the 11th century and still in use today, before exploring the Gotland Museum, noted for its extensive collections, reflecting 8,000 years of local history. Exhibits include unique Iron Age picture stones and gold and silver treasures from the Middle Ages, testifying to Visby's wealth during the period of the Hanseatic League's control of Baltic trade.
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This tour includes approximately 1.5 miles of walking along both flat and uneven surfaces, with some steps. We recommend you wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Rural Lithuania and Old Town
Leave the city behind and travel into the countryside for a glimpse of the way of life in rural Lithuania. Begin with a panoramic drive through the center of Klaipeda and its suburbs to a small town about 20 miles east on the city. As you drive through typical Lithuanian villages and past traditional farmsteads, learn about traditional farming equipment and practices, and how life has changed in Lithuania since its independence in March 1990.
Your exploration of rural life continues as you drive deeper into the heart of Samogitia, the lowlands, to an apiary on the edge of a dense forest. Beekeeping is one of the oldest crafts in Lithuania, and this farm, run by two sisters, builds on the work of their grandfather and maintains traditional practices. The sisters will greet you personally and lead you on a tour of the hives while explaining how honey is produced and harvested. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste a selection of honeys: raw honey, honey mixed with thyme and mint, and honey mixed with other special ingredients. Dark bread and locally made mead are also on the menu.
On your return to Klaipeda, enjoy a brief tour of Old Town, with its well-preserved 18th-century wood-framed buildings and the impressive Theater Square.
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This is an easy excursion with about half a mile of walking. The surface at the bee farm is grassy and uneven, and there are cobblestones in Old Town.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Old Town Klaipeda: Folk Traditions
Klaipeda today is a busy port, specializing in shipbuilding and repair and home to a large deep-sea fishing fleet. It also boasts an industrial sector that includes papermaking, timber working, and the manufacture of radio and telephone parts. But Klaipeda has a long history, and this walking tour of the Old Town is designed to introduce you to the rich cultural heritage that is proudly preserved here.
You begin with a stroll along the promenade where cafés and yachts line opposite sides of the street, passing by the site of Klaipeda Castle, built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Entering Old Town, you discover well-preserved 18th-century Germanic wood-framed buildings neatly arranged in a rectangular grid, and as you continue through narrow streets paved with cobblestones, you arrive at Theater Square, the city's cultural center and main gathering spot. Here you will enjoy a performance of traditional song and dance that give a sense of how important Lithuanian folklore continues to be. These songs, fairy tales, legends, and proverbs have deep roots in a language and culture that is among the oldest in Europe.
Before returning to the ship, stop in at a local restaurant where you will be invited to sample some authentic Lithuanian fare, including beetroot soup, potato dumplings, and Lithuanian pastries, along with a glass of local beer.
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This is a walking tour of approximately 2 miles over a combination of paved and cobblestone streets, with some steps. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Exploring the Curonian Peninsula
One of Klaipeda's most intriguing features is the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula—a 60-mile-long spit of land that creates a natural lagoon protected from storms in the Baltic. The peninsula is famous for its natural beauty and for the quaint fishing villages that dot its coastline.
This excursion begins with a ferry ride across the lagoon to Juodkrante (Blackshore), the oldest village on the Spit. Although it has been converted to a resort, it retains its charming character and continues to showcase traditional fishermen's houses. Here you will stroll along the quay decorated with modern sculptures and visit the Evangelical Lutheran Church before arriving at the Gallery of Weathervanes, displaying this unique artistic form as well as amber pieces designed by local artists.
Just south of the village, the Hill of Witches is a collection of some 80 wooden sculptures depicting characters from Lithuanian fairy tales, arranged along paths in a forest setting. You can make wishes come true by whispering them into the ear of one of the witches, or you can sit on the bench that is said to cure all diseases. Folklore is a deeply important part of Lithuanian culture, and this collection of monsters and demons is not entirely fanciful as it resonates with well-known stories and legends.
When you return to the mainland, you will make a brief stop in the heart of Old Town before returning to the ship.
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This moderate tour involves approximately 1.25 miles of walking over mostly flat surfaces. The paths in Witches Hill are gravel and include inclines. The tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Gdansk: City of Solidarity
This excursion focuses on the important role Gdansk played in the 1980s as the center of the Solidarity movement that helped pave the way to Poland's withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact in 1990. But it also affords ample time in the Old Town to get a sense of the rich history of this 1,000-year-old city.
You begin with a short drive to the European Solidarity Centre, opened in 2014 as a monument to, and a center for the study of, Polish resistance to Soviet Communist authority in the post-WWII world. While most of the exhibition is devoted to the history of the "Solidarity" movement led by Lech Walesa, it also covers earlier episodes of challenges to authoritarian rule and tells the story of the ultimate emergence of the Third Polish Republic. Following your guided tour through this impressive place, transfer to the center of Gdansk and the Old Town.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Follow the royal route from Green Gate on the banks of the Motlawa River along Long Street to Long Market, home to townhouses that span 400 years. Continue past the Main Town Hall, Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city, and the iconic symbol of Gdansk—the Neptune Fountain. You will find yourself on St. Mary Street, perhaps the liveliest place in the city, with its quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings, where you will have time at leisure to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before returning to the harbor and your ship.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 2 miles of walking over mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones in the Old Town. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Gdansk Highlights & a Concert of Chopin
As you leave the pier on your way to Old Town, you will pass by the Gdansk Shipyards, previously known as the Lenin Shipyards, and see Solidarity Square with its monument to the workers who died protesting the Communist regime in December 1970.
Although the Old Town of Gdansk was devastated during World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its former glory as a splendid collection of buildings and monuments designed in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. On your guided walking tour, you will pass by the Town Hall, Long Market, and the beautiful 15th-century Artus Court, once the center of commercial activity in the city. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront. Then turn up St. Mary’s Street, which delights visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and lovely terraced buildings. Enjoy time at leisure here to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs of every kind before continuing to Gothic St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. St. Mary's is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Its deceptively plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The high altar displays an ornate polyptych, the floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept is home to an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with Zodiac and a calendar of the saints.
Your experience of Gdansk ends with an exclusive concert of Polish classical music, presenting Fryderyk Chopin's most famous pieces, as well as works of other great masters who continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer), and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire program will be performed by renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
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This moderate excursion involves a total of approximately 1.5 miles walking overly mostly flat terrain, with some cobblestones and a few steps. We recommend sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Villages of Bornholm by Coach
Your introduction by motorcoach to the countryside and coastal towns of Bornholm begins with a drive across the island from Ronne through lush farmland to the fishing village of Svaneke, the easternmost point in Denmark. You will have time here to browse in the shops offering artisanal crafts and local delicacies, or to sample a beer from Svaneke's microbrewery, the first brewery in Denmark to use only organic ingredients and to rely on solar power.
From Svaneke, your motorcoach turns northward and inland to pass by the famous Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century, and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). Returning to the coastal road, you will travel through the villages of Gudhjem, Kås, Tejn, Allinge, and Sandvig, whose timbered and half-timbered houses are among the most popular attractions on the island, to reach the northwestern tip of Bornholm, where you will stop briefly for an overview of Hammershus, the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. Continue your journey down the scenic west coast of the island as you make your way back to Ronne and your waiting ship.
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This easy excursion involves approximately a quarter mile of walking on flat terrain. Please note that the order of the visits may be reversed.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.Highlights of Bornholm
This tour of some of the best that Bornholm has to offer begins with a drive through the picturesque farmland of this small Baltic island to visit Hammershus, a medieval fortress built on the northern tip of the island and the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the castle was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power of the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king. For the next 500 years, Hammershus was rebuilt and expanded by the various rulers of the island, until it was finally abandoned in 1743.
The next stop on your tour is at the charming fishing village of Allinge, where you will visit one of the smokehouses for which Bornholm is known. Here, enjoy some smoked herring and an ice-cold beer.
Then make your way south to the seaside town of Gudhjem on the island's east coast, where you will visit the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, one of the most famous glass-blowing studios in Denmark. Established in a converted egg farm, the Studio and Gallery welcome between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors a year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for gallery and museum exhibitions.
From Gudhjem travel the short distance across the island to Almindingen, one of the largest forest areas in Denmark, to discover the Oesterlars Roundchurch, built in the middle of the 12th century and one of four round churches located on Bornholm (fully half of all the round churches in Denmark). You will tour the interior of the church, provided no religious services are scheduled.
A leisurely drive returns you to your ship in Ronne.
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This excursion involves approximately 1.2 miles of walking on flat terrain with some steps and uneven surfaces. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Inbegriffen
Je nach Verfügbarkeit Preis pro Person.HIGHLIGHTS OF COPENHAGEN (1 NIGHT)
Copenhagen is one of the great cities of Northern Europe, and this post-cruise program offers the chance to visit many of its highlights. It is the perfect way to bring your exploration of Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea to a leisurely conclusion.
Day 1 – Disembark | Copenhagen
After breakfast aboard, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Copenhagen's major landmarks. Drive by the statue of the Little Mermaid, erected in 1913 in honor of Hans Christian Andersen and his world-famous fairytales, as you head to the Nyhavn waterfront. Here you will see 500-year-old gabled houses and discover the Old Stock Exchange, once the center of Copenhagen's finance and trade. One of the oldest public buildings in the city, it is topped by spire with three golden crowns, symbolizing the shared history of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Next to the Old Stock Exchange is Holmens Church. Built in 1563, it was the site of the royal wedding of Queen Margrethe, Denmark's longest-reigning monarch.
After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and a source of inspiration for Walt Disney. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this fascinating public space on your own. Known for its stunning displays of flowers, its restaurants, cafés, and concert hall, Tivoli is also famous for two spectacular rides—a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 that is the world's oldest still in operation; and the Star Flyer ride, the world's tallest carousel. Walk around Tivoli Lake, visit the Tivoli Aquarium, hop on one of the many rides, or simply sit and enjoy the sights.
After your time in the Gardens, transfer to the Christianshavn quarter of the city, to check into the 5-start NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel, for overnight and independent dinner.
Day 2 – Copenhagen
After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Your hotel:
Located in the Christianshavn section of central Copenhagen, the NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor, within easy walking distance of the Opera, Royal Library and Nyhavn. The 394 guest rooms offer contemporary elegance and reflect the very best of Scandinavian and international design. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer views over the city, and the hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym.
Your program includes:
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1 night at the NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel (or similar)
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Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day
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Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 2
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Lunch on Day 1
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Breakfast on Day 2
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Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary
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Local English-speaking guides
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Gratuities for the drivers and local guides
Your program does not include:
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Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day
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Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program
Please note:
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It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 30 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.
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Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.
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The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted.
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This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.
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Program is offered on a space available basis.
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Program is subject to change without notice.
Hotel contact information:
NH Collection Copenhagen
Strandgade 7
1401 Copenhagen
Denmark
+45 352542 50
nhcollectioncopenhagen@nh-hotels.com
Gesamtpreis inkl. Steuern- und Gebühren : € 580
Preis pro Person auf Basis einer Doppelkabine. Dieser Preis gilt vorbehaltlich Verfügbarkeit.