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Lindblad Expeditions Cruises, Exploring the Baltic's Historic Waterways, Cruise Vacation Package

Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights
Priced From: Call Travelwizard 
Dates: Aug, Sep
Ship: National Geographic Explorer
From: U.S./Fly overnight to Copenhagen, Denmark




Sail through eight countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fascinating cultures and long-neglected histories. Discover fairytale castles and the “city of ruins and roses,” before delving into the European capitals of Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki and St. Petersburg, where we spend three nights at the superb Grand Hotel Europe. Each of the capitals has an Old Town, and the buildings have been beautifully restored; especially moving are those of Tallinn and Riga, flourishing in the 21st century. The great cities and Hansa towns of Lubeck and Gdansk are balanced with peaceful island stops for nature walks, where the vitality of summer enhances your experience.

Unique Opportunities: You’ll meet with Mikhail Shvydkoi, former Minister of Culture and current Special Advisor to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev. He’ll be an articulate and fascinating window into the culture of Russia today. And in Gdansk, you’ll meet with the former President of Poland and Nobel Laureate, Lech Walesa — in the year marking the 20th anniversary of the first free vote in Poland. Your sessions with Shvydkoi and Walesa, plus conversations with the political historians on our expedition team, will give you invaluable insight into the change sweeping Eastern Europe and Russia.

In addition, Gil Grosvenor, Chairman of the Board of the National Geographic Society, will join us in the Baltics on the Sep. 5, 2009 voyage. A leading advocate for geographic education, Gil will share with guests his lifetime of experiences at the Society.

Plus, Laura Fraser, best-selling author, will conduct a writing workshop on the Sep. 13 sailing — a wonderful way to connect with your surroundings.

DAY 2 — Copenhagen, Denmark/Embark
Arrive in Denmark's royal capital, Copenhagen, in time for lunch and a brief stop to see and photograph the famed statue of The Little Mermaid. (L,D)

DAY 3 — Lübeck, Germany
Today we explore lovely Lübeck, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, Europe’s first Common Market. A boat ride along the canals gives us an overview of the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture. After lunch, join a guided walk exploring this culturally rich city. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 — Christiansø & Bornholm Islands, Denmark
These small islands off southern Sweden have belonged to Denmark since 1522. Today we land by Zodiac at tiny Christiansø. The bastion that stood here in the 18th century is now in ruins; its castle and cannons have made way for a charmingly lazy artists' village. Continue to the verdant island of Bornholm, rich in natural history. Starting at the picturesque fishing port, we visit the ruins of ancient Hammershus Castle, the largest in northern Europe. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 — Gdánsk, Poland
Homeland to our notable guest speaker Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Poland, Gdansk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity, the pivotal democratic movement that helped shape the changes throughout Eastern Europe. We dock at the historic shipyards with its moving Solidarity Monument, and stroll the lively streets of Old Town, with superb examples of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. Explore the old merchant’s houses and 15th-century Artus Court, and have ample time to explore on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 — At Sea
Time at sea to hear talks about the Baltic’s intriguing history and exciting future. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 — Riga, Latvia
A beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, Riga is dominated by its jumble of eclectic architecture from many periods, with Parisian-style parks and boulevards. The historic city center is a World Heritage Site, recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. We explore the cobbled streets of Old Town and 14th-century Riga Castle. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 — Visby, Gotland, Sweden
During the Viking Era, and for several hundred years onwards, the island of Gotland and especially the city of Visby, became a center of trade in the Baltic Sea. Today Visby is a well-preserved, walled city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The narrow, winding streets evoke the Middle Ages and together with the numerous gardens ablaze with flowers, have earned the city its nickname “the city of ruins and roses.” See the superb Viking exhibits at the Fornsal Museum and explore the botanical gardens. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 — Stockholm
Today we arrive in Stockholm, the royal capital of Sweden. The city that “floats on water,” Stockholm is built on 14 islands. Our exploration begins with a guided walk through the cobbled streets of the Old Town Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace and the famed Vasa Museum with its remarkable 17th-century warship, raised virtually intact in 1961. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 — Swedish Archipelago
Today is a day of exploration. We wind our way through the enchanting islands of the archipelago, looking for opportunities to kayak, walk ashore and soak up the idyllic Swedish landscape. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 — Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is known for its awe-inspiring city walls and narrow, well-preserved medieval streets. Our walking tour includes the scenic Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Town Hall Square, where a new breed of entrepreneurs have proudly opened an array of shops, cafes and galleries. A highlight is the vista from Dome Hill of Tallinn’s picturesque assortment of spires and gables. Our ship will remain here late into the evening, so those who wish may have dinner ashore or continue exploring on your own. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 — Helsinki, Finland
Wake up to our scenic approach to regal Helsinki, tying up right in town. The Russian influence on Finnish architecture is immediately evident on our guided walk. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral Tuomiokirkko, the busy open-air market and a ferry ride to the Suomenlinna Fortress (a World Heritage Site), located on a group of islands which strategically dominate the sea approach to the city. (B,L,D)

DAY 13-15 — St. Petersburg, Russia/Disembark/Grand Hotel Europ
Be on deck as National Geographic Explorer sails along the Neva River and docks in sight of the grand Hermitage Museum. St. Petersburg, with its grand palaces, canals and parks, is an illustrious finale to our journey. We disembark and check in to the five-star Grand Hotel Europe, spending three days exploring St. Petersburg’s imperial luxuries and artistic bounty. Visit the Hermitage, with its renowned art collections, the grandiose Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter the Great’s Summer Palace at Petrodvorets, with its gilded fountains and grand cascade, and the opulent palace of Catherine the Great at Pushkin. On one evening, dinner will be on your own with the option to attend a ballet performance at Catherine’s private bijou theater in the Hermitage. (Day 14: B,L; Days 13 & 15: B,L,D)

DAY 16 — St. Petersburg/Home (B)

9/10

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