Malbork Castle is the most complete and elaborate example of the Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. What is more, in 1997 it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNSECO. Much of the original structure survives at Malbork to testify to the high standards and outstanding quality of the workmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River commenced in 1274, with the Teutonic Knights creating this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, dungeons and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the Knight’s headquarters moved there from Venice, furthermore when in 1466 both castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, it served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation works of the castle were carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Following the severe damage that it incurred in the final stage of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Nowadays, the castle serves as a museum with grand exhibition halls, which display collections of armory, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.  You will depart the pier for the 75 minute drive to Malbork where you will spend 2.5 hours in this delightful setting.

Please note: This tour is not wheelchair accessible.  Wear comfortable walking shoes.

The city’s 1,000 years of history has left a rich collection of buildings and monuments designed in a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Although the Old Town of Gdansk is not as old as it might seem, since over 80% of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, it has been completely and lovingly restored to its’ previous glory. To get a flavor of this ancient city, follow the royal route from the Green Gate on the banks of Motlawa, which takes in Long Street and Long Market with its town houses spanning 400 years, the Main Town Hall, with its’ Red Chamber which is one of the most beautiful chambers in Poland, Arthur’s Court and the representative symbol of Gdansk- the Neptune Fountain. The most charming street in Gdansk is St. Mary Street which delights its’ visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings. In the Old Brewery (Brovarnia Gdansk) you can discover how by using only natural products the fresh beer is made and you will try local beers produced by the brewery.  As you enjoy your tasting you will never forget the amazing panoramic view of Old Town seen from our Summer Beer Terrace. 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Kayaking will give you the unforgettable opportunity to admire the Old Town of Gdansk from the water. You will see the Gdansk Crane, Spichrz Island, and many more interesting sites visible from the canal. You will depart by bus for the 30-minute drive to your kayaking location.  You will be fitted with life jackets and shown to your kayak.  Your guide will take you on this unique 1.5-hour tour before you  dock near Gdansk’s Old Town – a collection of marvelous buildings and monuments in Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you past the Town Hall, Long Market, and the beautiful 15th century merchant’s Palace of Artus Court. Pause at Neptune’s Fountain to admire this monumental symbol of Gdansk’s Hanseatic past, then proceed down to the waterfront canal.  You will turn up Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, with their lively atmosphere, quaint shops, and lovely terraced buildings. You will see St. Mary’s Church, the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshipers. This medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. You will have approximately 30 minutes to shop for amber jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs before the return bus trip to your waiting yacht.

Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

 

Your tour will take you to one of the largest and most glorious Art Nouveau places in Europe, with more than a third of the buildings of its Central District built in this style. The Art Nouveau movement reached its peak in the early 20th century, which is when the majority of Riga’s Art Nouveau houses were built. Drive to Alberta Street which is considered the epitome of Art Nouveau in Riga. Each house is a different and unique construction achievement. Nowhere else in Riga will you observe such a concentration of expression and architectural fantasy. You will be invited to visit a typical Art Nouveau family apartment. This is a unique apartment which represents the true nature of Art Nouveau living – from authentic planning of the rooms and original paintings of walls to the tiniest details – stained-glass windows, kitchen tiles and even handles of doors and windows. The collection of the museum accounts for more than 500 authentic objects – original Art Nouveau furniture, tableware, needleworks, clothes and many other items of interior design on display. Your experience of Riga would not be complete without a delightful boat trip. Riga Old Town is surrounded by water as a part of the old fortification system. Now it is a beautiful water route surrounded with green parks and flowerbeds. Enjoy the tour from the new wooden boats and see the Freedom Monument, the National Opera House, Latvian State University and many other great architectural monuments. Enjoy the scenery of Riga while tasting traditional Latvian cookies and soft drinks.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. The sequence of stops may vary in order to avoid congestion.

Start your day with a leisurely drive along the boulevards of Riga. Riga has around 800 art nouveau buildings, the majority of which are concentrated in the central part of Riga and are recognized as UNESCO Heritage Sites. Walk through Old Riga and get acquainted with its most famous architectural monuments: 13th century St. Peter's Church, St. George's Church, St. John's Church, a part of the restored city wall and the medieval John's yard. The tour will take you to the heart of Old Riga - the Dome Square. You will see the Dome Cathedral and the famous Riga Stock Exchange building. Finally, you'll cross the River Daugava for a magnificent panoramic view of the Old Town before your tour ends back at the pier.
 
Please note: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. The sequence of venues visited may be different to avoid congestion. This tour involves a large amount of walking over uneven surfaces.
 
 

 

 

 

Spend your day out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Just 30 miles west from busy and fast going Riga you will find a peaceful nature sanctuary - Kemeri National Park. The Park covers the area of 38,165 hectares and is the 3rd largest national park in Latvia. This park is special for its great biological diversity, mineral waters and therapeutic mud. The park also stands out with its diverse world of wetlands: raised bogs, fens, and transitional bogs can be found here. You will walk in the largest bog of the national park – The Great Kemeri Bog, which was formed 8,000 years ago and covers an area of 5,000 hectares. Kemeri Bog is home to many bird species such as black storks, sea eagles, small eagles and corncrakes. In the wet forest of the bog you can spot the white-backed woodpecker or the grey woodpecker. The bog is home not only for birds, but also for rare plant species such as yellow cuckoo, wild fawn and Loessel’s leopard, which thrive in the bog. A guide will lead you through unmarked trails through the bogs and take you to the world of moss, small pine trees, deep pools, tiny dark lakes, and the smell of wild rosemary.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing.  Bring a change of clothes as you may get dirty on this tour. Walking distance is estimated, depending on bog condition.

Riga, the capital of Latvia, is the largest city in the Baltic States. Founded in 1201 on the banks of Daugava River, Riga is known as the ancient Hanseatic city and is even named as "The little Paris." During the bus trip along the boulevards of Riga you will see the exceptionally beautiful examples of Art Nouveau architecture of the late 19th and early 20th century. You will stop by one of the lovely Art Nouveau buildings in the center of Riga. To the very same building, which you are about to visit, the secret Soviet state police, known as KGB moved in in 1940. In 1941 they left for 3 years, but in 1944 they took over the building again and left only when Latvia regained its independence in 1991. KGB imprisoned, tortured, killed and morally humiliated its victims in this building. Now this stark reminder of the Soviet regime opens its grim corridors and cells for guided visits. Re-join your bus and drive to the Academy of Science. On the way pass by outstanding Freedom Monument, which symbolizes the struggle of Latvian people for independence and Riga’s Central Market, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Latvian Academy of Sciences is considered to be the first high-rise in Latvia. It is one of the most notable examples of so-called Socialist Realism in Latvia. The 351-foot (107-meter) high building was originally intended to serve as a “kolkhoznik house” – a hotel for the workers from Soviet collective farms who visited Riga. However, since its construction in 1958, it has never served that function. Now scientists, researchers and historians occupy all 776 rooms. Take a ride on the vintage soviet elevator to the 17th floor and enjoy breath-taking views of Riga Old Town and the Daugava River.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. There are many flights of stairs in the KGB Museum. For guests with walking difficulties assistance is recommended. Sequence of stops may vary in order to avoid congestion.

Growing your own food is the Latvian way of life. You are invited to visit Riga Central Market – where people shop, meet, talk and spend their daily time. Board your bus and drive to Riga’s Central Market, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the Central Market you will meet with a Latvian Chef for a guided walk of the Market. The market includes five pavilions each with its own category – vegetables, dairy, meat, fish and gastronomy products. Here you will see not only Latvian-grown and homemade products, but also exotic fruit and spices. You will be welcomed to taste some of the local specialties. Then continue your exploration of Riga and drive to the Old Town. A walking tour through the labyrinth of cobblestone streets will reveal the flavors of Riga. There will be plenty of architectural examples to please your eye along the way and something uniquely Latvian for your palate. Visit the mysterious alchemic laboratory of Abraham Kunze, the home of Riga Black Balsam since the 18th century. The entrance to the laboratory is hidden behind a secret door. Once inside you will be surrounded by the authentic atmosphere of a medieval alchemic laboratory which will make you believe in the reality of miracles and the secret of Riga Black Balsam. You will see the pride of Riga, Dome Cathedral, famous for one of the biggest organs in Europe. Your guided tour continues to St. Peter's Church, St. George's Church, St. John's Church, a part of the restored city wall and the medieval John's yard. You will also have an opportunity to see the medieval dwelling houses "Three Brothers," 13th century St. Jacob's Church and 14th century Riga castle which now houses the President’s palace. Before heading back to the ship see the outstanding Freedom Monument (1935) which symbolizes the struggle of Latvian people for independence.

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing. This tour involves over 1 mile of walking and several flights of stairs. Tour is not wheelchair accessible. The sequence of stops may vary in order to avoid congestion.

Tallinn was first mentioned in written records in 1154. The medieval part of Tallinn is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the best–preserved medieval town centers in Europe. 

Start your trip with a drive from the cruise port to Noblessner district, situated close to the center of Tallinn.  In developing the Noblessner district, the aim has been to create a distinguished environment that sets great store by its historical heritage and picturesque seaside setting. Redevelopment will include the completion of a waterfront promenade and the reconstruction of the Foundry and yacht club. A photostop will be made at the seaside Noblessner. Rejoin the coach and drive to famous local market with hundreds of shopping and food tasting possibilities. The most modern market of its kind in Estonia, it brings an extraordinary range of items together under one roof, with everything from farm-fresh produce to tasty street food. The new market is something of a community center too, drawing in locals to do their everyday shopping, but its unique atmosphere, fascinating selection of antiques, and brewery also make it a great place for tourists to explore. Taste Estonian rye bread and cheese at the market. From  the market walk to Lower Old Town. The Lower Town was a free Hanseatic city of craftspeople and merchants and its history is evident in its guild houses, merchants’ homes and warehouses. During your walking tour in Tallinn’s Lower Town, you will be able to admire one of the highest buildings in the world in the 16th century St. Olaf’s church. Pass the Great Guild House, White Bread Passage, and the House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads, on your way to the Town Council’s Apothecary (1422) and the Town Hall (1404). Built in the heart of Tallinn next to a marketplace, the Town Hall has been used over the centuries as a site for fairs and celebrations. Next you will have lunch in an Old Town restaurant Rado (or similar), where you can try the local flavor. After lunch walk through the city center to Rotermann Quarter. Rotermann City is a cozy and friendly urban environment characterized by historical atmosphere, outstanding and tantalizing architecture, openness, uniqueness, and obviously the excellent location – right in the heart of the city. Rotermann Quarter celebrates its 185th anniversary and can be compared to Tallinn’s Old Town in terms of the number of historically valuable buildings. Enjoy a short cider break in one of Rotermann Quarter cafes. 

 

Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

 

 

The tourist coach will take you to Rottermann Quarter where you can learn all about chocolate in a chocolate-making workshop. It is here that the famous Estonian Kalev Producer has opened its newest shop, which not only sells chocolate, marzipan and confectionery products to sweet tooth’s but also organizes workshops on truffles. Your tour will include a 2-hour workshop on chocolate. You will have an extraordinary opportunity to make delicious fillings for your truffles and cover them with chocolate under the supervision of an experienced Master Confectioner. After the workshop you will be welcome to use your shopping privilege in the Kalev store and receive a discount on your purchase. The coach will take you back to the ship. 

Please note: There are 20 steps to enter the workshop.

On the pier, you’ll meet your Estonian guide, a freedom fighter who will take you back to 1991-1992 when Estonia became independant. In the Soviet bus, the guide will be talking about absurd Soviet propaganda, the Soviet leaders and of course offering vodka shots with pickles. The guide will be focusing on his/her personal stories: how people lived and become free 30 years ago, what Soviet life was like, the transition period and what the situation was in the USSR. You will learn more about Estonia in the style of histotainment/edutainment. Enjoy a picnic of sausage rolls, a beverage, mustard and vodka near the seashore. The guide will talk about new life since the 1990s but still have funny Soviet background stories about when they see capitalists coming to their bus.
 
Please note: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
 
 

 

 

 

Tallinn’s Old Town has earned a place in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Capture views of its must-see highlights and gain an appreciation of Estonia’s rich musical traditions. Your coach will travel past the Old Town Wall, the National Opera, and Freedom Square.  You will ascend Dome Hill (Toompea), for enchanting views of the Parliament of Estonia, the Tall Hermann Tower and the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Alexander Nevski. Other sites include the Lutheran Dome Church (St. Mary’s Cathedral) and the House of the Estonian Knighthood.  Then take a stroll along narrow cobblestone lanes and alleys for sweeping panoramas of the Lower Town with its red rooftops and slender church steeples framed by beautiful sea views.  Enter a restaurant and meet a folk musician, learn about Estonian music traditions and see the playing of various musical instruments. Refreshments of Estonian snacks will be served before your walk continues to Town Hall Square, past the Great Guild House, House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Beyond lies the Town Council’s 15th century Apothecary and Town Hall. After traversing Apteegi (Pharmacy) Lane you will continue to the Katariina (Catherine’s) Passage lined with handicraft workshops. Reboard the coach and return to the ship.

 

Please note: Comfortable shoes are recommended as some of the walk is along cobblestone streets and there are 20 steps to climb to enter the churches.

 

 

 

You will take a short walk to the pier of departure where you will be given appropriate clothes to change in to  and a life jacket and you will be ready for a fast boat ride in the Finnish Archipelago. You will board your special speed boat, built with a fiberglass-reinforced hull and powered by a powerful engine and begin your adventure heading away from the center of the city, past the embassy park and Suomenlinna Island. Pass the giant Icebreakers heading toward the narrow straight “Kustaanmiekka,” and then hit full throttle! You will experience the scenic Finnish Archipelago at 40 knots, traveling over the waves and past large and small islands. See Finnish summer homes, some dating back to the 19th century. You will land at a scenic location in the Finnish Archipelago and enjoy some refreshments, Finnish style, fry sausages and sample a taste of Finnish beer. Speeding back to the city, enjoy more of the Helsinki skyline before arriving back to the boarding point. You will return to the pier and walk back to your ship, one great thrilling experience richer!

Please note: The sites passed and visited are subject to change due to weather conditions, high-water or rough seas. The Captain has the right to cancel, change, shorten or abort the tour at any time due to weather conditions, high water or rough seas. Guests are required to be in normal physical condition.

Become acquainted with Helsinki’s imposing architecture and fascinating history before taking a brief foray out into the countryside. You will pass Helsinki’s colorful open-air market, the Presidential Palace, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral and the icebreakers docked for the summer, the Bank of Finland and the House of Estates to pause at Senate Square to learn about the city’s history and admire the neoclassical-style buildings dating from the mid-1800s.  Next, head out to the farming community of Sipoo, which although close to the city is typically representative of the Finnish countryside. On arrival you will view St. Sigfrid’s, which was built in the 1400s and is the community’s oldest church. Then continue your drive through the forest to a Finnish countryside home nestled beside a beautiful lake.  You will have time to stroll the grounds as your charming hosts describe life in Finland. Later, refreshments of coffee or tea with seasonal berry pie and ice cream will be served. A leisurely drive back to the city will take you along Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare. Here you see Parliament House, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, Kiasma and the Olympic Stadium.  

Please note: When special functions are being held at St. Sigfrid’s Church or the Rock Church, an interior visit is not possible. St. Sigfrid’s Church is closed on Sundays. 

Experience the bustling city harbor of Helsinki with its large ferries and picturesque islands. Take a short motor coach ride to the city center – a fascinating mix of East and West, old and new. Stop in the historic heart of Helsinki, Senate Square which dates back to 1778. Visit the famous Rock Church – an intriguing modern-day structure built entirely into bedrock and quarried stone. You’ll pass City Hall, the President’s Palace, Olympic Stadium, Opera House, and the Parliament House. In Sibelius Park, photograph the monument of over 600 steel pipes which honors the great Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. Take note of the location of Esplanade Street, famous for its fine shops and open-air restaurants. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the option of shopping independently in town or returning to the yacht.

Please note: In the event that a special function is being held at the Rock Church, an inside visit will not be possible. 

One of the finest ways to explore Helsinki’s tree-lined avenues, graceful parks, and distinctive architecture is on foot. From the pier, a coach will transport you directly to Senate Square, with its imposing Lutheran Church, Senate Building, and University, in neo-classical style. From here, your walk passes the Eliel Saarinen Central Railway Station, National Theater and Sanoma Talo. Then view several formidable buildings which dominate the city skyline, such as the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum, and Parliament House.  A welcome cup of coffee or tea will be served with a pastry at a waterfront café near the Opera House, before ascending to the Töölö residential area, through Hesperia Park. Ahead lies the famous Rock Church, a magnificent modern-day structure built entirely into bedrock and quarried stone. As your walk concludes here, a coach will return you directly to the pier. Guests on morning departures have the option of staying in the downtown area before returning independently to the ship.

Please note: Audio headsets are provided. As the walk covers approximately 4 miles, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When special functions are being held at the Rock Church, an interior visit is not possible. The order of sites visited may be altered.