Guest Speaker 
35-year offer 
Deluxe Stateroom Deck 3
30% Ponant Bonus
204 ft²
2
Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea
Copenhagen - Stockholm
Dates:
10/07/2024
to
18/07/2024
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you to discover the historical cities along the Baltic Sea. You will embark on Le Dumont-d’Urville for a 9-day cruise about the cultural wonders of the Hanseatic League.
Departing from Copenhagen, you will head for the charming fishing village of Gudhjem. Located on the small Danish island of Bornholm, it is very popular among the Danes for its gentle way of life and its beautiful landscapes of rock formations.
Your ship will then call at Gdansk, famous for its amber stone and its shipyards. The former Hanseatic city will reveal some of its architectural treasures, in Gothic and Baroque styles, restored or rebuilt.
Further north, Klaipeda, formerly known as Memel, the main port town in Lithuania, is separated only by a narrow channel from the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO Heritage.
During your cruise, Helsinki, located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Then You will visit Tallinn, emblematic city of the Hanseatic League, the large trading network that dominated the Baltic Sea for several centuries. Listed as UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still have remarkably well-preserved public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
Finally, you will then chart a course for Stockholm. Built on water, the Swedish capital embraces nature, which is omnipresent there. Its blend of medieval architecture, colourful houses and trendy neighbourhoods makes it a particularly enjoyable city to visit.
Ref : EU100724
Your itinerary
A cruise on the Baltic Sea, to discover important cities of the Hanseatic League, through six northern European countries: Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Sweden. Gudhjem, a charming fishing...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects stays and flights then takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE LYRIAL
07/11/2023 to the 22/11/2023
LE LYRIAL
01/10/2023 to the 08/10/2023
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
06/02/2024 to the 03/03/2024
LE BORÉAL
07/07/2024 to the 20/07/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life 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
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
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 activities
Highlights
- A cruise on the Baltic Sea, to discover important cities of the Hanseatic League, through six northern European countries: Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, Estonia, Sweden.
- Gudhjem, a charming fishing village on the Danish island of Bornholm.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Curonian Spit from Klaipeda, from Helsinki, the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, the old town of Tallinn.
- Discover four European capitals on the same cruise: Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), Stockholm (Sweden).
- An overnight stay in Stockholm, to discover its historical heritage in an outstanding natural setting.
- Before your cruise: possibility to visit Copenhagen.
Ports of Call & Excursions
10 July 2024 - Copenhagen
Embarkation 10/07/2024 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 10/07/2024 at 18:00
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
11 July 2024 - Gudhjem, Bornholm
Arrival 11/07/2024 midday
Departure 11/07/2024 late afternoon
Lying in the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the medieval village of Gudhjem, on the island of Bornholm, is one of the most visited and most popular villages in Denmark. As you stroll along its picturesque streets, you will fall under the spell of its varied landscapes, its easy way of life, and the authenticity of this charming town with half-timbered houses topped with red roofs, in the Danish tradition. It is here, along these charming streets, that the first herring smokehouses were built in the mid-19th century, attracting all the region’s fishermen. Tucked away in a gorgeous natural setting composed of rocky cliffs, dense forests and beaches of white sand, Gudhjem will provide an unforgettable interlude where time will seem to stand still.
12 July 2024 - Gdansk
Arrival 12/07/2024 early morning
Departure 12/07/2024 late afternoon
This ravishing city on the Baltic sea is nicknamed “the golden door of Poland”, and you’ll understand why when you see its beautiful Hanseatic architecture. You’ll be charmed by the mouldings and gables that enhance the colourful façades of the houses. Along the Vistula Quays, you can take a pleasant stroll among the crafts shops. In elegant Mariacka street, the amber jewellers will most certainly tempt you into their boutiques. You can visit the church of Saint-Mary and its astronomic clock. Not far, the majestic Long Market square offers the famous Artus Court and the rich Gdansk History Museum.
13 July 2024 - Klaipeda
Arrival 13/07/2024 early morning
Departure 13/07/2024 late afternoon
Klaipeda was founded in the 13th century by Christian crusaders from the German Order of Teutonic Knights. Its strategic location on the edge of the Baltic Sea has made it a source of conflict between Germans, Poles, Lithuanians and even the French since its creation. Today, the legacy of Klaipeda’s rich history is a great multiculturalism. This is the main port of Lithuania and the country’s third largest city. The beautiful landscapes of the surrounding Baltic coast make it a popular tourist destination. The city centre is very pleasant to visit due to its architecture blending German and Scandinavian influences.
14 July 2024 - At sea
Arrival 14/07/2024
Departure 14/07/2024
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
15 July 2024 - Helsinki
Arrival 15/07/2024 early morning
Departure 15/07/2024 late evening
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
16 July 2024 - Tallinn
Arrival 16/07/2024 early morning
Departure 16/07/2024 early evening
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
17 July 2024 18 July 2024 - Stockholm
Arrival 17/07/2024 early afternoon
Disembarkation 18/07/2024 at 08:00
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
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Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
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This tour involves approximately 400 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk city tour & Chopin concert
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by 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 and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints. Enjoy some time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
Next, drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and enjoy an exlusive concert of Polish classical music, which presents the most famous pieces of classical music written by Frédéric Chopin, as well as other great masters that continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer) and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire programme will be performed by a renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
After the concert, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.24 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A welcome drink before the concert will be offered.
Total : €350
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk city tour
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate façades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by 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 and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of the Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.
You will enjoy time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Malbork Castle
Discover the beauty of Poland and visit the castle that has remained an object of European fascination since its mediaval origins.
Meet your guide, then board your bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Malbork.
Follow your guide and get immersed in medieval Poland, the time of the Teutonic Knights and the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork, is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. Moreover, in 1997 it was included in the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites. A large part of the original structure remains in Malbork and testifies to the high standard and exceptional quality of craftsmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River began in 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, keeps and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the headquarters of the knights left Venice to settle here. In 1466, the castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, and served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation work on the castle was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the severe damage it suffered during the final phase of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Today, the castle serves as a museum, with large exhibition halls, which display collections of armour, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
At the end of this exceptional tour, you will return, by bus, to your ship in Gdansk.
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This tour involves approximately 1km of walking with 150 steps to negotiate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Polish culinary traditions in Gdansk
Discover one of the most popular specialties of Poland: pierogi. This tour will allow you to taste the local food and enjoy a guided tour of Gdansk.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a short 30-minute drive to downtown Gdansk.
Together with your guide, you will arrive at a local workshop where you can make and taste pierogi. Indeed, as far as cuisine is concerned, Poland is the most famous country for its pierogi, also called dumplings. They are made by wrapping pockets of unleavened dough around a savoury or sweet filling and cooking them in boiling water. During this workshop, your local chef will explain all the subtleties of this dish. He will guide you in the preparation of your pierogi. You will have the opportunity to get your hands dirty by following the Polish recipe with local ingredients and your chef's instructions, and prepare your own Polish dumplings. Your chefs know the recipes inside out, so you will not only prepare and taste these delicious dishes, but you will also learn about the true Polish traditions. After the workshop, you will taste your preparations accompanied by a glass of a typical Polish drink, namely kompot. It is a national drink, that is non-alcoholic, which and accompanies the meals in Poland. Very different from the traditional compote, the Polish kompot is prepared with stewed fruits and water.
After this workshop and tastings, you will head to a local restaurant for another tasting: the Goldwasser. This is a strong liquor made from roots and herbs that has been produced since at least 1598 in Gdansk. The most striking feature of this drink is the presence of small gold flakes of 22 or 23 carats suspended in the drink. You will learn more about its history from your guide and taste the liquor.
Finally, your guide will take you to the heart of Gdansk for a guided tour of the Old Town. - tThe city's 1,000-year history has left a rich collection of buildings and monuments designed in a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Although Gdansk's Old Town is not as old as it looks, as over 80% of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, it has been thoroughly and lovingly restored to its former glory.
Enjoy some free time before re-joining your guide and coach to return to your ship.
- This tour includes 2.5 km of walking over flat and partially cobblestoned streets. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charms of Franciscan Kretinga
Kretinga is a quaint little town situated just a 30-minute drive north to Klaipeda. From the pier board your coach and drive to this city with its special charm.
You will first visit the Church of the Annunciation which dates back to the 17th century. On the grounds surrounding the church you will view the stations of the cross. See the 400-year-old main altar restored to its authentic glory and go down to the crypts.
The adjoining Franciscan monastery combines Renaissance and Baroque elements. The Franciscan brothers, who lived in the monastery, have made a great contribution to education in Lithuania. They opened the first school and later began publishing books and newspapers. The Franciscan monastery was closed by the tsarist government and again later in Soviet times. In 1992, after the independence, the Franciscans returned. They look after the church and hold warm and welcoming services. The church is invariably full when services are held. One of the brothers or sisters will guide you around the church if they are not at prayer.
Continue by coach through the center of Kretinga to Count Tiskevicius’ 19th century estate. This historic mansions is also widely known for its special home made chocolate, which is known since 18 century. You will be offered a cup of tea or coffe, special Count's chocolate and a piece of Lithunian cake in a former Kretinga's Water Mill, which now houses a cosy family owned cafe.
Return by bus to Klaipeda and drive through the central streets. Pass the Neo-Gothic Post Office building, the Clock and Watches museum before making a stop in the Old Town of Klaipeda to view the sculpture of Annchen von Tharau in the Theatre Square.
Re-board your coach for the 10-minute return drive to the pier and your ship.
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Total walking distance for this tour is 2 km (1.24 mile) on uneven surfaces (cobblestones at the monastery and in the old town); some steps are involved. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cycling to the end of the Dunes
Depart from the pier by bicycle to the pedestrian ferry and cross the lagoon to the Curonian spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also known as Neringa. The old legend says that the giant Neringa gathered an apron full of sand and poured a ribbon of sand to divide the sea from the lagoon and thus make fishermen safer from sea storms.
The short 10-minute trip by ferry across the lagoon to the Curonian spit is an enjoyable experience. Once you are on the Curonian Spit, bike along the lagoon passing Klaipeda yacht club on the way. Reach the Hagen Dune and make a stop to view the panorama of Klaipeda. Continue through the picturesque Curonian Spit and stop by the dunes. You will find out how the Curonian Spit forests were planted by human hands and saved the Spit from disappearance.
Continue on the forest trail and cycle out to see one of the most beautiful beaches in Klaipeda, also considered one of the best on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Take a break and enjoy light Lithuanian snacks and local beer at a local cafe near the beach.
On the way back to the ferry, ride along the breakwater. Pass 19th century Prussian military fort, which is now the Sea and Maritime Museum. Pass old fishing vessels and a typical 19th century fishermen's farmstead before taking the ferry back to Klaipeda and bike to the heart of the Old town of Klaipeda. Browse through the local craftsmen market before returning to the pier.
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Total biking distance for this tour is 16 km (10 miles). Participants should be in excellent physical condition. E-bikes are available for guests older than 16 years.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Legends of the Witches Hill
You will meet your guide and board your coach for a short drive through Klaipeda. From, there, you will embark on a 10-minute ferry ride across the Curonian Lagoon to the Curonian Spit, famous for its unique and unspoilt nature. Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You guide will lead you through Juodkrante (Blackshore), the oldest fishermen’s village on the Spit. Today, it is a seaside resort, which has retained its old charm. On the way to Juodkrante you will pass by Amber Bay, where amber was mined in the 19th century. In Juodkrante, you will be able to admire the decorated and ornamented traditional fishermen's houses.
Opened in 1979, the Hill of Witches is a collection of sculptures of witches, devils and fairy tale monsters, all carved from oak. Here, you can whisper to the witch who, it is said, will fulfil your wishes. Or sit on a bench, which is said to cure all diseases. See legends come to live such as the giant Neringa, Egle the Queen of Grass-Snakes, the Thunder, the Poacher and many witches performing their devilry. This is a special place somewhere between the mystical and the real world, where your imagination and creative powers come alive.
In Juodkrante, you will walk along the Lagoon quay, which is decorated with modern sculptures. You will stop to see the Evangelical Lutheran church and the Gallery of Weathervanes. In the 19th century, weathervanes were used as a special marking system on the top of Kurenas. Later, fishing boats. Later, the weathervanes became an original artistic phenomenon. In the gallery, you will have the opportunity to meet the owner, see amber artefacts, unique pieces containing inclusions and jewellery made by local amber artists.
Take the ferry back to Klaipeda and make a photo stop in the heart of the Old Town, at the Theatre Square before driving back to the ship.
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The tour includes a walking distance of approximately 2,5 kilometres (1.55 miles). The Hill of Witches - hard gravel forest path going uphill and downhill. Roots of the trees are crossing the path. Lutheran church - even surface, 2 steps at the entrance to the church. No ramp. The Weathervane gallery - a flat surface, 2 steps at the entrance to the gallery. No ramp. Klaipeda Old Town - cobblestones, 10-15 steps total. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. It is advisable to wear waterproof clothing or/and carry an umbrella during a rainy day.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Beauty of Curonian peninsula
From the pier, board your coach for a drive to the local ferry and cross the lagoon to the Curonian peninsula, which is also known as Neringa. The old legend says that the giant Neringa gathered an apron full of sand and poured a ribbon of sand to divide the sea from the lagoon and thus make fishermen safer from sea storms.
Next, drive through this picturesque narrow stretch of land, which is 60.3 miles (97 km) long and see the diverse nature of the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way, pass through the oldest fishing village of Juodkrante (Blackshore) with its Amber bay, Lutheran church, and beautiful villas.
After a 1-hour drive, you will arrive in the main settlement of Nida for a guided walk in the center : see the fishermen’s cottages, beautiful weathervanes, flat bottom boat Kurenas and have a chance to buy some souvenirs or have refreshments in a local restaurant during your free time.
Continue, to the nearby Kazimieras Mizgiris Amber gallery where you will find out all there is to know about amber, its origins and places where it can be found. See impressive pieces of amber, beautiful jewelry as well as the exhibits from the “amber treasure of Juodkrante”.
After the visit, you will head to a local restaurant for a nice lunch, before driving to the 52-meter high Great Dune, and view the magnificent panorama over the dunes and the town. On a sunny day, you can also see the Russian territory of Kaliningrad !
Then, you will take the ferry and drive back to the pier and your ship.
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This tour involves some steps and approximately 1.24 miles (2 km) of walking on uneven terrain (sandy surface). We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : €95
According to availability, price per passenger.
Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the Market Square and enjoy free time before walking back to the ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) 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 nonexclusive.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porvoo Old Town and Malmgård manor
Enjoy a delightful drive through the Finnish countryside to the medieval town of Porvoo for a walking tour and a visit of Malmgård manor.
Board your motorcoach for a one hour drive to Porvoo.
The second oldest town in Finland, Porvoo is one of Finland's six medieval towns. It is famous for its wooden buildings in the old town and cobbled streets with charming shops and cafes. Celebrated as a national treasure, its old town has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. With your guide, you will admire the red warehouses on the riverbank that once formed the medieval port. Today, these old buildings have become the symbol of Porvoo and are among the most photographed attractions in Finland. After a short orientation walk, you will enjoy some free time before heading to Malmgård Castle.
The manor house is of renaissance inspiration and is one of the most beautiful in Finland. Malmgård is now a private estate.
Your host will welcome you and invite you to visit this magnificent building which has belonged to the Creutz family since the early 1600s. Count Henrik Creutz still resides in the manor and has modernised the property by creating an organic farm and an ecological brewery. After the tour, you will be served a light lunch before heading to the farm's eco-brewery. The brew master will show you the secrets of his products. You will taste 3 types of beer and have a chance to share your opinion with the brewer ! And of course, the history of the farm and how it became involved in ecological farming is also a very interesting topic.
The estate also has a shop selling produce from the farm, local specialities and beers.
Back on the bus, you will return to Helsinki after this pleasant day in the Finnish countryside.
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This tour includes approximately 2km of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestoned streets and wooden floors. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Helsinki highlights
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was 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.
Then 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. 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 (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Foraging in a Finnish forest
This tour takes you on a journey through Mother Nature's kitchen, right in the heart of the Finnish forest.
Board your coach for a 45 minute drive through the Finnish landscapes towards Nuuksio National Park.
Here, you will meet your local Finnish forest guide, who has studied all the edible herbs, berries and mushrooms. He will guide you through the national park and will explain all the secrets of the forest, which is a kind of open-air market garden and kitchen. Indeed, Finland's ever-changing and organic forests provide families with a wide variety of ingredients that change with each season.
During your tour in the middle of the forest the guide will tell you about the Finnish culture, and the importance of the open spaces for the locals.
Every story is unique when it starts in nature. The story of the day will be directed by the season and the wild foods you can find in the heart of it. From spring to autumn, you will be on the hunt for wild herbs like elderberry and nettle, wild berries like blueberries, raspberries and lingonberries, and some of nature's finest mushrooms, such as the golden chanterelle and the picturesque porcini.
Accompanied by your guide, you will cook and taste the products in the same way as a Finnish person would. You will also use the collected products to make a dish. You can make a salad, create a creamy mushroom sauce or even make your own cranberry jam. You will enjoy a Finnish-style light lunch cooked over a campfire.
After this journey in the forest, you will reboard your coach and drive back to the ship.
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This tour includes approximately 3km of walking in the forest. A raincoat in case of rain is included in the tour. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing in accordance with the weather. Guests must be well fit for a nature walk.
Total : €165
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in 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.
You will 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 filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
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This tour involves 2 km (1.24 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle “Three Crowns”, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armoury will be offered.
Total : €95
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Dumont-d'Urville
Le Dumont-d’Urville belongs to a new generation of ships fitted with innovative equipment and designed to be environmentally friendly, and which come equipped with lounges that are largely open to the exterior, an outdoor swimming pool and a Blue Eye, a multisensorial underwater lounge. Everything is in place for an extraordinary cruise experience. It's now possible to depart for adventure to the most remote places on the planet onboard a ship offering luxury services.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
35-year offer
35 years ago, Le Ponant, the company’s iconic flag-ship vessel, welcomed her very first guests on a journey to discover exclusive destinations. To celebrate 35 years of sailing, exploration and discoveries at sea, we are offering you an additional 10% savings for 35 days on more than 200 departures when you book by 5 July 2023!
To take advantage of the 35th-anniversary offer and all your benefits, we invite you to contact your cruise advisors or your travel agency by phone or email, and mention the offer code PONANT35.
Offer available from 01/06/23 until 05/07/2023 with code « PONANT35 » - Discount of 10% for the thirty-fifth anniversary of PONANT.
Offer non combinable with Flight credit offers, Free Single supplement, Webinar, Onboard sale or Ponant event discounts.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
The best of Bornholm
From Gudhjem, you will board your coach and begin your scenic tour through the picturesque farmlands of the small Baltic island of Bornholm belonging to Denmark. On the way, you will enjoy the coastal landscape, heading to the Baltic Sea Glass workshop, located a few kilometers from Gudhjem. Baltic Sea Glass is Denmark's largest glass blowing studio, for which the island is famous. The studio and gallery are set in a converted chicken coop. Today, Baltic Sea Glass welcomes between 100,000 and 120,000 visitors every year. Although they mainly design and produce functional tabletop glassware, the workshop also creates unique pieces for galleries and museum exhibitions.
At the end of the tour, you will continue to Almindingen, on the other side of the island. In one of Denmark's largest forest areas, you will discover Oesterlars round church, one of the four round churches located on Bornholm (representing half of all round churches in Denmark). A visit inside the church is planned, provided that no religious services are scheduled.
The next stop is at Hammershus, an ancient fortress built on the northern tip of Bornholm. These are the largest castle ruins in Northern Europe. The oldest part was built in the early 12th century to consolidate the power held by the Archbishop of Lund (then part of Denmark) over the island and obtained through an agreement with the Danish king, Svend Grathe. For the next 500 years Hammershus was home to various rulers of the island. Hammershus has been rebuilt and expanded several times. In 1743, Hammershus was finally abandoned as a fortress.
You visit will end with a stop in the charming village of Allinge where you will visit one of the smokehouses for that the island is also renowned. During this visit, you can taste smoked herring and an icecold beer before making the short return trip to the village of Gudhjem to board your ship.
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Approx 2 km - gravel, concrete, mostly flat - but there are stairs at Hammershus. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure around the island and through the lush Danish countryside. Drive along the northern coast of this little island situated far from the rest of Denmark in the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the unspoiled landscape and cliffs along the coast and drive through the little village of Allinge before reaching your first stop, the ruins of Hammershus.
Hammershus is the largest ruined castle in Northern Europe. The oldest part of the ruin dates back to the early 12th century and was erected to consolidate control of the island by Archbishop of Lund in the south of Sweden, which also used to be a part of Denmark. Enjoy the magnificent view of the ruin from the viewing point and explore the visitor center where you can learn more about the ruin and the kings who ruled the island.
Next, enjoy the journey to the south of Bornholm, arriving at its biggest town Rønne. Rønne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Rønne has an interesting history, falling under both German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port. You will take a stroll along the cobbled streets and enjoy the coloured timbered and half-timbered houses. Rønne is now one of the most visited and popular villages in Denmark. Enjoy time exploring the capital on your own.
Along the northern coast, you will travel into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars which dates back to 1150. It was used both as a place of worship and as protection against enemies from the sea.
Taking the coastal road, you will then travel back to Gudhjem, where you will have the opportunity to walk from the top of the village down the winding narrow streets with your guide before your journey ends where it began.
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This tour involves approximately 400 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Total : €85
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk city tour & Chopin concert
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate facades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by 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 and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints. Enjoy some time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
Next, drive to the Polish Baltic Philharmonic and enjoy an exlusive concert of Polish classical music, which presents the most famous pieces of classical music written by Frédéric Chopin, as well as other great masters that continued his tradition: Edward Grieg, Fritz Kreisler, Wojciech Kilar (a contemporary film music composer) and Henryk Wieniawski. The entire programme will be performed by a renowned Polish pianist Rafal Lewandowski.
After the concert, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.24 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). A welcome drink before the concert will be offered.
Total : €350
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gdansk city tour
From the pier in Gdansk, you will board your coach for a drive through the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town.
The city’s 1,000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Your guided walk will bring you to the heart of the city - the Old Town. You will see buildings decorated with elaborate façades crowded by ornate gables. You will pass by 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 and its connection with the sea before walking down to the waterfront canal. Then take Mariacka or St. Mary’s Street, which delight its visitors with its lively atmosphere, quaint shops and lovely terraced buildings.
Continue to St. Mary’s Church, the pride of Gdansk. Gothic St. Mary’s is the world’s largest brick church, accommodating some 25,000 worshippers. Situated in the centre of the Old Town, this medieval church took 159 years to build, and its deceivingly plain exterior belies a bright, spacious interior with large windows and more than 30 beautifully decorated chapels. The floor is covered with ancient tombstones, and the northern transept holds an amazing 15th-century astronomical clock, complete with the zodiac cycle and a calendar of the saints.
You will enjoy time at leisure to shop for amber jewellery, artwork and souvenirs in the Old Town of Gdansk.
- This tour involves approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mile) of walking, some over cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered).
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Malbork Castle
Discover the beauty of Poland and visit the castle that has remained an object of European fascination since its mediaval origins.
Meet your guide, then board your bus for a one-hour ride to the town of Malbork.
Follow your guide and get immersed in medieval Poland, the time of the Teutonic Knights and the largest medieval fortress in Europe.
Malbork Castle, also known as the Castle of the Teutonic Order of Malbork, is the most complete and elaborate example of a Gothic brick castle complex in the characteristic and unique style of the Teutonic Order. Moreover, in 1997 it was included in the list of UNSECO World Heritage Sites. A large part of the original structure remains in Malbork and testifies to the high standard and exceptional quality of craftsmanship practiced in the region throughout the 14th century. Construction along the Nogat River began in 1274, when the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers, keeps and wonderful architectural details. In 1309, the headquarters of the knights left Venice to settle here. In 1466, the castle and town became part of Royal Prussia, a province of Poland, and served as the royal residence of Polish kings for the next 300 years. Extensive conservation work on the castle was carried out in the 19th and early 20th centuries. After the severe damage it suffered during the final phase of World War II, the castle was renovated once again. Today, the castle serves as a museum, with large exhibition halls, which display collections of armour, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
At the end of this exceptional tour, you will return, by bus, to your ship in Gdansk.
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This tour involves approximately 1km of walking with 150 steps to negotiate. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €80
According to availability, price per passenger.
Polish culinary traditions in Gdansk
Discover one of the most popular specialties of Poland: pierogi. This tour will allow you to taste the local food and enjoy a guided tour of Gdansk.
Meet your guide and board your coach for a short 30-minute drive to downtown Gdansk.
Together with your guide, you will arrive at a local workshop where you can make and taste pierogi. Indeed, as far as cuisine is concerned, Poland is the most famous country for its pierogi, also called dumplings. They are made by wrapping pockets of unleavened dough around a savoury or sweet filling and cooking them in boiling water. During this workshop, your local chef will explain all the subtleties of this dish. He will guide you in the preparation of your pierogi. You will have the opportunity to get your hands dirty by following the Polish recipe with local ingredients and your chef's instructions, and prepare your own Polish dumplings. Your chefs know the recipes inside out, so you will not only prepare and taste these delicious dishes, but you will also learn about the true Polish traditions. After the workshop, you will taste your preparations accompanied by a glass of a typical Polish drink, namely kompot. It is a national drink, that is non-alcoholic, which and accompanies the meals in Poland. Very different from the traditional compote, the Polish kompot is prepared with stewed fruits and water.
After this workshop and tastings, you will head to a local restaurant for another tasting: the Goldwasser. This is a strong liquor made from roots and herbs that has been produced since at least 1598 in Gdansk. The most striking feature of this drink is the presence of small gold flakes of 22 or 23 carats suspended in the drink. You will learn more about its history from your guide and taste the liquor.
Finally, your guide will take you to the heart of Gdansk for a guided tour of the Old Town. - tThe city's 1,000-year history has left a rich collection of buildings and monuments designed in a splendid mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Although Gdansk's Old Town is not as old as it looks, as over 80% of the buildings were rebuilt after the devastation of World War II, it has been thoroughly and lovingly restored to its former glory.
Enjoy some free time before re-joining your guide and coach to return to your ship.
- This tour includes 2.5 km of walking over flat and partially cobblestoned streets. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charms of Franciscan Kretinga
Kretinga is a quaint little town situated just a 30-minute drive north to Klaipeda. From the pier board your coach and drive to this city with its special charm.
You will first visit the Church of the Annunciation which dates back to the 17th century. On the grounds surrounding the church you will view the stations of the cross. See the 400-year-old main altar restored to its authentic glory and go down to the crypts.
The adjoining Franciscan monastery combines Renaissance and Baroque elements. The Franciscan brothers, who lived in the monastery, have made a great contribution to education in Lithuania. They opened the first school and later began publishing books and newspapers. The Franciscan monastery was closed by the tsarist government and again later in Soviet times. In 1992, after the independence, the Franciscans returned. They look after the church and hold warm and welcoming services. The church is invariably full when services are held. One of the brothers or sisters will guide you around the church if they are not at prayer.
Continue by coach through the center of Kretinga to Count Tiskevicius’ 19th century estate. This historic mansions is also widely known for its special home made chocolate, which is known since 18 century. You will be offered a cup of tea or coffe, special Count's chocolate and a piece of Lithunian cake in a former Kretinga's Water Mill, which now houses a cosy family owned cafe.
Return by bus to Klaipeda and drive through the central streets. Pass the Neo-Gothic Post Office building, the Clock and Watches museum before making a stop in the Old Town of Klaipeda to view the sculpture of Annchen von Tharau in the Theatre Square.
Re-board your coach for the 10-minute return drive to the pier and your ship.
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Total walking distance for this tour is 2 km (1.24 mile) on uneven surfaces (cobblestones at the monastery and in the old town); some steps are involved. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Cycling to the end of the Dunes
Depart from the pier by bicycle to the pedestrian ferry and cross the lagoon to the Curonian spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is also known as Neringa. The old legend says that the giant Neringa gathered an apron full of sand and poured a ribbon of sand to divide the sea from the lagoon and thus make fishermen safer from sea storms.
The short 10-minute trip by ferry across the lagoon to the Curonian spit is an enjoyable experience. Once you are on the Curonian Spit, bike along the lagoon passing Klaipeda yacht club on the way. Reach the Hagen Dune and make a stop to view the panorama of Klaipeda. Continue through the picturesque Curonian Spit and stop by the dunes. You will find out how the Curonian Spit forests were planted by human hands and saved the Spit from disappearance.
Continue on the forest trail and cycle out to see one of the most beautiful beaches in Klaipeda, also considered one of the best on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Take a break and enjoy light Lithuanian snacks and local beer at a local cafe near the beach.
On the way back to the ferry, ride along the breakwater. Pass 19th century Prussian military fort, which is now the Sea and Maritime Museum. Pass old fishing vessels and a typical 19th century fishermen's farmstead before taking the ferry back to Klaipeda and bike to the heart of the Old town of Klaipeda. Browse through the local craftsmen market before returning to the pier.
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Total biking distance for this tour is 16 km (10 miles). Participants should be in excellent physical condition. E-bikes are available for guests older than 16 years.
Total : €110
According to availability, price per passenger.
Legends of the Witches Hill
You will meet your guide and board your coach for a short drive through Klaipeda. From, there, you will embark on a 10-minute ferry ride across the Curonian Lagoon to the Curonian Spit, famous for its unique and unspoilt nature. Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You guide will lead you through Juodkrante (Blackshore), the oldest fishermen’s village on the Spit. Today, it is a seaside resort, which has retained its old charm. On the way to Juodkrante you will pass by Amber Bay, where amber was mined in the 19th century. In Juodkrante, you will be able to admire the decorated and ornamented traditional fishermen's houses.
Opened in 1979, the Hill of Witches is a collection of sculptures of witches, devils and fairy tale monsters, all carved from oak. Here, you can whisper to the witch who, it is said, will fulfil your wishes. Or sit on a bench, which is said to cure all diseases. See legends come to live such as the giant Neringa, Egle the Queen of Grass-Snakes, the Thunder, the Poacher and many witches performing their devilry. This is a special place somewhere between the mystical and the real world, where your imagination and creative powers come alive.
In Juodkrante, you will walk along the Lagoon quay, which is decorated with modern sculptures. You will stop to see the Evangelical Lutheran church and the Gallery of Weathervanes. In the 19th century, weathervanes were used as a special marking system on the top of Kurenas. Later, fishing boats. Later, the weathervanes became an original artistic phenomenon. In the gallery, you will have the opportunity to meet the owner, see amber artefacts, unique pieces containing inclusions and jewellery made by local amber artists.
Take the ferry back to Klaipeda and make a photo stop in the heart of the Old Town, at the Theatre Square before driving back to the ship.
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The tour includes a walking distance of approximately 2,5 kilometres (1.55 miles). The Hill of Witches - hard gravel forest path going uphill and downhill. Roots of the trees are crossing the path. Lutheran church - even surface, 2 steps at the entrance to the church. No ramp. The Weathervane gallery - a flat surface, 2 steps at the entrance to the gallery. No ramp. Klaipeda Old Town - cobblestones, 10-15 steps total. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. It is advisable to wear waterproof clothing or/and carry an umbrella during a rainy day.
Total : €60
According to availability, price per passenger.
Beauty of Curonian peninsula
From the pier, board your coach for a drive to the local ferry and cross the lagoon to the Curonian peninsula, which is also known as Neringa. The old legend says that the giant Neringa gathered an apron full of sand and poured a ribbon of sand to divide the sea from the lagoon and thus make fishermen safer from sea storms.
Next, drive through this picturesque narrow stretch of land, which is 60.3 miles (97 km) long and see the diverse nature of the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way, pass through the oldest fishing village of Juodkrante (Blackshore) with its Amber bay, Lutheran church, and beautiful villas.
After a 1-hour drive, you will arrive in the main settlement of Nida for a guided walk in the center : see the fishermen’s cottages, beautiful weathervanes, flat bottom boat Kurenas and have a chance to buy some souvenirs or have refreshments in a local restaurant during your free time.
Continue, to the nearby Kazimieras Mizgiris Amber gallery where you will find out all there is to know about amber, its origins and places where it can be found. See impressive pieces of amber, beautiful jewelry as well as the exhibits from the “amber treasure of Juodkrante”.
After the visit, you will head to a local restaurant for a nice lunch, before driving to the 52-meter high Great Dune, and view the magnificent panorama over the dunes and the town. On a sunny day, you can also see the Russian territory of Kaliningrad !
Then, you will take the ferry and drive back to the pier and your ship.
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This tour involves some steps and approximately 1.24 miles (2 km) of walking on uneven terrain (sandy surface). We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
Total : €95
According to availability, price per passenger.
Suomenlinna Fortress
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the Market Square and enjoy free time before walking back to the ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) 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 nonexclusive.
Total : €75
According to availability, price per passenger.
Porvoo Old Town and Malmgård manor
Enjoy a delightful drive through the Finnish countryside to the medieval town of Porvoo for a walking tour and a visit of Malmgård manor.
Board your motorcoach for a one hour drive to Porvoo.
The second oldest town in Finland, Porvoo is one of Finland's six medieval towns. It is famous for its wooden buildings in the old town and cobbled streets with charming shops and cafes. Celebrated as a national treasure, its old town has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. With your guide, you will admire the red warehouses on the riverbank that once formed the medieval port. Today, these old buildings have become the symbol of Porvoo and are among the most photographed attractions in Finland. After a short orientation walk, you will enjoy some free time before heading to Malmgård Castle.
The manor house is of renaissance inspiration and is one of the most beautiful in Finland. Malmgård is now a private estate.
Your host will welcome you and invite you to visit this magnificent building which has belonged to the Creutz family since the early 1600s. Count Henrik Creutz still resides in the manor and has modernised the property by creating an organic farm and an ecological brewery. After the tour, you will be served a light lunch before heading to the farm's eco-brewery. The brew master will show you the secrets of his products. You will taste 3 types of beer and have a chance to share your opinion with the brewer ! And of course, the history of the farm and how it became involved in ecological farming is also a very interesting topic.
The estate also has a shop selling produce from the farm, local specialities and beers.
Back on the bus, you will return to Helsinki after this pleasant day in the Finnish countryside.
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This tour includes approximately 2km of walking over uneven surfaces, cobblestoned streets and wooden floors. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €150
According to availability, price per passenger.
Helsinki highlights
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was 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.
Then 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. 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 (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Total : €65
According to availability, price per passenger.
Foraging in a Finnish forest
This tour takes you on a journey through Mother Nature's kitchen, right in the heart of the Finnish forest.
Board your coach for a 45 minute drive through the Finnish landscapes towards Nuuksio National Park.
Here, you will meet your local Finnish forest guide, who has studied all the edible herbs, berries and mushrooms. He will guide you through the national park and will explain all the secrets of the forest, which is a kind of open-air market garden and kitchen. Indeed, Finland's ever-changing and organic forests provide families with a wide variety of ingredients that change with each season.
During your tour in the middle of the forest the guide will tell you about the Finnish culture, and the importance of the open spaces for the locals.
Every story is unique when it starts in nature. The story of the day will be directed by the season and the wild foods you can find in the heart of it. From spring to autumn, you will be on the hunt for wild herbs like elderberry and nettle, wild berries like blueberries, raspberries and lingonberries, and some of nature's finest mushrooms, such as the golden chanterelle and the picturesque porcini.
Accompanied by your guide, you will cook and taste the products in the same way as a Finnish person would. You will also use the collected products to make a dish. You can make a salad, create a creamy mushroom sauce or even make your own cranberry jam. You will enjoy a Finnish-style light lunch cooked over a campfire.
After this journey in the forest, you will reboard your coach and drive back to the ship.
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This tour includes approximately 3km of walking in the forest. A raincoat in case of rain is included in the tour. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing in accordance with the weather. Guests must be well fit for a nature walk.
Total : €165
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in 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.
You will 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 filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
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This tour involves 2 km (1.24 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Total : €50
According to availability, price per passenger.
Stockholm beauty land and water
Covering the city districts of Södermalm, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, this tour offers an excellent introduction to Stockholm from land and from the water.
Drive through the enchanting medieval Old Town, the Gamla Stan, with the Royal Palace dating from the 18th century, overlooking Stockholm's inner harbor. It is surrounded by many other magnificent old houses and palaces.
Continue past the Royal Opera House and through the modern shopping and business areas at Hamngatan and Sergels Torg.
Leave the coach and board a motor launch for a 50-minute Royal Canal tour into the Stockholm's National City Park.
Cruise along Strandvägen, one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm, and through the green and lush park areas of Djurgården. Once a Royal hunting area, today Djurgården functions as Stockholm's amusement and recreation center. It is home to great parklands, beautiful gardens, cafés and restaurants, the Gröna Lund Tivoli, the Skansen Open-Air Museum and the well-known Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship Vasa.
Out on more open water, you will pass Fjäderholmarna, the Feather Islands. Continue past Prince Eugen's Waldemarsudde.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 200 meters of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you wear good and comfortable shoes.
Total : €100
According to availability, price per passenger.
Stockholm city tour & Vasa Museum
From the pier, board your coach for a 30-minute drive towards the City Hall.
The imposing City Hall is beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. Inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work, it is renowned for its architecture, murals, and mosaics, as well as for being the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
Witness the historic elegance of the exterior of the Royal Palace, dating from the 18th century but built on the remains of the old castle “Three Crowns”, which dates as far back as the 12th century. Built on a hill in the Old Town, the Royal Palace has no less than 608 rooms.
Continue with your guide for a walk along the narrow streets of the Old Town and experience the medieval intimacy of what is today a living historical monument of international renown. Savour the bohemian atmosphere and the sense of age in houses dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries with Baroque doorways and coats of arms. You will pass by Stockholm Cathedral (the oldest church in Stockholm) and the Great Square in the centre of the Old Town, which is dominated by the old Stock Exchange, today housing the Nobel (Prize) Museum and the Swedish Academy.
Next, reboard your coach and continue the panoramic sightseeing en route to the Vasa Museum, for a guided visit. The museum was built around a 17th century warship, which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the panoramic return drive to the pier and your ship.
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This moderate tour involves some steps and approximately 2 km (1.24 mile) of walking on uneven terrain (cobblestone streets in the old town). We recommend you to wear good and comfortable shoes. Please note the City Hall may close on short notice due to special events. If so, a guided tour of the Royal Armoury will be offered.
Total : €95
According to availability, price per passenger.