Baltic Renaissance
A voyage from Copenhagen to Stockholm aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 26 July 2020
- 28 July 2021
Join us on a voyage of discovery as we explore eight nations of the Baltic. Nations who speak different languages, have a diverse culture and cuisine, worship in different churches, yet are united by a single sea. The cities of the Baltic offer a cornucopia of delights: whether it be the grandeur of St Petersburg and its surrounding country estates, the now independent Baltic states and their capitals with marvellously untouched Medieval quarters, or the sheer delight of Scandinavian ports with their colourful architecture and a freshness that is unique to the area.
Having operated voyages in the Baltic for over twenty five years, we believe this in-depth journey offers the perfect balance of time to explore cities, towns and islands during the included excursions combined with some time to relax or explore at leisure. A highlight for many will be the fact that we have included three days in the magnificent city of St Petersburg to discover its many wonders. We also visit some smaller ports which larger cruise vessels in the region are unable to access such as the islands of Christianso and Bornholm in Denmark and the Estonian island of Saaremaa, a gem with its Medieval Episcopal castle and timeless countryside. Whether your interest lies in the region’s Viking and Medieval history or the more recent events of the breakaway Baltic States, it is an endlessly fascinating region and our expert local guides and Guest Speaker will add much to your knowledge and understanding of this intriguing region.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
2020 Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive in Copenhagen and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy Welcome Drinks and Dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 - Christianso & Bornholm Island.
Over breakfast we arrive at the tiny island of Christianso, the easternmost part of Denmark. Using Zodiacs to land, explore the area independently and perhaps visit the old fortress of King Christian V and learn about the island’s past including its history as an island prison. Today, it is a very special and peaceful place where eider ducks appear everywhere and on the bird sanctuary of Grasholmen, thousands of herring gulls, razorbill and guillemot breed. Over lunch we sail to neighbouring Bornholm. Peaceful and scenic, Bornholm Island is a mixture of wheat fields, forests and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. On an island drive we will see a 12th century Round Church and visit the town of Gudjem where we can sample the smoked herring. Also see Hammerhaus Castle offering fantastic views of the island’s rugged coastline.
Day 3 - Gdansk, Poland.
We have a full day in this charming city. This old, Hanseatic port’s 1000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. On a morning tour we will walk along the cobbled streets of the Royal Way in the old quarter and view the elaborate architecture, including the 15th century merchant’s palace of Artus Court. Also see the pride of Gdansk, Gothic St. Mary’s, which 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. This afternoon is free for further independent exploration.
Day 4 - Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Founded in 1252 by the Teutonic Knights of East Prussia, Klaipeda was annexed by Hitler in 1939 and almost destroyed towards the end of World War II. Today we have a choice of touring options. You may wish to head into the countryside where we will experience village life and visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to Lithuanians sent to Siberia or who fought against the Soviets during the Cold War years. Alternatively, take the scenic drive to the Zemaitija National Park, home to Lake Plateliali and surrounded by dense forest. It was in these forests that, during the Cold War, the Soviets hid their first nuclear missile base directed at all the major European cities. Our tour will visit the Cold War Museum located in the former Soviet missile base. We will visit the bunkers, see the control centre and learn more about the weapons held at the site and their evolution. Return to the ship for lunch and maybe join a lecture as we enjoy an afternoon at sea.
Day 5 - Riga, Latvia.
This morning we will explore Latvia’s capital by foot. Founded in the 13th century it became one of the most successful trading cities of the Baltic. Explore the Old Town with its Medieval streets lined with Hanseatic warehouses and punctuated with Gothic and Baroque churches including St Peter Cathedral, the largest Medieval church in the Baltic. Spend an afternoon exploring independently before enjoying a special private classical concert at the stunning 16th century Rundale Palace, one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in Northern Europe.
Day 6 - Saaremaa, Estonia.
After a relaxing morning at sea we arrive at Estonia’s largest island which offers a glimpse of a bygone age. Untouched by industry it is a green and very pleasant land dotted with attractive villages in a rolling forested landscape. During an afternoon drive we will visit the lovely capital Kuressaare with its magnificent Medieval castle and stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town. Continue inland on a journey that will take you back in time through a countryside of stone walls, thatched roofs, traditional villages and windmills.
Day 7 - Tallinn.
During breakfast we arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with her awe-inspiring city walls and fortifications, narrow Medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved. In the Upper Town we will enjoy the views from Dome Hill with the extraordinary vista of domes, spires and gables and see Toompea Castle, once a fortress, and now the seat of the Estonian parliament. Walking to the Lower Old Town we will visit the main square where we will find the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the Gothic Cathedral and the 15th century Town Hall. After lunch on board the afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore further before sailing at tea time.
Days 8 to 10 - St Petersburg, Russia.
We have the luxury of three days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian cities. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg is a fascinating mix of classic and Baroque architecture on a network of canals. We will be including a number of tours during our time here including visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the wonderful Peterhof Palace and gardens, the fascinating Hermitage Museum, Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin and a canal cruise through the city. In your free time you may wish to join the optional excursion of Yusupov’s Palace, the famed scene of Rasputin’s murder, or attend a Folklore show. For anyone wishing to visit the ballet one evening we will be able to assist with bookings once the schedules for the theatres are released and we hope to send details of this 12 weeks prior to departure.
Day 11 - Helsinki, Finland.
This morning a guided city tour will take us to the colourful Market Square, the President’s Palace and the impressive architecture of Senate Square including the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland and Uspenski Cathedral. We continue to the Sibelius Monument and the impressive Temppeliaukio, the church in the rock, before returning to the vessel for lunch. This afternoon we journey to Ainola, the home of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius situated on the edge of the city on the shores of Lake Tuusula where, after exploring the museum, we will enjoy a private concert of his music.
Day 12 - Stockholm, Sweden.
Be on deck this morning as we sail through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago into Stockholm. This is a great sailing area and the islands are peppered with attractive summer homes. After lunch we will enjoy a guided city tour which includes the Vasa Museum, built around the 17th century warship which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628; its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. In addition to the well-preserved, elaborately decorated hull, thousands of items from the ship, including hundreds of sculptures, have been recovered. On our return to the MS Hebridean Sky we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. Moor overnight in Stockholm and from our central mooring you may wish to spend the evening ashore.
Day 13 - Stockholm to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
2021 itinerary
Day 1 London to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive in Copenhagen and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Day 2 Bornholm Island & Christianso.
Over breakfast we arrive at the peaceful and scenic island of Bornholm with its mix of wheat fields, forests and attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. On a full day excursion we will see the famous 12th century Osterlars Round Church and visit the town of Gudjem where we can sample the smoked herring. Next we will take the local public ferry over to the tiny island of Christianso, the easternmost part of Denmark. Here we will explore the area independently on foot, perhaps visit the old fortress of King Christian V and learn about the island’s past including its history as an island prison. Alternatively, enjoy a morning drive of Bornholm and explore the picturesque town of Ronne at leisure in the afternoon.
Day 3 Gdansk, Poland.
We arrive after breakfast in the charming city of Gdansk. This old, Hanseatic port’s 1000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. On a morning tour we will walk along the cobbled streets of the Royal Way in the old quarter and view the elaborate architecture before ending at the 15th century merchant’s palace of Artus Court. Bornholm island The Itinerary Also see the pride of Gdansk, Gothic St. Mary’s, which 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. This afternoon is free for further independent exploration.
Day 4 Klaipeda, Lithuania.
Founded in 1252 by the Teutonic Knights of East Prussia, Klaipeda was annexed by Hitler in 1939 and almost destroyed towards the end of World War II. Today we have a choice of touring options. You may wish to head into the countryside where we will experience village life and visit the Memorial Museum dedicated to Lithuanians sent to Siberia or who fought against the Soviets during the Cold War years. Alternatively, take the scenic drive to the Zemaitija National Park, home to Lake Plateliali and surrounded by dense forest. It was in these forests that, during the Cold War, the Soviets hid their first nuclear missile base directed at all the major European cities. Our tour will visit the Cold War Museum located in the former Soviet Missile Base. We will visit the bunkers, see the control centre and learn more about the weapons held at the site and their evolution. Return to the ship for lunch and maybe join a lecture as we enjoy an afternoon at sea.
Day 5 Riga, Latvia.
This morning we will explore Latvia’s capital by foot. Founded in the 13th century it became one of the most successful trading cities of the Baltic. Explore the Old Town with its Medieval streets lined with Hanseatic warehouses and punctuated with Gothic and Baroque churches including St Peter Cathedral, the largest Medieval church in the Baltic. Spend an afternoon exploring independently before enjoying a special private classical concert at the stunning 16th century Rundale Palace one of the most outstanding monuments of Baroque and Rococo art in Northern Europe.
Day 6 Saaremaa, Estonia.
After a relaxing morning at sea we arrive at Estonia’s largest island which offers a glimpse of a bygone age. Untouched by industry it is a green and very pleasant land dotted with attractive villages in a rolling forested landscape. During an afternoon drive we will visit the lovely capital Kuressaare with its magnificent Medieval castle and stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town. Continue inland on a journey that will take you back in time through a countryside of stone walls, thatched roofs, traditional villages and windmills.
Day 7 Tallinn.
During breakfast we arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with her awe-inspiring city walls and fortifications, narrow Medieval streets and the gateways which remain remarkably well preserved. In the Upper Town we will enjoy the views from Dome Hill with the extraordinary vista of domes, spires and gables and see Toompea Castle, once a fortress, and now the seat of the Estonian parliament. Walking to the Lower Old Town we will visit the main Square where we will find the oldest pharmacy in Europe, the Gothic Cathedral and the 15th century Town Hall. After lunch on board the afternoon will be at leisure for you to explore independently before we sail in the late afternoon.
Days 8 to 10 St Petersburg, Russia.
We have the luxury of three days to explore this most endlessly captivating of Russian cities. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St Petersburg is a fascinating mix of classic and Baroque architecture on a network of canals. We will be including a number of tours during our time here with visits to the Peter and Paul Fortress, the wonderful Peterhof Palace and gardens, the fascinating Hermitage Museum, Catherine’s Palace at Pushkin and a canal cruise through the city. In your free time you may wish to join the optional excursion of Yusupov’s Palace, the famed scene of Rasputin’s murder, or attend a Folklore show. For anyone wishing to visit the ballet one evening we will be able to assist with bookings once the schedules for the theatres are released, we hope to send details of this 12 weeks prior to departure.
Day 11 Helsinki, Finland.
This morning a guided city tour will take us to the colourful Market Square, the President’s Palace and the impressive architecture of Senate Square including the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland and Uspenski Cathedral. We continue to the Sibelius Monument and the impressive Temppeliaukio, the church in the rock, before returning to the vessel for lunch. This afternoon we journey to Ainola, the home of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius situated on the edge of the city on the shores of Lake Tuusula where after exploring the museum we will enjoy a private concert of his music.
Day 12 Stockholm, Sweden.
Be on deck this morning as we sail through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago into Stockholm. This is a great sailing area and the islands are peppered with attractive summer homes. After lunch we will enjoy a guided city tour which includes the Vasa Museum built around the 17th century warship which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628; its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. In addition to the well-preserved, elaborately decorated hull, thousands of items from the ship, including hundreds of sculptures, have been recovered. On our return to the MS Hebridean Sky we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. Moor overnight in Stockholm and from our central mooring you may wish to spend the evening ashore.
Day 13 Stockholm to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
2020 Itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy26 July to 7 August 2020 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked |
2021 itinerary
Prices per person based on double occupancy28 July to 9 August 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £6095 | £5895 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £6495 | £6295 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £6995 | £6795 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £7395 | £7195 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £7895 | £7695 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £8295 | £8095 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £9295 | £9095 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £7995 | £7795 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £8195 | £7995 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS260720
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • 12 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Group visa in Russia • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursions in St Petersburg.
SHIP TO SHORE
Please note that Zodiac landing craft will be used on day 2 in Christianso to transfer ashore.
Hebridean Sky
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our three flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky and MS Caledonian Sky. All three vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them three of the finest small ships in the world. Formerly known as the Sea Explorer, the vessel underwent a multi-million pound refurbishment in Sweden in Spring 2016 before being re-launched as the MS Hebridean Sky.
Video Library
Travelling with You
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Imogen Corrigan
Imogen served for nearly twenty years in the British army, retiring in the rank of Major at the end of 1994. She then went to the University of Kent to study Anglo-Saxon and medieval history and art, graduating with 1st Class Honours. She became a freelance lecturer, running study tours for several travel companies and lecturing for the Arts Society and Noble Caledonia.
She has a wide range of lecture subjects encompassing most of Europe from the west of Ireland to Istanbul, and from North Cape to Morocco, covering 1,000 years of history. Imogen is always interested in ideas, artistic techniques and motifs travelling and especially in trying to understand the mind-set of the people who lived at that time.
Her first book: Stone on Stone: the Men who built the Cathedrals is due to be published in 2019.
Imogen Corrigan will be on the following tour dates: 28 July to 9 August 2021 -
Major Gordon Corrigan MBE
Gordon Corrigan spent most of his adult life as an officer of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, serving mainly in the Far East but also in Cyprus, Berlin, Northern Ireland and Belize. He is now a military historian and the author of a number of books on subjects ranging from the Hundred Years War to the Peninsula War to the First and Second World Wars. To date he has been the presenter of five TV series dealing with various aspects of military history, in addition to regular appearances in documentaries. He conducts military history study tours in Europe, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Turkey and North Africa. He has lectured in Russia and Central Asia and is a regular speaker on Noble Caledonia cruises. He has lectured in the United States and Canada and is an Honorary Research Fellow of the Universities of Birmingham and Kent, a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society, a Member of the British Commission for Military History, and a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Farriers. During our cruise he will be lecturing on the history of the nations and the areas that we will be visiting or travelling through.
Major Gordon Corrigan MBE will be on the following tour dates: 28 July to 9 August 2021 -
Lord (Richard) Chartres GCVO PC
Richard Chartres is an honorary fellow of Trinity College Cambridge where he studied history. He taught ancient history in the International School in Seville and is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
After serving for more than 20 years as Bishop of London, he retired in 2017 and was appointed a Life Peer. He has over thirty years’ experience as a guest speaker on cruise ships.
Lord (Richard) Chartres GCVO PC will be on the following tour dates: 26 July to 7 August 2020
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Copenhagen we are offering a two night hotel extension. This will be an independent stay allowing the opportunity to explore at leisure before embarking MS Hebridean Sky.
Copenhagen's Colourful Waterfront
Prices per person based on double occupancy
24 to 26 July 2020 Category Price Twin £425 Single £695 26 to 28 July 2021 Category Price Twin £455 Single £735 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation on bed & breakfast basis, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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If you wish to explore Stockholm in more depth after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a two night hotel extension. Our stay will include a visit to Drottningholm Palace, Sweden’s best preserved royal palace constructed in the seventeenth century and the permanent residence of the royal family. It features magnificent salons from the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a beautiful park, a unique palace theatre and a Chinese Pavilion. The remainder of your stay in Stockholm will be at leisure to explore independently.
Stockholm
Prices per person based on double occupancy
7 to 9 August 2020 Category Price Twin £625 Single £975 9 to 11 August 2021 Category Price Twin £625 Single £995 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis, half day tour including lunch, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
The Hidden Baltics & Belarus
An escorted tour of Latvia, Lithuania & Belarus
The Hidden Baltics & Belarus - 2020
The Hidden Baltics & Belarus - 2020
Itinerary at a glance
- Riga / Klaipeda / Curonian Spit / Plateliai / Lapiai / Kaunas / Rumsiskes / Trakai / Vilnius / Minsk
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000