Sailing from the Baltic to Britain
A voyage from Stockholm to the UK aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
- 14 June 2021
- 22 August 2021
Exploring the Baltic by small ship is the most perfect way to visit this endlessly fascinating corner of Northern Europe. The history of the region is intriguing, with countries vying for commercial and political influence for over a thousand years and this complex past will be brought to life by our onboard Guest Speaker and informative local guides, helping us to gain a greater understanding of both old and new Baltic nations.
Our trip is certainly one of the most comprehensive, visiting as it does Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Germany and The Netherlands before ending in the UK. We will spend time in the charming Scandinavian ports before arriving in St Petersburg, surely the most endlessly fascinating of all Baltic ports. Our three full days here will be spent exploring Peter the Great’s magnificent city as well as venturing out to some of the fabulous country estates on the Baltic shores. We will visit some relatively new states with their charming Medieval old towns, especially striking are those of Tallinn and Riga where the old and new flourish like never before since the departure of their Soviet masters.
With over twenty five years of operating cruises in the Baltic, we believe we have the perfectly balanced itinerary combining visits to the “must see” sights with some of the more remote ports and islands such as the Estonian island of Saaremaa and the islands of Christianso and Bornholm, places only accessible by a small ship like the MS Hebridean Sky.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Stockholm, Sweden.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive in Stockholm and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board and moor overnight.
Day 2 Stockholm.
This morning 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. Be on deck this afternoon as we sail through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago. This is a great sailing area and the islands are peppered with attractive summer homes.
Day 3 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 will be at leisure to explore independently before we set sail during tea time for St Petersburg.
Days 4 to 6 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 offering 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, we hope to send details of this 12 weeks prior to departure.
Day 7 Tallinn, Estonia.
After a morning at sea 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.
Day 8 Saaremaa.
This morning 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 a morning 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. Return to the ship for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail for Riga.
Day 9 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 or relaxing on board.
Day 10 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. After a morning at sea, this afternoon 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.
Days 11 & 12 Gdansk, Poland.
We will spend a day and a half in this charming city. Gdansk’s 1000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Upon arrival we will leave the city and enjoy a full day tour to Malbork Castle and a journey on the Elblag Canal. The 13th century Malbork Castle belonged to the Teutonic Order and at the time was the largest castle in the world. Over the years it has been used as a royal residence as well as a fortress and was renovated after being damaged during World War II. The 80 kilometre Elblag Canal is a wonder of engineering designed in 1860 to connect East Prussia with the Baltic Sea. The challenges of the 100 metre difference in water levels between Bruzno Lake and Piniewo Lake was solved by a series of slipways, locks and dams with boats being carried across dry land on rail mounted trolleys. We will take a boat trip along the canal before returning to the ship in Gdansk. The following morning enjoy a city tour where 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.
Day 13 Ronne, Bornholm Island, Denmark.
Over breakfast we arrive to the peaceful and scenic island of Bornholm - a mixture of wheat fields, forests with an 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. We will then take local public ferry to cross 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 in Bornholm and explore the picturesque town of Ronne at leisure in the afternoon.
Day 14 Travemunde, Germany.
This morning we arrive into Travemunde and after breakfast we will take a tour through the scenic countryside of Schleswig- Holstein. This verdant landscape is interspersed with a string of some 200 lakes and we will enjoy a boat ride from Plon on the lakes of Edeburg, Hoft, Behl, Lange and Diek to Malente. From Malente continue on to the picturesque town of Eutin and explore the gardens of the Baroque castle followed by some time at leisure strolling through the narrow pretty streets. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon there will be the opportunity to visit Lubeck independently or relax on board.
Day 15 Kiel Canal.
In the very early hours we begin our transit of the historic 61 mile long Kiel Canal and sail from the Baltic into the North Sea. Kaiser Wilhelm I set the first foundation stone in place on June 3, 1887 in Brunsbuttel, and the final stone was laid by Kaiser Wilhelm II on June 21, 1895, in Holtenau. Today, the Kiel Canal is one of the busiest man-made waterways in the world. Depart the canal just after breakfast and spend the remainder of the day cruising.
Day 16 The Hague, Netherlands.
This morning we will call into the port of Scheveningen and visit The Hague, the Netherlands’ third largest city. A stately, regal place it is filled with mansions, green boulevards and parks and some of the most stunning palaces and museums. On our tour this morning we pass the Peace Palace and explore the historical Binnenhof on foot. Also visit the delightful Mauritshuis Museum, the unique 17th century palace that houses “The Girl with the Pearl Earring” and “The Goldfinch” as well as many other world famous paintings by the Dutch Masters. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and spend a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 17 Portsmouth, UK.
Arrive this morning. Transfers will be provided to London Heathrow and Portsmouth Train Station at a fixed time.
Dates and Prices
14 to 30 June 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £7795 | £7595 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £7995 | £7795 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £8295 | £8095 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £8595 | £8395 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £8995 | £8795 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £9195 | £8995 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £10495 | £10295 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £9995 | £9795 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £10195 | £9995 |
22 August to 7 September 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
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 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS150821
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from London to Stockholm • 16 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Group visa in Russia • Transfers • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, optional excursions in St Petersburg.
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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Neil Horrocks
Neil has been at sea full-time since 2001, a year after he graduated in Pure Maths from the University of Manchester. Working his way up through the cruise industry led him to experience everywhere from the Arctic to Antarctica. He developed a passion for small-ship cruising and was delighted to lead his first Noble Caledonia cruise in January 2014. Now full-time with Noble Caledonia, he has experience of ocean and river cruising, and enjoys the variety of cruises and expeditions that Noble Caledonia offer. Equally adept at destination cruising or zodiac landings, Neil is very much an all-rounder, as well as being an accomplished pianist with a keen sense of humour and eye for detail. When not at sea, Neil lives in the southeast corner of England and tries to enjoy following the misfortunes of his football team, Brighton & Hove Albion, and is an active volunteer on the much-loved Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway.
Neil Horrocks will be on the following tour dates: 14 to 30 June 2021 -
Major General Peter Williams
After studying History at Cambridge University Peter Williams spent more than 30 years in the British Army (Coldstream Guards) and enjoyed an unusually varied career. As an Infantryman he carried out ceremonial duties in London, spent two years in the mountains of Oman, served twice in Northern Ireland and commanded an armoured infantry battalion based in Münster, Germany. In the early 1990s he wrote speeches for the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, an American general.
During the Cold War he specialised in intelligence and studied Russian and German before spending more than four years in the 1980s in Berlin and East Germany as an officer in the British Commanders’-in-Chief Mission to the Group of Soviet Forces in Germany (known as BRIXMIS), in effect working as a military spy (MBE).
From 1993-94 he commanded his Coldstream Guards armoured infantry battalion in Bosnia-Herzegovina on UN peacekeeping operations during the civil war there (OBE). He went on to do two more tours of duty in the former Yugoslavia. The first was in 1995 as the Deputy Chief UN Military Observer; his boss there is now the President of Indonesia. Finally in 1998 he was the Chief Faction Liaison Officer in NATO’s HQ in Sarajevo, dealing with the Bosnian Serb and Bosnian Federation Ministries of Defence and general staffs.
From 2001-02 he served first on the Western European Union Military Committee and then on the European Union Military Committee. His final military posting was from 2002-05 in Moscow where he started up and led NATO’s Military Liaison Mission to the Russian Federation, working on military cooperation projects with the Russian armed forces (CMG). He retired from the Army in December 2005.
He now enjoys giving talks to schools, on cruise ships and to other audiences about Cold War and other current and historical issues and helps to train British military diplomats. He is a member of the international Guild of Battlefield Guides. He is also the editor of The Guards Magazine, the in-house journal of the British Army’s Household Division (Household Cavalry and Foot Guards).
He is married to Anne, who was an Army education officer and language teacher; she now designs and makes jewellery. They live in Wiltshire and have three adult children and a very old black Labrador dog.
Major General Peter Williams will be on the following tour dates: 14 to 30 June 2021 -
Major General Stephen Carr-Smith
Major General Stephen Carr-Smith served throughout much of the Cold War in Europe and then with NATO. On leaving the Army, he worked for a company providing security and mine clearance services in remote and hostile countries. He was also the Senior Military Advisor to an operational analysis company owned by British Aerospace and the Chairman of a company developing opportunities to marry up Russian technology with western finance and production.
He was the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (1999-2006), dealing with redress and financial compensation for buyers and sellers of residential property throughout the UK and is now a non-executive director on the Council that runs the National Land and Property Information Service (NLIS). Stephen Carr-Smith was the Honorary Colonel of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) from 1996-2006 – an all women, uniformed volunteer body that has supported the British Army for 100 years.
Major General Stephen Carr-Smith will be on the following tour dates: 22 August to 7 September 2021
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Stockholm 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.
Stockholm
Prices per person based on double occupancy
12 to 14 June 2021 • 20 to 22 August 2021 Category Price Twin £645 Single £945 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
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Summer in the Baltic
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Itinerary at a glance
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Itinerary at a glance
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000