Summer in the Baltic
A voyage to the islands & cities of the Baltic aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Michael Jones
- 9 August 2021
The Baltic offers a real cornucopia of delights and summer is the perfect time to witness the spectacle of colour and joy that the sun brings to this northern world. Bordered by diverse kingdoms and republics in a relatively contained area, the region is ideally suited to exploration by ship and aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, with no more than 118 passengers, you can be assured of a high level of comfort and a relaxed voyage without the vast crowds that larger ships generate. The history of the region is fascinating, with countries vying for commercial and political influence for over a thousand years or more and we will explore its historic shores and look back over its colourful past from the Vikings and the Hanseatic era to more modern day events.
Having operated voyages in the Baltic for almost thirty 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. We will explore the grandeur of St Petersburg and its surrounding country estates, the newly independent Baltic states and their capitals with marvellously untouched Medieval quarters, and the delightful small Scandinavian ports with their unique architecture. We also visit some smaller ports which are off the well-trodden tracks of the big ships such as Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Estonian Island of Saaremaa, a gem with its Medieval Episcopal Castle and timeless countryside. Joining you on board will be a knowledgeable Guest Speaker who, together with the informative local guides, will add much to your experience and knowledge of this fascinating 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.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Stockholm, Sweden.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.
Day 2 Stockholm.
After breakfast 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 Stockholm’s Old Town and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. We will have some free time to explore from our central berth before we sail in the late afternoon. Be on deck 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 Visby.
Spend the morning at this once important Hanseatic port. Best explored on foot, the beautifully preserved Medieval town snuggles inside 13th century walls, housing 44 watchtowers. In Viking times and several centuries after, the Swedish island of Gotland and especially the city of Visby, became a centre of trade in the Baltic Sea and is a World Heritage Site. Walk its streets from the Middle Ages and see its gardens ablaze with flowers, earning the city its nickname ‘the city of ruins and roses’. Later, visit the impressive St Maria Cathedral and wander the paths of the botanical gardens. Return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at sea.
Day 4 Gdansk, Poland.
Gdansk’s 1000 years of history have left a collection of buildings and monuments designed in Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. On a morning city 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. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon to relax or explore further independently. Alternatively join the guided tour to the 13th century Malbork Castle which 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. In 1997 it was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNSECO and now serves as a museum with grand exhibition halls displaying collections of armoury, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber.
Day 5 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. This morning 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 a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Day 6 Saaremaa, Estonia.
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. An island drive will take you back in time through a countryside of stone walls, thatched roofs, traditional villages and windmills before we end at the lovely capital Kuressaare with its magnificent Medieval castle. We will stroll through the streets of the enchanting old town before taking a local lunch. This afternoon you can choose to have free time in Kuressaare before returning to the ship or alternatively join a visit to Vidumae Nature Reserve which is home to many rare plants. Join a hike on the trails, climb the observation tower to enjoy the views from the islands’ highest point or visit the exhibition in the Nature Centre.
Day 7 Tallinn.
Spend the day 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.
Days 8 & 9 St Petersburg, Russia.
We will spend two days exploring 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. 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 10 Helsinki, Finland.
Arriving in Helsinki over breakfast, a morning 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 11 Mariehamn, Aland Islands.
Be on deck this morning as we sail through some of the 6700 islands of the Aland archipelago and into the attractive town of Mariehamn. Explore the island on an afternoon tour as we will head into the beautiful countryside along scenic roads towards the Jan Karlsgarden Museum where we learn about the islander’s farming traditions. Continue to Badhausberget which provides panoramic views over the town and islands before visiting the fascinating Aland Maritime Museum with its exhibits of model ships as well as highlighting the region’s shipbuilding history.
Day 12 Stockholm to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
9 to 20 August 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £5895 | £5695 |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £6195 | £5995 |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £6695 | £6495 |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £7195 | £6995 |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £7695 | £7495 |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £8095 | £7895 |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £9095 | £8895 |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £7795 | £7595 |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £7995 | £7795 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS090821
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • 11 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Group visa in Russia • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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.
Travelling with You
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Michael Jones
Michael Jones is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and a Member of the British Commission for Military History. He did his PhD at Bristol University, subsequently taught at the University of South West England, the University of Glasgow and Winchester College – and now works freelance as a writer, media consultant and travel guide. Mike is the author of twelve books, on topics ranging from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century, and has been a presenter on Radio and TV. He has led tours of the Baltic for the last twenty years and loves bringing the region’s remarkable history and culture to life. His book on the devastating siege of Leningrad (modern-day St Petersburg) in World War II has been translated into fourteen different languages, winning high praise from reviewers (the New York Post noted: ‘If you think military history is dry this is a thirst-quencher’) and is now being developed into a film.
Michael Jones will be on the following tour dates: 9 to 20 August 2021
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000