Join us for this wonderful seven night voyage as we cruise from Berlin along the River Oder through Germany and Poland to the German Baltic Coast. This is a unique journey to a beautiful area that is still relatively unknown in the UK and for which we have chartered the 80-passenger Katharina von Bora from our longstanding associates, Nicko Cruises.
Our journey takes us to the resorts along the Baltic coast which are deservedly known as the ‘Royal’ resorts. Berlin’s high society loved the fresh summer breezes and the sandy beaches of Rugen, and Usedom which has the highest number of sunny days in the whole of Germany. The guest houses and hotels, with their typical architecture, have been restored to their original glamour and the attractive landscapes, such as the chalk cliffs on Rugen and the Jasmund National Park on the River Oder are all much admired by nature lovers. Other highlights of the voyage include our call into the Polish city of Szczecin, a lively and historic place which will also be our gateway to the Baltic Sea and the historical Hanseatic cities of Greifswald and Stralsund.
This is the perfect trip for those who enjoy seeing something different every day as each port of call has its own unique character waiting to be discovered whilst on one of our guided excursions. There will also be plenty of time to relax on board as the vessel gently cruises through some wonderful scenery; let the world slip by from the comfort of the Lounge or the Sun Deck and delight in awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Katharina von Bora
For our journey through Pomerania we have chartered the delightful 80-passenger Katharina von Bora. Built in 2000, this comfortable ship offers a tranquil atmosphere on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the passing landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Berlin, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Berlin. Upon arrival transfer to Potsdam and embark the Katharina von Bora where the crew will welcome us on board. Meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2 Chorin Abbey & Niederfinow Boat Lift.
Spend a leisurely morning sailing towards Eberswalde. Later, join an excursion to the Cistercian Chorin Abbey. Founded in 1258 by Cistercian monks of Lehnin, it had a far-reaching influence on the Slavic population that occupied the region during Medieval times. It was completed in 1334, and for two centuries was home to more than 400 Benedictine monks. The Abbey was dissolved in 1542 following the Protestant Reformation, causing it to be abandoned and it eventually fell into disrepair. After the reunification of Germany in 1990 restoration began and continues to this day. It is generally considered to be one of the finest examples of ‘Norddeutsche Backsteigotik’ (North German Brick-Gothic), typical of North German architecture in towns of the Hanse. The church is designed like a basilica with three naves and a seven-sided apse. Staircase turrets flank the western façade, which features three windows surrounded by a rose window. All that remain of the conventual buildings are the abbot’s residence, brewery and the remains of an old mill. Rejoin the ship at Hohensaaten. Alternatively, remain on board the ship and experience the Niederfinow Boat Lift where the vessel will be lowered 36 metres. This marvel of 20th century engineering opened in 1934 and is the oldest working boat lift in Germany.
Day 3 Szczecin, Poland.
This morning relax on board as we cruise along the Oder River to Szczecin. Originally the German town of Stettin, it was effectively the ‘port of Berlin’ and so suffered heavy Allied bombing during World War II. It has since been rebuilt to recapture some of its original style and appeal, with tree-lined avenues and parks, based partly on Haussmann’s 19th century rebuilding of Paris. Today it is a lively city with a patchwork of architecture inherited from different ages. This afternoon we will explore the city on a panoramic drive and see the embankment boulevard of Waly Chrobrego, Grunwald Square, the rose garden, the Cathedral Basilica of St James, the old Town Hall and the Gothic Pomeranian Ducal Castle. Return to the ship for dinner while sailing towards Swinoujscie.
Day 4 Wolin Island & Misdroy.
This morning depart the ship for a tour of Wolin Island, Poland’s largest island. The island is predominantly made up of a picturesque National Park, with the northernmost edge of the island dropping sharply into the sea forming sandy cliffs that reach up to 100 metres high in some places. Inland there are a number of lakes surrounded by forest and there is even a small bison reserve. There will be time to explore the charming seaside resort of Misdroy which is often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’. Before returning to the ship there will be a stop in Kamien Pomorskie to see its beautiful 12th century cathedral. Return to the ship and sail towards Wolgast.
Day 5 Usedom Island & Rugen, Germany.
After breakfast we will sail from Wolgast passing through Peenemund. This morning on a coastal drive we will visit the island of Usedom which combines the traditional architecture of spa resorts with stunning nature. It became a popular holiday destination in the late 19th century and played host to many monarchs and artists. There will be stops at the charming spa towns of Ahlbeck with its characteristic pier built in 1898, and Heringsdorf which has the longest pier on the Baltic Sea coast. Both towns offer picturesque historic buildings, long promenades and white sand beaches. Return to the ship for lunch when we will sail to Lauterbach. This afternoon we arrive at Germany’s largest island, Rugen, visiting the spa town of Binz. Binz is the largest and most celebrated seaside resort on the island; once the height of sophistication, its elegant luxury hotels still retain much of their nostalgic charm. We will take a walk along the promenade with its classical houses from the turn of the last century. Return to the ship for dinner.
Day 6 Rugen & Greifswald.
This morning we will continue our exploration of Rugen island. We head north to the Jasmund National Park, the smallest in Germany but certainly no less dramatic for it. See the white chalk cliffs which tower up to 161 metres above the Baltic Sea. This afternoon we will join a guided walking tour of Greifswald. This former Hanseatic city escaped the ravages of World War II and its skyline is defined by three churches, the Lanker Nikolas (‘Long Nicholas’), Dicke Mary (‘Fat Mary’) and Kleine Jakob (‘Small Jacob’) which were perfectly captured by painter Casper David Friedrich. Return to the ship and cruise to Stralsund.
Day 7 Stralsund.
After breakfast we will take a walking tour through the heart of the old city of Stralsund. Stralsund was a major trading centre of the Hanseatic League in the 14th and 15th centuries. In the 17th and 18th centuries it became part of the Swedish crown, then in 1815 became part of the Kingdom of Prussia and was thus an important base for the Prussian Navy. The UNESCO Heritage Site boasts attractively restored buildings including the grandiose Town Hall, and the 13th century St Nicholas’ Church, with its ornate Gothic and Baroque altars and the world’s oldest astronomical clock, which dates from 1394. Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is free before we have our farewell dinner on board this evening.
Day 8 Stralsund to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Hamburg Airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy22 to 29 June 2024 | ||
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Category | Price | |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin | £3195 | |
B Main Deck Deluxe Double Cabin | Fully Booked | |
A Upper Deck Twin/Double Cabin with French Balcony | £3595 | |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin for sole use | Fully Booked |
14 to 21 September 2024 | ||
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Category | Price | |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin | £3195 | |
B Main Deck Deluxe Double Cabin | Fully Booked | |
A Upper Deck Twin/Double Cabin with French Balcony | Fully Booked | |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin for sole use | Fully Booked |
7 to 14 June 2025 • 13 to 20 September 2025 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin | £3495 | £3295 |
B Main Deck Deluxe Double Cabin | £3695 | £3495 |
A Upper Deck Twin/Double Cabin with French Balcony | £3995 | £3795 |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin for sole use | £4495 | £4295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCKV140924/RCKVB070625/RCKVB130925
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the Katharina von Bora on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Katharina von Bora
For our journey through Pomerania we have chartered the delightful 80-passenger Katharina von Bora. Built in 2000, this comfortable ship offers a tranquil atmosphere on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the passing landscapes.
Travelling with You
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Michael Hindley
Michael Hindley was born in Blackburn, UK and educated at London University (BA Hons in German and French), Lancaster University (MA in Comparative Cultural Studies), and the Free University of West Berlin. Michael also has a post graduate diploma in International Law. Michael was an elected council leader in Northwest England, a Lancashire County Councillor and a Member of the European Parliament for three terms (1984-99). He was the Majority Leader on the Trade Committee (1989-99). During this time Michael was part of the group which worked towards Sweden and Finland joining the EU in 1995. Michael is now a freelance political consultant and has acted as an expert adviser for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) and written a report on Fair Trade for the United Nations, International Trade Centre, Geneva. Michael is a frequent lecturer on European politics and has lectured at the Universities of Greifswald and Gottingen, Germany and worked with the University of Tallinn, Estonia. Most recently he has been a guest lecturer at Mangalore University, India. He has recently published a book on Britain’s relationship with Europe since 1945 entitled The Semi-Detached European.
Michael Hindley will be on the following tour dates: 22 to 29 June 2024 • 7 to 14 June 2025 -
Professor Martyn Rady
Martyn Rady is Masaryk Professor Emeritus of Central European History at the School of Slavonic and East European Studies, a part of University College London. He has written books on German, Hungarian and Romanian history, and has edited and translated some of the leading texts for the history of Hungary – most recently the earliest Hungarian chronicle, written in Latin about the year 1200, and an eye-witness account of the Mongol invasion of Hungary in 1241. He has broadcast extensively on television and radio, discussing subjects ranging from contemporary politics in Central Europe to vampirism and the history of the Habsburg Monarchy.
Professor Martyn Rady will be on the following tour dates: 14 to 21 September 2024 • 13 to 20 September 2025
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Berlin we are offering an optional two night extension based at a centrally located, four-star hotel.
The Itinerary
Day 1 London to Berlin, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Meet later tonight for a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2 Berlin.
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a morning city tour including some of Berlin’s main sights. Lunch and the remainder of the day are free to explore Berlin independently. (B)
Day 3 Berlin to Potsdam.
After breakfast we depart for Potsdam where we visit Sanssouci Palace and park. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before transferring to the Katharina von Bora this afternoon. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
20 to 22 June 2024 • 12 to 14 September 2024 Category Price Twin £695 Single £895 5 to 7 June 2025 • 11 to 13 September 2025 Category Price Twin £795 Single £995 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, tours as described, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Also of Interest
From Berlin to Prague
An eight night river cruise along the Elbe aboard the MS Elbe Princesse II
Elbe Princesse II
Itinerary at a glance
Splendours of Bordeaux & Aquitaine
A sumptuous wine tasting cruise along the Garonne & Gironde Rivers aboard the MS Cyrano de Bergerac
Cyrano de Bergerac
Itinerary at a glance
- Cadillac / Arcachon Basin / Bordeaux / Medoc / Royan / Rochefort / La Rochelle / Libourne / Saint-Emilion
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000