Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
A voyage from Helsinki to Stockholm aboard the MS Hebridean Sky with Guest Speaker Martin Sixsmith
Whilst there is no shortage of cruise vessels plying the waters of the Baltic during the summer months, this new voyage aboard the all-suite, 118-passenger MS Hebridean Sky will appeal to those who are looking for a less traditional Baltic cruise. We have developed the itinerary to be well balanced between spending time in some of our favourite cities in the Baltic such as the historic maritime city of Tallinn and Latvia’s capital Riga, and visiting some of the islands in the region where you can experience the enchantment of island life. To further enhance our itinerary we have included some additional events in order for you to experience the local flavour of the region including a private concert at a palace in Tallinn, an evening of live music with drinks in a local venue in Klaipeda and a recital by members of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic orchestra whilst in Gdansk.
This is certainly not an itinerary that one of the large cruise vessels could undertake but is perfect for one the size of the MS Hebridean Sky. Our voyage will be a leisurely one with the benefit of some daytime sailing allowing you to relax on board and experience the serenity of sailing through the region in summer. Our Guest Speaker will provide informative talks and our excellent local guides will bring the history and unique character of the cities and islands vividly to life as we explore in small groups during our guided walks. We have also ensured there is ample time for you to discover the timeless atmosphere of the islands at leisure.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive this afternoon and transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner on board as we sail tonight.
Over 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. There will be some time at leisure this afternoon to explore further at your own pace before we meet this evening for a private concert at a local palace.
After a relaxing morning at sea we arrive at Estonia’s largest island which offers a glimpse of a bygone age. Untouched by industry, Saaremaa 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.
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 Medieval St Peter’s Church, the tallest church in Riga. Return to the ship for lunch and spend an afternoon exploring independently, maybe see the Art Nouveau district, visit one of the many local museums or the impressive central market housed in an old zeppelin hangar.
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. Arriving at lunchtime we will explore the old town of Klaipeda including a stop in Theatre Square before strolling along the atmospheric narrow streets where in the past craftsmen including shoemakers, blacksmiths and bakers used to live and work. Continue towards the resort town Palanga where, after a walk through the botanical garden, we arrive at a 19th century Neo-Renaissance style mansion which houses the largest Amber Museum in the Baltics. Here we will learn all about ‘Baltic gold’ before returning to Klaipeda where we will enjoy a drink and live music in a nearby restaurant before setting sail this evening.
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. Alternatively choose a 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 armory, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy the afternoon to explore further at your own pace before we meet this evening to enjoy a recital by members of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic at a local venue.
We arrive in the early afternoon in Sweden at one of the country’s oldest cities and ports, Kalmar, where we will berth close to the well preserved historical centre. An afternoon tour will include Kalmar Castle, one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Scandinavia and a stronghold of royal power. Originating from the 12th century, the current building represents the rule of the Vasa Kings who rebuilt it in the style of a Renaissance palace. Alternatively, join a visit to the UNESCO island of Oland. Here we will visit Stora Alvaret, a giant limestone plateau containing ancient remains, unique flora and fauna as well as the royal palace of Solliden. Built by Queen Victoria of Sweden in 1903, it is still used as a summer retreat by the Swedish Royal Family and we will have time to explore the extensive gardens and pavilion.
Today we visit this once important Hanseatic port on the island of Gotland. Best explored on foot, the beautifully preserved Medieval town of Visby 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. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore further and maybe view the Viking exhibits at the Gotland Museum.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
11 to 19 August 2024 | ||
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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 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS110824
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Eight nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner on board • Shore excursions • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Martin Sixsmith is a writer, presenter and former television correspondent. He was the BBC’s Central and Eastern Europe Correspondent in the 1980s, reporting on the political upheavals that changed the shape of the continent and the world. In the 1990s, Martin was the BBC’s correspondent Moscow and Washington. Between 1997 and 2002 he worked for the British Government as Director of Communications and Press Secretary to several cabinet ministers.
He worked as a consultant on the BBC2 political sitcom The Thick of It and the 2010 movie In the Loop. In 2013, his book The Lost Child of Philomena Lee was made into the film Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan. It was nominated for four Oscars. His non-fiction books include Putin’s Oil; Moscow Coup; The Litvinenko File; Russia, A Thousand Year Chronicle of the Wild East; and The War of Nerves – Inside the Cold War Mind. His latest book My Sins Go With Me is a story of bravery and treachery in the Resistance to Nazi occupation in World War Two. In 2011, he presented the BBC’s 50-episode history of Russia on Radio Four. In 2014 he presented Radio Four’s 25-part history of psychology and psychiatry.
Before our voyage aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a three night stay in Finland to explore the beautiful lakes and scenery.
Day 1 London to Helsinki, Finland.
Fly by scheduled flight. Arrive and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure before we meet for dinner. (D)
Day 2 Helsinki & Hameenlinna.
After breakfast we will drive out of the city to Hameenlinna and Hame Castle where we enjoy lunch. Hame Castle is one of Finland’s Medieval royal castles and is believed to have been built at the end of the 13th century. After our tour we will transfer to the hotel situated on a lake in the Aulanko Nature Park. Relax and enjoy the views before meeting for dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Aulanko & Tampere.
Today enjoy a full day cruise through the beautiful landscape of the lake district. Take in the scenery of Lake Pyhajarvi and Lake Vanajavesi before lunch on board. In the early afternoon we will make a stop at Visavuori, the house and studio of sculptor Emil Wikstrom. We then continue through the lake country to Tampere where we stay overnight by Lake Pyynikki. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Tampere & Helsinki.
This morning enjoy a scenic drive around Tampere finishing at the Nasineula Restaurant, renowned for its wonderful panoramic views. After lunch continue on to the Iittala Glass Centre, where the Aalto Vase is produced along with other signature glass pieces. Later, drive to the MS Hebridean Sky moored in Helsinki and embark. (B, L)
8 to 11 August 2024 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £1995 |
Single | £2245 |
Price Includes: Overnight hotel accommodation in Helsinki, Hameenlinna and Tampere, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), excursions, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
If you would like to spend some time in Stockholm after your cruise, we are offering a two night post-cruise extension.
Day 1 Stockholm, Sweden.
Disembark and drive 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, a beautiful park, a unique palace theatre and a Chinese Pavilion. After lunch we transfer to our hotel and the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B, L)
Day 2 Stockholm.
Today is free to explore the many sights of Stockholm independently. (B)
Day 3 Stockholm to London.
After breakfast in the hotel we transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
19 to 21 August 2024 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £795 |
Single | £995 |
Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation in Stockholm, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), half day excursion, Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
A voyage from Aberdeen to Helsinki aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Aberdeen to Stockholm aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
A voyage from Stockholm to Portsmouth aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000