Join us as we sail through charming scenery on a relaxing 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 MS Thurgau Chopin from our longstanding associates Thurgau Travel.
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 included 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 and delight in awe-inspiring panoramic views from the comfort of the Lounge or the Sun Deck.
Thurgau Chopin
For our journey through Pomerania we have chartered the charming 80-passenger MS Thurgau Chopin. Renovated in 2018, this comfortable ship offers a tranquil atmosphere on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the passing landscapes. The MS Thurgau Chopin is the ideal choice of vessel for cruising the waterways of Germany and Poland as with her shallow draft she is specifically designed to navigate through this region.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Berlin, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Berlin. On arrival transfer to the MS Thurgau Chopin in Tegel and embark. Meet your fellow guests and crew this evening during the welcome dinner on board.
Day 2 Chorin Abbey & Niederfinow Boat Lift.
Spend a leisurely morning sailing towards Eberswalde. After lunch, 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. Return to the ship and early this evening 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.
Day 4 Swinoujscie, Usedom Island.
Sail over breakfast to the island of Usedom which combines the traditional architecture of spa resorts with beautiful nature. It became a popular holiday destination in the late 19th century and played host to many monarchs and artists. On a morning tour we will stop at the charming spa town of Ahlbeck with its characteristic pier built in 1898. The town offers picturesque historic buildings, long promenades and a sandy beach. Enjoy some time to relax here for a coffee and cake before we return to the ship for lunch. Enjoy the afternoon sailing towards Wolgast where we will arrive this evening and moor overnight.
Day 5 Peenemunde & Rugen, Germany.
During breakfast we sail from Wolgast to Peenemunde. On arrival we visit the Peenemunde Historical Technical Museum. From 1936 to 1945, the research stations in Peenemunde formed the largest armaments centre in Europe. Up to 12,000 people worked simultaneously on guided weapons, most famously the world’s first cruise missiles and the first ever functioning large-scale rockets. We continue with a visit to the Maritime Museum, the largest submarine museum in the world. Return to the ship for lunch and sail to Lauterbach. This afternoon we arrive at Germany’s largest island, Rugen. Here we visit the extraordinary site of Prora, one of the largest buildings in the world built on Hitler’s orders to house wounded soldiers while they recuperated. Although more than half has been destroyed it still holds the nickname of “Colossus of Rugen”. We continue on to the town of Binz for a walking tour before returning back 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.
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 it 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 and this afternoon join a visit to the Ozeaneum (Baltic Sea Museum). Witness the various aquaria display marine habitats of the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and the North Atlantic. This evening enjoy the farewell dinner on board.
Day 8 Stralsund to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to Hamburg Airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
16 to 23 June 2026 • 26 September to 3 October 2026 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
3 Twin/Double Cabin on Main Deck | £3495 | £3295 |
2 Deluxe Double Cabin on Main Deck | £3695 | £3495 |
1 Twin/Double Cabin on Upper Deck with French Balcony | £3995 | £3795 |
3 Twin/Double Cabin on Main Deck for sole use | £4495 | £4295 |
Tour Reference Code: RCTC160626/RCTC260926
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Seven nights aboard the MS Thurgau Chopin on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team including Guest Speaker • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
NB: Ports subject to change, water levels and weather conditions may affect the itinerary.
Please be aware that our website does not display real-time availability. As a result, the categories and prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please call us at 020 7752 0000 and speak with one of our experienced Travel Consultants.
Thurgau Chopin
For our journey through Pomerania we have chartered the charming 80-passenger MS Thurgau Chopin. Renovated in 2018, this comfortable ship offers a tranquil atmosphere on which to relax and enjoy the picturesque views of the passing landscapes. The MS Thurgau Chopin is the ideal choice of vessel for cruising the waterways of Germany and Poland as with her shallow draft she is specifically designed to navigate through this region.
Travelling with You
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Martin Sixsmith
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.
Martin Sixsmith will be on the following tour dates: 16 to 23 June 2026
Tour Extensions
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If you would like to spend some time in Berlin before your cruise we are offering an optional two night extension based at a centrally located, four-star hotel.
Berlin
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, join 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.
After breakfast we depart for Potsdam where we visit Sanssouci Palace and park. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before transferring to the MS Thurgau Chopin this afternoon. (B, L)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
14 to 16 June 2026 • 24 to 26 September 2026 Category Price Twin £945 Single £1145 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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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000