Passage through Pomerania
A cruise from the German Islands of the Baltic Coast to Berlin aboard the MS Victor Hugo
- 16 July 2021
Join us for this wonderful six night voyage from the German Baltic coast along the Oder River, through Poland and Germany, to vibrant Berlin. This is a unique journey to a beautiful area that is still relatively unknown in the UK and for which we have chartered the 90-passenger MS Victor Hugo from our longstanding associates, Croisi Europe.
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 Usedom, which has the highest number of sunny days in the whole of Germany, and Rugen. 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 the historical Hanseatic cities of Stralsund and Greifswald and our call into the Polish city of Szczecin, a lively and historic place which will also be our gateway to the Baltic Sea. Upon reaching Berlin, we will have an afternoon tour to learn more of this endlessly fascinating city with its rich history that can be experienced at every turn.
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.
Useful links & Travel Advice
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Victor Hugo
For this voyage along the German Baltic coast we have chartered the MS Victor Hugo from our associates at Croisi Europe. Accommodating just 90 guests, this charming vessel offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. There is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment.
Itinerary
Day 1 London Heathrow to Stralsund, Germany.
Fly by scheduled flight to Hamburg. Upon arrival, transfer to Stralsund (approx. four hours) and embark the MS Victor Hugo where the crew will welcome us on board. Meet your fellow travellers at the welcome dinner this evening.
Day 2 Rugen & Stralsund.
This morning we will explore the island of Rugen visiting the seaside towns of Sellin and Binz. Once the height of sophistication, the resorts with their elegant luxury hotels still retain much of their nostalgic charm. We will see Sellin’s Seebrucke (pier), an ornate, turreted pavilion sitting out over the water at the end of a long wooden causeway. The original pier was built in 1906 and has had somewhat of a checkered history since with the current one opening in 1998. At 394 metres, it is the longest pier on the island. At Binz, the largest and most celebrated seaside resort on the island, we will take a walk along the promenade with its classical houses from the turn of the last century. We will then drive to the “Colossus of Prora”. Built by Nazi Germany between 1936 and 1939 as a holiday resort as part of the Strength Through Joy project, it was left unfinished when the construction workers were transferred to the V-Weapons plant at Peenemunde. The complex now has a formal heritage listing as a particularly striking example of Third Reich architecture. Continue 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. Our final stop will be in the town of Putbus. Built in the Classicist style, it is also known as “White Town”. Return to the ship for lunch after which 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 thus an important base for the Prussian Navy. This UNESCO Heritage Site boasts attractively restored buildings including the grandiose Town Hall, and the 13th century St Nicholas’s Church, with its ornate Gothic and Baroque altars and the world’s oldest astronomical clock, which dates from 1394. Return to the ship and cruise towards Greifswald.
Day 3 Greifswald & Usedom.
This morning 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 Langer Nikolas (“Long Nicholas”), Dicke Marie (“Fat Mary”) and Kleine Jakob (“Small Jacob”) which were perfectly captured by the painter Caspar David Friedrich. During lunch on board we will sail towards Wolgast, passing through Peenemunde. On a coastal drive this afternoon we will visit the spa towns of Zinnowitz and Koserow on the island of Usedom, known locally as “Berlin’s bathtub”. Translating as “vacation for the senses”, Zinnowitz is considered one of the most beautiful seaside resorts on the island of Usedom. Continue to Koserow where we will visit the Fisherman’s Salt Huts. Built in around 1820, they were used as storage for rock salt and for salting and packing the herring caught by local fishermen into large wooden barrels. The salted fish was a staple diet for the poor villagers during the winter months. Destroyed in the storm surges of 1872 and 1874, they were rebuilt around 1900. If time permits, we will also visit the Peenemunde Historical Technical Museum. From 1936 to 1945, the research stations here formed the largest armaments centre in Europe with up to 12,000 people working on guided weapons, most famously the world’s first cruise missiles and the first ever functioning large-scale rockets which began to be used in World War II as “Vergeltungswaffen” (V-weapons). The museum reconstructs the history of the creation and use of these weapons.
Day 4 Szczecin, Poland.
Spend a relaxing morning on board as we cruise across the Oder Lagoon to Szczecin. Originally the German city 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 and moor overnight.
Day 5 Chorin Abbey & Niederfinow Boat Lift, Germany.
Spend a leisurely morning sailing towards Lunow. Later, we will visit the Cistercian Chorin Abbey. Founded in 1258 by the Cistercian monks of Lehnin, it had a farreaching 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 eventually it fell into disrepair. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, restoration began and continues still. It is generally considered one of the finest examples of “Nordeutsche Backsteingotik” (North German Brick-Gothic), typical of North Germany 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 surmounted 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 in Oderberg and experience the navigation lift at Niederfinow where the vessel will be raised 36 metres. This marvel of 20th century engineering opened in 1934 and is the oldest working boat lift in Germany.
Day 6 Berlin.
This morning we will cruise towards Berlin. This afternoon we will take a panoramic coach tour through the capital which will include the Kurfurstendamm with its elegant shops, the Reichstag Parliament building designed by Sir Norman Foster, the world-famous boulevard Unter den Linden and the Potsdamer Platz. We will see the Brandenburg Gate which began life as a humble toll gate but is now the symbol of the reconciliation of East and West Germany and we will also pass by the Berlin Wall and Nikolaiviertel (East Side Gallery), and Check Point Charlie. Return to the ship for our final dinner on board.
Day 7 Berlin to London Heathrow.
Disembark after breakfast and return to London by scheduled flight.
Dates and Prices
16 to 22 July 2021 | ||
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Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
Category 1 Main Deck Twin | £2195 | £1995 |
Category 2 Upper Deck Twin | £2395 | £2195 |
Category 3 Upper Deck Double - cabin 215 | £2695 | £2495 |
Category 1 Main Deck Twin - sole use | £2795 | £2595 |
Category 2 Upper Deck Twin - sole use | £2995 | £2795 |
Tour Reference Code: RCVH160721
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Six nights aboard the MS Victor Hugo on a full board basis • All-inclusive drinks from 10am to 11pm daily (please note premium brands & sparkling wine are not included) • Shore excursions • Cruise Director • Tour Manager • Guest Speaker • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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All Decks
Victor Hugo
For this voyage along the German Baltic coast we have chartered the MS Victor Hugo from our associates at Croisi Europe. Accommodating just 90 guests, this charming vessel offers spacious public areas and comfortable cabins. There is a relaxed and informal atmosphere on board and you will find yourself amongst like-minded fellow guests in an English-speaking environment.
Travelling with You
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Nicholas Merchant
Nicholas Merchant’s career has mirrored his abiding interest in antiques. He has worked for some of the major auction houses in London as well as running his own book business devoted to the decorative and fine arts. While his particular interest is English 18th century furniture and Country Houses, he has broad interests and likes to discuss many objects, not just for themselves but in their historical context.
Nicholas is much in demand as a lecturer which has taken him recently to the United States, South Africa, Europe and all over the United Kingdom, including the V&A in London. Since joining NADFAS he has given over 500 lectures all around the world. Nicholas is the West Yorkshire representative of the ArtFund. He is the proprietor of Aspect Events, a company which arranges cultural breaks and short trips for collectors and art lovers.
Nicholas Merchant will be on the following tour dates: 16 to 22 July 2021
Tour Extensions
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For those passengers wishing to spend some time in Berlin after disembarking the MS Victor Hugo we are offering an optional two night extension based at a centrally located, four-star hotel.
Berlin’s imposing Brandenburg Gate
The Itinerary
Day 1 Potsdam & Sanssouci Palace, Germany.
Disembark this morning and enjoy a tour to the Versailles of Prussia, known for its palaces and parks. Here amongst the splendour of Frederick the Great’s creation, we will see the park of the Palace of Sanssouci and the Tea House. Later, transfer to our hotel and meet for dinner this evening. (B, D)
Day 2 Berlin.
Take the opportunity to spend the day exploring this fascinating city independently. (B)
Day 3 Berlin to London Heathrow.
Check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
22 to 24 July 2021 Category Price Twin £595 Single £745 Price Includes: Two nights hotel accommodation, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Tour Manager, gratuities, transfers.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000