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 Usedom Island.
After breakfast we will visit 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. 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 and enjoy the afternoon sailing towards Wolgast.
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 Peenemünde 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 Rügen”. 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. 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. 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 a farewell dinner on board.
Day 8 Stralsund to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to Hamburg Airport for the return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
7 to 14 June 2025 • 13 to 20 September 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
C Main Deck Twin/Double Cabin | Fully Booked | |
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 |
Tour Reference Code: 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: 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: 13 to 20 September 2025
Also of Interest
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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