
If ever there was a sea perfect for exploring by ship, it is the Baltic, an endlessly fascinating corner of Northern Europe, and during this summer voyage aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky, we will explore the many delights of this fascinating region.
The cities of the Baltic offer a cornucopia of delights from the now independent Baltic states and their capitals with marvellously untouched Medieval quarters to the sheer delight of Scandinavian ports with their colourful architecture and a freshness that is unique to the area. We have developed our itinerary to be well balanced combining time in some of our favourite cities in the Baltic such as Gdansk, Stockholm and Tallinn, with some smaller ports including picturesque Mariehamn in Finland with its strong seafaring traditions, Ronne on the scenic Danish island of Bornholm, and Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland where there will be the opportunity to ride on the historic Gotland Railway. Whilst in the Lithuanian city of Klaipeda we will visit the largest Amber museum in the Baltics to learn all about the ‘Baltic Gold’ and during our time in the maritime city of Tallinn we can admire the awe inspiring city walls and fortifications and have the benefit of an overnight mooring in the city, allowing for the opportunity to enjoy a stroll to experience the city in its evening splendour. A highlight for many will be our visit to Gdansk where we will enjoy a recital by members of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic orchestra.
Our two week 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. 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 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.
Hebridean Sky
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.
Itinerary
Day 1 Aberdeen, Scotland.
Embark this afternoon. Transfers will be provided from Aberdeen Airport and Railway Station at a fixed time. Sail in the early evening.
Day 2 At Sea.
Spend a relaxing day at sea as we cross the North Sea.
Day 3 Skagen, Denmark.
Skagen is a 600 year old market town situated in the far north of Denmark where the breathtaking scenery and light have inspired poets, artists and musicians over the years, whilst the area around Skagen has been designated as a rare, authentic natural beauty spot by the Worldwide Fund for Nature. We will visit Grenen, the northernmost part of Denmark where the North Sea meets the Baltic and where the daily movement of sand has created a spit that is constantly moving. See the 14th century Sanded Church named after Saint Laurence, the seafarer’s and Skagen’s patron saint, which sunk beneath the sand in the 18th century and where today only the tower of the ancient church is visible. After lunch on board, enjoy an afternoon at leisure to discover the winding alleys in the atmospheric old quarters or the vibrant atmosphere at the marina. Alternatively, maybe visit the local museum to see the artwork of Ancher and Kroyer who were inspired by the region.
Day 4 Helsingor.
Arrive this morning in the historic port of Helsingor. The Danish King, Eric of Pomerania built a fortress here in the early 15th century to enforce the collection of dues for all ships wishing to enter the Baltic. In the following century Frederick II rebuilt the castle into a magnificent Renaissance castle and Kronborg was considered at the time to be the strongest fortress in Europe. The castle is known to many as ‘Elsinore’, the setting for Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. We will enjoy a morning exploring the castle and the old town before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch. This afternoon you can choose to explore further at your own pace or relax on board.
Day 5 Ronne, Bornholm Island.
We arrive into Ronne this morning which will be our base for exploring Bornholm Island which is a mixture of wheat fields, forests and an attractive coast dotted with fishing villages. During our morning excursion we will explore the highlights of northern Bornholm and during an island drive we will see the famous 12th century Osterlars Round Church, visit the town of Gudjem and sample the local smoked herring. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy a leisurely afternoon at sea sailing to Poland.
Day 6 Gdansk, Poland.
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, visit 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 armoury, ceramics, sculptures and spectacular Baltic amber. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some free time to explore Gdansk further at your own pace before we meet in the late afternoon to enjoy a recital by members of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic at a local venue.
Day 7 Klaipeda, Lithuania.
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. Spend the morning exploring the old town of Klaipeda including a stop in Theatre Square before strolling along the narrow atmospheric 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 park, 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 the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on board cruising to Sweden.
Day 8 Visby, Sweden.
Today we visit this once important Hanseatic port on the island of Gotland. Best explored on foot, the beautifully preserved Medieval town 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. After lunch on board, you can choose to explore further at your own pace or alternatively join us for a ride on the Gotland Railway, a historic train travelling along the only remnant of Gotland’s once extensive railway network. We will see peaceful landscapes, passing through Tule and ending at Roma – a perfect way to admire rural Gotland. We leave the train and continue to the west coast of Gotland, arriving at the fishing village of Gnisvärd from where we will venture into the nearby forest to view a stone ship. Boulders dating back to the Bronze Age have assumed the form of a ship over 150 feet in length and are presumed to be marking a grave or cremation burials.
Day 9 Stockholm.
We arrive at our central berth over breakfast for our day in the Swedish capital. This morning’s guided city tour will include the Vasa Museum, built around the 17th century warship which sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628; its discovery in 1956 and subsequent salvage in 1961 is one of the most important events in marine archaeology. In addition to the well-preserved, elaborately decorated hull, thousands of items from the ship, including hundreds of sculptures, have been recovered. On our return to the MS Hebridean Sky we will drive through old Stockholm and past the Parliament Building and Royal Palace which overlooks the inner harbour. Alternatively you may like to join the guided tour to historic Uppsala, one of the oldest cities in Sweden that has played a dominant role in the political, intellectual and historical development of the country. We start with its Medieval cathedral including the Renaissance tomb of Gustav Vasa and continue to the Linnaeus Garden, Sweden’s oldest botanical garden originally laid out in 1655. Spend some time in this beautiful, serene garden designed by Carl von Linne. After lunch on board there will be some time at leisure to explore Stockholm further at your own pace before we sail in the early evening through the many islands of the Swedish archipelago. This is a great sailing area and the islands are peppered with attractive summer homes.
Day 10 Mariehamn, Finland.
Sail this morning into the attractive town of Mariehamn. On an island tour we will head into the beautiful countryside along scenic roads towards the Jan Karlsgarden Museum where we learn about the island’s farming traditions. We continue to Badhausberget which provides panoramic views over the town and islands before visiting the fascinating Aland Maritime Museum with its exhibits of model ships and information pertaining to the region’s shipbuilding history. Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy some time at leisure before cruising in the early evening through some of the 6700 islands of the Aland archipelago
Day 11 Tallinn, Estonia.
After a leisurely morning at sea we arrive in the historic maritime city of Tallinn with her awe inspiring city walls and fortifications, narrow Medieval streets and 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. This evening perhaps enjoy a stroll ashore as we will moor overnight.
Day 12 Tallinn.
This morning we will drive to the outskirts of Tallinn to Kadriorg Palace and Park, which were commissioned in 1718 by Russian Tsar Peter I, soon after his conquest of Estonia, in honour of his wife Catherine I. The palace was designed by Italian architect Nicola Michetti and its magnificent main hall is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Baroque architecture not only in Estonia but in all Northern Europe. We will visit the art collection housed within the palace and spend time exploring the magnificent park with its fountains, hedges, and flowerbeds, modelled on Versailles. Return to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch and an afternoon at leisure to explore independently or relax on board.
Day 13 Kotka, Finland.
Built on the site where the River Kymijoki meets the Baltic Sea, picturesque Kotka has a long seafaring tradition. This morning we will explore the history of the region and visit the Langinkoski Imperial Fishing Lodge which was built in 1889 for Alexander III, the future Emperor of Russia who used it as a summer home. It is now a living museum situated in a stunning nature reserve on the river. Continue to the Maritime Centre Vellamo where local guides will enlighten us about the maritime and cultural heritage of the region. The afternoon is free to explore the old city from our central mooring.
Day 14 Helsinki.
Arriving in Helsinki over breakfast, our morning city tour will take us to the colourful Market Square, the President’s Palace and the impressive architecture of Senate Square including the Lutheran Cathedral of Finland and Uspenski Cathedral. We continue to the Sibelius Monument and the impressive Temppeliaukio, the church in the rock. Alternatively, board a local ferry to cruise around the Helsinki archipelago. We will pass inhabited and uninhabited islands including the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the site developed over three centuries and eras, initiated by the Swedish in 1747 before Russia took over in 1808 and coming under Finnish control in 1918. See the many summer houses as well as the city zoo before returning to the MS Hebridean Sky for lunch. This afternoon and evening is free to explore independently as we moor overnight.
Day 15 Helsinki to London.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
| 18 July to 1 August 2028 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Brochure Price | Special Offer Price |
| Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | £8995 | £8495 |
| Byrd Deck Superior Suite | £9295 | £8795 |
| Mawson Deck Premium Suite | £9495 | £8995 |
| Mawson Deck Corner Suite | £9995 | £9495 |
| Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | £10995 | £10495 |
| Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | £11495 | £10995 |
| Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | £11995 | £11495 |
| Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | £11495 | £10995 |
| Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | £11995 | £11495 |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS180728
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel from Helsinki to London • 14 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky 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 • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
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.
Hebridean Sky
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.
Skys Video Tour
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.
Tour Extensions
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After our voyage aboard the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering a three night stay in Finland to explore the beautiful lakes and scenery.
Lake Aulanko
The Itinerary
Day 1 Helsinki & Hameenlinna, Finland.
After breakfast we will disembark and 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, following the crusade by Swedish Earl Birger to Hame region. 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 this evening. (L, D)
Day 2 Aulanko & Tampere.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before our full day cruise through the beautiful forest-covered 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. Wikstrom’s home is typical of Nordic artists’ homes of the time and in the studio almost 100 of his works are displayed. Re-boarding our ship we will continue through the lake country to Tampere where we stay overnight by Lake Pyynikki. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Tampere & Helsinki.
After breakfast in the hotel we enjoy a scenic drive around Tampere finishing at the Nasineula restaurant, renowned for its wonderful panoramic views over Tampere and the view beyond. After lunch continue on to the Iittala Glass Centre, where the Aalto Vase is produced along with other signature glass pieces. Later, drive to our hotel in Helsinki for an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Helsinki to London.
Check out this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. (B)
Prices per person based on double occupancy
1 to 4 August 2028 Category Price Twin £1995 Single £2295 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.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000







