2022-09-19
2025-01-01
from$ 23740 AUD
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Ship
National Geographic Explorer
National Geographic Explorer
City
Copenhagen to Copenhagen
Copenhagen to Copenhagen
Special Offers
2022-09-19
2025-01-01
Overview
Set sail among the picturesque islands and rugged coastlines of the Baltic Sea, following in the wake of famous seafarers from the Vikings to the wealthy traders of the Hanseatic League. As we circumnavigate the Baltic’s storied shores, witness the many cultural layers that have shaped this diverse region. Explore the well-preserved medieval towns of Visby, Riga, and Tallinn, and visit fishing villages such as Mariehamn that still celebrate age-old maritime traditions. Navigate thousands of wild islands off the coast of Finland by Zodiac and kayak, and spot rare bird species on the Swedish island of Öland. Along the way, witness the intersection of old and new in the vibrant, capital cities of Copenhagen to Helsinki and Stockholm.
Departures
Note: Current p/p indicative rate. Final price may change due to currency fluctuations.
Cruise Itinerary
Arrive in the Danish capital of Copenhagen. See the city from the water on a boat cruise along its charming canals, then embark the National Geographic Explorer. (L,D)
Sail to the tiny isle of Christiansø, where Danish fortifications date from 1684. Join our National Geographic Photography Expert for a walk among the colorful buildings of this car-free island, home to less than 100 people and just one species of mammal: the hedgehog. This afternoon, we cruise to Bornholm Island. Hike the coast trail to the clifftop ruins of the Hammershus fortress, or visit the island’s round churches and the harbor village of Svaneke, voted Denmark’s most beautiful town in 2013. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Poland and take in Gdańsk’s art and architectural highlights, including the GothicRenaissance Town Hall and the National Museum. Visit the Westerplatte peninsula, where World War II began with the German invasion of Poland, and take a guided tour of the European Solidarity Center. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a day at sea, as we sail into the Gulf of Riga, with lectures by our experts, photography workshops with our Certified Photo Instructors and National Geographic Photography Expert and enjoy a scenic sailing into Riga this evening.
Take a walking tour through Riga's UNESCO World Heritage-designated center, passing wooden houses, art nouveau architecture, and funky cafés. Wander through the airy Central Market—Europe’s largest market, housed in old Zeppelin airship hangers. Or drive to the Latvian Ethnographic Open Air Museum, situated in a wooded park on the outskirts of the city. (B,L,D)
Cross the Gulf of Riga to Estonia arriving in Tallinn this afternoon. Stroll the cobbled, medieval streets of the walled Old Town on a guided walking tour, and see the Kiek in de Kök, a 15th century defensive tower. Visit Town Hall Square and take in the view of Tallinn’s picturesque spires and gables from Dome Hill. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Helsinki in the morning, a stylish capital known for its creativity, architecture, and vibrant contemporary design scene. Choose from several options during our time here: a traditional Finnish foraging excursion; a visit to the World Heritagelisted Suomenlinna Fortress; or a trip back in time to the home of Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim, one of Finland’s most notable statesmen. Then explore in and around Finland’s capital: tour a grand estate in Porvoo or visit Seurasaari Open Air Museum, dedicated to preserving the traditions of rural Finland. (B,L,D)
Today we’ll explore Finland’s southern coastline, with its numerous bays, inlets, and islands rich with natural history. Navigate the labyrinthine passages of Ekenäs Archipelago National Park by kayak or Zodiac and disembark to explore its rocky and windswept islets. (B,L,D)
Arrive in Mariehamn, the capital of Finland’s Åland Islands, an autonomous region made up of over 6,700 islands where 90% of the population speaks Swedish. Delve into the rich history of the islands, get a taste for their musical and culinary traditions, and learn how the Baltic Sea has connected major empires throughout history. Set off on a hike or a bike ride along its shores, or venture out into the harbor of Mariehamn on our zodiacs to explore the historic pilot station, Kobba Klintar. (B,L,D)
Experience the natural beauty and cultural history of the largest archipelago in Sweden as we cruise among countless islands and past Fredriksborg Fortress on our way into Swedish capital. We’ll stay docked in Stockholm overnight so you can enjoy this magical Scandinavian city at your leisure. The next day, marvel at an amazingly preserved 17th-century wooden warship Vasa, housed in Stockholm’s Vasa Museum. Take a walking tour of the Old Town and visit the Royal Armoury to see the sparkling costumes and carriages of Sweden’s monarchs. (B,L,D)
Spend the day exploring the World Heritage site of Visby, a former Viking settlement on the island of Gotland and one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Scandinavia. Stroll the old town’s cobbled streets and walk along its 13th-century wall. Then visit the Gotland Museum, where an incomparable collection showcases Swedish history, from eighth-century picture stones to the discovery in 1999 of the Spillings Hoard, a treasure trove of Viking silver. Alternatively, head into the countryside for a visit to a sheep farm, or join a local guide for a bike ride, enjoying amazing views of the medieval town of Visby and the harbor. (B,L,D)
Enjoy a leisurely sail through the narrow Kalmar Strait, which separates the Swedish mainland from the island of Öland. Visit Kalmar Castle, a seaside Renaissance castle set on the site where the Kalmar Union was signed in 1397, bringing Norway, Sweden, and Denmark under a single monarch. Or venture to Öland, a long island of limestone heaths, biodiversity, and prehistory, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its first inhabitants date back some 6,000 years. As we explore the island’s coast, learn about its Mesolithic and Neolithic sites and discover its diverse flora and fauna—including a surprising number of bird species. On a guided tour of the Ottenby Bird Observatory, where researchers have been studying migratory birds since 1946, learn about bird banding—a technique used to study the approximate 140 species that migrate through the region each year. (B,L,D)
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for flights home. (B)
Itineraries are subject to change.
National Geographic Explorer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls. Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.
Highlights
• Explore round churches and charming fishing villages on the Danish islands of Christiansø and Bornholm alongside our National Geographic Photography Expert • Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Hanseatic trade center of Visby and the Old Towns of Riga and Tallinn • Explore Neolithic sites on the Swedish island of Öland, and discover the unusual culture of Finland’s Åland Islands, an autonomous, Swedish-speaking region • Delve into the captivating cities of Stockholm and Helsinki, discovering their timeless Old Towns as well as their flourishing contemporary culture • Get immersed in the local cultures through musical performances curated by our ethnomusicologist Jacob Edgar
Map
