Expedition Details
Traveling aboard the National Geographic Explorer, discover the magnificent cities of the Baltic Sea. Meet former presidents Lech Walesa and Mikhail Gorbachev, stroll through medieval towns, visit the great maritime capital of Stockholm, and spend three days in stunning St. Petersburg.Trip Highlights
- Venture into the medieval Old Towns of Lübeck, Riga, and Tallinn, designated UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Meet with former Presidents Lech Walesa of Poland and Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union.
- Explore the tiny islands of the Stockholm Archipelago by kayak or on nature walks.
- View one of the world's greatest art collections at the Hermitage Museum, and stay at St. Petersburg's five-star Grand Hotel Europe.
Itinerary - 16 Days
Days 1 & 2 — U.S./Copenhagen, Denmark
Depart on an overnight flight to Copenhagen. Gather for lunch in town, and then set off for the National Museum, housed in an 18th-century mansion. Embark the National Geographic Explorer and enjoy a welcome dinner on board tonight.
National Geographic Explorer (L,D)
Day 3 — Lübeck, Germany
Our ship heads toward the northern coast of Germany, and makes its way into the canals of Lübeck, the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League. Glide along the canals on a boat ride, examining the town's Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture, and take a walking tour after lunch.
(B,L,D)
Day 4 — Christiansø and Bornholm Islands, Denmark
Travel by Zodiac to the small island of Christiansø and wander through an artists' village that occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. Continue to the larger island of Bornholm, and explore the ruins of Denmark's largest fortress.
(B,L,D)
Day 5 — Gdańsk, Poland
Poland's Solidarity movement was born in the Gdańsk shipyards. Today, visit the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers and a museum detailing the history of the fall of communism in Poland. In Gdańsk's charming Old Town, tour Artus Court, a magnificent 15th-century guildhall. Then, by special arrangement, meet with the former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa.
(B,L,D)
Day 6 — Klaipeda, Lithuania
Arrive in the port city of Klaipeda. Travel north to the seaside town of Palarga, stopping at a 19th-century estate that houses the celebrated Amber Museum.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 — Riga, Latvia
A member of the Hanseatic League, Riga is renowned for its architectural diversity—a combination of romantic, art nouveau, neo-Gothic, neo-Baroque, and ultramodern styles. Venture into its 14th-century castle, and take a walk around the Great Guild Hall Square in the heart of the old city.
(B,L,D)
Day 8 — Visby, Gotland, Sweden
Known as the "city of ruins and roses," Visby was once an important Viking trading post and has been inhabited for more than 5,000 years. Browse an impressive collection of Viking artifacts at the Fornsal Museum, explore the walled old city, and wander through a display of local flora at the botanical gardens.
(B,L,D)
Day 9 — Stockholm Archipelago
The ship navigates the enchanting islands of the Stockholm archipelago today. Soak up the idyllic Swedish landscape on a walk along the islands' pristine shores.
(B,L,D)
Day 10 — Stockholm
Spend the day discovering the charming city of Stockholm. Visit the famed Vasa Museum to see its notorious 17th-century warship—the prize of King Gustavus Adolphus's navy that sank on its maiden voyage. Then stroll the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's pastel-hued Old Town dating back to the 13the century.
(B,L,D)
Day 11 — Mariehamn, Aland Islands, Finland
Situated between Finland and Sweeden, the autonomous Aland archipelago includes more than 6,500 islands. Explore them by foot, Zodiac, and kayak today.
(B,L,D)
Day 12 — Tallinn, Estonia
Enclosed by walls and turrets, Tallinn's Hanseatic Old Town is one of the Baltics' best preserved medieval cities. On a walking tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll past the bustling cafés and galleries of the Town Hall Square, and visit the Church of St. Nicholas. From the top of Dome Hill, gaze at a skyline that bristles with pointed gables and spires. If you wish, have dinner ashore and explore the city by night.
(B,L,D)
Day 13 — St. Petersburg, Russia
As the Explorer noses into the port of St. Petersburg, take in views of this glorious city. Here, enjoy a special opportunity to meet with former President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. Visit the opulent Catherine Palace in Pushkin, and attend an optional musical performance at the Hermitage this evening.
Grand Hotel Europe (B,L)
Days 14 & 15 — St. Petersburg
Experience Peter the Great's spectacular "window to the West" during the next two days. Step into the Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of most modern tsars, and visit the golden-domed St. Isaac's Cathedral. Admire the treasures of the Hermitage Museum and explore the cascading fountains of the summer palace at Petrodvorets.
(B, L, D daily)
Day 16 — St. Petersburg/U.S.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
(B)
Optional Extension
- Moscow - Pre- or Post-Trip Extension, 4 Days
View LargerExpedition Team
A diverse team of experts, including naturalists, historians, and a National Geographic photographer, will accompany each expedition aboard the National Geographic Explorer. See one of the members of our extraordinary team below.
Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson
Photographers Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson have collectively photographed more than 50 stories for National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines. They have spent most of their careers working in Europe, shooting stories from the Arctic and Scandinavia to Italy and France. Both Sisse and Cotton have been awarded prizes by Pictures of the Year International, the National Press Photographers Association, White House Press Photographers Association, and Communication Arts. Based in Denmark, Sisse and Cotton will share their insights into the culture of the Baltic region, as well as their love of photography.
Sisse Brimberg and Cotton Coulson will join the following departures:
Aug 29 - Sep 13, 2012 • Sep 06 - 21, 2012
This trip is offered in association with Lindblad Expeditions.
Expedition Dates 
2012
- Aug 29 - Sep 13, 2012
- Sep 06 - 21, 2012
Indicates trip operates in reverse. Click here to see the reverse itinerary
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Special Offer
Book the September 6, 2012 departure before March 31, 2012 and receive complimentary round-trip international airfare between New York and St. Petersburg and Oslo and Newark. Subject to availability; new bookings only. Please call for details.
Expedition Costs
Airfare is not included in the expedition cost. Economy airfare from Newark to Copenhagen, and return from St. Petersburg to New York, is $995 (subject to change).
