Jewels of the Baltic
Cruise 591
Germany, Poland, Finland, Russia, Sweden, Denmark
3-17 Jun 2024
15 days Fares from �3300
| Fares for Cruise 591 | ||
| Cabin Grade: | Price per adult (�): | |
 |
Owners Suite | 6660 |
 |
Suite | 6290 |
 |
Deluxe | 5370 |
 |
Superior | 4710 |
| Standard two
bed: twin occupancy | ||
 |
A Deck outside | 4400 |
 |
A Deck outside aft | 4090 |
 |
B Deck outside | 4005 |
 |
B Deck outside aft | 3740 |
 |
A Deck inside | 3390 |
 |
B Deck inside | 3300 |
| Standard two
bed: single occupancy | ||
|
A Deck outside | 6160 |
|
A Deck outside aft | 5726 |
|
B Deck outside | 5607 |
|
B Deck outside aft | 5236 |
|
A Deck inside | 4407 |
|
B Deck inside | 4290 |
| Minerva deck plans for location of cabins | ||
ORNITHOLOGY
Among the exciting species of birds that may be spotted around the Baltic's shores are white-tailed eagle and black-necked, Slavonian and red-necked grebes. On excursions we'll look for thrush, nightingale, black woodpecker and red-backed shrike.
The Revd Dr Rupert Bursell QC
Canon of St Albans Cathedral and Chancellor of the Dioceses of Durham and St Albans. His interests lie primarily in theology and history and his talks will explore these aspects of the countries visited during our cruise.
Nick Hammond
Previously Director of Communications at the RSPB and editor of Birds Magazine. Presently director of a wildlife trust and author of several books on art & wildlife. His talks will cover the birds of the Baltic, the biodiversity of the area and how wildlife has inspired artists in Northern Europe.
Timothy Stevens
Former Assistant Director, Victoria and Albert Museum, he is presently at The Gilbert Collection, Somerset House. His talks will reveal the art and architectural highlights to be seen in these beautiful northern capitals.
Peter Unwin CMG
As a former British Ambassador to Denmark and Hungary and author of "Baltic Approaches" - an overview of the Baltic Sea region, Peter Unwin has a close affinity with the area's politics and international relations.
| Sun 3 Jun London |
| Join Minerva at her berth near Tower Bridge and savour the unforgettable experience of a late evening cruise down the River Thames. |
| Mon 4 Jun At Sea - Kiel Canal Transit |
| A full day to get acquainted with Minerva's many amenities. Our team of Guest Speakers will whet your appetite for the wonderful sights that await us. Take time to browse through the extensive Library, enjoy a dip in the pool or pamper yourself in the Beauty Salon in preparation for the Welcome Cocktail Party this evening. Late this evening, we enter the Kiel Canal for our overnight transit. |
| Tue 5 Jun Kiel |
| Our excursion this afternoon is to Lubeck, the "Queen of the Hanseatic League" and now a designated World Heritage site. Join our walking tour in the attractive Old Town, with its city walls, red rooftops, medieval bridges and church spires. Or you may prefer to join our excursion to the lively city of Hamburg. |
| Wed 6 Jun Ronne |
| We arrive at lunchtime on the tranquil island of Bornholm, affectionately known as the "Jewel of the Baltic". Our island tour takes in some of the lovely scenery and we also visit one of the unique 12th century round white churches, built not only as places of worship but also as fortresses against enemy attack. You may prefer to explore the island's birdlife with our ornithologist. |
| Thu 7 Jun Gdynia (for Gdansk) |
| Once the richest port in Europe, the beautiful Hanseatic city of Gdansk has been lovingly restored and maintained and is once again a splendid collection of imposing towers, churches and historic gateways. Explore this fascinating city independently or join our guided walking tour. There is also a supplementary full-day excursion to Malbork, the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights and one of the largest fortified castles in Europe. You may prefer to take our full-day excursion to the Vistula River in the company of our ornithologist. |
| Fri 8 Jun At Sea |
| A chance to attend the talks by our Guest Speakers and pen some postcards as we cruise north towards Finland. Relax on deck with a cocktail and chat to new friends. |
| Sat 9 Jun Helsinki |
| The cosmopolitan city of Helsinki displays an enchanting combination of old and new with its neoclassical and modern architecture. Join our morning excursion to view the Presidential Palace, Parliament Buildings and Senate Square. A full day here provides an excellent opportunity to sample some local specialities with lunch ashore and explore the city independently in the afternoon. We are also offering an afternoon supplementary visit to the medieval village of Porvoo, with its lovely 15th century cathedral and brightly coloured wooden houses. |
| Sun 10 Jun-Mon 11 Jun St Petersburg |
| Arrive at lunchtime on Sunday for a day and a half in this elegant city, created as a "window on the west" by Peter the Great. Very much Russia's most European of cities, St Petersburg enchants the visitor with its wonderful architecture, buildings and canals. Marvel at the magnificent collections in the Hermitage Museum, and explore some of the city's many treasures, including St Isaac's Cathedral. Enjoy a visit to Russia's "Versailles", the sumptuous Peterhof Palace, or join a supplementary full-day trip to the Palaces of Pushkin and Pavlovsk on Monday. Also available is a supplementary excursion to the ballet on Sunday evening. |
| Tue 12 Jun Tallinn |
| Enjoy a leisurely morning at sea before our lunchtime arrival in Tallinn, the lively capital city of Estonia. Our walking tour includes the Old Town, a delightful jumble of medieval walls and turrets, cobbled streets, bustling squares and church spires. Or perhaps join an alternative natural history excursion to Lahemaa National Park to view the various species of birdlife. |
| Wed 13 Jun-Thu 14 Stockholm |
| We make a spectacular approach through the archipelago before arriving in Stockholm early Wednesday evening. Why not walk to the Old Town and enjoy a meal ashore in this beautiful city? On Thursday morning there is the chance to acquaint yourself with the city during our sightseeing tour, which includes the Vasa Museum and the City Hall, venue for the Nobel Prize banquet. In the afternoon, explore independently or join one of our supplementary excursions to the World Heritage site of Drottningholm Palace or the Royal Palace and Old Town. |
| Fri 15 Jun Visby |
| The noble town of Visby on the Swedish island of Gotland still retains many memories of its former glories in Hanseatic times. As an important trading port during the 12th century, Visby became a wealthy and significant city, and its rich history is evident in its many towers and walls still standing proudly. We visit the museum and savour the charismatic atmosphere on our morning tour through the old cobbled streets and lanes. Alternatively you may wish to join an excursion to one of the island's bird refuges. Sail at lunchtime for a relaxing afternoon at sea. |
| Sat 16 Jun Copenhagen |
| The vibrant city of Copenhagen makes for a fitting final call of the cruise. Join our tour of this colourful city this afternoon, including the Little Mermaid and picturesque waterfront of Nyhavn. Or you may wish to see historic Roskilde with its impressive Viking Ships� Museum. Those who prefer may of course explore the city independently and discover its treasure trove of museums, castles and churches. |
| Sun 17 Jun Copenhagen - London |
| Disembark Minerva for our return flight to London. |
