JEWELS OF THE BALTIC

22 Jul - 5 Aug 1998, 15 Days, visiting Sweden, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Denmark, Germany & UK

Cruise no: 516

Our cruise starts in Stockholm, the 'Venice of the North' and takes us on to St Petersburg, with its golden domes and dazzling light and, of course, the incomparable treasures of the Hermitage Museum. From there we travel to Riga, the capital of Latvia, where we see the impressive Dome Cathedral, founded under the Knights of the Sword and the attractive old quarter and Gdansk, historic Danzig, in Poland with its attractions such as the 17th century Artus Court. Ornithologists will be delighted to know that Jeffery Boswell, former head of the Film Unit at the RSPB, will be on hand to help us enjoy the abundant coastal birdlife encountered on this cruise.

Itinerary:

Wed 22 Jul Fly from London to Stockholm where we spend the evening in port.
Thu 23 Jul During the morning we explore the historic city of Stockholm. Afternoon at sea.
Fri 24 Jul A relaxing day at sea. Arrive early evening in St. Petersburg.
Sat 25 Jul-
Sun 26 Jul		 A day and a half to savour the delights of St. Petersburg and take in the many historic sites including the magnificent Hermitage museum and Peter and Paul Fortress. Sail early afternoon on Sunday.
Mon 27 Jul A full day at sea to relax on deck by the swimming pool or attend the lectures in the Lounge.
Tue 28 Jul This morning we visit the Hanseatic town of Riga, capital of Latvia. Alternatively drive through the countryside and visit the 18th century Rundale Palace.
Wed 29 Jul A morning call to Veere, on the Estonian island of Saaremaa, which has a rich historical heritage and unique natural environment. Enjoy an afternoon at sea.
Thu 30 Jul During our afternoon call we visit the historic city of Gdansk with its bustling old quarter. Sail early evening.
Fri 31 Jul We visit Ronne, the capital of the Danish island of Bornholm and during the afternoon see colourful wooden houses, runic stones, a traditional round white church, and the ruins of Hammershus Castle. Sail early evening.
Sat 1 Aug We arrive early morning for our tour of the impressive city of Copenhagen taking in the Amalienborg Palace and the renowned Little Mermaid. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at sea.
Sun 2 Aug Sail down the Trave river early morning to arrive in Lubeck. Enjoy a walking tour in the Old Town or a relaxing visit to the traditional Baltic resort town of Travemunde.
Mon 3 Aug-
Tue 4 Aug		 Depart early morning from Lubeck and enjoy the beautiful countryside along the banks of the Trave river. In the afternoon we begin our transit of the Kiel Canal. On Tuesday we have our final day at sea.
Wed 5 Aug Minerva arrives at Dover early in the morning for disembarkation.

GUEST LECTURERS:

THE REVEREND RUPERT BURSELL: Having read for degrees in Law and Theology, he obtained a doctorate in Ecclesiastical Law.
JOHN GOODING: Senior Lecturer in history at Edinburgh University, specialising in Russian and East European history.
JAMES M H THOMPSON: Formerly lecturer in the history of architecture at Birmingham Polytechnic, with Royal Commission on Historical Monuments (England).
JEFFERY BOSWELL: Lately senior Lecturer in Natural History Television at the University of Derby. A BBC Wildlife producer for 30 years and former Head of the Film Unit at the RSPB.
Please note the cruise number(s) about which you wish to receive further information.

NEXT CRUISE: Iberia: A Summer Collection