July 22nd Travel to Amsterdam
Continental 1580 -leave SEA at 7:15am, arrive Newark at 3:28pm, leave Newark at 5:20pm on Continental 0102
July 23rd Amsterdam, Hotel Okura
Cruise
July 24th Day 0 Rotterdam, The Netherlands 05:00PM
July 25th Day 1 At Sea
July 26th Day 2 Stavanger, Norway 07:00AM 03:00PM
July 27th Day 3 Bergen, Norway 08:00AM 05:00PM
July 28th Day 4 Flam, Norway 07:00AM 05:00PM
July 29th Day 5 At Sea
July 30th Day 6 Rotterdam, The Netherlands 07:00AM 05:00PM
July 31th Day 7 At Sea
Aug 1st Day 8 Oslo, Norway 07:00AM 04:00PM
Aug 2nd Day 9 Arhus, Denmark 10:00AM 07:00PM
Aug 3rd Day 10 Berlin, Germany 06:00AM 11:00PM
Aug 4th Day 11 At Sea
Aug 5th Day 12 Tallinn, Estonia 08:00AM 05:00PM
Aug 6th Day 13 St. Petersburg, Russia 07:00AM
Aug 7th Day 14 St. Petersburg, Russia 06:00PM
Aug 8th Day 15 Helsinki, Finland 06:00AM 06:00PM
Aug 9th Day 16 Stockholm, Sweden 08:00AM 05:00PM
Aug 10th Day 17 At Sea
Aug 11th Day 18 Copenhagen, Denmark 07:00AM
Aug 12th Copenhagen, First Hotel Vesterbro
Aug 13th Travel to Seattle
Fly Continental 0123 - leave COP at 9:05am, arrive Newark at 11:55am, leave Newark at 2:15pm on Continental 1681, arrive SEA at 5:10pm same day
Sorry it is so sloppy, in Word it was in a nice table. Stoopid Blogger. Anyway, we also have the following excursions planned:
Bergen, Norway - Mt. Floien Hiking Tour
Walk with your guide along the Bryggen pier where the German office of the Hanseatic League of Merchants was once located and wooden warehouses stand impervious to the passage of time. Pass the famous Fish & Flower Market and board the funicular for an 8-minute ride to 1,200 feet above sea level. At the top of Mount Fløien, you will walk to Skomakerdiket Lake. The views of Bergen and its surroundings become increasingly spectacular! After approximately 45 minutes, you’ll reach Rundemannsvegen and the highest point at 1,800 feet, walking on dirt roads and paths. Walk back to the Fløibanen, take the funicular down to the center of Bergen and stroll back to the ship along the pier.
Flam, Norway - Kayaking on Aurlandsfjord
Kayaking is a very popular way to experience the nature, scenery and the tranquility of Aurlandsfjord and Flåm. As you paddle along the fjord you will see mountain farms that cling to the hillside, and farm animals such as goats and sheep that graze alarmingly close to the edge of the fjord! This is the perfect excursion for experienced and first-time kayakers, as it features beautiful scenery.
Oslo, Norway - Scenic Oslofjord by Vintage Norwegian Sailing Ship
This unique tour of Oslofjord commences with a short walk along the pier to one of the beautiful old sailing vessels of Norway. Fully restored to its former glory, the tall ship also features modern amenities to ensure your safety and comfort. Setting out from the pier under engine power (the ship’s sails are not used), you will head for the highlights of the fjord, including the ruins of an 1147 monastery on the island of Hovedøya, and the nearby Dyna Lighthouse. You will see the Bygdøy Peninsula, where many maritime museums are located, and the beaches of Oslo including Huk Bay. During your cruise, a buffet of shrimp, bread, butter, mayonnaise and a glass of wine or beer per person will be served. Following the coastline of the Nesodden Peninsula, you will see the suburbs where many people who work in Oslo live, just a short commute from town by ferry. At the end of the tour, you will return to Oslo and walk back to the ship.
Berlin, Germany - Berlin in a Nutshell
On arrival in Berlin, your first stop will be at Bebelplatz where, below ground level, lies the Empty Library--the city’s most original memorial to honor ostracized authors whose books were burned on this site by students and Nazis in 1933. Some of the other famous highlights that you will see are: remnants of the Berlin Wall; the Brandenburg Gate, which more than any other monument symbolizes the German and European unification and will always be known as the border between East and West Germany; and the Reichstag parliament building. Take advantage of a brief photo stop at the site of the former Checkpoint Charlie--the legendary border crossing where spies crossed between the American and Soviet sectors during the Cold War. Step inside the Berlin Cathedral with its neo-Baroque interior and massive dome. This enormous cathedral, built between 1894 and 1905, is a stunning example of the neo-Renaissance style of Berlin. During the Second World War, the building was hit by a firebomb which severely damaged most of the Cathedral, but it has now been restored in a simplified form, including the dismantling of the Hohenzollern mausoleum. Drive through the Kurfürstendamm--Berlin’s version of the Champs Elysées, and pass the impressive Charlottenburg Castle built in 1695. Pass the Gendarmenmarkt--the most harmonious square in Berlin--which constitutes an ensemble of the Theatre, the German Cathedral and the French Cathedral. Continue to the Pergamon Museum, showcasing a must-see collection of antiquities. The Pergamon Museum is one of the world’s major archeological museums and is a memorable inside visit. Return to Warnemünde via motorcoach after a truly fascinating day in Berlin.
Tallinn, Estonia - The Spirit of Medieval Estonia
Drive through the picturesque Estonian countryside to Rakvere, one of the oldest towns in Estonia, with its partially ruined 13th-century castle. You will also see the enormous sculpture of a bull high on the hill next to the castle. Pass Rakvere Distillery and visit the Exhibition House to learn of the history of producing spirits in Estonia and enjoy a vodka tasting. At the castle, step back in time as you enter the courtyard to see the typical medieval watchtower, stone-throwing machines and fully functioning canon. See a blacksmith at work and visit the Torture Chamber. Lunch will be served at the inn in the courtyard of Rakvere Castle. Spend some free time after lunch browsing in the courtyard and visiting the souvenir store. You also have a great opportunity to see the modern city center of Rakvere and visit the Citizens' Museum. From Rakvere you will drive back to Medieval Tallinn and walk up Toompea Hill to Palace Square. View the Baroque Toompea Palace, now the residence of the Estonian Parliament. Visit the lovely Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, home to numerous golden icons and mosaics, then continue along Tallinn's medieval streets to St. Mary's Cathedral. Inside the church there are more than 100 medieval coats of arms. Enjoy the view of the Lower Town from the terrace or browse in the small shops.
St Petersburg, Russia -
Day
This tour offers you an opportunity to explore the most remarkable sites of St. Petersburg. With a brief introduction to the history of St. Petersburg, your coach brings you to the city center, to the St. Isaac's Square where you will have a chance to take pictures of one of the largest cathedrals in Europe--the St. Isaac’s Cathedral. This modern double-decker bus is equipped with a high-quality 8-language sound system which will allow you to learn a lot about the places of interest of St. Petersburg. Next, you visit the Admiralty and Nevsky prospect. You’ll see the Vosstaniya Square (Uprising Square), fantastic Palace Bridge, the Spit of Vasilievsy Island, St. Peter and Paul Fortress, Russian Cruiser Aurora and Trinity Bridge. You will see the most beautiful and famous places of St. Petersburg. The final stop will give you a perfect chance to take pictures of one of the main landmarks of St. Petersburg--the Church on Spilled Blood which was built in 1907 on the spot where the Russian Tsar Alexander II was assassinated. After this fascinating tour you’ll have an opportunity to spend 3 hours as you wish. This free time is your exclusive chance to be deep in the atmosphere of Russian city and feel Russian. Walk along one of the main streets of St. Petersburg--Nevsky Prospect, do shopping in the best shops of the city or the flea market by the Church on the Spilled Blood, buy lovely souvenirs for your relatives and friends, have a lunch in a cozy cafe or restaurant in the very center of this unforgettable city! Return to the ship.
Evening
This is an evening of spectacular cultural value featuring the St. Petersburg Highlights folklore group. Embark on a fascinating, 90-minute musical journey through different regions of Russia, with acrobatic Siberian Cossack dances, Russian and Ukrainian choral singing, and a special Gypsy ensemble which includes the famous Russian folksong, The Dark Eyes, accompanied by live Balalaika music. Champagne and bottled water will be served during intermission.
Day 2
It is about a 50-minute drive from St. Petersburg to reach Catherine's Palace--truly an architectural masterpiece and a magnificent museum. Its 978-foot façade is an ornate masterpiece in white, gold and blue. Within the palace is a series of magnificent rooms, including the famous Picture Gallery and the Great Hall. You will also see the amazing Amber Room, stolen by the Nazis during the war, smuggled to Paraguay (legend holds) and lost forever. Now, Russian craftsmen have piece-by-piece reconstructed the dazzling panels of semi-precious stone, amassing a stunning, multi-hued collection designed to leave the observer breathless. The richly ornamented exterior of the palace is enhanced by splendid gardens and "small" pavilions. After lunch, you will enjoy a tour of Paul's Palace--a gift from Catherine the Great to her son Paul on the occasion of the birth of his son, Alexander. The palace's Grecian hall is adorned with green fluted Corinthian columns, making the ballroom the most elegant room of the Palace. Maria's rooms gave Pavlovsk a distinct charm rather than grandeur. Paul's rooms are richly adorned with mahogany and heavy gilding. Pavlovsk Park is one of the largest in Europe with ponds, valleys, waterfalls and statues.
Helsinki, Finland - High Speed Helsinki (a MUST for Dane)
Don a special all-in-one warming waterproof outfit and flotation device for a fast boat ride through the Finnish Archipelago. Board the special rubber boat with a fiberglass-reinforced hull and a powerful engine. You'll pass the center of the city, Embassy Park, Suomenlinna Island Fortress and the Open Air Market. Pass the giant icebreakers while heading toward the narrow straight, where you'll hit full throttle. Experience the scenic Finnish Archipelago at 40 knots, traveling over waves and past islands large and small. Pass Finnish summer homes, some dating back to the 19th century, then land at one of the rocky islands for some refreshments, Finnish style--sausages cooked on an open fire and a taste of Finnish beer. Speeding back to the city, you'll pass the new High-Tech Center, a residential area, and reappear next to the shipyard and your ship.
Later that day (a MUST for Crystal)
Explore Helsinki by Jopo--a Finnish-designed bike. Your biking guide will meet you directly at the ship and introduce you to your Jopo bike. Created in the 1960s and designed as a simple, practical transportation that could be adjusted to fit a wide range of people, this bike has become an important part of Finnish culture. Known as “everyone’s bicycle,” Jopos once were found in almost every Finnish family home and are now making a popular comeback. After making adjustments and listening to safety explanations, you will be ready to head off into the Finnish capital which, being relatively flat, is a wonderful city to explore by bike. You will pass along dedicated cycling paths, past city parks, waterfronts, residential and commercial areas, experiencing views of the city that many visitors don’t get to experience firsthand. Glide past a marina and a residential area before peddling along the scenic traffic-free waterfront area that leads to Helsinki’s main city beach, Hietaranta. Continue to Sibelius Park and visit the monument dedicated to Finland’s world-famous composer, Jean Sibelius. Back on the bikes, your guide will lead you through a residential district to Töölö Bay. See the new Opera House and the decorative wooden villas dating from the 19th century. You will also see in the distance Finlandia Hall, the National Museum and the Parliament building as you continue to the eastern side of the city passing more waterfront parks and mixed residential areas. At the Eastern Harbor snap a photo of Katajanokka Island, summer home to the Finnish icebreaker fleet and location of the Orthodox Uspenski Cathedral with its 13 golden onion domes. Dismount at Market Square and enjoy the colorful sights and sounds of the market. Note the varying architectural skyline of the city with the Lutheran Cathedral, City Hall, the Presidential Palace and the bustling harbor and the market in the foreground. Exclusive waterfront properties, including many embassies, and the popular Kaivopuisto Park are next on the agenda, as well as views across to the impressive Suomenlinna Island Fortress. You’ll also see a venue for the traditional springtime custom of carpet washing en route back to the ship.
Stockholm, Sweden - A Taste of Ice Cold Sweden
In Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan), you will stroll along the narrow, twisting alleys and cobblestone streets to see some of the city’s finest sights. Savor the Bohemian atmosphere among houses that date from the 16th to the 19th centuries--complete with Baroque doorways and regal coats of arms. As you wander through Stortorget (Great Square) in the hub of the Old Town, look for the old Stock Exchange, which now houses the Nobel Museum and the Swedish Academy. Your tour will include time to stroll in the atmosphere of Gamla Stan, which is indeed a living historical monument. At the Nordic Hotel, in the heart of the city, you’ll find the year-round “Ice Bar.” Inside, the temperature is a cool -5° C, and the entire interior (including the drinking glasses) is made of pure ice from the Torne River. Before entering, you’ll put on a warm fur poncho and mittens. A vodka drink in an ice glass will be served as the staff explain the concept of the bar and its construction.
Copenhagen, Denmark - City Tour and Tivoli Gardens (2 night stay)
A luxury coach will take you on the lovely tour through the streets of Copenhagen. As you travel through the city, you will pass the Stock Exchange, Christianborg Palace, the Danish Parliament, City Hall Square, the main shopping area, Stroeget and Rosenborg Castle. You will also see Copenhagen’s famous Gefion Fountain set amid the parkland of the Kastellet, depicting the Nordic legend of the goddess Gefion. Watch for Amalienborg Palace (exterior view only), the winter residence of the Royal Family, which consists of four equal-sized rococo palaces situated on one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. You will pass through the colorful and lively Nyhavn waterfront district--once the favorite haunt for sailors. Today the canal district is lined with 500-year-old gabled houses, sidewalk cafés and bars. Author Hans Christian Andersen lived at three different addresses along the Nyhavn Canal. From Nyhavn, you’ll head to Tivoli Gardens--at the top of everyone’s list of places to visit in Copenhagen. Founded in 1843, Tivoli is a beautiful, romantic park with lanterns in the trees that create a magical atmosphere. It has open-air stages for music and theatre, and a wealth of high-class restaurants. This magical park which is more than 160 years old has inspired many people: Hans Christian Andersen took the idea for his fairy tale about the Nightingale from Tivoli, and Walt Disney drew inspiration for Disneyland from the garden during several visits in the 1950s. Tivoli, with its unique world famous location in the center of Copenhagen, has something for everyone. Before exploring the park, enjoy a drink at Cafe Ketchup located near the Tivoli Lake. The interior is beautiful and very Scandinavian. Stroll around Tivoli Gardens to see the beautiful flowers and the amusements. Neon lights are banned here, and the lighting style at Tivoli has lent its name to the Christmas lights on Park Avenue in New York also known as “Tivoli Lights.” On your way back to your cruise ship, you will see the Little Mermaid sculpture modeled on the fairytale creation of Hans Christian Andersen.
Well that's about it for now. More information will be posted as it comes in. :-)
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