2017 - APT Small Ships

48 CRUISE APPEAL This Soft Expedition cruise will dock alongside in ports and will feature Zodiac landings in select locations. This cruise will appeal to guests who: ✫ Wish to explore the treasures of the Baltic region ✫ Are interested in learning about distinctive northern European cultures and traditions ✫ Would like to taste traditional Baltic cuisine ✫ Want to explore unique and remote coastal destinations aboard an elegant small ship ✫ Be treated to an elegant evening at the Russian ballet in the prestigious Hermitage Theatre ✫ Journey down the Neva River to explore the grand Peterhof Park and Palace ✫ Perhaps visit a traditional Estonian farmhouse for a cooking lesson and a hearty meal with local wine ✫ Sample a series of gourmet delights including wine, sausages and beer on Bornholm Island ✫ Experience the setting of William Shakespeare's Hamlet at Kronborg Castle ✫ Freedom of Choice Sightseeing™ in Mariehamn, Helsinki, Tallinn, on Saaremaa Island, in Riga, Visby, Klaipeda and on Christianso Island CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS Best of the Baltics 15 Day Soft Expedition Cruise | MS Island Sky Sweden | Finland | Russia | Estonia | Latvia | Lithuania | Poland | Denmark Day 1. Arrive Stockholm. Arrive by 2pm and transfer to your small ship. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of Stockholm before a Welcome Dinner this evening. 14 Night Stay: aboard the MS Island Sky. D Day 2. Mariehamn, Freedom of Choice. In the Finnish town of Mariehamn, perhaps embark on a historic tour, seeing the 18th-century wooden houses, the open-air Jan Karlsgården Museum and the fortress ruins of Bomarsund. Alternatively, take a coastal nature walk, admiring the numerous pastures with beautiful wildflowers along the way. Later, sail through the 20,000 islands of the Turku archipelago. BLD Day 3. Turku. On a morning tour, discover Turku Castle and the 14th-century cathedral. After lunch, you can choose to visit the neighbouring island of Ruissalo, known for its oak forests, or perhaps embark on a Zodiac cruise with your Expedition Team. BLD Day 4. Helsinki, Freedom of Choice. Perhaps enjoy a tour of Helsinki, including Senate Square and Mannerheimintie as well as a photo stop at the Olympic Stadium. Otherwise, explore Suomelinna, a World Heritage-listed sea fortress that occupies six small islands. BLD Day 5. St Petersburg. Embark upon a guided city tour, including the impressive 18th-century Peter and Paul Cathedral and St Isaac's Cathedral. Discover the wonders of the Baroque-style State Hermitage Museum. Tonight, be treated to an elegant evening at the Russian ballet at the prestigious Hermitage Theatre. BLD Day 6. St Petersburg. Visit the opulent Catherine Palace before boarding a hydrofoil for a journey down the Neva River to Peterhof Park and Palace. Stroll the Lower Park and see the Grand Cascade and the Grand Palace. BLD Day 7. Tallinn, Freedom of Choice. In Tallinn, visit Dome Hill, the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, the Town Hall Square, the Rotermann Quarter and Freedom Square. Otherwise, perhaps embark on a more active hike with your Expedition Team, or partake in a bicycle tour. BLD Day 8. Saaremaa Island, Freedom of Choice. Today on Saaremaa Island, enjoy a visit to an Estonian farmhouse for a cooking lesson and a traditional lunch accompanied by local wine. Alternatively, visit the town of Kuressaare or take a guided nature tour of the island. BLD Freedom of Choice TM Sightseeing Signature Invitation Admire the majesty of Catherine Palace in St Petersburg E X P E D I T I O N S O F T E X P E D I T I O N www.aptouring.com.au

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