Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys

Copenhagen is one of the great cities of Northern Europe, and this post-cruise program offers the chance to visit many of its highlights. It is the perfect way to bring your exploration of Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea to a leisurely conclusion.

Day 1 — Disembark | Copenhagen

After breakfast aboard, meet your guide for a panoramic tour of Copenhagen's major landmarks. Drive by the statue of the Little Mermaid, erected in 1913 in honor of Hans Christian Andersen and his world-famous fairytales, as you head to the Nyhavn waterfront. Here you will see 500-year-old gabled houses and discover the Old Stock Exchange, once the center of Copenhagen's finance and trade. One of the oldest public buildings in the city, it is topped by a spire with three golden crowns, symbolizing the shared history of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Next to the Old Stock Exchange is Holmens Church. Built in 1563, it was the site of the royal wedding of Queen Margrethe, Denmark's longest-reigning monarch.

 

After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tivoli Gardens, one of the world's oldest amusement parks, and a source of inspiration for Walt Disney. Enjoy time at leisure to explore this fascinating public space on your own. Known for its stunning displays of flowers, its restaurants, cafés, and concert hall, Tivoli is also famous for two spectacular rides—a wooden roller coaster built in 1914 that is the world's oldest still in operation; and the Star Flyer ride, the world's tallest carousel. Walk around Tivoli Lake, visit the Tivoli Aquarium, hop on one of the many rides, or simply sit and enjoy the sights.

 

After your time in the Gardens, transfer to the Christianshavn quarter of the city, to check into the 5-start NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel, for overnight and independent dinner.

 

Day 2 — Copenhagen

Today's excursion takes you to the northern Jutland Peninsula to visit two of Denmark's most beautiful royal castles. Following breakfast, a scenic drive begins along the coast of Øresund, the narrow channel that separates Denmark and Sweden, and then turns inland, through the Danish countryside, where rolling hills and charming villages mark the way to Fredensborg Palace, the spring and autumn residence of the Danish royal family. Nestled amid lush gardens and serene lakes, Fredensborg is the very definition of 'picturesque'—the perfect spot to stretch your legs and capture a photo or two before continuing to nearby Frederiksborg Castle.

 

Frederiksborg is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, originally built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV on three islets in the middle of a lake. The castle’s stunning exterior is matched by its opulent interiors—richly decorated rooms, a magnificent chapel, and a truly impressive Great Hall. No longer used as a royal residence, the castle now houses the Museum of National History. The beautiful Chapel, which is home to the Compenius Organ, built in 1619 and the oldest still-functioning organ in the world, also serves as the official chapel of the Order of the Elephant, Denmark's highest honor. You will see coats of arms for Nelson Mandela, Charles de Gaulle, and many others.

 

Enjoy lunch at Rabarbergaarden (Rhubarb Farm), a restaurant serving meals of locally sourced organic produce in a former carriage house of the castle. Following lunch, enjoy time at leisure to stroll through the castle's beautifully landscaped gardens of meticulously designed flower beds, fountains, and sculptures, before returning to your hotel, where dinner is again independent.

 

Day 3 — Copenhagen

After breakfast at the hotel and check out, transfer to the airport for flights homeward.

 

Your hotel:

Located in the Christianshavn section of central Copenhagen, the NH Collection Copenhagen is a 5-star hotel overlooking the harbor, within easy walking distance of the Opera, Royal Library and Nyhavn. The 394 guest rooms offer contemporary elegance and reflect the very best of Scandinavian and international design. The rooftop restaurant and bar offer views over the city, and the hotel is equipped with a state-of-the-art gym.

 

Your program includes:

·        2 nights at the NH Collection Copenhagen Hotel (or similar)

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the ship to the hotel on disembarkation day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the airport on Day 3

·        Breakfast and lunch on days 2 and 3

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guides

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the hotel to the airport on any day other than the scheduled program departure day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the hotel to the airport.

·        Late check-out is available depending on availability and at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted.

·        This post-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

NH Collection Copenhagen

Strandgade 7

1401 Copenhagen

Denmark

+45 352542 50

 

We tend to associate Finland with modernity—from its high-tech communications companies to the Art Noveau and minimalist architecture of its capital. But there is a different, slower-paced Finland, and this pre-cruise program is designed to introduce you to the farms and ranches of a rural country, which until WWII was predominantly an agricultural economy.

Day 1 – Helsinki

Arrive at Helsinki Airport, where you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Haven in the center of the city, your home for the night. A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome you and answer any questions you may have. Relax and unwind at the hotel, or explore some of the sites that are just steps away from the front door. This evening, join fellow travelers for a welcome cocktail reception. Dinner is independent.

Day 2 – Helsinki | Embark

After breakfast and check-out, board your coach and drive out of the city into the farmland of southern Finland. Your first stop will be at Savijarvi Manor, a working farm and horse ranch that also serves as a venue for meetings, parties, and weddings. The owner will greet you and offer a few words of welcome before a tour of the estate, including the stables where you can see award-winning horses, many of which are harness racing champions. Enjoy some coffee and cake before continuing to the coastal town of Porvoo, the second oldest town in Finland, chartered in 1346. A brief walking tour of Porvoo's Old Town of red-ochre riverside warehouses, quirky shops, and boutiques is followed by some time at leisure to explore on your own.

A short drive leads to Malmgård Estate, which has been in the Creutz family for 13 generations. The manor house dates from 1885, and is the pride of the current Earl of Malmgård, who will invite you inside to stroll around the ball room, the library, and the family room of his magnificent house. But more than a relic of the past, Malmgård was one of the first certified organic farms in Finland, and after your tour of the main building, you will be served a soup lunch made from locally sourced produce, much of it from Malmgård itself. You will also have an opportunity to sample a variety of organic beers brewed on the estate and browse the farm shop. Mid-afternoon, your coach drives you back to Helsinki, where you embark your ship and set sail.

Your hotel:

Hotel Haven is an elegant and stylish 5-star boutique hotel, overlooking South Harbor and Market Square in Helsinki. It is across a narrow inlet from the emblematic Sky Wheel Helsinki and Tove Jansson Park. Its 137 rooms are comfortable and spacious and equipped with all of the amenities you would expect in a luxury hotel. The property includes a bar, three restaurants, and a fitness center.

Your program includes:

·        1 night at the Hotel Haven(or similar)

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the airport to the hotel on the scheduled program arrival day

·        Transfer and luggage handling from the hotel to the ship on embarkation day

·        Welcome Reception on Day 1

·        Breakfast and lunch on Day 2

·        Sightseeing and programming as noted in the itinerary

·        Local English-speaking guide

·        Gratuities for the drivers and local guides

Your program does not include:

·        Transfer from the airport to the hotel on any day other than the scheduled program arrival day

·        Personal expenses and other services and meals not mentioned as included in the program

Please note:

·        It is imperative that your flight arrival details are communicated at least 90 days prior to the beginning of your cruise in order to secure your transfer from the airport to the hotel.

·        Early check-in is available at a supplement. An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability. Please, contact reservations or your travel agent for further details.

·        The official currency is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.

·        This pre-cruise program is offered as a package. There will be no refunds for unused accommodations, meals, or excursions.

·        Program is offered on a space available basis.

·        Program is subject to change without notice.

Hotel contact information:

Hotel Haven

Unioninkatu 17

00130 Helsinki, Finland

Phone: +358 (0)9 681 930

info@hotelhaven.fi