Guest Speaker 
Deluxe Stateroom
20% Ponant Bonus
19 m2
2
Escape to the Baltic Sea
London - Stockholm
Dates:
29/05/2023
to
09/06/2023
days
nights on board
PONANT invites you aboard Le Champlain for an exceptional 12-day cruise along the North Sea and the Baltic Sea to discover the wonders of some of the coastal cities of Northern Europe.
Your journey will start in London, the cosmopolitan capital of the United Kingdom, at the heart of global trade and rich with historical heritage and exceptional avant-garde art. Fall in love with this city, a concentration of all things British, enhanced by cultural influences from around the world.
After the amazing crossing of the Kiel Canal, you will sail to Copenhagen. A city of art and history, the charming Danish capital will not fail to surprise you with its easy lifestyle, cultural richness and exceptional heritage.
Then Le Champlain will chart a course towards the charming town of Ronne, on the small Danish island of Bornholm, which is greatly appreciated by the Danish for its variety of landscapes ranging from granite to great sandy beaches.
Your ship will first head to Tallinn, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. A UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
You will then visit Saint Petersburg. Architectural gems in the Baroque style, churches with domes so elaborate they seem otherworldly, palaces, gardens, canals, and the famous ‘perspectives’ that criss-cross the city: at each street corner a new theatrical decor is revealed. We invite you to visit this colourful city where the atmosphere is rich with the splendour of the Tsars and the traces of the Russian Enlightenment.
Helsinki is next on your itinerary. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
Le Champlain will then sail to the Swedish island of Gotland and call at Visby, another site that was important for the Hanseatic League around the 13th century. Public buildings, the ramparts and merchant houses are very well preserved in this UNESCO Heritage Site.
Finally, your ship will head for Stockholm, your disembarkation port.
Ref : EC290523
Your itinerary
From London to Stockholm, discovering the most precious treasures of the Baltic Sea. An amazing cruise through renowned cities, including five capitals (London, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm) of...
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Your trip in detail
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Additional services
For more peace of mind, PONANT selects flights and takes care of your transfers for your trip as well as shore visits before and after the cruise.
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LE JACQUES-CARTIER
- New
LE COMMANDANT CHARCOT
L'AUSTRAL
04/11/2022 to the 20/11/2022
- New
LE LAPEROUSE
09/11/2022 to the 23/11/2022
LE LYRIAL
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24h room service
- Butler service and priority boarding : Owner’s suite, Grand de Luxe Suite, Privilege Suites, Prestige Suite Deck 6
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Selection of Hermès top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar included
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
Depending on the itinerary and the program of your cruise, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- From London to Stockholm, discovering the most precious treasures of the Baltic Sea.
- An amazing cruise through renowned cities, including five capitals (London, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm) of seven Northern European countries : United Kingdom, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Estionia, Russia, Finland and Sweden.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites : The Hanseatic town of Visby, the old town of Tallinn ; the historic centre of Saint Petersburg and its many monuments.
- Sailing on the famous Kiel Canal, which links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea.
- Visit the colourful and opulent city of Saint Petersburg, where the atmosphere is rich with the splendour of the Tsars and the traces of the Russian Enlightenment.
Ports of Call & Excursions
29 May 2023 - London
Embarkation 29/05/2023 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 29/05/2023 at 21:00
The main residence of the British monarch, financial hub and seat of British government, London is the economic and cultural heart of the country. A city of contrasts, attached to its traditions while buzzing with modernity, the capital of the United Kingdom has countless historic districts and notable sites to explore. From Hyde Park to the City through Westminster and Trafalgar Square, get ready to take on Londonﾒs frenetic tempo. In between a visit to the National Gallery, a stroll through Covent Garden and a trip to Tower Bridge, you can take a quiet breather in one of Londonﾒs many beautiful parks and gardens.
30 May 2023 - At sea
Arrival 30/05/2023
Departure 30/05/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
31 May 2023 - Crossing the Kiel Canal
Arrival 31/05/2023 early morning
Departure 31/05/2023 early morning
Spanning around one hundred kilometres, the Kiel Canal links the North Sea to the Baltic Sea, crossing the Jutland peninsula. It is the world’s busiest artificial waterway.
1 June 2023 - Copenhagen
Arrival 01/06/2023 early morning
Departure 01/06/2023 evening
Connected to the far eastern side of Sealand island, a few kilometres away from the Swedish coasts, Copenhagen offers you the high colour of Scandinavian capitals. You can discover the city's riches that weaves through the canal networks through the historical districts of Christiansborg and Nyhavn. Many palaces provide an apercu of Danish history. For eating, you can try out the smorrebrod, traditional danish sandwiches made with ham, cheese or smoked fish.
2 June 2023 - Ronne
Arrival 02/06/2023 early morning
Departure 02/06/2023 midday
To the south-west of the Baltic Sea, the small Danish island of Bornholm is a magnificent and light-filled setting for the charming town of Ronne, its capital. Close to Sweden, Poland and Germany and coveted many times for its strategic position, the island has managed to preserve its identity. Strolling its cobbled streets, fall under the spell of the colourful half-timbered houses and discover Denmark’s oldest theatre. The museum located in a former market hall retraces the traditional life of the island and its history. In the midst of landscapes alternating rocky coastlines and fine sandy beaches, maybe you will come across the medieval fortress of Hammerhus, or one of the remarkable round churches scattered over the island.
3 June 2023 - At sea
Arrival 03/06/2023
Departure 03/06/2023
During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
4 June 2023 - Tallinn
Arrival 04/06/2023 early morning
Departure 04/06/2023 midday
Opening onto the Baltic sea, to the far north of Estonia, the town of Tallin will win you over with the picturesque charm of its architecture. You can meander through its little streets in the heart of the medieval centre where its gothic town hall has been standing since 1404. The Kiek in de Kök tower, the Orthodox Alexander Nevski cathedral, or Toompea castle give visitors a taste of this town’s rich past. The city was particularly active during the medieval period, as is demonstrated by the very beautiful monuments from this period that are still visible. Don't hesitate to lose yourself in the heart of Tallinn, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5 June 2023 6 June 2023 - Saint Petersburg
Arrival 05/06/2023 early morning
Departure 06/06/2023 late afternoon
Founded in 1703 by Tzar Peter the Great, Saint Petersburg has kept its original aura and is still one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Bathed by the waters of the Neva, the “Venice of the North” boasts an impressive wealth of historic and artistic features. From the emblematic Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main thoroughfare, exploring the city by foot is a pleasure. With its baroque cathedrals, imperial palaces, suspended bridges, theatres and museums, Saint Petersburg is a jewel of a city.
7 June 2023 - Helsinki
Arrival 07/06/2023 early morning
Departure 07/06/2023 early afternoon
Seated in the southern peninsula of Finland, Helsinki offers the buzz of a cosmopolitan city that has opted for both elegance and beauty. Explore its historical centre where the soft hues of neoclassical buildings are juxtaposed with spectacular modern constructions. The bustling Kallio district is teeming with boutiques and restaurants where you can taste some local specialities like graavilohi - a sweet, marinated, aromatic salmon dish. Keskuspuisto park, a stone’s throw from the centre, is a good place to sit and unwind.
8 June 2023 - Visby, Gotland
Arrival 08/06/2023 midday
Departure 08/06/2023 late afternoon
This old Hanseatic city lies to the west coast of Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic sea. Pass through the spectacular Visby fortifications and visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll discover the grand Visby homes of rich merchants as well as the lovely low wooden houses in the little cobbled streets. Don’t miss Saint Mary’s cathedral with its octagonal steeples, as well as Powder tower along the fortifications. Make sure you stop over in one of the rose-adorned cafés; indeed roses abound in this town where you can taste one of the island’s specialities, namely saffron pancakes with red fruit.
9 June 2023 - Stockholm
Arrival 09/06/2023 early morning
Disembarkation 09/06/2023 at 07:00
The capital of Sweden occupies an archipelago in the east of the country at the junction of Mälar Lake and the Baltic sea. In Gamla stan, meaning “old town” in Swedish, you can stroll at your leisure in picturesque medieval streets until you reach the majestic Royal Palace. On the green island of Djurgården, you can visit several very different kinds of cultural centres: the Vasa museum is dedicated to a 17th century three-mast, the ecomuseum of Skansen presents traditional customs, and the ABBA museum is dedicated to the legendary pop group. For a fantastic, all-encompassing view of Stockholm, you can take a ride in SkyView, a glass-encased sphere gondola that takes you to the top of the world’s largest building, the Ericsson Globe, a Stockholm landmark.
Royal highlights
From the pier, board your vehicle and depart for Christiansborg Palace, which was originally built on the ruins of Copenhagen Castle. Today, this palace is home to the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the state rooms. A visit to the Queen’s reception rooms, where the Queen receives foreign ambassadors and visiting heads of state, is featured during your visit. Of special interest are the 17 new tapestries in the Knight’s Hall, depicting 1,000 years of Danish history. They have taken 10 years to weave and were presented to the Queen on her 50th birthday in 1990.
Continue to Amalienborg Palace Square for a view of the beautiful Amalienborg Palace. The sprawling octagonal courtyard linking four rococo mansions and the impressive Marble Church is regarded as one of Europe’s finest examples of the staging Absolutism and is widely considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Home to the royal family since 1794, the palace houses numerous heirlooms and the charming garden, Amaliehaven.
No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to the city’s most cherished landmark – make a photo stop at the Little Mermaid statue, a small bronze figure inspired by the tales of Hans Christian Andersen.
After this last stop, re-board your motor coach and return to your ship.
- This tour includes some steps and 1 km (0.5 mile) of walking, sometimes over cobblestone terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
Ronne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Ronne has an interesting history coming under German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port.
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure through the island and the lush Danish countryside before you reach the village of Svaneke. Svaneke is the oldest and most easter situated merchant and fishing village of Denmark. You will be given the opportunity to visit some of the shops producing local delicacies or treat yourself with a beer from Svaneke microbrew house, the first microbrewery in Denmark using organic ingredients only and generating its own electrical power by using one of the most natural sources available, the sun.
Along the Northern coast through Bølshavn you will drive into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars. Then, along the coastal road you will go through the villages of Gudhjem, Kås, Tejn, Allinge and Sandvig, a former collection of coastal farmers. The villages consisting of timbered and half-timbered houses today are one of the most visited and popular villages of Denmark.
Your scenic and coastal drive continues up to the most North-Western point of the Island before you pass the biggest castle ruin in Northern Europe, Hammershus. From your coach you will have a chance to stop for taking a photo of the largest castle ruin in Denmark.
Finally, your journey ends along the west coast of the island before you return to your ship at the port of Ronne.
- This tour involves approximately 500 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the Old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
You will start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves 2 km (1.24 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Departing from the pier by coach, you will pass the modern city centre with its hotels, banks and shopping centres. Reaching the Old Town, a stop is made at the Tall Hermann Tower to get an outside view of the imposing castle. You can walk to the Kiek in de Kök Tower to get a view of the towers and steeples of the Upper Town.
Continue your guided visit on foot to the old Hanseatic town viewing the Transfiguration church, Nun's Gate and numerous merchants' homes on your way. You can admire Gothic facades of the guild houses and the Holy Ghost church with the oldest street clock in Tallinn till you reach the Town Hall Square.
In the centre of the square is the 15th century Town Hall, one of the very few well-survived Gothic town halls in Europe. You will be treated a guided tour of this magnificent building visiting the citizens' hall which is now often used for VIP receptions and concerts as well as the councillors' hall where part of the unique 15th century furniture has been exhibited.
After the Town Hall inside visit, you can admire other old buildings that line the square paying a special attention to the facade of the Town Hall apothecary shop, probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has been functioning since 1422. You will also enjoy some free time there.
On the way back to your coach, pass the Viru gate, one of the three gates that has survived in the city wall.
Reboard your coach for the 15-minute return drive to your ship.
- This tour includes approximately 1.3 km (0.8 mile) of walking on uneven ground and cobblestone streets and involves approximately 100 steps at the Town Hall. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Champlain
Like the rest of the PONANT EXPLORERS series, Le Champlain successfully manages to subtly combine the desire to explore the remotest regions of the planet with the comfort and privacy of a cosily intimate ship.
To the innovative and environmentally friendly equipment are added elegant design and a unique atmosphere in keeping with the whole PONANT universe. Your dream of a cruise onboard a cosily intimate ship is thus made possible through the combination of an authentically genuine voyage experience together with discreet luxury.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Royal highlights
From the pier, board your vehicle and depart for Christiansborg Palace, which was originally built on the ruins of Copenhagen Castle. Today, this palace is home to the Danish Parliament, the Supreme Court and the state rooms. A visit to the Queen’s reception rooms, where the Queen receives foreign ambassadors and visiting heads of state, is featured during your visit. Of special interest are the 17 new tapestries in the Knight’s Hall, depicting 1,000 years of Danish history. They have taken 10 years to weave and were presented to the Queen on her 50th birthday in 1990.
Continue to Amalienborg Palace Square for a view of the beautiful Amalienborg Palace. The sprawling octagonal courtyard linking four rococo mansions and the impressive Marble Church is regarded as one of Europe’s finest examples of the staging Absolutism and is widely considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Home to the royal family since 1794, the palace houses numerous heirlooms and the charming garden, Amaliehaven.
No visit to Copenhagen would be complete without a visit to the city’s most cherished landmark – make a photo stop at the Little Mermaid statue, a small bronze figure inspired by the tales of Hans Christian Andersen.
After this last stop, re-board your motor coach and return to your ship.
- This tour includes some steps and 1 km (0.5 mile) of walking, sometimes over cobblestone terrain. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Nature and villages of Bornholm
Ronne is the largest town on the Danish island of Bornholm. Owing to its natural harbour and its strategic position in the Baltic Sea, Ronne has an interesting history coming under German and Swedish influence during its development as a herring fishing port.
From the pier, board your bus for a 30-minute drive and start your adventure through the island and the lush Danish countryside before you reach the village of Svaneke. Svaneke is the oldest and most easter situated merchant and fishing village of Denmark. You will be given the opportunity to visit some of the shops producing local delicacies or treat yourself with a beer from Svaneke microbrew house, the first microbrewery in Denmark using organic ingredients only and generating its own electrical power by using one of the most natural sources available, the sun.
Along the Northern coast through Bølshavn you will drive into the countryside passing the famous round church of Østerlars. Then, along the coastal road you will go through the villages of Gudhjem, Kås, Tejn, Allinge and Sandvig, a former collection of coastal farmers. The villages consisting of timbered and half-timbered houses today are one of the most visited and popular villages of Denmark.
Your scenic and coastal drive continues up to the most North-Western point of the Island before you pass the biggest castle ruin in Northern Europe, Hammershus. From your coach you will have a chance to stop for taking a photo of the largest castle ruin in Denmark.
Finally, your journey ends along the west coast of the island before you return to your ship at the port of Ronne.
- This tour involves approximately 500 meters (0.3 mile) of walking on flat terrain. Please note the order of the visits may be reversed.
Price range:
Find out more
€€: the excursion price is between €50 and €100.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Tallinn & folklore
Tallinn is a wonderfully preserved city of the Hanseatic League with its old town entered in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Departing from the pier, your coach will circle around the Old town, offering magnificent views of the medieval city wall.
You will start your guided walking tour in the Upper Town with its watch-towers, graceful spires and winding, cobbled streets. Visit the Russian Orthodox Church, inaugurated in 1900 and filled with a stunning array of superb icons. You will view the exterior of the castle which is now the seat of Estonia's parliament. Built on a cliff top the Upper Town provides superb vantage point from which to view the red gabled roofs and spires of the Lower Town.
Your tour will continue as you follow your guide down Long and Short Leg Streets to the Lower Town. The first visit here will be to a historical building in the city centre where you will be treated to a delightful Estonian folk show.
Once you are rested and ready to resume your touring, you will continue with a walking tour of the Lower Town. Among the highlights is the apothecary, which opened in 1422, the Great Guild House, Holy Ghost Church and the 15th century Gothic Town Hall (all from outside). Here in the heart of Tallinn, you will enjoy some free time before rejoining your coach and returning to the pier.
- This tour involves 2 km (1.24 miles) of walking, mostly on cobblestone streets, and about 100 steps to climb. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. Appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees must be covered). Please note that the church may be closed on Sundays due to religious service. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.
Gothic treasures of Tallinn
Departing from the pier by coach, you will pass the modern city centre with its hotels, banks and shopping centres. Reaching the Old Town, a stop is made at the Tall Hermann Tower to get an outside view of the imposing castle. You can walk to the Kiek in de Kök Tower to get a view of the towers and steeples of the Upper Town.
Continue your guided visit on foot to the old Hanseatic town viewing the Transfiguration church, Nun's Gate and numerous merchants' homes on your way. You can admire Gothic facades of the guild houses and the Holy Ghost church with the oldest street clock in Tallinn till you reach the Town Hall Square.
In the centre of the square is the 15th century Town Hall, one of the very few well-survived Gothic town halls in Europe. You will be treated a guided tour of this magnificent building visiting the citizens' hall which is now often used for VIP receptions and concerts as well as the councillors' hall where part of the unique 15th century furniture has been exhibited.
After the Town Hall inside visit, you can admire other old buildings that line the square paying a special attention to the facade of the Town Hall apothecary shop, probably the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has been functioning since 1422. You will also enjoy some free time there.
On the way back to your coach, pass the Viru gate, one of the three gates that has survived in the city wall.
Reboard your coach for the 15-minute return drive to your ship.
- This tour includes approximately 1.3 km (0.8 mile) of walking on uneven ground and cobblestone streets and involves approximately 100 steps at the Town Hall. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
Find out more
€: the excursion price is less than €50.
The price of the excursion will be available approximately two months prior to the cruise departure.
The complete programme of excursions, including up-to-date prices, will be provided with the Travel book that you will receive before the departure of your cruise.
PONANT also allows you to pre-book your excursions approximately two months prior to the cruise* departure. Billing is done on board.
*Excluding Expedition cruises.
According to availability, price per passenger.