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Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea
Stockholm - Copenhagen
Dates:
20/07/2022
to
28/07/2022
Other available dates
9
days
days
8
nights on board
nights on board
Starting from*
6.380 €
Guest Speaker PONANT invites you to discover Saint Petersburg and other cities steeped in history of the Baltic Sea.
From Stockholm, you will board Le Champlain for an 8-day cruise, including 3 exceptional days in the former capital of the Tsars.
You will discover Helsinki. Located on a peninsula surrounded by almost 300 islands, the verdant capital of Finland will charm you with its Art Nouveau architecture.
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.
Your ship will head to Tallinn, a site that was important for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. UNESCO Heritage Site, this once opulent city still has remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses and warehouses.
Your ship will finally head for Copenhagen, your disembarkation port.
Ref : C200722
Your itinerary
From Stockholm to Copenhagen, discover the most precious treasures of the Baltic Sea. UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hanseatic Town of Visby, the historic centre of Saint Petersburg and its many monuments,...
See detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
Choose your stateroom
Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
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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Prestige Deck 4
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Ships
Cruise code
Ponant Bonus
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C050722
5.580 €
Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea
Deluxe Stateroom
Fully booked
Prestige stateroom Deck 4
Prestige stateroom Deck 5
Fully booked
Prestige Deck 6
Fully booked
Deluxe Suite Deck 3
Fully booked
Deluxe Suite Deck 4
Fully booked
Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Fully booked
Deluxe Suite Deck 6
Fully booked
Prestige Suite Deck 5
Fully booked
Prestige Suite Deck 6
Fully booked
Privilege Suite Deck 5
Fully booked
Privilege Suite Deck 6
Fully booked
Grand Deluxe Suite Deck 5
Fully booked
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Fully booked
Owner's Suite
Fully booked
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Services provided
- Individually-controlled airconditioning
- Stateroom layout: king-size bed, or twin beds, communicating staterooms available (Children welcome)
- Minibar
- Flat screen satellite TV
- Video on demand
- Bose™ Bluetooth speaker
- Desk with stationery
- Safe
- Hermès® bath products
- Dressing table, bath robes, Hairdryer
- Direct line telephone
- 110V American (two flat pins) /220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- 24hr room service
- Inclusive Internet access Wifi
Choose your stateroom category
Packing Checklist
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.
Advice
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 Stockholm to Copenhagen, discover the most precious treasures of the Baltic Sea.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hanseatic Town of Visby, the historic centre of Saint Petersburg and its many monuments, the old town of Tallinn.
- Discover four European capitals on the same cruise: Stockholm (Sweden), Helsinki (Finland), Tallinn (Estonia), and Copenhagen (Denmark)
- Visit the colourful and opulent city of Saint Petersburg, where the atmosphere is still rich with the splendour of the Tsars and the traces of the Russian Enlightenment.
- Before your cruise, the opportunity to visit Stockholm.
Ports of Call & Excursions
20 July 2022 Stockholm
Embarkation 20/07/2022 from 16:00 to 17:00
Departure 20/07/2022 at 18:00
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.
21 July 2022 Visby, Gotland
Arrival 21/07/2022 early morning
Departure 21/07/2022 midday
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.
22 July 2022 Helsinki
Arrival 22/07/2022 midday
Departure 22/07/2022 late 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.
2 possible excursions
to this stopover
23 July 2022 25 July 2022 Saint Petersburg
Arrival 23/07/2022 early morning
Departure 25/07/2022 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 Propect, 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.
11 possible excursions
to this stopover
26 July 2022 Tallinn
Arrival 26/07/2022 mid morning
Departure 26/07/2022 early afternoon
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.
2 possible excursions
to this stopover
27 July 2022 At sea
Arrival 27/07/2022
Departure 27/07/2022
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.
28 July 2022 Copenhagen
Arrival 28/07/2022 early morning
Disembarkation 28/07/2022 at 08:00
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.
Helsinki highlights
3 h 00
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Then proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969. Due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
- This tour involves 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
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.
Suomenlinna Fortress
3 h 00
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island. Enjoy a short free time.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the market before walking back to the ship.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is nonexclusive.
Price range:
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.
Panoramic tour & Peter and Paul Fortress
4 h 00
From the pier, board the coach and start your panoramic tour with a stop at St. Isaac's Square, dominated by the majestic St. Isaac’s Cathedral with the 4th largest dome in the world. In the centre of the Square, you can see a monument to Nicholas the First.
Pass the Palace Square, the main square of the city, beautifully balanced around the Alexander Column. On the northern side of the square stands the picturesque Baroque Winter Palace, former imperial residence.
Drive across the Neva River and view the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island flanked by two columns, originally lighthouses guiding ships through the busy port of Saint Petersburg. In front of you is the Peter and Paul Fortress, the first structure of the city. The fortress was turned into a political prison. Throughout its history, the fortress held such famous prisoners as the celebrated writer Dostoevsky, participants in the 1825 Decembrist uprising, and political activists Maxim Gorky and Leon Trotsky, as well as the elder brother of Vladimir Lenin.
In the centre of the fortress, you will find the Peter and Paul Cathedral, designed by Domenico Tresini. This magnificent church was built between 1713-1732, and it is still the highest point of Saint Petersburg, dominating its skyline. Enjoy an inside visit of the fortress.
The coach drives past the Artillery Museum and passes along the city side where Art Nouveau architecture flourished at the end of the 19th century. You then pass the Field of Mars and the Marble Palace before arriving at the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. This marvellous old Russian-style church was constructed on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
Before returning to the ship, you pass along Nevsky Prospect, Russia's most famous street. It is lined with magnificent palaces, churches and theatrical buildings.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking over cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
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.
Cruise on the Neva river
2 h 30
Board your coach for a drive to the Neva embankment, where you will embark a canal boat for a one-hour cruise.
More than 60 rivers and canals contribute to Saint Petersburg's unique atmosphere, creating a glittery mirror in which golden domes and splendid palaces are reflected. Admire elaborate facades from the 18th and 19th centuries including the Winter Palace, Sheremetiev's Palace, the baroque-style palace Stroganov and Michael's Castle. Many ornate bridges traverse the waterways, and you will pass under Hermitage Bridge, the city's earliest stone bridge built in 1766. Peter the Great conceived the Neva River as a main thoroughfare of the city, and from its waters you appreciate how it was included in the whole architectural ensemble.
At the end of the cruise, you will be taken back by coach to your ship.
- This tour involves a few steps on the boarding pier and on board the local boat.
Price range:
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.
Russian folklore show
3 h 30
Saint Petersburg is known for its contribution to the arts of music, theatre and dance.
Traditional songs and dances are part of this heritage and this evening will bring music, song and dance from many regions of Russia together in a spectacular folk show.
- The place and the performance will be confirmed approximately 60 days before departure.
Price range:
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.
Catherine & Pavlovsk Palaces
8 h 45
Drive to Tsarskoye Selo which means « the Tsar's village ». It was founded in the 18th century as the summer residence of the Russian tsars. In 1937, its name was changed to « Pushkin » to commemorate the centenary of the death of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who had studied in the Imperial Lyceum there.
Arrive in Pushkin and visit the Catherine Palace, designed by architect Rastrelli. The stunning 300-metre long baroque facade is adorned with a profusion of atlantes, columns, pilasters and ornamental window framings. Visit the Amber room, the ballroom and the famous Green dining room. Next, walk through Catherine’s park and visit the private garden.
After the tour, you will enjoy a traditional Russian lunch in a nearby restaurant.
A short drive will bring you to Pavlovsk, the former summer royal residence of Emperor Paul I, Catherine's only son. The history of Pavlovsk began in 1777 when Catherine the Great, overjoyed at the birth of her first grandson Alexander, presented the vast hunting grounds to her son Paul and his wife Maria. The construction of the Palace was entrusted to Catherine's favourite architect, Charles Cameron, who was to design the Palace and the grounds. Pavlovsk remained a residence of the Romanov imperial family until 1915. Pavlovsk is a place that has retained an atmosphere of warm intimacy and sumptuous cosiness, which still enchants us.
The Pavlovsk Park created by Pietro Gonzaga is one of the largest parks in Europe. Set within 1800 acres (728 ha) of birch and firs, meadows and wild flowers, it is renowned for the natural scenic beauty of the landscape, enhanced by exquisite samples of garden sculpture and architecture.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Photos without flash are allowed at Catherine Palace, except for the Amber room where pictures are forbidden.
Price range:
More
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
Peterhof Palace & Hermitage Museum
9 h 00
Embark your coach for Peterhof (also known as Petrodvorets) the town of palaces, fountains and gardens, the most brilliant of all the former summer residences of the Russian tsars, conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. During your one-hour drive, you will see different parts of the city, including the new areas of Saint Petersburg and the countryside.
The grounds of Peterhof include the Upper and Lower Park, and many delightful little palaces built as private residences of the tsars: Monplaisir and the adjoining Catherine's Wing, Marli Palace built for the tsars' guests, and the Hermitage conceived as a private dinning venue for the tsar and his friends. Crowning the hill stands Peter's Grand Palace. It has a commanding view over the Lower Park and the Gulf beyond. Upon arrival to Peterhof, you will proceed to the Upper Park designed as a French formal garden, and then enter the Grand Palace for an hour-long visit.
Following the tour of the Grand Palace, you will descend into the Lower Gardens, a 300-acre fountain park with several pavilions and palaces overlooking the Gulf of Finland. After this fantastic visit, you will enjoy a traditional Russian lunch in a local restaurant, before visiting the world's famous State Hermitage Museum.
The State Hermitage Museum occupies six magnificent buildings located along the embankment of the River Neva, right in the heart of Saint Petersburg. It was the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian tsars, built to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli from 1754. Put together throughout two centuries and a half, the Hermitage collections of works of art (over 3,000,000 items) present the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The guided tour in the Winter Palace, former imperial residence, will include numerous reception halls.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Amateur photos and videos with camera and mobile device without using flash are allowed at Peterhof Palace. Bags and purses are forbidden at Peterhof Palace, but can be left either in the bus or at the cloakroom for free.
Price range:
More
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
The State Hermitage Museum
3 h 45
The collection of works in the renowned State Hermitage Museum is one of the richest in the world. The museum was founded in 1764 as a private museum of Catherine the Great, to which only she and her closest courtiers had access, and is now Russia’s largest art museum, housing around three million pieces. The collection occupies four buildings, including the Small Hermitage, the Old Hermitage, and the New Hermitage, all connected to the magnificent Winter Palace, the former official residence of the imperial family, designed by Rastrelli and built between 1754 and 1762. Here view the Malachite Room, where more than two tons of this unique, deep green, ornamental stone was used to craft its columns, vases, and fireplace. As you walk the halls, marvel at exhibits of 15th to 16th-century French art, as well as impressionist works.
In the Small Hermitage, explore works of 17th-century Flemish art and 15th and 16th-century Dutch art. In the Old Hermitage, discover Italian art from the 13th through 18th centuries, including works by da Vinci, Rafael, Michelangelo, and Titian. Proceed to the New Hermitage, and explore works from Spain’s golden age, including those by El Greco, Velasquez, and Goya. Not to be missed are the museum’s vast Rembrandt and Rubens collections, including one of Rembrandt’s final works, The Return of the Prodigal Son.
Enjoy a special early-opening guided tour of the collection, with transportation to and from the museum by coach.
- There are some steps to navigate in the museum, but there are also elevators. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
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.
Yusupov Palace & Canal river cruise
4 h 00
Board your coach for a drive to the Neva embankment, where you will embark a canal boat. More than 60 rivers and canals contribute to Saint Petersburg's unique atmosphere, creating a glittery mirror in which golden domes and splendid palaces are reflected.
Admire elaborate facades from the 18th and 19th centuries including the Winter Palace, Sheremetiev's Palace, the baroque-style palace Stroganov and Michael's Castle. Many ornate bridges traverse the waterways, and you will pass under Hermitage Bridge, the city's earliest stone bridge built in 1766. Peter the Great conceived the Neva River as a main thoroughfare of the city, and from its waters you appreciate how it was included in the whole architectural ensemble.
After this one-hour boat ride, you will reach the Yusupov Palace on the Moika embankment, an outstanding historic and architectural monument of the late 18th until the early 20th centuries. Full of quiet dignity and laconic chic, this fine example of Russian classicism preserves the memory of its noble owners, the Yusupov princes whose affluence could be compared only to that of the Romanovs. The incredible wealth that once kept this palace pulsating with life can be seen in the sitting rooms sumptuously decorated with intricate chandeliers and candelabras, sculptures and paintings. One of the centres of aristocratic social life of imperial Saint Petersburg, the family hosted wonderful and exuberant balls that were long remembered by their contemporaries. The palace has a unique private theatre. Composers Franz Liszt and Alexander Dargomyzhsky, opera singer Feodor Chaliapin and ballerina Anna Pavlova have all graced its stage. One of the city's most mysterious places, Yusupov Palace is full of occult memories tied to the fall of imperial Russia. In the basement chamber, on the night of 16-17 December 1916, young prince Felix Yusupov and his contemporaries took part in the murder of a Siberian peasant monk, psychic and adventurer, the infamous Grigori Rasputin.
- For this moderate excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Photo fees are included in the price of the tour. For video fees, please contact the excursion desk.
Price range:
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.
Russian ballet
4 h 30
Experience one of the most quintessential Russian cultural art forms, the ballet.
- The performance theatre, the theatre troupe, and the performance piece will be confirmed approximately 60 days before departure.
Price range:
More
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
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.
City tour of St Petersburg
8 h 00
Discover through a panoramic tour, the main monuments of the former capital of Russia, Saint Petersburg.
From the pier, your coach will take you to the city centre. You will make a first stop at the Saint Nicholas Marine Cathedral, with its white-and-blue painted façade dedicated to men lost at sea.
Drive and view the Spit of Vasilievsky Island flanked by two rostral columns, originally lighthouses guiding ships through the busy port of Saint Petersburg.
In front of you is the Peter and Paul Fortress, the first structure of the city. Throughout its history, the fortress held such famous prisoners as the celebrated writer Dostoevsky, participants in the 1825 Decembrist uprising and political activists Maxim Gorky and Leon Trotsky, as well as the elder brother of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.
In the centre of the fortress, you will see the Peter and Paul Cathedral. This magnificent church was built between 1713 and 1732 and it is still the highest point of Saint Petersburg dominating its skyline.
Yo coach will make a stop at the Aurora Cruiser Monument. This ship, launched in 1900, took part in operations on the Baltic Sea during the First World War. Today it has been turned into a museum and is a national pride.
After lunch served in a local restaurant, you will pass the Field of Mars and the Marble Palace before arriving at the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood. This marvellous old Russian-style church was constructed on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1st, 1881.
Continue to Saint Isaac's Square, dominated by the majestic Saint Isaac Cathedral with its 4th largest dome in the world. In the centre of the Square, you can see a monument to Nicholas the First.
Then you will pass by Nevsky Prospect, not just Saint Petersburg's but Russia's most famous street. It is lined with magnificent palaces, churches and theatrical buildings. This street is the main shopping area of Saint Petersburg.
- This tour involves high steps to enter Saint Isaac Cathedral. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. Lunch with beverage package is included in your tour.
Price range:
More
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
Walking tour & free time
4 h 00
Your tour starts with a drive to one of the most picturesque avenue of the city Nevsky Prospekt, to visit Kazan Cathedral. The building of the Kazan Cathedral on Nevsky Prospect immediately attracts your attention. It encircles a small square with a double row of beautiful columns forming an impressive colonnade. Constructed by Russian architect Andrei Voronikhin in 1801-11, the Kazan Cathedral is an outstanding example of the early 19th century Russian architecture. Today it is one of the most famous and important Saint Petersburg temples, where the highest rank orthodox liturgies take place.
After inside visit of the Cathedral, walk to the Square of Arts, one of the oldest areas of the city. The historical and cultural environment here is extremely rich, every single building facing the square is either a theatre or a museum. From the square, proceed to the Griboedov Canal, another important historical waterway. At first, the canal was known as Yekaterininsky Canal, or the Canal of Catherine II. After the October Revolution, it was renamed the Griboedov Canal.
Next, walk by the Church on the Spilled Blood. Here, on the streets around the Cathedral, you will have an opportunity to do some shopping at the local Flee Market.
From the market, continue walking along the Moika River and the Mikhailovsky Garden towards the Mikhailovsky Castle, probably the most mysterious building in the city and until one of the most picturesque places in Saint Petersburg which is the Maple Alley. There, admire an impressive monument to Peter the Great, erected here in 1800 by order of Emperor Paul I. You will then have free time to stroll along Nevsky and purchase souvenirs.
Then board your coach and return to your ship.
- This tour involves about 3 km (1.9 miles) of walking on flat streets with some steps at Kazan Cathedral. It includes 1 h 30 of free time. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and take an umbrella. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Price range:
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.
Fabergé museum
3 h 00
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to the famous Fabergé museum.
The private Fabergé Museum opened its doors at the recently renovated Shuvalov Palace in St. Petersburg on 19 November 2013. Here, billionaire Viktor Vekselberg has placed his priceless collection of Fabergé eggs on display for the general public.
The collection on display includes over 4,000 works of art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including fifteen Fabergé eggs, nine of which are famous Imperial Fabergé eggs previously owned by the Romanov family.
It took 10 years to create the current collection, and it is still growing. At the new Fabergé Museum, you will see many unique exhibits, among which other works of the famous jeweller, royal silverware, precious icons and other religious ornaments, collection of paintings on enamel, other objects of decorative and applied art, paintings by famous Russian and foreign artists.
Viktor Vekselberg purchased the famous Malcolm Forbes Fabergé Collection from the Forbes family in 2004 for about $100 million. Most notable among this collection are the Rosebud Egg, Lilies-of-the-Valley Egg, Coronation Egg and particularly the Hen Egg and the Order of St. George Egg, that represent the first and last eggs received by Empress Maria, wife of Alexander III.
The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame, and Fabergé was commissioned to make similar eggs for a few private clients, including the Duchess of Marlborough, the Rothschild family and Prince Yusupov. A series of seven eggs were also made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch.
Vekselberg’s nine Imperial Easter Eggs are of the 50 that are left in the world today. Ten are in the Moscow Kremlin Collection, five are at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Va., and two belong to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. The whereabouts of eight are unknown. The others are in various displays throughout the U.S., Switzerland and Monaco.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves 1¼ hour of walking and standing, with approximately 40 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Price range:
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
3 h 30
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). On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colourful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts centre, where you can 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 some steps. 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:
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
3 h 30
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.
Reboard your coach and circle the Old Town getting glimpses of the medieval city wall before you disembark at the foot of the castle and start your guided tour of 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.
At the end of the tour, your guide will take you through the St. Catherine's Arts and Crafts centre located on the premises of the Dominican convent where you will enjoy some free time. 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 40 steps at the Town Hall. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
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.
Until 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, 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, the stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or your shore visits, this expert will be there to share his precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Before your cruise
During the cruise
After your cruise
STOCKHOLM, VENICE OF THE NORTH
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organises your transfer day time between the airport and your port of embarkation.
Stockholm
Meet at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative selected by PONANT in tha arrival hall after luggage delivery.
You will board your coach for a bus sightseeing tour of the beautiful capital city of Sweden. Stockholm is dramatically situated at a point where Lake Mälaren meets with the Baltic Sea. It is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. Stockholm offers a wonderful archipelago with 30,000 islands, islet rocks and skerries. Founded as
a fortress, in the mid-13th century the site became a town, spread to nearby islands, became a city and later the capital of Sweden. Covering the city districts of Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Östermalm and Djurgården, each with its own special character, your tour begins with a short panoramic drive of the city.
You will proceed past the Royal Dramatic Theatre along Strandvägen to the island of Djurgården. Drive along the island, regarded as Stockholm's outdoor recreation centre, with Gröna Lund Tivoli, Skansen the world's oldest open-air museum and extensive parklands beyond.
You will then reach Gamla Stan, the enchanting medieval Old Town passing the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) over-looking Stockholm's inner harbour. Gamla Stan is one of the best preserved medieval city centres in the world. You will appreciate some free time in Gamla Stan to have lunch on your own and to walk through the small winding streets lined with stores full of handicrafts, antiques, art galleries and cafés.
You will then be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and exterior visits as mentioned in the programme.
- Services of a local English speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
In the event of schedule changes of PONANT’s selected flight, your programme will be adapted to ensure the most seamless and enriching experience. The content of your revised programme will be updated on the PONANT website, in My Ponant space and on the PONANT app. The final programme will also be sent to you along with your cruise documents.
Total : 80 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
STOCKHOLM, AN ARCHIPELAGO OF CONTRASTS (2 NIGHTS)
(2 nuits)
Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.
Stockholm is rich with contrasts thanks to a harmonious blend of tradition and new trends. It also combines a futuristic urban landscape and omnipresent nature. Discover the capital built on 14 islands, on foot by strolling through the old streets or by boat to taste the sea air as you visit the archipelago.
Day 1 - Stockholm
Meet and greet at the airport arrival hall. Look for PONANT sign. You will be greeted by our local representative off the PONANT selected flight or any other flight (provided that you have previously communicated your flight schedule to your travel agent).
Then, you will be transferred to the Diplomat Hotel in the city centre.
Check-in in your room.
Lunch, afternoon and dinner are at leisure.
Day 2 - Stockholm
You will depart the hotel in the morning for a unique tour to discover the hidden art of Stockholm.
Stockholm’s Metro system is 110-kilometer-long and houses a unique collection of sculptures, artworks and exhibitions. More than 90 of the 100 stations are beautifully decorated by artists. Just as fascinating as the artworks themselves are the stories about the artists who created them, told by your guides.
Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.
After lunch, join your coach and continue to the Vasa Museum, built around the 17th century warship. Once considered to be one of the world’s largest and most prestigious warships, the Vasa sank in Stockholm’s inner harbour on her maiden voyage in 1628. Salvaged in 1961 and today restored to much or its former glory, the Vasa represents an authentic piece of living history.
You will then continue west along Söder Mälarstrand and across the Western Bridge spanning Riddarfjärden and offering extensive views of the city skyline.
In the distance, you will see the three crowns atop the imposing City Hall, beautifully situated by the shores of the Lake Mälaren. The building was inaugurated in 1923 after 12 years of work by the combined elite of Swedish construction workers, sculptors, artists and craftsmen. It is renowned for its architecture, murals, mosaics and for being the site for the annual Nobel Prize banquet. Experience the grandeur and spaciousness of the impressive Blue Hall and Golden Chamber and enjoy the beautiful view from the Garden.
The end of the afternoon is at leisure.
From your hotel, have a quick walk to join a lovely dinner cruise along Stockholm’s quays. During the boat tour, the ship passes Östermalm, Old Town and Södermalm.
Day 3 - Stockholm
After breakfast, you will leave your hotel to take the boat through the archipelago to visit Sweden’s newest and perhaps most beautiful art museum, Artipelag, beautifully situated in Stockholm’s archipelago. The journey through Skurusundet and the very narrow strait Baggenstäket is an experience in itself. Artipelag is situated on Värmdö, in what might be Sweden’s most spectacular surrounding in the middle of the archipelago. The building in itself is a work of art.
Lunch will be served in the museum restaurant facing the archipelago.
Then, you will be transferred to the port to embark on board your ship.
Your hotel
The Hotel Diplomat is a unique boutique hotel located on the waterfront of the Stockholm Harbour, nestled in the heart of the city’s cultural, shopping district, with the Djurgården park right around the corner. It is a luxuriously appointed Art Deco style establishment built in 1911. With rooms designed by architect Per Oberg, it combines classic elegance and contemporary design.
Upgraded rooms are also available depending on availability and on a supplement basis. Contact your travel professional for further detail.
Your programme includes:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in Superior room at Diplomat Hotel 4* local standards (or similar) breakfast included.
- Meals as mentioned in the programme.
- Beverages package during lunches and dinners.
- Transfers and visits as mentioned in the programme.
- The services of a local English-speaking guide.
Your programme does not include:
- Personal expenses.
- Alcoholic drinks during dinner cruise.
- Other services not mentioned in the programme.
- Tips for the driver and local guide.
Please note :
- It is imperative that the details of your departure flight are provided to your travel agent, no later than 30 days before the start date of your cruise, to secure the proper private transfer.
Contact of your hotel:
Diplomat Hotel
Strandvägen 7C,
114 56 Stockholm,
Sweden
Telephone number: +46 8 459 68 00
Duration and order of the visits may vary. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 1.140 €
According to availability, price per passenger.
Helsinki highlights
3 h 00
From the pier, drive towards Sibelius Park. It was named after Finland's greatest composer Jean Sibelius on his 80th birthday in 1945. Here you can view the Sibelius Monument designed by Eila Hiltunen.
Then proceed to Temppeliaukio Church. Built from the natural bedrock, it is one of Helsinki's most popular tourist attractions. The interior walls are created naturally by the rock, hence its nickname the Rock Church. The church was opened in 1969. Due to its excellent acoustics, the church is a popular venue for concerts.
After the visit, drive to Senate Square; it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful urban squares in the world. The square is dominated by four buildings designed by Carl Ludvig Engel between 1822 and 1852: Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, the main building of the University of Helsinki and the National Library of Finland.
Next, walk down from Senate Square to the very lively Market Place. Here, discover the real heart of Helsinki and enjoy free time walking around and tasting local foods. Re-board the coach for the return drive to the pier and ship.
- This tour involves 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking on flat but uneven terrain and cobblestone streets. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
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.
Suomenlinna Fortress
3 h 00
From the Market Square, board a local ferry to reach Suomenlinna Island. The island is a major monument of military architecture. The construction of the sea fortress on the islands just off Helsinki in the middle of the 18th century was the most extensive building project during Swedish rule. When it was complete, its military shipyard was one of the biggest dry docks in the world and centres of know-how at that time. At the end of Swedish rule, the fortress was being compared with the maritime fortifications of Gibraltar. The 250-year-old fortress, which has been preserved intact because of its military use, is today part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
Join your guide for a walking tour of the island. Enjoy a short free time.
From the fortress, head back to the mainland by ferry, where you will pass through the market before walking back to the ship.
- This tour involves approximately 1.5 miles (2 km) of walking on uneven ground and sand paths. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. There are no inside visits included. The use of the local ferry is nonexclusive.
Price range:
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.
Panoramic tour & Peter and Paul Fortress
4 h 00
From the pier, board the coach and start your panoramic tour with a stop at St. Isaac's Square, dominated by the majestic St. Isaac’s Cathedral with the 4th largest dome in the world. In the centre of the Square, you can see a monument to Nicholas the First.
Pass the Palace Square, the main square of the city, beautifully balanced around the Alexander Column. On the northern side of the square stands the picturesque Baroque Winter Palace, former imperial residence.
Drive across the Neva River and view the Spit of Vasilyevsky Island flanked by two columns, originally lighthouses guiding ships through the busy port of Saint Petersburg. In front of you is the Peter and Paul Fortress, the first structure of the city. The fortress was turned into a political prison. Throughout its history, the fortress held such famous prisoners as the celebrated writer Dostoevsky, participants in the 1825 Decembrist uprising, and political activists Maxim Gorky and Leon Trotsky, as well as the elder brother of Vladimir Lenin.
In the centre of the fortress, you will find the Peter and Paul Cathedral, designed by Domenico Tresini. This magnificent church was built between 1713-1732, and it is still the highest point of Saint Petersburg, dominating its skyline. Enjoy an inside visit of the fortress.
The coach drives past the Artillery Museum and passes along the city side where Art Nouveau architecture flourished at the end of the 19th century. You then pass the Field of Mars and the Marble Palace before arriving at the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. This marvellous old Russian-style church was constructed on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
Before returning to the ship, you pass along Nevsky Prospect, Russia's most famous street. It is lined with magnificent palaces, churches and theatrical buildings.
- This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1,5 km) of walking over cobblestones. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
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.
Cruise on the Neva river
2 h 30
Board your coach for a drive to the Neva embankment, where you will embark a canal boat for a one-hour cruise.
More than 60 rivers and canals contribute to Saint Petersburg's unique atmosphere, creating a glittery mirror in which golden domes and splendid palaces are reflected. Admire elaborate facades from the 18th and 19th centuries including the Winter Palace, Sheremetiev's Palace, the baroque-style palace Stroganov and Michael's Castle. Many ornate bridges traverse the waterways, and you will pass under Hermitage Bridge, the city's earliest stone bridge built in 1766. Peter the Great conceived the Neva River as a main thoroughfare of the city, and from its waters you appreciate how it was included in the whole architectural ensemble.
At the end of the cruise, you will be taken back by coach to your ship.
- This tour involves a few steps on the boarding pier and on board the local boat.
Price range:
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.
Russian folklore show
3 h 30
Saint Petersburg is known for its contribution to the arts of music, theatre and dance.
Traditional songs and dances are part of this heritage and this evening will bring music, song and dance from many regions of Russia together in a spectacular folk show.
- The place and the performance will be confirmed approximately 60 days before departure.
Price range:
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.
Catherine & Pavlovsk Palaces
8 h 45
Drive to Tsarskoye Selo which means « the Tsar's village ». It was founded in the 18th century as the summer residence of the Russian tsars. In 1937, its name was changed to « Pushkin » to commemorate the centenary of the death of the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, who had studied in the Imperial Lyceum there.
Arrive in Pushkin and visit the Catherine Palace, designed by architect Rastrelli. The stunning 300-metre long baroque facade is adorned with a profusion of atlantes, columns, pilasters and ornamental window framings. Visit the Amber room, the ballroom and the famous Green dining room. Next, walk through Catherine’s park and visit the private garden.
After the tour, you will enjoy a traditional Russian lunch in a nearby restaurant.
A short drive will bring you to Pavlovsk, the former summer royal residence of Emperor Paul I, Catherine's only son. The history of Pavlovsk began in 1777 when Catherine the Great, overjoyed at the birth of her first grandson Alexander, presented the vast hunting grounds to her son Paul and his wife Maria. The construction of the Palace was entrusted to Catherine's favourite architect, Charles Cameron, who was to design the Palace and the grounds. Pavlovsk remained a residence of the Romanov imperial family until 1915. Pavlovsk is a place that has retained an atmosphere of warm intimacy and sumptuous cosiness, which still enchants us.
The Pavlovsk Park created by Pietro Gonzaga is one of the largest parks in Europe. Set within 1800 acres (728 ha) of birch and firs, meadows and wild flowers, it is renowned for the natural scenic beauty of the landscape, enhanced by exquisite samples of garden sculpture and architecture.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Photos without flash are allowed at Catherine Palace, except for the Amber room where pictures are forbidden.
Price range:
More
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
Peterhof Palace & Hermitage Museum
9 h 00
Embark your coach for Peterhof (also known as Petrodvorets) the town of palaces, fountains and gardens, the most brilliant of all the former summer residences of the Russian tsars, conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. During your one-hour drive, you will see different parts of the city, including the new areas of Saint Petersburg and the countryside.
The grounds of Peterhof include the Upper and Lower Park, and many delightful little palaces built as private residences of the tsars: Monplaisir and the adjoining Catherine's Wing, Marli Palace built for the tsars' guests, and the Hermitage conceived as a private dinning venue for the tsar and his friends. Crowning the hill stands Peter's Grand Palace. It has a commanding view over the Lower Park and the Gulf beyond. Upon arrival to Peterhof, you will proceed to the Upper Park designed as a French formal garden, and then enter the Grand Palace for an hour-long visit.
Following the tour of the Grand Palace, you will descend into the Lower Gardens, a 300-acre fountain park with several pavilions and palaces overlooking the Gulf of Finland. After this fantastic visit, you will enjoy a traditional Russian lunch in a local restaurant, before visiting the world's famous State Hermitage Museum.
The State Hermitage Museum occupies six magnificent buildings located along the embankment of the River Neva, right in the heart of Saint Petersburg. It was the Winter Palace, the residence of the Russian tsars, built to the design of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli from 1754. Put together throughout two centuries and a half, the Hermitage collections of works of art (over 3,000,000 items) present the development of the world culture and art from the Stone Age to the 20th century. The guided tour in the Winter Palace, former imperial residence, will include numerous reception halls.
- We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Amateur photos and videos with camera and mobile device without using flash are allowed at Peterhof Palace. Bags and purses are forbidden at Peterhof Palace, but can be left either in the bus or at the cloakroom for free.
Price range:
More
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
The State Hermitage Museum
3 h 45
The collection of works in the renowned State Hermitage Museum is one of the richest in the world. The museum was founded in 1764 as a private museum of Catherine the Great, to which only she and her closest courtiers had access, and is now Russia’s largest art museum, housing around three million pieces. The collection occupies four buildings, including the Small Hermitage, the Old Hermitage, and the New Hermitage, all connected to the magnificent Winter Palace, the former official residence of the imperial family, designed by Rastrelli and built between 1754 and 1762. Here view the Malachite Room, where more than two tons of this unique, deep green, ornamental stone was used to craft its columns, vases, and fireplace. As you walk the halls, marvel at exhibits of 15th to 16th-century French art, as well as impressionist works.
In the Small Hermitage, explore works of 17th-century Flemish art and 15th and 16th-century Dutch art. In the Old Hermitage, discover Italian art from the 13th through 18th centuries, including works by da Vinci, Rafael, Michelangelo, and Titian. Proceed to the New Hermitage, and explore works from Spain’s golden age, including those by El Greco, Velasquez, and Goya. Not to be missed are the museum’s vast Rembrandt and Rubens collections, including one of Rembrandt’s final works, The Return of the Prodigal Son.
Enjoy a special early-opening guided tour of the collection, with transportation to and from the museum by coach.
- There are some steps to navigate in the museum, but there are also elevators. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Price range:
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.
Yusupov Palace & Canal river cruise
4 h 00
Board your coach for a drive to the Neva embankment, where you will embark a canal boat. More than 60 rivers and canals contribute to Saint Petersburg's unique atmosphere, creating a glittery mirror in which golden domes and splendid palaces are reflected.
Admire elaborate facades from the 18th and 19th centuries including the Winter Palace, Sheremetiev's Palace, the baroque-style palace Stroganov and Michael's Castle. Many ornate bridges traverse the waterways, and you will pass under Hermitage Bridge, the city's earliest stone bridge built in 1766. Peter the Great conceived the Neva River as a main thoroughfare of the city, and from its waters you appreciate how it was included in the whole architectural ensemble.
After this one-hour boat ride, you will reach the Yusupov Palace on the Moika embankment, an outstanding historic and architectural monument of the late 18th until the early 20th centuries. Full of quiet dignity and laconic chic, this fine example of Russian classicism preserves the memory of its noble owners, the Yusupov princes whose affluence could be compared only to that of the Romanovs. The incredible wealth that once kept this palace pulsating with life can be seen in the sitting rooms sumptuously decorated with intricate chandeliers and candelabras, sculptures and paintings. One of the centres of aristocratic social life of imperial Saint Petersburg, the family hosted wonderful and exuberant balls that were long remembered by their contemporaries. The palace has a unique private theatre. Composers Franz Liszt and Alexander Dargomyzhsky, opera singer Feodor Chaliapin and ballerina Anna Pavlova have all graced its stage. One of the city's most mysterious places, Yusupov Palace is full of occult memories tied to the fall of imperial Russia. In the basement chamber, on the night of 16-17 December 1916, young prince Felix Yusupov and his contemporaries took part in the murder of a Siberian peasant monk, psychic and adventurer, the infamous Grigori Rasputin.
- For this moderate excursion, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes. Photo fees are included in the price of the tour. For video fees, please contact the excursion desk.
Price range:
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.
Russian ballet
4 h 30
Experience one of the most quintessential Russian cultural art forms, the ballet.
- The performance theatre, the theatre troupe, and the performance piece will be confirmed approximately 60 days before departure.
Price range:
More
€€€€: the excursion price is more than €150.
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.
City tour of St Petersburg
8 h 00
Discover through a panoramic tour, the main monuments of the former capital of Russia, Saint Petersburg.
From the pier, your coach will take you to the city centre. You will make a first stop at the Saint Nicholas Marine Cathedral, with its white-and-blue painted façade dedicated to men lost at sea.
Drive and view the Spit of Vasilievsky Island flanked by two rostral columns, originally lighthouses guiding ships through the busy port of Saint Petersburg.
In front of you is the Peter and Paul Fortress, the first structure of the city. Throughout its history, the fortress held such famous prisoners as the celebrated writer Dostoevsky, participants in the 1825 Decembrist uprising and political activists Maxim Gorky and Leon Trotsky, as well as the elder brother of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin.
In the centre of the fortress, you will see the Peter and Paul Cathedral. This magnificent church was built between 1713 and 1732 and it is still the highest point of Saint Petersburg dominating its skyline.
Yo coach will make a stop at the Aurora Cruiser Monument. This ship, launched in 1900, took part in operations on the Baltic Sea during the First World War. Today it has been turned into a museum and is a national pride.
After lunch served in a local restaurant, you will pass the Field of Mars and the Marble Palace before arriving at the Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood. This marvellous old Russian-style church was constructed on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1st, 1881.
Continue to Saint Isaac's Square, dominated by the majestic Saint Isaac Cathedral with its 4th largest dome in the world. In the centre of the Square, you can see a monument to Nicholas the First.
Then you will pass by Nevsky Prospect, not just Saint Petersburg's but Russia's most famous street. It is lined with magnificent palaces, churches and theatrical buildings. This street is the main shopping area of Saint Petersburg.
- This tour involves high steps to enter Saint Isaac Cathedral. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered. Lunch with beverage package is included in your tour.
Price range:
More
€€€: the excursion price is between €100 and €150.
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.
Walking tour & free time
4 h 00
Your tour starts with a drive to one of the most picturesque avenue of the city Nevsky Prospekt, to visit Kazan Cathedral. The building of the Kazan Cathedral on Nevsky Prospect immediately attracts your attention. It encircles a small square with a double row of beautiful columns forming an impressive colonnade. Constructed by Russian architect Andrei Voronikhin in 1801-11, the Kazan Cathedral is an outstanding example of the early 19th century Russian architecture. Today it is one of the most famous and important Saint Petersburg temples, where the highest rank orthodox liturgies take place.
After inside visit of the Cathedral, walk to the Square of Arts, one of the oldest areas of the city. The historical and cultural environment here is extremely rich, every single building facing the square is either a theatre or a museum. From the square, proceed to the Griboedov Canal, another important historical waterway. At first, the canal was known as Yekaterininsky Canal, or the Canal of Catherine II. After the October Revolution, it was renamed the Griboedov Canal.
Next, walk by the Church on the Spilled Blood. Here, on the streets around the Cathedral, you will have an opportunity to do some shopping at the local Flee Market.
From the market, continue walking along the Moika River and the Mikhailovsky Garden towards the Mikhailovsky Castle, probably the most mysterious building in the city and until one of the most picturesque places in Saint Petersburg which is the Maple Alley. There, admire an impressive monument to Peter the Great, erected here in 1800 by order of Emperor Paul I. You will then have free time to stroll along Nevsky and purchase souvenirs.
Then board your coach and return to your ship.
- This tour involves about 3 km (1.9 miles) of walking on flat streets with some steps at Kazan Cathedral. It includes 1 h 30 of free time. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and take an umbrella. Appropriate clothe is required to enter religious sites: shoulders and knees must be covered.
Price range:
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.
Fabergé museum
3 h 00
From the pier, board your coach for a 45-minute drive to the famous Fabergé museum.
The private Fabergé Museum opened its doors at the recently renovated Shuvalov Palace in St. Petersburg on 19 November 2013. Here, billionaire Viktor Vekselberg has placed his priceless collection of Fabergé eggs on display for the general public.
The collection on display includes over 4,000 works of art from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including fifteen Fabergé eggs, nine of which are famous Imperial Fabergé eggs previously owned by the Romanov family.
It took 10 years to create the current collection, and it is still growing. At the new Fabergé Museum, you will see many unique exhibits, among which other works of the famous jeweller, royal silverware, precious icons and other religious ornaments, collection of paintings on enamel, other objects of decorative and applied art, paintings by famous Russian and foreign artists.
Viktor Vekselberg purchased the famous Malcolm Forbes Fabergé Collection from the Forbes family in 2004 for about $100 million. Most notable among this collection are the Rosebud Egg, Lilies-of-the-Valley Egg, Coronation Egg and particularly the Hen Egg and the Order of St. George Egg, that represent the first and last eggs received by Empress Maria, wife of Alexander III.
The Imperial eggs enjoyed great fame, and Fabergé was commissioned to make similar eggs for a few private clients, including the Duchess of Marlborough, the Rothschild family and Prince Yusupov. A series of seven eggs were also made for the industrialist Alexander Kelch.
Vekselberg’s nine Imperial Easter Eggs are of the 50 that are left in the world today. Ten are in the Moscow Kremlin Collection, five are at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Va., and two belong to Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II. The whereabouts of eight are unknown. The others are in various displays throughout the U.S., Switzerland and Monaco.
After the visit, reboard your coach for the return drive to the pier and your ship.
- This tour involves 1¼ hour of walking and standing, with approximately 40 steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes.
Price range:
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
3 h 30
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). On the grounds of the Dominican Convent is a colourful market, St. Catherine's arts and crafts centre, where you can 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 some steps. 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:
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
3 h 30
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.
Reboard your coach and circle the Old Town getting glimpses of the medieval city wall before you disembark at the foot of the castle and start your guided tour of 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.
At the end of the tour, your guide will take you through the St. Catherine's Arts and Crafts centre located on the premises of the Dominican convent where you will enjoy some free time. 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 40 steps at the Town Hall. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes. It is not recommended for persons with walking difficulties.
Price range:
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.
GLIMPSE OF COPENHAGEN
Travel with peace of mind as PONANT organizes your transfer day time between your port of disembarkation and the airport.
Copenhagen
After disembarkation procedures are completed, you will be greeted at pier by our local representative.
You will depart the port by coach for a short panoramic sightseeing tour of Copenhagen. You will discover all the charms of the Danish capital, the picturesque streets of the old city, art galleries, the famous Little Mermaid, the Tivoli Gardens and the royal palaces including Amalienborg, the royal family’s winter residence. Amalienborg is considered one of the greatest works of Danish Rococco architecture and was constructed in the 1700's. This architectural complex is made up of four identical palace facades spread around an octagonal courtyard with, at its centre, a statue of the founder King Frederick V. You will then visit Rosenborg Castle where the Crown Jewels are on display. It was built in the Dutch Renaissance style, in 1606 by King Christian IV as “a pleasure castle”. You will then head to the Nyhavn district on the banks of the canal which is lined with colourfully-painted houses. Nyhavn was originally a busy commercial port where ships from all over the world would dock. Today the beautiful old houses have been renovated and upscale restaurants overlook the old harbour.
You will be transferred to the airport on time for the flight selected by PONANT.
Your programme includes:
- Transfers and visits mentioned in the programme
- Services of a local English speaking guide
Your programme does not include:
- Lunch
- Tips for the driver and local guide
- Personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned in the programme
Please note:
- The Krone (DKK) is the official currency of Denmark.
Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reverse. To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel advisor; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.
Total : 60 €
According to availability, price per passenger.