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Home page // Shore excursions // REGION: Northern Europe / Baltic / Scandinavia |
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Note: Many PortCompass tours are private or semi-private car/van excursions and as such, some may have minimum passenger requirements. If necessary, we will try to connect you with others to form a group. We also offer some tours that are bus-based with no minimum passenger requirements. Full details are provided upon inquiry. Regardless, our prices are usually significantly below cruise-line pricing. Our pricing comparisons are based on a survey of several different cruise lines. But since cruise lines can change their prices without notice, these comparisons should only be used as guidelines. Click here to inquire about any of our excursions! Full Day Amsterdam Tour Order code: PPR-FDAMS Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This is a customizable tour and the itinerary below is just a suggestion. You may choose to modify your itinerary as long as it is within the allocated timeframe and is geographically feasible. Begin with a scenic drive through the heart of historic Amsterdam to the Rijksmuseum on Amsterdam's Museumplein. This museum houses one of the world's greatest collections of Dutch Masters. Enjoy a guided tour of such masterpieces as Rembrandt's The Night Watch, and assorted paintings by other great masters of the 17th century, Frans Hals, Jan Steen and Vermeer. Other highlights of Amsterdam include a stop at the small statue of Anne Frank. From here it is only a short walk to the Anne Frank House. Visit the former hiding place where Anne Frank wrote her diary. The museum tells the history of the eight people in hiding and those who helped them during the war. Anne Frank's diary is among the original objects on display. Despite all the renovations, the core of the museum, the Secret Annex, has remained in authentic condition. Following the visit to the Anne Frank House, enjoy a scenic drive around the center of Amsterdam passing such highlights as the Baroque Royal Palace at the Dam square, the Queen's residence when she visits the city; the Nieuwe Kerk or New Church, a 550-year old church and site of numerous coronations and resting place of many important Dutchmen; the Mint Tower, built in 1618 over a medieval gate, a place where coins were minted; and the 16th-century Weeper's tower. Another highlight of Amsterdam is the Van Gogh Museum, which houses the largest collection of his paintings and drawings in the world. The main exhibition chronicles the phases of Van Gogh's life, from his childhood to his various emotional stages through his death. Highlights include the "Bedroom in Arles" and "Sunflowers" paintings. Let us know which Amsterdam sights appeal to you and we will build an itinerary that best fits your needs! 2 day/1 night Amsterdam/Rotterdam package Order code: TML-2DPAC US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This package can be done as either a pre-cruise or post-cruise package. Itinerary may be modified to suit your needs. Below is a sample itinerary... Day 1
Day 2
Amsterdam Hotel Order code: TML-AMSHO US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Let us know what your hotel needs are, and we will be happy to quote. We can also arrange city tours and transfers to your ship! Transfer, to/from Ship/Airport/Hotel in Copenhagen Order code: TML-CPTRS Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you require a transfer to/from airport/ship/hotel, just provide the details and we will quote. The Complete Copenhagen Order code: PPR-BALT2 Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 15 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) The Grand Tour of Copenhagen covers all the major sights of the Capital. We pass by the Tivoli Gardens and the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek and continue with a drive through the colourful canal district, past the National Museum to Christiansborg Palace, home to the Danish Parliament. We continue on to the old Stock Exchange and across Kongens Nytorv, where we can see the Royal Theatre, famous for its Royal Ballet. The tour continues past the colourful harbour district of Nyhavn to Amalienborg Palace ? winter residence of the Royal Family. This is followed by a visit to the Gefion Fountain and the Little Mermaid, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale. We then pay a visit to one of the many magnificent churches in Copenhagen and pass Rosenborg Castle, where the crown jewels are protected by the Royal Guard. 3 day/2 night Copenhagen Package Order code: TML-3DPAC US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.)
This can be done either as a pre-cruise or post-cruise package. Itinerary may be modified according to your needs. Below is a sample itinerary... Day 1: Pickup at Copenhagen pier for a 6 hour tour with local guide. Travel along the Danish Riviera lined with impressive manor homes and panoramic views of the Swedish coastline and arrive at Kronborg Castle built in the 15th century and setting of Shakespeare?s Hamlet. After a guided tour of the castle?s gates and ramparts, continue through the countryside for a photo stop at Fredensborg Palace, the summer residence of the royal family. A stop will be made for lunch on your own. You will visit Frederiksborg, the lavish renaissance style castle and former residence of kings and queens. Dominating the landscape in the charming town of Hilleroed, Frederiksborg is surrounded by lakes and carefully designed gardens and it now serves as a national museum. During your visit you will see the magnificent chapel, the grand hall, the king?s quarters and reception rooms as well as the castle?s own boutique. After that, enjoy a relaxing ride through the countryside and the city of Copenhagen before arriving at the hotel. Overnight hotel Day 2: Free Day Copenhagen Overnight hotel Day 3: Transfer from hotel to airport with assistant Malbork Teutonic Knights Castle Order code: PPR-BALT6 Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 16 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) One of the largest, oldest and most popular castles in Poland. The Castle was built on the right bank of Nogat River. The construction by the Teutonic Knights created this massive stone fortress that includes formidable defensive walls, towers, a labyrinth of chambers and wonderful architectural details. Extensive restoration took place in the 1800s and after WWII. Your guided tour today includes the Castle complex and its grand exhibition hall which displays collections of armoury, ceramics and Baltic amber. Gdansk Highlights Order code: PPR-GDAHI Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 15 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) From the pier in Gdynia, you?ll drive into the suburban and commercial sections of Gdansk on your way to the Old Town. Pass by the Gdansk Shipyards, previously known as the Lenin Shipyards and ?Solidarity Square? with its famous monument commemorating the deaths of shipyard workers shot down in December 1970 by the Communist regime. Custom Tour from Hamburg Order code: HSE-HAMCU Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) We can offer custom tours to/from Hamburg pier. Possible tours are below: - Tour of Hamburg
Please send us an email and we'd be happy to design an itinerary based on your needs. Royal Gardens at Sofiero & Ramlosa Springs Order code: PPR-RGSOF Approx. 7 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 15 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) A traditional lunch will be served at a local hotel/restaurant. Visit the Royal Gardens of Sofiero, once the summer residence of the late King Gustaf VI Aldolph, This stately manor house is now known for its splendid gardens. Stroll through the beautiful flowering gardens well known for its collection of rhododendrons which blossom in the spring; in summer admire roses and a colorful riot of summer blooms. Later, your visit to Ramlosa will give you the opportunity to "take the waters" and taste this world famous mineral water. One of the springs here is the source of the Ramlösa mineral water, which is exported to over 35 countries. A health spa was founded around these springs in 1707. During your visit you will hear about the glorious Spa Hotel during its heyday in the 1800s. Founded in 990 by Danish King Sven Forkbeard, Lund was the religious, commercial and cultural center of Scandinavia during the Middle Ages. Your visit includes a tour of the cathedral, which dates from 1145 and features double towers and a unique astronomical clock. Completed in 2000, the Oresund Bridge is immense six-mile long bridge featuring a central span and two approach bridges, as well as a submerged approach tunnel and an artificial island. The span crosses the Oresund Sound between Denmark and Sweden. Helsinki Highlights plus Porvoo Order code: PPR-BALT7 Approx. 5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 15 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Departing the harbour we pass by the Helsinki shipyard, Market Square, Embassy Park, Uspenshi Orthodox Cathedral and the Presidential Palace. Continue on via the Olympic Stadium, Finlandia Hall, the National Museum and the Parliament building. After leaving the city on the coastal road, you will arrive at the second-oldest city in Finland (Porvoo) in app 45 minutes. Experience a delightful sightseeing tour of this ancient city, seeing many of its lovely majestic buildings, including the medieval Cathedral and the Bridge of Porvoo. Experience a walk on the cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter, with its multi-colored ancient wooden houses. There is ample free time in Porvoo for shopping in the handicraft shops. On the return if time allows we will also include a stop in Sipoo for a visit to the 14th century church. Lakes and Castles of Kiel and Luebeck Order code: HSE-KLLAC Approx. 5.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) This tour takes you into the beautiful countryside surrounding Kiel and Luebeck! Start your day with a scenic drive towards the beautiful resort of Ploen where you will stop for a photo of the impressive Castle. If desired, we may book a guided tour through the Castle, which now serves as a university for opticians! Nearby you will embark a canal boat for the famous 5-lakes-tour. During your picturesque cruise take in the rural views and get to rest your feet a bit whilst your guide will provide you with interesting facts on the surrounding area. Remember to bring your camera for photographic evidence. Afterwards, you will re-board your coach for a narrated drive through the small town of Malente and stop at the famous glass factory in town. During the free-time given you might find the right gift to take home. Located in the center of the "Holsteinische Schweiz" natural park, the former princely residence town of Eutin will be our next highlight. Since its foundation in the late Middle Ages right up to 1918, the Castle Eutin and the city have been closely linked to the ancient Schleswig-Holstein nobility. The Castle hosts priceless furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries and the biggest portrait collection in Northern Germany. After your one-hour guided walk you will have some free time to explore the gardens and the lake shore before returning back to the Ship. Gottorf Castle Order code: HSE-KLGOT Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Step back in time with us and feel history coming alive during this tour. After a short drive along the quaint countryside of Schleswig-Holstein, you will soon reach Gottorf Caslte. The castle was the main residence of the Dukes of Schleswig during the Middle Ages and early 18th century. Later it became the seat of the Duke of Schleswig-Holstein-Gottorf and was the last of the dazzling cultural centres of the country. First settled as an estate in 1161 by bishop Occo of Schleswig, the Danish Duke of Schleswig acquired it through a purchase in 1268 and in 1340 it was transferred to the Count of Holstein. Both the island and the structure of the Castle were extended throughout the years, and particularly during the 16th century. After the ducal lineage of Gottorp were forced to move out in 1702, the palace, now occupied by the Danish, fell into disuse and disrepair in 1713 under the reign of Fredrick IV of Denmark. Pieces of furniture, art and other interior were gradually moved out of the palace, and the structures were used both as Danish and Prussian barracks in the 19th century. During WWII, the estate was used as a displaced persons camp. Since 1947, the palace has been renovated and restored through a series of efforts. The palace is now owned by a foundation of the State of Schleswig-Holstein and houses the State Art and Cultural History Museum and the State Archeological Museum. Enjoy an inside visit and some free-time before heading back to the ship. Custom Tour from Keil Order code: HSE-CUSKL US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Just let us know what tour you desire from Kiel and we will be happy to quote! Highlights of London Order code: PPR-HLLON Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.)
Experience London. See Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalger Square, The Horse Guards, Changing of the Guard, No. 10 Downing Street, Kensington Palace, the River Thames and the Royal Parks. Enjoy the spectacular views of all London landmarks such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and H.M.S. Belfast when you climb the 311 steps at the Monument to the Great Fire of London. Leeds Castle, Canterbury, Dover & Greenwich River Cruise Order code: PPR-LONCT Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 6 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Imagine yourself on an island with 500 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland as you visit the Leeds Castle, which is situated in the heart of Kent countryside. Unusually located, it sits on an island, and its idyllic setting led Lord Conway to describe it as "the loveliest castle in the world". As one of the first groups to visit the castle, it will almost be a private visit! Then on to Canterbury, a fascinating medieval city that has been the center of English Christianity since St Augustine was sent here by Pope Gregory in 597 AD. The orginal church was rebuilt in the 11th century as the magnificent cathedral we will visit today. Of the 104 Archbishops to date, possibly the most famous is Thomas Becket,who was gruesomely murdered in the cathedral in 1170. Next you'll travel to the White Cliff's of Dover, a port for almost 2000 years. We will see Dover Castle, the White Cliffs of Dover and the English Channel. Greenwich, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, will be our next stop. The Old Royal Naval College dominates the waterfront and is an outstanding example of 17th century baroque architecture. You will also be able to see the famous Royal Observatory, housingthe Prime Meridian. We will take a delightful cruise on the Thames River from Greenwich, past superb riverside views of London, to the Embankment pier. Inclusions: * Private visit to Leeds Castle * Entry to Canterbury Cathedral * The White Cliffs of Dover * Dover Castle * The Naval College in Greenwich & Observatory * Thames River Cruise from Greenwich to Embankment Airport to Either Pier or Reverse in London (groups of 20+) Order code: PPR-HARTR US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) We can offer transfers between London, Heathrow Airport and Harwich. pls email us with the number of pax in your grp, the number of bags of luggage and your itinerary to obtain a quote. We can also add a tour of London en route. The Highlights of Oslo Order code: PPR-BALT3 Approx. 3 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 16 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Oslo, the capital, is Norway's most important industrial, commercial and shipping centre. Of the city's total land area, some 12% has been developed while the remainder is a network of woodland trails, islands and countless lakes offering good fishing and bathing. Oslo is also the focus of national art and culture, with major collections, maritime museums, theatres, opera, concerts and restaurants of every category. Departing from the pier under the Akershus Castle and Fortress, we drive past the City Hall, richly adorned with decorations by many of Norway,s most distinguished artists. Passing Parliament, the National Theatre, the Royal Residence and suburban areas you reach Holmenkollen, the world famous ski jumping area. From this vantage point, there are some wonderful views of the city and Oslofjord. The tour continues through charming residential areas with their picturesque wooden houses and large gardens, and through the Vigeland Sculpture Park with its beautiful sculptures all created by Gustav Vigeland. A short drive brings you back to the pier. Best Of Oslo Order code: TML-BEOSL Approx. 6 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) En route to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, you will drive through the centre of Oslo, passing the Akershus Fortress, the Parliament building, Karl Johan Street, the Royal Palace and the Nobel Institute. The Vigeland Sculpture Park was created and completed by one man--Gustav Vigeland. Centrally placed in the park is the 55-foot high monolith featuring 121 stone figures of men, women and children climbing on top of each other in their struggle for life. There are more than 150 stone and bronze sculptures in the park, each symbolizing a different stage in the lifespan of mankind. You will have the opportunity to walk with your guide through the park. Next, you will head to the Bygdøy Peninsula for a visit to the Viking Ship Museum. It houses three authentic longboats dating from the Viking Age, around 900-1000, that were excavated from the mud banks along Oslofjord. The museum also holds a large collection of items found on board the ships, such as household goods, tools, jewelry and clothing. Adjacent to the Viking Ship Museum is the Open Air Folk Museum where you can ?tour? much of Norway in just an hour! Catch a glimpse of Norwegian culture and history, as the museum features 150 authentic buildings from different regions. You will see one of the country?s oldest structures, the Gol Stave Church that was built in the 13th century. There will be time for lunch (optional). Return to the city where the tour will terminate at the pier. Comprehensive Berlin including transfers to/from ship Order code: HSE-RSBER Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 10 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. For groups of 7 or less, includes the services of a driver-guide for the duration of the transfer and tour. For groups of 8 or more, includes the services of a driver (unguided transfer) and upon arrival in Berlin, the services of a separate guide who will commence the guided tour. Lunch is at your own expense. Since this is a custom tour and the itinerary below is merely a suggestion, any entrance fees are payable separately, depending on the actual attractions you select. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, itinerary and duration may be modified as neccesary to fit your needs. This tour is ideal for passengers who want a comprehensive tour of Berlin that includes the roundtrip transfer from the ship to Berlin (2.5 hrs each way). This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Berlin has seen incredible changes since World War II, the fall of the Berlin wall and reunification; this comprehensive tour is an opportunity to decipher the turbulent 20th Century history of this complex European capital. Throughout this unforgettable day, we will take you on a visit to some of the most poignant symbols of World War II as well as the Cold War. Stop at the Brandenburg Gate, the majestic triumphal arch which once was a symbol of the division between East and West. Since the fall of the wall, this Gate has been restored to its original splendor. Enjoy a photo stop at the Reichstag Parliament, originally constructed from 1884 to 1894 to house the parliament of the newly-founded German Empire. The building underwent renovations in the 1990s and today the impressive glass dome designed by architect Norman Foster is one of the city?s major landmarks. Visit Checkpoint Charlie, the former East-West Berlin border crossing where Russian and American tanks once faced off. You will also have a chance to view some of the last remnants of the Berlin Wall at the famous East Side Gallery. Some of the other highlights will include a stop at the Tempelhof Airlift Memorial and the WWII Memorial for the Victims of War and Dictatorship on the Unter den Linden Boulevard. Dedicated to the victims of WWII, the memorial?s centerpiece is an emotionally-moving sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz of a mother and her dying son. Stroll along Potsdamer Platz, the symbol of the new Berlin. In the 1920s and 30s, Potsdamer Platz was one of the liveliest squares in Europe. This came to an abrupt end after WWII, when the square, due to its location between the American, British and Russian sectors, became a no-man's land. After the fall of the wall, this area became the largest construction site in Europe and today, the new Potsdamer Platz is a gleaming oasis of futuristic buildings. Visit the Allied Museum, depicting the American perspective of postwar history. The museum commemorates the US, British and French presence in Berlin from 1945 to 1994. The museum traces the history of Cold War Berlin and features the original Checkpoint Charlie guard house, a Berlin Wall watchtower, a plane from the Berlin Airlift, and an American spy tunnel. Depending on your interests and time constraints, interior visits can also be made at famous Berlin museums (e.g. the Jewish Museum, the Berggruen Collection or the Alte Nationalgalerie etc). The Jewish Museum provides a public guided tour in English (max 15 pax). The tour starts at 2pm and takes about 1,5 hrs. Entrance 5 Euros pp + Guided tour 3 Euros pp. If you wish, you can have lunch in the kosher restaurant right next to the museum and then follow that with the guided tour. Please advise so that we can make a reservation. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the old Jewish Quarter and newly gilded Synagogue. Or you may simply prefer to shop on Berlin?s Kurfurstendamm, Germany?s most famous tree-lined shopping boulevard. As this is a private tour, there is ultimate flexibility. Let us help you navigate effortlessly through one of the world's most intriguing cities. Jewish Heritage of Berlin including transfers to/from ship Order code: HSE-RSJEW Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. Includes the services of a driver (unguided transfer) and upon arrival in Berlin, the services of a separate guide (3hrs for groups of 6 or less/4hrs for larger groups). Lunch is at your own expense. Since this is a custom tour and the itinerary below is merely a suggestion, any entrance fees are payable separately, depending on the actual attractions you select. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, itinerary and duration may be modified as neccesary to fit your needs. This tour is ideal for passengers who who want a tour of Berlin with a Jewish perspective. This includes the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Our Jewish heritage tour includes the services of a guide who is knowledgeable about Jewish sights for 3hr (groups of 6 or less) or 4 hrs (larger groups). This guide will join the group in Berlin. Here are some sights that may be covered: Jewish sights at the Hackesche Höfe and Potsdam Square and the Jewish Quarter with new Synagogue and Cemetary. Various aspects of Jewish culture & history in Berlin are covered with a visit to the Jewish quarter. Then visit the Centrum Judaicum in the New Synagogue, with its displays on the history of the building and the lives connected with it. The displays provide an insight to Jewish life in Berlin in historic as well as modern times. After that, we will drive past the the new Holocaust Memorial. If you wish to go inside the Jewish Museum, you should allocate at least 1-1.5 hrs of your day to to truly appreciate this moving architectural masterpiece. This museum is not devoted exclusively to the Holocaust and depicts 2000 years of German-Jewish history via personal documents and artefacts. Designed by the architect Daniel Libeskind, the building disorients the visitor with spiraling walls, sloping floors, windows that resemble wounds and gashes, plus the windowless Holocaust Tower and Memory Void. The Jewish Museum provides a public guided tour in English (max 15 pax). The tour starts at 2pm and takes about 1.5 hrs. Entrance 5 Euros pp + Guided tour 3 Euros pp (payable on day of tour). Reservations are required. You may also want to take the opportunity for lunch inside the Museum at the Liebermanns Restaurant. This tour will also include the historical city center around the Brandenburg Gate & the Reichstag and as many of the main Berlin sights as time will permit. Comprehensive Berlin + Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, including transfers Order code: HSE-RBSCC Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. Does not include lunch or entrance fees. ***Berlin portion of tour: For 1-6pax, includes driver-guide who will guide throughout the day, but who will not accompany pax into attractions. For 7pax and above, includes driver throughout the day + separate guide who will meet the group in Berlin, guide for 4hrs in Berlin and accompany group into attractions. ***Concentration Camp portion of tour: This portion of the tour is self-guided. There are English signs around the concentration camp. Guide may be added at extra cost. This extended 12-hr tour is ideal for passengers who who want a tour of Berlin , including a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Rates include the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Here is a suggested itinerary. If you require a different departure time, we will adjust accordingly: 08:00 Depart from ship at Warnemünde/Rostock
Jewish Heritage of Berlin + Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, including transfers Order code: HSE-RJSCC Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. Does not include lunch or entrance fees. ***Berlin portion of tour: For 1-6pax, includes driver-guide who will guide throughout the day, but who will not accompany pax into attractions. For 7pax and above, includes driver throughout the day + separate guide who will meet the group in Berlin, guide for 4hrs in Berlin and accompany group into attractions. ***Concentration Camp portion of tour: This portion of the tour is self-guided. There are English signs around the concentration camp. Guide may be added at extra cost. This extended 12-hr tour is ideal for passengers who who want a tour of Berlin with a Jewish perspective, including a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Rates include the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Our Jewish heritage tour includes the services of a guide who is knowledgeable about Jewish sights for 3hrs. This guide will join the group in Berlin. Here is a suggested itinerary. If you require a different departure time, we will adjust accordingly: 08:00 Depart from ship at Warnemünde/Rostock
Note: We have omitted the Jewish Museum to enable you to have time for other Berlin sights. If you prefer to visit the Museum, the sights and timings will be adjusted accordingly. 2-DAY Comprehensive St Petersburg (Small Group) Order code: TOU-SMGRP US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) You do NOT need a Russian visa to take this tour. Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and uses the same visa-exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We repeat: NO VISA IS REQUIRED. Includes car/van transportation, a highly qualified English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the museums noted for BOTH days. Itinerary listed may be revised or order changed as local conditions warrant, or if a particular museum is closed on your day of visit. Lunch on BOTH days is included. Please note that some museums charge a fee for photography and/or videography, which are payable on the day of tour, should you decide to purchase passes. This itinerary is for those who wish to join a small group (usually not more than 15 persons) to reduce costs. We will automatically join you with a group to help you save! If you prefer a PRIVATE tour, please refer to the "TWO-DAY Grand St Petersburg Package Tour" below. Participants in this PRIVATE tour DO NOT NEED RUSSIAN VISAS, despite your cruise line telling you otherwise. Thousands of satisfied cruise clients have taken this tour without visas! Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and use the very same visa exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We will provide all the proper documentation to guarantee visa-free participation in this tour. Day 1 Duration 8 hours Catherine Palace. Take a pleasant drive from St. Petersburg through the suburbs to the opulent Catherine Palace. Explore its grand state rooms, the superb white marble Grand Staircase and the spectacularly baroque Great Hall - an astonishing room of gilt, carved wood and mirrors - and the famous Amber Room. Peterhof Park. Travel to the former summer Imperial residence. Set in magnificent gardens, Peterhof is reminiscent of Versailles. It was almost completely destroyed by the Nazis in World War II but has been restored to its full splendor. The gardens are dotted with countless fountains, charming pavilions and summer houses. Metro tour. Take a Metro (Underground) ride. The stations are worth seeing for their beautifully decorative interiors. Many are adorned with crystal chandeliers, marble vestibules and beautiful frescoes. Day 2 Duration 8 hours City tour. Experience the city's highlights on a pleasant guided drive around St. Petersburg. View the sights that made St. Petersburg famous the world over. Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral. The tour includes a visit to Peter and Paul Сathedral, the splendid 18th century ecclesiastical edifice which is still the city tallest building (the height of the spire is 122.5 meters. The Cathedral is the burial place for many of Russian Tsars and Tsarinas. Hermitage Museum. Today you will visit the Hermitage (the Winter Palace). With the possible exception of the Louvre, there is no museum in the world that rivals the Hermitage in the size and quality. Its collection is so large that it would take years to view it in its entirety. The collection is displayed in 4 buildings built in the 18th-19th centuries, the home of the Russian Tsars. Boat trip. Take a relaxing boat trip. View the city from the water side. Each group features:
TWO-DAY Comprehensive St Petersburg Package Tour, with Canal Cruise Order code: TOU-2DCAN US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) You do NOT need a Russian visa to take this tour. Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and uses the same visa-exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We repeat: NO VISA IS REQUIRED. Includes car/van transportation, a highly qualified English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the museums noted for BOTH days. Itinerary listed may be revised or order changed as local conditions warrant, or if a particular museum is closed on your day of visit. Lunch on one of the days is included. Please note that some museums charge a fee for photography and/or videography, which are payable on the day of tour, should you decide to purchase passes. This TWO-DAY tour extravaganza is the ultimate comprehensive PRIVATE tour, and includes a canal cruise. Leave your entire two-day stay to our expert guides and see this great city and its outskirts safely and comfortably. Includes specified entrance fees. Participants in this PRIVATE tour DO NOT NEED RUSSIAN VISAS, despite your cruise line telling you otherwise. Thousands of satisfied cruise clients have taken this tour without visas! Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and use the very same visa exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We will provide all the proper documentation to guarantee visa-free participation in this tour. DAY ONE (approx 10.5 hrs): Start your St Petersburg adventure from the pier for a city orientation drive (city highlights): St. Isaac?s Square (photo stop), majestic St. Isaac Cathedral, ?Bronze Horseman? ? the most famous monument to Peter the Great (photo stop), Shmidt Bridge, Vasilievsky Island with Arts Academy, Menshikov Palace, University, Kunstkamera, ?Strelka? with Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns (photo stop) and with the most beautiful view of Neva Embankments Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, Palace Bridge, Palace Square with Winter Palace and Alexander Column, Admiralty, Nevsky Avenue, the central street of the city, the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral (photo stop). Then, head to the famed Hermitage Museum on a guided tour. Here, you will truly appreciate the advantages of a small PRIVATE tour (vs. a large ship tour) as your guide helps you deftly navigate through the staggering crowds, maze of galleries and artifacts to ensure that you do not miss the highlights. Note: Early admission into the Hermitage is included in the cost of this program, unless your first day in St Petersburg falls on a Monday (Hermitage is closed). In this case, we will visit the Hermitage on Tuesday (regular admission). You will still visit the same attractions, but the order will be changed. Visit the West-European Masters? collection (Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck etc.), the living spaces and gala halls of the Winter Palace. Optional visit to the Gold Rooms (Treasury) of the Winter Palace for additional $ 220 per party. (maximum group size is usually 15). If you visit the Gold Room, the tour of the rest of the Hermitage is 30-40 minutes shorter. LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED on this day. We recommend you bring sandwiches from the ship to be enjoyed on the way to Peterhof. After the Hermitage, enjoy a leisurely drive to Peterhof, located 19 miles west of St. Petersburg. (Instead of driving, you also have the option of taking the hydrofoil to Peterhof at an additional charge. If you opt for the Hydrofoil, you'll have an extra half an hour to spend at either at the Hermitage or at Peterhof). Peterhof is often known as the ?Russian Versailles? and was official Summer Residence of Russian Tsars. Stroll through the wonderful ?Lower Park? with its 150 fountains, cascades and various pavilions, palaces. Visit the GRAND PALACE, made famous by the unbelievable splendor and beauty of its interior decoration. After an unforgettable day of touring, return to the ship. Or choose from an optional program of night tours, including the following: Folklore show
DAY TWO (approx 9hrs): Depart from the ship on yet another exhilarating day of sightseeing. This time, head for for Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), a 15 mile drive south of St Petersburg, to visit Catherine?s Palace. The origins of the Palace go back to 1717, when Catherine I commissioned the German architect Johann Braunstein to build a stone house. After her death her daughter, the future Tsarina Elizabeth I, inherited the property. Like Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great frequently stayed in Tsarskoye Selo. The palace was created by the best artists of the XVIII and XIX centuries. The world-famous Amber Room, with walls completely paneled with amber, was completely lost during the WWII, is now restored completely for your enjoyment. Stroll in the beautiful Catherine park with its numerous pavilions and small palaces, ponds and canals, marble statues and monuments.(Early admission to Catherine?s Palace by special arrangement is included in the cost). Take a break for lunch at a city restaurant (lunch on this day is included in cost). This is followed by a souvenir shopping stop. Then, embark on a boat trip along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg, View the city at water level and marvel at its granite embankments, bridges, parks and palaces. This cruise, which shows the very special charm of our ?Northern Venice? is included in the cost of the tour package. Continue your St Petersburg adventure with an inside visit of Peter-and-Paul Fortress (where the city was founded in 1703) and Peter-and-Paul Cathedral (burial place of the Romanovs). Finally, chosse from EITHER an inside visit of St Isaac's Cathedral OR the Spilled Blood Cathedral. St Isaac's Cathedral (architect Montferrand) is one of the finest architectural monuments of the XIX century. It is the former principal Cathedral of the Russian capital, and the largest cathedral in town able to accommodate about 10,000 audience. The cathedral is beautifully decorated inside: marble of 13 colors, malachite, lapis-lazuli, paintings and mosaics made by the most famous Russian artists, impressive stained-glass image of Christ seen through the open doors of the magnificent Icon-Stand etc. OR: Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral was built in 1907 as a memorial church to honor Russian Emperor Alexander II, who was murdered on that spot by terrorists. It is a sample of the iconic Russian-style "onion dome" architecture and decorative art created on the cusp of the XIX-XX centuries. The mosaic attire of the church (over 7.000 sq. m) was created by the most famous Russian artists of the epoch. Then return to the ship after an unsurpassed two days of immersion in Russian architecture, history and culture. St Petersburg is sure to rank amongst the foremost highlight of your cruise! Note: If you prefer a different itinerary, please let us know and we will be happy to quote. TWO-DAY Grand St Petersburg Package Tour Order code: TOU-2DYSP US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) You do NOT need a Russian visa to take this tour. Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and uses the same visa-exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We repeat: NO VISA IS REQUIRED. Includes car/van transportation, a highly qualified English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the museums noted for BOTH days. Itinerary listed may be revised or order changed as local conditions warrant, or if a particular museum is closed on your day of visit. Lunch on one of the days is included. Please note that some museums charge a fee for photography and/or videography, which are payable on the day of tour, should you decide to purchase passes. This TWO-DAY tour extravaganza is the ultimate comprehensive PRIVATE tour. Leave your entire two-day stay to our expert guides and see this great city and its outskirts safely and comfortably. Includes specified entrance fees. Participants in this PRIVATE tour DO NOT NEED RUSSIAN VISAS, despite your cruise line telling you otherwise. Thousands of satisfied cruise clients have taken this tour without visas! Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and use the very same visa exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We will provide all the proper documentation to guarantee visa-free participation in this tour. DAY ONE (approx 10 hrs): Start your St Petersburg adventure from the pier for a city orientation drive (city highlights): St. Nicholas?s Church (photo stop), Theatre Square with Mariinsky Theatre (photo stop), St. Isaac?s Square (photo stop), majestic St. Isaac Cathedral, ?Bronze Horseman? ? the most famous monument to Peter the Great (photo stop), Shmidt Bridge, Vasilievsky Island with Arts Academy, Menshikov Palace, University, Kunstkamera, ?Strelka? with Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns (photo stop) and with the most beautiful view of Neva Embankments Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, Palace Bridge, Palace Square with Winter Palace and Alexander Column, Admiralty, Nevsky Avenue, the central street of the city, Smolny Cathedral (photo stop) and Smolny Institute, Cruiser ?Aurora?, ?Field of Mars? (photo stop), the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral (photo stop). Then, head to the famed Hermitage Museum on a guided tour. Here, you will truly appreciate the advantages of a small PRIVATE tour (vs. a large ship tour) as your guide helps you deftly navigate through the staggering crowds, maze of galleries and artifacts to ensure that you do not miss the highlights. Note: Early admission into the Hermitage is included in the cost of this program, unless your first day in St Petersburg falls on a Monday (Hermitage is closed). In this case, we will visit the Hermitage on Tuesday (regular admission). You will still visit the same attractions, but the order will be changed. Visit the West-European Masters? collection (Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck etc.), the living spaces and gala halls of the Winter Palace. Optional visit to the Gold Rooms (Treasury) of the Winter Palace for additional $ 220 per party. (maximum group size is usually 15). If you visit the Gold Room, the tour of the rest of the Hermitage is 30-40 minutes shorter. LUNCH IS NOT INCLUDED on this day. We recommend you bring sandwiches from the ship to be enjoyed on the way to Peterhof. After the Hermitage, enjoy a leisurely drive to Peterhof, located 19 miles west of St. Petersburg. (Instead of driving, you also have the option of taking the hydrofoil to Peterhof at an additional charge $20 per person. If you opt for the Hydrofoil, you'll have an extra half an hour to spend at either at the Hermitage or at Peterhof). Peterhof is often known as the ?Russian Versailles? and was official Summer Residence of Russian Tsars. Stroll through the wonderful ?Lower Park? with its 150 fountains, cascades and various pavilions, palaces. Visit the GRAND PALACE, made famous by the unbelievable splendor and beauty of its interior decoration (Special admission to the Grand Palace is included in the cost) After an unforgettable day of touring, return to the ship. Or choose from an optional program of night tours, including the following: Folklore show
DAY TWO (approx 9.5hrs): Depart from the ship on yet another exhilarating day of sightseeing. This time, head for for Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), a 15 mile drive south of St Petersburg, to visit Catherine?s Palace. The origins of the Palace go back to 1717, when Catherine I commissioned the German architect Johann Braunstein to build a stone house. After her death her daughter, the future Tsarina Elizabeth I, inherited the property. Like Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great frequently stayed in Tsarskoye Selo. The palace was created by the best artists of the XVIII and XIX centuries. The world-famous Amber Room, with walls completely paneled with amber, was completely lost during the WWII, is now restored completely for your enjoyment. Stroll in the beautiful Catherine park with its numerous pavilions and small palaces, ponds and canals, marble statues and monuments.(Early admission to Catherine?s Palace by special arrangement is included in the cost). Take a break for lunch at a city restaurant (lunch on this day is included in cost). This is followed by a souvenir shopping stop. Continue your St Petersburg adventure with an inside visit of Peter-and-Paul Fortress (where the city was founded in 1703) and Peter-and-Paul Cathedral (burial place of the Romanovs). This is followed by a guided visit to the Kazan Cathedral (Cathedral of the Mother of God of Kazan), built between 1801 and 1811 by Andrey Voronikhin. It is a unique church in the style of Alexandrine neo-classicism, which resembles its Roman model only in the dome and the colonnade. Note: If you prefer a different itinerary, please let us know and we will be happy to quote. Then return to the ship after an unsurpassed two days of immersion in Russian architecture, history and culture. St Petersburg is sure to rank amongst the foremost highlight of your cruise! THREE-DAY Grand St Petersburg Package Tour Order code: TOU-3DSTP US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 12 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Participants do NOT need a Russian visa. Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and uses the same visa-exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We repeat: NO VISA IS REQUIRED. Includes car/van transportation, a highly qualified English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the museums noted. Itinerary may be revised or order changed as local conditions warrant, or if a particular museum is closed on your day of visit. Includes canal cruise. Lunch for two days is included. Lunch for one day is at your own expense. Please note that some museums charge a fee for photography and/or videography, which are payable on the day of tour, should you decide to purchase passes. This THREE-DAY tour extravaganza is the ultimate comprehensive PRIVATE tour for those with 3 days in St Petersburg. Leave your entire three-day stay to our expert guides and see this great city and its outskirts safely and comfortably. Includes specified entrance fees. Participants in this PRIVATE tour DO NOT NEED RUSSIAN VISAS, despite your cruise line telling you otherwise. Thousands of satisfied cruise clients have taken this tour without visas! Our licensed tour operator will provide all the proper documentation, including a sponsorship letter, prior to your departure, to guarantee visa-free participation in this tour. DAY ONE (approx 9 hrs): Start your St Petersburg adventure with an inside visit of Peter-and-Paul Fortress (where the city was founded in 1703) and Peter-and-Paul Cathedral (burial place of the Romanovs). This will be followed by a visit to the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral, built in 1907 as a memorial church to honor Russian Emperor Alexander II, who was murdered on that spot by terrorists. This church is the quintessential example of Russian "onion-dome" architecture and decorative art from the XIX-XX centuries. You are sure to be awed by the over 7000 sq.ft. of glistening mosaic art, laboriously created by the most renowned Russian artists of the era. Then, stop for a souvenir shopping break, and enjoy a boat trip along the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg. View the city from the water level, and admire its granite embankments, bridges, parks and palaces. It's little wonder that St Petersburg is known as the ?Northern Venice? (boat trip is included in the cost) Take a break for lunch (at your own expense). Then, head for for Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), a 15 mile drive south of St Petersburg, to visit Catherine?s Palace. The origins of the Palace go back to 1717, when Catherine I commissioned the German architect Johann Braunstein to build a stone house. After her death her daughter, the future Tsarina Elizabeth I, inherited the property. Like Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great frequently stayed in Tsarskoye Selo. The palace was created by the best artists of the XVIII and XIX centuries. The world-famous Amber Room, with walls completely paneled with amber, was completely lost during the WWII, is now restored completely for your enjoyment. Stroll in the beautiful Catherine park with its numerous pavilions and small palaces, ponds and canals, marble statues and monuments. After an unforgettable day of touring, return to the ship or choose from an optional program of night tours. DAY TWO (approx 8.5hrs): Depart from the ship on yet another exhilarating day of sightseeing. Enjoy a leisurely drive to Peterhof, located 19 miles west of St. Petersburg. Peterhof is often known as the ?Russian Versailles? and was official Summer Residence of Russian Tsars. Stroll through the wonderful ?Lower Park? with its 150 fountains, cascades and various pavilions, palaces. Visit the GRAND PALACE, made famous by the unbelievable splendor and beauty of its interior decoration (Special admission to the Grand Palace is included in the cost). Then, head back to St Petersburg. (Instead of driving, you also have the option of taking the hydrofoil back at an additional charge). Stop for lunch at a restaurant (included in cost), before heading to the famed Hermitage Museum on a guided tour. Here, you will truly appreciate the difference a small PRIVATE tour makes (vs. a large ship tour) as your guide helps you deftly navigate through the staggering crowds, maze of galleries and artefacts to ensure that you do not miss the highlights. Visit the West-European Masters? collection (Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck etc), the living spaces and gala halls of the Winter Palace, and the French Impressionists and XX century collections. Optional for groups of 10pax or more: You can also choose an optional visit to the Gold Rooms (Treasury) of the Winter Palace for additional $220 per group (advance reservations 1 month prior is needed). In the event that you choose to visit the Gold Room, the tour of the Hermitage will be shortened by a corresponding 30-40 minutes. After yet another unforgettable day of touring, return to the ship or choose from an optional program of night tours. DAY THREE (approx 6 hrs): Start the third day with a visit to the Yusupov Palace. Learn about the legendary and mysterious Rasputin during your visit to this palace, located on the Moika River Embankment. Wander through the cellars of the palace where, in December 1916, Rasputin was killed by F. Yusupov, the Grand Duke Dmitry and other conspirators. As the Yusupovs were one of the four richest families of Russia, their gala and living rooms show off the refined tastes of its owners. Marvel at the Golden Theater, which is a small copy of the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow and famous amongst the private theaters of St. Petersburg. Among the famous actors, dancers and singers who considered it an honor to perform on this stage were Fiodor Shaliapin, Anna Pavlova and others. Marvel at the gala and living rooms of the palace and the many unique musical instruments on display. Then stop for lunch at a city restaurant (included in cost). After lunch, enjoy an inside visit to the Russian Art Museum, which is housed in the Michael Palace. The neo-classical Michael Palace was built by Carlo Rossi in 1819-25 for Alexander I?s Younger brother, the Grand Duke Michael Pavlovich. Opened in 1898, the Russian Museum, now ranks with the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow as having the largest collection of Russian art. It is one of the world?s largest museums, with a collection of over 320,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, and works of applied and folk art. In its fullness and variety, this collection of national art has no equal in the country. The almost thousand-year history of Russian artistic culture is presented not only through works of professional artists, but also through unique examples of folk creation. Then return to the ship after an unsurpassed three days of immersion in Russian architecture, history and culture. St Petersburg is sure to rank amongst the foremost highlight of your cruise! Half Day Jewish Heritage Tour Order code: TOU-JEHER Approx. 4 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Wish to learn more about Jewish heritage in St Petersburg? This is the tour for you. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russia has one of the world?s largest and most vibrant Jewish communities. Discover a story of tragic history but triumphant culture on this excursion, as you learn the story of the resilient Jewish community that overcame hardship and war to flourish in modern St. Petersburg. From the pier, travel to the Great Choral Synagogue, a majestic building constructed in the Moorish style between 1880 and 1893. It is the second-largest and one of the most ornate synagogues in Europe with a cupola reaching a height of 154 feet and a prayer hall that holds 1,200 worshipers. During your guided visit, learn how the synagogue remained open for prayer, even during the difficult Stalinist period. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you about the life of the Jewish community during the Imperial and Bolshevik eras and in today's Russia. Browse the synagogue's adjoining shop stocked with local Jewish souvenirs, booklets and kosher food. After the tour of the Synagogue, visit the large contemporary Jewish Centre, a recent addition to the city. Its existence would have been impossible in Communist times. Today, the Yesod is focused on reviving Jewish traditions and culture along with providing social and financial support to the Jewish community. You will have the chance to meet and talk to local people there and tour the facilities. Return to the ship after a fascinating glimpse into the storied Jewish history in Russia. Day-Trip to Moscow (from St Petersburg) Order code: TOU-DTMOS Approx. 12-15 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Duration of trip is approximate and subject to flight timing and availability. Russian visa IS required if you visit Moscow (Note: Russian visa is NOT required if you visit St Petersburg only). Includes: Airport transfers, Transportation, Guiding and assistance of an English speaking guide along the way, Entry fees, Metro ticket, Return air ticket, Visa support papers. This same-day-trip to Moscow (from St Petersburg) is perfect for those who wish to discover Moscow, without overnighting there. For those with 2 or 3 day stops in St Petersburg, this allows you to spend your remaining days exploring St Petersburg as well! Explore Moscow - the sprawling capital of Russia in one day. After a 45-minute flight from St. Petersburg, arrive at Moscow and see the Kremlin ? the famous fortress and seat of Russian power and the Armory Museum with its display of world-famous Faberge eggs. Stroll through the legendary Red Square ? the site of many marches and celebrations during Communist times to see Lenin's Tomb, watch changing of the guard and enjoy the beautiful panorama of the city from the Sparrow Hills before your return flight to St. Petersburg. Our representative will meet you by the ship. Transfer to the domestic airport for your flight to Moscow. As soon as you arrive in Moscow you will be met by your private guide. Hop aboard a comfortable car/coach, relax and enjoy a one hour narrated ride to downtown Moscow through the outskirts and residential areas of the city. Upon your arrival, take a break over a cup of tea and begin exploring the city. View a unique panorama of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills, watch changing of the guard at Alexander's Garden, stroll through the legendary Red Square, the site of many marches and celebrations during Communist times -- and the famous GUM department store. Admire the magnificent St. Basil's Cathedral, pass through Lubyanka Square and the headquarters of the former KGB. Walk along the popular Arbat Street with hundreds of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Learn about an architectural style dubbed "Stalin Gothic" and the skyscrapers known as "Seven Sisters" recognizable by their tapered towers. The grandest example is the main building of Moscow State University. Architecturally, Moscow ranges from Russian 17th--century onion-shaped churches to American-style skyscrapers of the 1930s. You?ll also take a ride on the underground and see the Moscow Metro stations that were built during Stalin's rule as "palaces for the people". The decoration of the stations takes everyone by surprise: mosaics and statues, stained glass panels and chandeliers. If the Lenin Mausoleum is open during your visit, you may also choose to visit the Mausoleum. After break for lunch proceed to the Kremlin, the Russia?s mighty political powerhouse, the seat of the Russian President. During the guided walk through the grounds of the Kremlin you will see governmental buildings, gold-domed cathedrals and Tsar's bell -- the largest bell that never rang! Within the 15th century Kremlin fortress, you will visit the stunning Byzantine- style Assumption Cathedral the oldest and the most important church in the Kremlin where tsars were selected and crowned, decrees were read and solemn event celebrated. Explore an opulent collection of the Armory museum that contains Russian treasures including court regalia, jewelry, coronation gowns, armor, golden carriages and some of the fabulous Easter eggs created for the Tsars by Faberge. Transfer to airport and fly back to St. Petersburg. Return to the ship after a long, but absolutely fascinating day in Moscow! ONE-DAY Grand St Petersburg, inclu Evening Folkloric Show Order code: TOU-1DFOL Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) You do NOT need a Russian visa to take this tour. Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and uses the same visa-exemption waiver that is used by the ship. Includes car/van transportation, a highly qualified English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the museums noted. Itinerary listed may be revised or order changed as local conditions warrant, or if a particular museum is closed on your day of visit. Lunch is included. Please note that some museums charge a fee for photography and/or videography, which are payable on the day of tour, should you decide to purchase passes. This ONE-DAY extended extravaganza is perfect for those who have only one day in St Petersburg. Includes lunch, entrance fees to the Hermitage, Peterhof (with hydrofoil ride included), city tour, and an evening folkloric show! Participants in this PRIVATE tour DO NOT NEED RUSSIAN VISAS, despite your cruise line telling you otherwise. Thousands of satisfied cruise clients have taken this tour without visas! Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and use the very same visa exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We will provide all the proper documentation to guarantee visa-free participation in this tour. Start your St Petersburg adventure from the pier and head to the famed Hermitage Museum on a guided tour. Here, you will truly appreciate the advantages of a small PRIVATE tour (vs. a large ship tour) as your guide helps you deftly navigate through the staggering crowds, maze of galleries and artifacts to ensure that you do not miss the highlights. Note: Hermitage is closed on Mondays. Visit the West-European Masters collection (Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck etc.) the living spaces and gala halls of the Winter Palace. Optional visit to the Gold Rooms (Treasury) of the Winter Palace for additional $ 220 per party (maximum group size is usually 15). If you visit the Gold Room, the tour of the rest of the Hermitage is 30-40 minutes shorter. After the Hermitage, stop for lunch, which is included in your tour. Then, enjoy a time-saving and scenic hydrofoil ride to Peterhof, located 19 miles west of St. Petersburg. Peterhof is often known as the "Russian Versailles" and was official Summer Residence of Russian Tsars. Stroll through the wonderful "Lower Park" with its 150 fountains, cascades and various pavilions, palaces. After your Peterhof visit, take the hydrofoil back to St petersburg, where you will commence a driving tour of the city center: St. Isaac's Square (photo stop), majestic St. Isaac Cathedral, "Bronze Horseman" - the most famous monument to Peter the Great (photo stop), Shmidt Bridge, Vasilievsky Island with Arts Academy, Menshikov Palace, University, Kunstkamera, "Strelka" with Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns (photo stop) and with the most beautiful view of Neva Embankments Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, Palace Bridge, Palace Square with Winter Palace and Alexander Column, Admiralty, Nevsky Avenue, the central street of the city, Smolny Cathedral (photo stop) and Smolny Institute, Cruiser "Aurora", "Field of Mars" (photo stop), the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral (photo stop). After the city tour, you will attend an evening folklore show at Nikolayevsky Palace, before returning to the ship after an unforgettable day of touring! ONE-DAY Grand St Petersburg, including Evening City Tour Order code: TOU-1DCTT Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) You do NOT need a Russian visa to take this tour. Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and uses the same visa-exemption waiver that is used by the ship. Includes car/van transportation, a highly qualified English-speaking guide and entrance fees to the museums noted. Itinerary listed may be revised or order changed as local conditions warrant, or if a particular museum is closed on your day of visit. Lunch is included. Please note that some museums charge a fee for photography and/or videography, which are payable on the day of tour, should you decide to purchase passes. This ONE-DAY extended extravaganza is perfect for those who have only one day in St Petersburg. Includes lunch, entrance fees to the Hermitage, Peterhof, Catherine's Palace, and an evening city tour! Participants in this PRIVATE tour DO NOT NEED RUSSIAN VISAS, despite your cruise line telling you otherwise. Thousands of satisfied cruise clients have taken this tour without visas! Our tour operator is fully licensed by the Russian authorities and use the very same visa exemption waiver that is used by the ship. We will provide all the proper documentation to guarantee visa-free participation in this tour. Start your St Petersburg adventure from the pier and head to the famed Hermitage Museum on a guided tour. Here, you will truly appreciate the advantages of a small PRIVATE tour (vs. a large ship tour) as your guide helps you deftly navigate through the staggering crowds, maze of galleries and artifacts to ensure that you do not miss the highlights. Note: Hermitage is closed on Mondays. Visit the West-European Masters collection (Rembrandt, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck etc.), the living spaces and gala halls of the Winter Palace. Optional visit to the Gold Rooms (Treasury) of the Winter Palace for additional $ 220 per party (maximum group size is usually 15). If you visit the Gold Room, the tour of the rest of the Hermitage is 30-40 minutes shorter. Then, stop for lunch (included in cost). After lunch, head for for Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), a 15 mile drive south of St Petersburg, to visit Catherine?s Palace. The origins of the Palace go back to 1717, when Catherine I commissioned the German architect Johann Braunstein to build a stone house. After her death her daughter, the future Tsarina Elizabeth I, inherited the property. Like Elizabeth I, Catherine the Great frequently stayed in Tsarskoye Selo. The palace was created by the best artists of the XVIII and XIX centuries. The world-famous Amber Room, with walls completely paneled with amber, was completely lost during the WWII, is now restored completely for your enjoyment. Stroll in the beautiful Catherine park with its numerous pavilions and small palaces, ponds and canals, marble statues and monuments.(Early admission to Catherine?s Palace by special arrangement is included in the cost). Then, enjoy a leisurely drive to Peterhof, located 19 miles west of St. Petersburg. Peterhof is often known as the "Russian Versailles" and was official Summer Residence of Russian Tsars. Stroll through the wonderful "Lower Park" with its 150 fountains, cascades and various pavilions, palaces. After your Peterhof visit, return to St petersburg, where you will commence an evening driving tour of the city center: St. Isaac's Square (photo stop), majestic St. Isaac Cathedral, "Bronze Horseman" - the most famous monument to Peter the Great (photo stop), Shmidt Bridge, Vasilievsky Island with Arts Academy, Menshikov Palace, University, Kunstkamera, "Strelka" with Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns (photo stop) and with the most beautiful view of Neva Embankments Winter Palace and other buildings of the Hermitage Museum, Palace Bridge, Palace Square with Winter Palace and Alexander Column, Admiralty, Nevsky Avenue, the central street of the city, Smolny Cathedral (photo stop) and Smolny Institute, Cruiser "Aurora", "Field of Mars" (photo stop), the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral (photo stop). Return to the ship after an unforgettable day of touring! Custom St Petersburg Tour / Special Programs Order code: TOU-CUSTO Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If our standard itineraries do not meet your needs, feel request to a quote for a custom itinerary. Please specify which sights you would like to visit, and we'll create a custom trip just for you! Sensational Stockholm Order code: PPR-BALT4 Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 15 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) Built on a string of islands, Stockholm was founded 700 years ago by King Birger Jarl at the strategic point where the fresh water of Lake Malaren meets the salt water of the Baltic. A good starting point for an exploration of the city is the 'Old Town' (Gamla Stan), a cluster of old buildings and narrow cobbled streets which formed the original Stockholm. The old buildings are beautifully preserved and the main streets, Osterlanggatan and Vasterlanggatan, are pedestrian precincts with a host of boutiques, handicrafts and antique shops. The Old Town has three churches of historic interest, Storkyrkan and Riddarholm Church, both dating from the 13th century and the German Church with its magnificent Baroque interior. Overlooking the harbour is the Royal Palace, which contains the State Apartments, the Crown Jewels, the Hall of State and Chapel Royal, Royal Armoury and Palace Museum. Within easy reach of the Old Town, in a magnificent setting on the edge of Lake Malaren, is Stockholm's elegant City Hall (Stadshuset), inaugurated about 60 years ago. There is a spectacular view of the capital from the top of the 100m (350ft) tower. Another spot for a magnificent view is the observation platform on the Kaknas communications tower which, at 155m (508ft), is the highest building in Scandinavia. Historic Tallinn Order code: PPR-BALT5 Approx. 3.5 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 15 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This varied tour takes you to through the cultural center of Tallinn and the central park of Kadriorg, founded in the time of Peter The Great. Pass through the residential areas before arriving at Pirita marina and the ruins of the 15th Century convent of St. Birgit. Pause at Russalka, Estonia's most famous monument dedicated to the shipwreck in the Gulf of Finland in 1893. Returning to Tallinn, continue to the Old Town. The walking portion commences at Cathedral Hill and takes you along cobbled streets, past medieval houses, towers and bastions. Visit the 13th Century Russian Orthodox Church and the Dome Church, and walk past the Castle, now home to Estonia's Parliament. Comprehensive Berlin including transfers to/from ship Order code: HSE-COBER Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 10 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. For groups of 7 or less, includes the services of a driver-guide for the duration of the transfer and tour (driver-guide will not accompany groups into the attractions). For groups of 8 or more, includes the services of a driver (unguided transfer) and upon arrival in Berlin, the services of a separate guide who will commence the guided tour (guide will accompany groups into attractions). Lunch is at your own expense. Since this is a custom tour and the itinerary below is merely a suggestion, any entrance fees are payable separately, depending on the actual attractions you select. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, itinerary and duration may be modified as neccesary to fit your needs. This tour is ideal for passengers who want a comprehensive tour of Berlin that includes the roundtrip transfer from the ship to Berlin (2.5 hrs each way). This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Berlin has seen incredible changes since World War II, the fall of the Berlin wall and reunification; this comprehensive tour is an opportunity to decipher the turbulent 20th Century history of this complex European capital. Throughout this unforgettable day, we will take you on a visit to some of the most poignant symbols of World War II as well as the Cold War. Stop at the Brandenburg Gate, the majestic triumphal arch which once was a symbol of the division between East and West. Since the fall of the wall, this Gate has been restored to its original splendor. Enjoy a photo stop at the Reichstag Parliament, originally constructed from 1884 to 1894 to house the parliament of the newly-founded German Empire. The building underwent renovations in the 1990s and today the impressive glass dome designed by architect Norman Foster is one of the city?s major landmarks. Visit Checkpoint Charlie, the former East-West Berlin border crossing where Russian and American tanks once faced off. You will also have a chance to view some of the last remnants of the Berlin Wall at the famous East Side Gallery. Some of the other highlights will include a stop at the Tempelhof Airlift Memorial and the WWII Memorial for the Victims of War and Dictatorship on the Unter den Linden Boulevard. Dedicated to the victims of WWII, the memorial?s centerpiece is an emotionally-moving sculpture by Käthe Kollwitz of a mother and her dying son. Stroll along Potsdamer Platz, the symbol of the new Berlin. In the 1920s and 30s, Potsdamer Platz was one of the liveliest squares in Europe. This came to an abrupt end after WWII, when the square, due to its location between the American, British and Russian sectors, became a no-man's land. After the fall of the wall, this area became the largest construction site in Europe and today, the new Potsdamer Platz is a gleaming oasis of futuristic buildings. Visit the Allied Museum, depicting the American perspective of postwar history. The museum commemorates the US, British and French presence in Berlin from 1945 to 1994. The museum traces the history of Cold War Berlin and features the original Checkpoint Charlie guard house, a Berlin Wall watchtower, a plane from the Berlin Airlift, and an American spy tunnel. Depending on your interests and time constraints, interior visits can also be made at famous Berlin museums (e.g. the Jewish Museum, the Berggruen Collection or the Alte Nationalgalerie etc). The Jewish Museum provides a public guided tour in English (max 15 pax). The tour starts at 2pm and takes about 1,5 hrs. Entrance 5 Euros pp + Guided tour 3 Euros pp. If you wish, you can have lunch in the kosher restaurant right next to the museum and then follow that with the guided tour. Alternatively, you may wish to visit the old Jewish Quarter and newly gilded Synagogue. Or you may simply prefer to shop on Berlin?s Kurfurstendamm, Germany?s most famous tree-lined shopping boulevard. As this is a private tour, there is ultimate flexibility. Let us help you navigate effortlessly through one of the world's most intriguing cities. Comprehensive Berlin + Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, including transfers Order code: HSE-BESCC Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. Does not include lunch or entrance fees. ***Berlin portion of tour: For 1-6pax, includes driver-guide who will guide throughout the day, but who will not accompany pax into attractions. For 7pax and above, includes driver throughout the day + separate guide who will meet the group in Berlin, guide for 4hrs in Berlin and accompany group into attractions. ***Concentration Camp portion of tour: This portion of the tour is self-guided. There are English signs around the concentration camp. Guide may be added at extra cost. This extended 12-hr tour is ideal for passengers who who want a tour of Berlin , including a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Rates include the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Here is a suggested itinerary. If you require a different departure time, we will adjust accordingly: 08:00 Depart from ship at Warnemünde/Rostock
Jewish Heritage of Berlin including transfers to/from ship Order code: HSE-BERJE Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. Includes the services of a driver for the duration of the transfer and tour, and upon arrival in Berlin, the services of a separate guide (3hrs for grps of 6 or less/4hrs for larger groups). Lunch is at your own expense. Since this is a custom tour and the itinerary below is merely a suggestion, any entrance fees are payable separately, depending on the actual attractions you select. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, itinerary and duration may be modified as neccesary to fit your needs. This tour is ideal for passengers who who want a tour of Berlin with a Jewish perspective. This includes the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Our Jewish heritage tour includes the services of a guide who is knowledgeable about Jewish sights for 3hr (groups of 6 or less) or 4 hrs (larger groups). This guide will join the group in Berlin. Here are some sights that may be covered: Jewish sights at the Hackesche Höfe and Potsdam Square and the Jewish Quarter with new Synagogue and Cemetary. Various aspects of Jewish culture & history in Berlin are covered with a visit to the Jewish quarter. Then visit the Centrum Judaicum in the New Synagogue, with its displays on the history of the building and the lives connected with it. The displays provide an insight to Jewish life in Berlin in historic as well as modern times. After that, we will drive past the the new Holocaust Memorial. If you wish to go inside the Jewish Museum, you should allocate at least 1-1.5 hrs of your day to to truly appreciate this moving architectural masterpiece. This museum is not devoted exclusively to the Holocaust and depicts 2000 years of German-Jewish history via personal documents and artefacts. Designed by the architect Daniel Libeskind, the building disorients the visitor with spiraling walls, sloping floors, windows that resemble wounds and gashes, plus the windowless Holocaust Tower and Memory Void. The Jewish Museum provides a public guided tour in English (max 15 pax). The tour starts at 2pm and takes about 1.5 hrs. Entrance 5 Euros pp + Guided tour 3 Euros pp (payable on day of tour). Reservations are required. You may also want to take the opportunity for lunch inside the Museum at the Liebermanns Restaurant. This tour will also include the historical city center around the Brandenburg Gate & the Reichstag and as many of the main Berlin sights as time will permit. Jewish Heritage of Berlin + Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, including transfers Order code: HSE-JESCC Approx. 12 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. Does not include lunch or entrance fees. ***Berlin portion of tour: For 1-6pax, includes driver-guide who will guide throughout the day, but who will not accompany pax into attractions. For 7pax and above, includes driver throughout the day + separate guide who will meet the group in Berlin, guide for 4hrs in Berlin and accompany group into attractions. ***Concentration Camp portion of tour: This portion of the tour is self-guided. There are English signs around the concentration camp. Guide may be added at extra cost. This extended 12-hr tour is ideal for passengers who who want a tour of Berlin with a Jewish perspective, including a visit to the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp. Rates include the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Berlin and back. This private tour is a remarkable value as some cruise lines charge as much as $160 just for the transfer alone! Our Jewish heritage tour includes the services of a guide who is knowledgeable about Jewish sights for 3hrs. This guide will join the group in Berlin. Here is a suggested itinerary. If you require a different departure time, we will adjust accordingly: 08:00 Depart from ship at Warnemünde/Rostock
Note: We have omitted the Jewish Museum to enable you to have time for other Berlin sights. If you prefer to visit the Museum, the sights and timings will be adjusted accordingly. Comprehensive Potsdam including Warnemunde/Rostock transfers Order code: HSE-POTSD Approx. 10 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (2.5 hours each way) from Warnemunde/Rostock to Berlin and back. For groups of 7 or less, includes the services of a driver-guide and commentary for the duration of the transfer and tour. For groups of 8 or more, includes the services of a driver (unguided transfer) and upon arrival in Berlin, the services of a separate guide who will commence the guided tour. Lunch is at your own expense. Since this is a custom tour and the itinerary below is merely a suggestion, any entrance fees are payable separately, depending on the actual attractions you select. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, itinerary and duration may be modified as neccesary to fit your needs. This tour is ideal for passengers who have already seen the major sights of Berlin and and want a tour of Potsdam. This includes the 2.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Potsdam and back. The city of Potsdam, with its Baroque city center and numerous palaces, was the capital of the Brandenburg State. Upon arrival in Potsdam, enjoy a short orientation tour on the way to the palaces. Let us introduce the you to this quaint city with its Dutch Quarter, the Brandenburg Gate, Hunter?s Gate, Russian Colony etc. Probably the most famous palace in Potsdam is Sanssouci, which was built by Frederick the Great of Prussia in 1740 in his favourite style of regal rococo. The castle of Sanssouci set above six vineyard terraces. On the grounds, you can find many beautiful statues, gardens and fountains, including the Chinese Teahouse, which has a collection of both Berlin and Meissen porcelain. On the other side of the park is the New Palace, which is even grander than the Sanssouci and more richly furnished too. the most ostentatious palace ever built by Friedrich der GrosseAfterwards, take a leisurely stroll in the impressive park or do some shopping in the charming Dutch Quarter. Scenic Schwerin and Lubeck including Warnemunde/Rostock transfers Order code: HSE-SCHLU Approx. 8 hours US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) Minimum number of passengers: 8 (Smaller group? Ask us for pricing!) This is a private tour and includes the transfer (1.5 hours each way) from Warnemunde/Rostock to Berlin and back. For groups of 7 or less, includes the services of a driver-guide and commentary for the duration of the transfer and tour. For groups of 8 or more, includes the services of a driver (unguided transfer) and upon arrival in Berlin, the services of a separate guide who will commence the guided tour. Lunch is at your own expense. Since this is a custom tour and the itinerary below is merely a suggestion, any entrance fees are payable separately, depending on the actual attractions you select. Subject to traffic conditions and your actual ship schedule, itinerary and duration may be modified as neccesary to fit your needs. This tour is ideal for passengers who have already been to Berlin and and want a leisurely tour of scenic Northern Germany. This includes the 1.5 hr transfer (each way) from the ship to Schwerin/Lubeck and back. The ride to Schwerin takes approx. 90 mins (from Warnemunde/Rostock) each way via ?Autobahn?. Schwerin Castle, with its fairy-tale air, is not to be missed. The city?s medieval landmark is set in a picturesque location on the banks of Schwerin Lake, Germany?s third-largest lake. Inside the Castle, magnificent rooms with such promising names as the ?Silvestergalery? (Sylvester Gallery) and ?Blumenzimmer? (Floral Room) with its vast collection of antique furniture and classic paintings are well worth a visit. So is the old town with its splendid avenues and buildings. Lubeck, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987, was one of the great mercantile cities of the Middle Ages. Today, it offers the perfect tourism formula; a town small enough to be personal, yet with enough historical and cultural diversions to engage the visitor. Let us show you the highlights of this lovely city. Custom Tour from Warnemunde Order code: HSE-WACUS Approx. 0 US$ TBA (Contact us for pricing by starting an inquiry or sending an email.) If you'd like us to customize a tour to your specific needs, just let us know what you'd like to see and do! |
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