Saaremaa is the largest of Estonia’s islands – 2,921 square kilometres (1,128 square miles) in area. It is popular as a recreation place for Estonians, with unique nature and numerous historical sights. There are stone fences and old farmhouses with thatched roofs in the villages – very picturesque.

For those who would like some free time in the largest town on the Island of Saaremaa, or just prefer to do their own thing, this tour is perfect. From the terminal at Saaremaa Port a transfer of approximately 45 minutes will take us to the heart of the town.

Our tour of Saaremaa Island starts with a drive through typical rural scenery to the Panga Bluff, which is the highest cliff on the northern coast of Saaremaa. At its highest it reaches 21.3 metres (70 feet) and we can get an unforgettable view from the top of it.

We shall drive from the pier to the charming village of Tagaranna – a typical old fishing village with many summer cottages now renovated for holidaymakers. From here we can get a marvellous view of the high coastal cliffs across the bay. Continuing our tour we have a short drive to the unique Ninase Windmills – decorated like peasants wearing national costume.

For 2011, the European Commission has chosen Tallinn as European Capital of Culture. Started in 1985, the initiative has become one of the most prestigious and high profile cultural events in Europe. More than 40 cities have been designated European Capitals of Culture so far, from Stockholm to Genoa, Athens to Glasgow, and Krakow to Porto. A city is not chosen as a European Capital of Culture solely for what it is, but mainly for what exceptional plans it has for the coming year.

Please note that this tour will operate for cruise M1111 on 3rd June only.

Our wildlife adventure begins in the Viru Bog – an approximate three kilometre square area of peat bog, formed over a period of 10,000 years from decaying moss. We will walk along the boardwalk, built over the bog to provide a good view of this strange landscape of lichens and conifers.

We leave the harbour and drive through the cultural centre of Tallinn, viewing some of the highlights of Estonian architecture.

This tour, to coincide with Tallinn being European Capital of Culture, will only operate for cruise D1117.

After circling Tallinn’s medieval city wall, with its fairy tale turrets, we shall stop near the foot of the Kiek in de Kök Tower (Cannon Tower) for a panoramic view of the Upper Town, with its churches and towers.

THIS TOUR WILL OPERATE FOR CRUISE L1104, AND IS LINKED TO THE VISTAS THEME OF ANTIQUES

Departing from the harbour, we travel through Tallinn’s cultural heart towards Toompea (Cathedral Hill). We shall stop at the foot of the medieval tower named Pikk (or Tall) Hermann, which stands guard over the National Parliament in this, Estonia's capital.

The city of Tallinn is organizing the International Flower Festival for the third time. This year it is more special as it coincides with Tallinn being the Culture Capital and the themes of the festival are Estonian national patterns and coastal gardens.

THIS TOUR WILL ONLY OPERATE FOR CRUISE L1108 - DURING TALLINN'S YEAR AS CULTURE CAPITAL OF EUROPE

Driving out of Helsinki through the picturesque countryside, we head for Ainola – former home of the world famous composer Jean Sibelius.

Our tour will introduce us to the Finnish activity of Nordic Walking and Finland's capital, Helsinki.

At Market Square, we board a private sightseeing boat for a cruise of approximately 90 minutes. The tour will take us to the magnificent Helsinki archipelago where we can enjoy the beauty of nature, pretty beaches and historical sights only a few kilometres from the city centre – an experience to add to our overall impression of this lovely area.

This tour combines the main highlights of Helsinki with one of the world’s largest Icebars.

Leaving the city we will follow the coastal road to Porvoo – the second oldest town in Finland, dating back to 1346.

Helsinki is known both as ‘The Daughter of the Baltic’ and ‘The White City of the North’. Our tour commences with a drive through Embassy Park, along the coastal road, to Senate Square with its elegant Lutheran Cathedral (a brief photo stop is made).

Our tour today combines a boat trip around the magnificent Helsinki archipelago, where we can enjoy the beauty of nature, pretty beaches and historical sights, with the highlights of Helsinki itself.

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A short transfer will take us to the Cathedral of Resurrection on Spilled Blood – one of the most noted landmarks of St Petersburg. For many years this splendid Cathedral was closed to the public but opened again in the late 1990’s as a museum, after a 25 year renovation.

This excursion gives us the opportunity to go ashore and enjoy some time to explore and indulge in a little retail therapy. Our coach will take us to a recommended store where a variety of items can be purchased.

St Petersburg boasts over 66 rivers and canals. Winding through the city, a boat tour gives a better understanding of the city’s character and beauty.

A drive of approximately one-hour will transfer us to Peterhof – the town of palaces, fountains and parks – the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in splendour. Indeed, several hours could be spent enjoying the extravaganza of the dazzling fountain display.

Novgorod once competed with Moscow for domination of Old Russia and is now a stunning combination of old and new. Approximately 189 kilometres south east of St Petersburg, it lies on the highway between the two major cities and enjoys stable economic links with both. On our drive we will travel through scenic countryside, passing small villages and traditional Russian wooden houses punctuate the landscape.

For those guests wishing to venture away from St Petersburg, without much walking, this tour is ideal.

This really is an unmissable tour – not least because it gives us the unique opportunity to enjoy one of the most well known museums in the world, away from the crowds.

The Catherine Palace ranks high on the list of the world’s most beautiful buildings. Our tour will combine this Palace with the Cathedrals of St Peter & St Paul, and St Isaacs.

A visit to St Petersburg is always a rewarding and unforgettable experience. By European standards it is a young city – in 2003, St Petersburg celebrated the 300th anniversary of its foundation – yet wherever we look there are reminders of an eventful history.

This tour will give us an interesting insight into the Russian Tsars’ lives. We will see the most beautiful of the St Petersburg summer residences – Catherine Palace, and the most mysterious and unusual palace of Pavlovsk.

Nothing can really adequately prepare us for what we may see and hear on this tour - it is best to bring along an open mind and heart, as well as a sense of curiosity.

Our first visit on this tour will be to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan. The Kazan Cathedral is centrally located on the Nevsky Prospekt and attracts the attention of visitors with its stately aspect, elegantly proportioned dome and impressive colonnades.

This evening of ballet is an opportunity to experience an exciting performance at one of the leading centres of art. Dancers from one of the St Petersburg companies are invited to perform on stage for our special enjoyment.

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During our tour we will discover interesting facts about Rasputin’s life, and get a better understanding of the situation in Russia in the early 20th century.

A drive of approximately one hour will transfer us to Peterhof – the town of palaces, fountains and parks and the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. It is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in splendour. Indeed several hours could be spent enjoying the extravaganza of the dazzling fountain display.

This is our opportunity to visit St Petersburg’s most famous museum, the Hermitage – Russia’s largest collection of art, with over 2.8 million works, and one of the most prestigious museums in the world.

THIS TOUR WILL OPERATE FOR CRUISE L1104, AND IS LINKED TO THE VISTAS THEME OF ANTIQUES

Peterhof was conceived by Peter the Great to rival Versailles in splendour. Nowadays the residence, with its parks and fountains, is included in the UNESCO list of the world’s most precious historical sights. Several hours could be spent enjoying the extravaganza of the dazzling fountain display.

This tour takes us to Catherine Palace and Park.

Copenhagen is one of the most historic cities in the Baltic region and on this introductory tour of the Danish Capital we will explore nearly 850 years of history.

We start our exploration of this fascinating and historic Baltic capital city with a visit to its most cherished landmark - the Little Mermaid, inspired by the fairy tale written by Hans Christian Andersen.

Historic Copenhagen is partially built on islands and criss-crossed by many waterways and canals, allowing easy access by water to many of Copenhagen’s sights. Our evening cruise offers us a relaxed and scenic way to experience the city.

Copenhagen, which was proclaimed as the national capital in 1417, has a long history as the ‘Royal’ city of Denmark. Our tour will take us to Rosenborg Castle and Christiansborg Palace.

This scenic tour is ideal for those guests who have been to Copenhagen before, as it takes us away from the city, to experience some of the more rural Danish charm.

Enjoy a comprehensive look at ‘Wonderful, Wonderful Copenhagen’, as the song goes, by land and water.

Our walking tour will show us the main sights of Aalborg.

After our tour of the site, we rejoin the coach and continue through the city of Aalborg, passing sights such as the Town Hall, convention centre and harbour area.

We will visit one of the oldest of the so-called Ring Fortresses built in Denmark around 980 AD.