Cruising to the Heart of the Baltic
In Copenhagen you’ll be closer the many highlights of the Danish capital, thanks to your smaller ship’s ability to dock near the very centre of the city. The iconic Little Mermaid statue, the pretty Nyhavn waterfront district and the famous Tivoli Gardens will all be within easy reach when you step ashore. Further afield it’s possible to tour to Kronborg Castle – the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet – too. The enticing Finnish capital will then await your exploration. An abundance of attractions vie for your attention in Helsinki, including the Neoclassical structures of Senate Square, one of Finland’s most photographed locations; several captivating museums and galleries; and the unique Kamppi Chapel of Silence. There’s even a chance to delight in an authentic Finnish sauna experience before continuing your unforgettable journey of Baltic discovery in Russia. [ReadMore]
As your ship sails into St Petersburg via the River Neva, be sure to take your place on deck to savour views of the city’s legendary golden domes and magnificent architecture. Once docked, you could see the sights up-close on a fascinating guided tour of the city, taking in ‘must-visit’ landmarks such as Peterhof Palace and The Church of Our Saviour on the Spilled Blood. You could also stop by the remarkable Hermitage; or perhaps marvel at the jewelled eggs on display at the Fabergé Museum. An overnight stay here offers you the chance to experience an evening at the Russian ballet too. From Russia its on to Riga, Latvia’s enchanting capital. A wander around the awe-inspiring medieval Old Town is always rewarding, so be sure to take time to admire the striking castles, houses and churches; and stop for photos at the iconic Freedom Monument. Finally your tour of the Baltic concludes with two days in Germany, calling into Travemünde – your gateway to the UNESCO-listed Hanseatic city of Lübeck – before Braemar navigates the size-restricted Kiel Canal.
Your Itinerary
Southampton, England
Sep 14 | Depart - late afternoon
Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Sep 17 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
With its vibrant atmosphere, modern culture and beautiful architecture, Copenhagen is the essence of Scandinavian cool. One of Europe's oldest and most popular cities, Copenhagen is also one of the cleanest and most cosmopolitan. Its narrow streets are always busy with welcoming locals and are lined with colourful cafes, bars, shops and places to eat. Its bridges ring with cycling commuters and the pristine waterways make visiting this city a wonderful experience.
The historic centre of Denmark’s capital, an 18th-century rococo district, is home to the Royal Family’s Amalienborg Palace, Christiansborg Palace and Rosenborg Castle, surrounded by beautiful gardens and is the home of the Danish crown jewels. The Little Mermaid sculpture at Langelinje Pier is a must-visit attraction too.
Take a wander through pretty Nyhavn – Copenhagen’s 17th century waterfront and canal district – and you'll revel postcard-perfect scenes of historic wooden ships set to a backdrop of brightly coloured 17th and 18th century townhouses, many of which have been converted into bars and restaurants.
Helsinki, Finland
Sep 19 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late afternoon
Finland's capital since 1812, built on a peninsula amid a cluster of islands, stately Helsinki is The Daughter of the Baltic.This striking seaside port is surrounded by uplifting natural landscapes that are easily accessible from each area of the city. The opportunities to get out and about includes boating around the archipelago islands, hiking Helsinki’s forests or strolling its beaches, smart parks and gardens.
The port also boasts a UNESCO-listed sea fortress just a short distance from the shore, which is worth the short ferry journey to explore its historic walls and gates.
Senate Square, one of Finland’s most photographed places, is home to fine examples of neoclassical architecture, including unique designs from renowned architect, Carl Ludvig Engel. Other architectural delights include the Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, the imposing concert hall, Musiikkitalo, and the Temppeliaukio, an astonishing rock-carved church. Helsinki's stunning train station built in 1919, also demands discovery.
Finnish cuisine can be found across the city, from the historic kauppahalli (covered market) to popular, creative bistros. Locally-sourced reindeer, elk, bear, Arctic char and snow grouse, often find their way onto the menu.
St Petersburg, Russia
Sep 20 - 21 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Visa required to visit this port find out more
The jewel in the Baltic crown and Russia's most European city, elegant St Petersburg was the imperial capital for two centuries, and Tsar Peter the Great's 'Window on the West'. The sheer grandeur of the city, and its revolutionary spirit, never fail to impress.
Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great – immortalised by the city's iconic Bronze Horseman statue – St Petersburg remains Russia's cultural centre. The Mariinsky Theatre hosts world-class opera and ballet, and the State Russian Museum showcases a wide collection of superb Russian art.
St Petersburg is utterly captivating, with baroque palaces, wide elegant streets, ornate bridges and broad curving canals – the city is built on 40 islands at the mouth of the River Neva. The main street, Nevsky Prospekt, is 5km long and lined with cafés, bars and restaurants mixed in with upmarket hotels and sumptuous shops.
On Neva embankment, the Winter Palace, with over a thousand rooms, is the most magnificent of six buildings that make up the Hermitage Museum. It is one of 125 museums and galleries, including the imposing seafront Peterhof Royal Palace and Park. The city is enchanting during the “White Nights” of midsummer, when a brief twilight blends into dawn, and street entertainment lasts throughout the long days and short, white nights.
Riga, Latvia
Sep 23 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Eight hundred years have shaped the unique appearance and rich traditions of Latvia’s capital, Riga. The Gothic spires that dominate its skyline imply a sombre heart, but the rich Art Nouveau spirit of this diverse city, the largest of all three Baltic capitals, is a delight to discover.
Set at the mouth of the River Daugava, the cultural centre of Riga has been an important centre for trade and finance over the centuries, and boasts fine examples of architecture, museums and concert halls. The city’s modern urban structures blend seamlessly with medieval castles, churches and the wooden buildings of its medieval Old Town. The pedestrian-only Old Town – now a UNESCO World Heritage – has many shops and restaurants and is home to the bustling Livu Square.
Travemünde, Germany
Sep 25 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - late night
Travemünde is a coastal suburb of Lübeck - a magnificent UNESCO-listed town steeped in history and former capital of the Hanseatic League. Home to many wealthy merchants during the Hanseatic era, an array of wonderful gabled houses, stunning churches and public buildings with huge gates, vast towers and gilded steeples were built in Lübeck. These monuments of a by-gone era have to be seen to be believed and all are within easy reach of Travemünde.
If you wish to stay in Travemünde to see what this delightful coastal resort has to offer, you won’t be disappointed. An appealing tourist attraction in its own right, Travemünde is more than just a gateway to Lübeck. With a beautiful beach – famous for its roofed wicker beach chairs and many cafes and restaurants, Travemünde is a great place to relax. Be sure to visit the borough’s lighthouse – the oldest on the German Baltic coast.
Kiel Canal Transit, Germany
Sep 26 | Arrive - early morning | Depart - early evening
Connecting the North Sea, at the mouth of the Elbe River, to the Baltic Sea at Holtenau, the Kiel Canal is one of the world’s busiest and most important shipping routes. Slicing a man-made path through the German countryside, this 61-mile-long marvel of engineering allows vessels to avoid 250 nautical miles of sea sailing on average, ensuring a faster and safer passage through Europe.
As picturesque as it is important, the Kiel Canal is a popular route for ‘pleasure’ crafts and smaller-sized cruise ships such as those in the Fred. Olsen fleet. Sailing slowly along the canal presents an opportunity to take in gorgeous scenes of lush-green countryside and a collection of interesting villages and towns flanking the still waters, and marvel at several impressive bridges. Maritime enthusiasts will delight at the various shapes, sizes and sheer volume of the ships and vessels navigating this busy waterway too.
Southampton, England
Sep 28 | Arrive - early morning
Considered the 'Cruise Capital of the UK', Southampton is the departure port for hundreds for cruise holidays every year, including a number of Fred. Olsen sailings on our smaller sized ships. But beyond being the starting poing for many cruise adventures, you can be assure that this historic city on England's sunny south coast has much to offer as a destination in its own right.
Whether you enjoy a call at Southampton as part of your cruise itinerary, or choose to spend time exploring either before of after your cruise from the city, you'll find there are plenty of attractions, highlights and sights to discover, showcasing fascinating history and local culture. Perhaps see the timber-framed treasures of the Old Town, including the beautiful Tudor House and Gardens, and visit the Sea City Museum to learn of Southampton's links to the Titanic's ill-fated voyage. Other Titanic-related sights include war memorials, the former White Star Line HQ and the Grapes Pub - wander the 'Titanic Trail' to take them in.
There are art galleries and museums aplenty too, as well as an abundance of places to shop, and a number of trendy bars, restaurants and cafés where you can always stop for something delicious. Alternatively, you might opt to explore nature trails and wetlands near to the city, or simply stroll through one of the green spaces or pretty parks.