2024 Aug -Oceania Sirena - Fjords & eastern Europe

Legend

Boat
Bus

Prague, Czech Republic ‐ Sep 20, 2023
Brno
Bojnice, Slovakia
Štrbské Pleso
Banská Štiavnica
Bratislava
Vienna, Austria
Krakow, Poland ‐ Sep 23

Begin the day in medieval Krakow with a visit to historic 16th century Wawel Hill; view the Royal Castle and visit the Cathedral. A walking tour then takes you to the Old Town with its lively Market Square. Stop at stately St. Mary's Church with its tall brick tower overlooking the square and the Renaissance Cloth Hall where traders offer a variety of wares as their predecessors did many generations ago. The afternoon is at leisure or, participate in the interesting optional tour to the Wieliczk [...]
a Salt Mines, one of the oldest in Europe. The mine's historical importance, as well as the amazing works of art carved into the walls by miners, have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. In the evening, return to Krakow with your travel companions for a Farewell Dinner
Plac Więźniów KL Auschwitz ‐ Sep 22

Then, continue on a journey to the town of Oswiecim where the Nazis built Auschwitz, their largest concentration and death camp. The stories of those who were sent there, and who perished in this place, emphasize the scope of Hitler's extermination efforts. The solemn visit includes a guided tour of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Museum. After the visit, arrive in Krakow, former residence of the Polish kings for overnight
Częstochowa

Depart Warsaw and travel south to Czestochowa, known for the famous Pauline monastery of Jasna Gora, home of the Black Madonna painting. Every year millions of pilgrims from all over the world come to Czestochowa to visit the Shrine to the Virgin Mary as it is said to have miraculous powers.
Warsaw ‐ Sep 20

Depart Lithuania and cross the border into Poland. After lunch en route, arrive in Warsaw, Poland's cosmopolitan capital and cultural center of the country on the banks of the Vistula River. The balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with this city on your own. Today's introduction to bustling Warsaw includes glorious Lazienki Park one of the jewels of the city. Here, stand before the striking bronze monument to Frederic Chopin, the famed Polish composer and virtuoso pianist of the [...]
Romantic era, born in a small village west of Warsaw. Continue along the Royal Route with its historic monuments and residences to the site of the former Warsaw Ghetto; stop at the inspiring Memorial that commemorates the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Walk through the Old Town with its cobbled streets to Market Square. Visit the Cathedral of St. John and see the Royal Castle, the former residence of Polish kings, lovingly restored after its destruction during World War II. The remainder of the day is at leisure or, perhaps, join the optional tour to Wilanow Palace*. This former summer residence of the Polish kings was built at the end of the 17th century for King Jan Sobieski III and is situated just outside of Warsaw. The tour of the palace makes Polish history come alive. Later in the afternoon, attend an optional Chopin concert, a highlight of the day. A piano recital of Chopin's most favorite works is performed in a stunning setting. Enjoy a glass of champagne during intermission
Vilnius, Lithuania ‐ Sep 18

Depart Riga for Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, one of the oldest and largest cities in the Baltics. Along the way, a beautiful panorama of the verdant countryside unfolds before your eyes. Upon arrival in Vilnius, check into your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Then, a riveting optional tour to the infamous KGB Museum, located in the heart of Vilnius, used as a top security prison from 1940 to 1989. The extensive photo exhibits and intact secret KGB spying equipment aids you in envi [...]
sioning imprisonment in these cold, damp and narrow cells. For Lithuanians, this museum symbolizes the 50-year Soviet occupation, site of the Gestapo headquarters and later the control of the KGB. Tour Vilnius, a vivacious university city, and one of the most beautiful "Old Towns" in Eastern Europe. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city's architectural landmarks are a striking mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. Visit the Baroque Church of St. Peter and St. Paul with its extraordinary sculptural decorations and view St. Anne's Church, a superb example of Gothic architecture. View Vilnius University, Gediminas Tower and Vilnius Castle in the Upper Town. Time on your own to wander along the charming lanes of the town with its quaint shops and enjoy lunch on your own at a local café. Don't miss the optional afternoon tour to red brick Trakai Castle on Galve Lake, regally standing on an island by itself completely surrounded by water. This is truly such a beautiful sight and one you'll always remember. Trakai Castle is one of the most photographed places in Europe. This historic and world-famous Gothic Palace was built by Lithuanian Dukes and once served as their residence. Time to stroll the grounds and visit the Palace Museum to see the extensive display of medieval exhibits before returning to Vilnius.
Riga, Latvia ‐ Sep 16

Morning drive to the Latvian capital of Riga situated at the mouth of the Daugava River. This sophisticated and beautiful historic city on the Baltic coast was named the “Little Paris of the North.” The afternoon is at leisure to get acquainted with this charming city's delightful Old Town designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll enjoy finding treasures here and exploring the narrow medieval streets, Gothic and Baroque churches and 19th-century buildings. Be sure to visit Riga's livel [...]
y Central Market, with its abundant displays from all over the Baltics ranging from smoked fish and fresh produce to handmade souvenirs - it's one of the most famous markets in Europe. Today, explore Riga's impressive architecture encompassing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical facades. On your tour, view Riga Castle, dating back to the 1440s, St. Jacobs Cathedral and St. Peter's Church, one of the oldest and most valuable monuments of medieval architecture in the Baltic States, among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Stop at the impressive and very popular Freedom (Liberty) Monument honoring soldiers killed during the War of Independence, bearing a symbolic female holding aloft three stars representing the 3 regions of Latvia during the first republic. The rest of the day is on your own. Or, participate in the optional tour to the open-air Ethnographic Museum* that depicts 18th-century farm life. The over 72 historic structures re-create a proper village preserved from this era. Costumed actors show daily life from bygone days along with music and dance while craftsmen demonstrate various tasks.
Tallinn, Estonia ‐ Sep 14

LV Stockholm 17:30 - 15h 45m Baltic Queen - ARR Tallinn 10:15 Discover this World Heritage city today with cobbled streets set beneath spires of 14th-century churches. Tallinn, the northernmost Baltic capital, was a favored port location coveted by its more powerful neighbors, starting centuries of war until it finally achieved its own independence. You can see layers of Tallinn's history at Peter the Great's Kadriorg Palace with its splendid Royal Gardens, and the private cottage he occup [...]
ied on his visits. Continue to the Song Festival grounds, and the spectacular ruins of the 15th century St. Bridget's Convent rising along the banks of the Pirita River. Then, a walking tour of the upper part of the Old Town and view the pink Baroque-style Toompea Castle, Estonia's traditional seat of power, and the Gothic Town Hall. Visit the still active Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral built in the style of a 17th century Moscow church. The rest of the day is at leisure to visit some of Tallinn's markets or stop at a lovely cafe or boutiques within the carved stone walls of the Old City.
Stockholm, Sweden ‐ Sep 8

9 AM - 11 PM / SEP 9 Disembark 8 AM Spend a marvelous day discovering this lovely city and its beautiful buildings. Visit the charming Old Town, medieval Gamla Stan, the elegant royal palace, the wonderful parks and the impressive Vasa, the magnificently restored 17th century warship that sank in the harbor on her maiden voyage.
Helsinki, Finland ‐ Sep 7

8 AM - 5 PM Admire the city's stunning modern architecture, visit its lovely parks and bustling open-air market. Take a harbor cruise past forests, beaches, villas and a ruined Suomenlinna fortress that spans five islands. Or visit historic, colorful Porvoo, Finland's second oldest town.
Saarema, Estonia ‐ Sep 6

8 AM - 6 PM Saaremaa is an Estonian island in the Baltic Sea. It's known for its beaches, spas and traditional villages. Its southern capital, Kuressaare, is home to medieval Kuressaare Castle. It houses the Saaremaa Museum, with exhibits on Estonian culture and handicrafts, plus weapons in the castle fortress. Nearby, the Kaali meteorite crater field includes a cluster of ancient craters and a museum of meteor remains.
Liepāja, Latvia ‐ Sep 5

8 AM - 6 PM Delve into the layered history of this former Soviet port, now experiencing a well-deserved renaissance. In the fascinating Karosta district, tour a massive military prison built by the czars and later used by the Soviet Union. For a more cheerful side of Liepaja, wander the vibrant city center and discover the city’s wonderfully restored art nouveau buildings, including the bustling Peter’s Market. You’ll delight in the richly ornamented Holy Trinity Cathedral and the St. Ni [...]
cholas Orthodox Naval Cathedral, brought back to its former glory from its days as a gym and movie theater for Soviet troops.
Gdańsk, Poland ‐ Sep 4

8 AM - 7 PM Enjoy the old medieval quarter of this Baltic jewel and see the lovely Golden Gate, the astonishing 15th century Artus Court, beautiful St. Mary's Church and Oliwa Cathedral, renowned for its three pipe organs. Then see Solidarity Monument Square and the famous shipyard where workers rallied against the communist government. Or drive into the countryside and see the fascinating 13th century Malbork Castle, once home to Polish kings.
Karlskrona, Sweden ‐ Sep 3

9 AM - 6 PM Established in 1680 when Sweden was a great military power, Karlskrona was founded as a naval port, and the city’s rich maritime and architectural heritage have earned it the designation of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many Baroque buildings remain intact, such as those on the grand main square, Stortorget. Having protected the harbor for more than three centuries, Kungsholm Fortress and Drottningskär Citadel reveal a remarkable history. In the fascinating Marine Museum, explor [...]
e a Soviet submarine, inspect a World War II minesweeper, and observe an 18th century shipwreck through an underwater tunnel.
Copenhagen, Denmark ‐ Sep 2

9 AM - 9 PM See another side of this lovely city with a cruise along its charming canals. Visit the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn and beautiful Rosenborg Castle and, of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid. Or venture into the countryside and enjoy its panoramic vistas, fairy tale castles and the village of Fredensborg.
Lysekil, Sweden ‐ Sep 1

8 AM - 7 PM Visit the Lysekil Church, dating to 1901, and then learn about the seas around Sweden at the Havets Hus aquarium before heading to the Vikarvet Museum, where Lysekil’s mastery of fishing is on display. Enjoy a peaceful walk among the famous granite cliffs and picturesque fishing villages, or take a boat ride along stunning Gullmarsfjord and the archipelago of Sweden’s west coast.
Hamburg, Germany ‐ Aug 30

8 AM 11 PM View famed works of art at the Hamburger Kunsthalle, have a cup of coffee on one of the terraces of the Alsterarkaden, stroll through the historic warehouse district or enjoy the view from the top of 400-year-old St. Michaelis Church. Explore glorious Lubeck, a nearby city of such important historical character that it has earned a UNESCO World Heritage site designation.
Southampton, United Kingdom ‐ Aug 28

6 AM - 6 PM Southampton is a port city on England’s south coast. It’s home to the SeaCity Museum, with an interactive model of the Titanic, which departed from Southampton in 1912. Nearby, Southampton City Art Gallery specialises in modern British art. Solent Sky Museum features vintage aircraft like the iconic Spitfire. Tudor House & Garden displays artifacts covering over 800 years of history, including a penny-farthing bike
Zeebrugge - Bruges, Belgium ‐ Aug 27

7 AM - 5 PM Step back in time to the 14th century as you meander along the narrow streets of this medieval gem past gabled buildings and through the bustling market. Take a boat ride along the city's canals. Or spend the day exploring Brussels and its famed Grand Place or Antwerp, home of Rubens and Bruegel, seeing the verdant countryside along the way.
Edinburgh, United Kingdom ‐ Aug 24

6 AM - 11 PM / 8/25 - 12 AM - 5 PM Savor the old town's marvelous Georgian and Victorian architecture and impressive Edinburgh Castle, high on its volcanic crag with a fabulous view. Stroll along the medieval Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse to see the abbey and Queen Mary's chambers. Visit St. Giles' Cathedral where John Knox once preached.
Invergordon ‐ Aug 23

6 AM - 2 PM Known as "Inverbreakie" until the early 18th century, Invergordon has long been recognized for its rich naval history and jewel of a harbor in the northern Highlands. Invergordon perches on the northern bank of the Cromarty Firth, a lengthy estuary that provides welcome sanctuary for a multitude of water birds and one of only two species of resident bottlenose dolphin in the British Isles. Venture into the Highlands, where the local clan castles perch on craggy hills and on the shor [...]
es of lochs and firths. And there's always the chance to see the mysterious Loch Ness Monster.
Kirkwall, Orkney Islands ‐ Aug 22

10 AM - 7 PM This starkly beautiful island holds many ancient treasures like the enigmatic Standing Stones of Stenness and the 5,000-year-old village of Skara Brae, amazingly discovered with furniture and indoor drains preserved. Visit the imposing trio of St. Magnus Cathedral, the nearby ruins of the Earl's Palace, and the earlier Bishop's Palace.
Tórshavn, Faroe Islands ‐ Aug 21
Leknes, Lofoten Islands, Norway ‐ Aug 19

9 AM - 6 PM Sailing into the dramatic Lofoten Islands among towering jagged peaks and sheltered bays sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Nothing short of stunning, the main islands – Austvågøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy and Moskenesøy – are separated from the mainland by a long fjord, but all are connected by bridges and tunnels. Located on Vestvågøy, Leknes is a gateway to unspoiled beaches and the Lofotr Viking Museum as well as traditional fishing villages and outdoor adv [...]
entures on nearby islands. The unique quality of light has long drawn artists to the archipelago, so you’ll also find myriad galleries featuring everything from glassware and sculptures to jewelry. If you’re yearning to experience a Lofoten-style city, head to the unofficial capital of Svolvaer.
Tromsø ‐ Aug 18

9 AM - 5 PM' As you admire the striking architecture of the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria aquarium overlooking Tromsø Sound, you may get the sense that this city, 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle, has an edgy streak. This should come as no surprise in a place where the sun never sets – or rises – depending on the month. The area’s biggest draw is its majestic fjords and mountains, an untouched wilderness that you can explore by boat, bus, foot and more. At the Polar Museum, you’ll [...]
discover what it takes to survive in the Arctic, and at the Roald Amundsen Monument, you’ll witness a city that honors the lives – and death – of those who live on the edge.
Alta ‐ Aug 17

Tucked deep in the majestic Altafjord, this city above the Arctic Circle shines in the light of the midnight sun. The local Sami people are warm and welcoming, and outdoor adventure abounds. Visit a cathedral inspired by the enchanting Northern Lights, play archaeologist and discover ancient rock carvings, and explore Europe’s equivalent to the Grand Canyon.
Honningsvåg ‐ Aug 16

7 AM - 9 PM While the Midnight Sun will soon dip below the horizon, Honningsvåg should be illuminated throughout the evening spent here. It's an awe-inspiring setting in northernmost Norway, surrounded by dense forests and fjords, inhabited by reindeer and held sacred by the indigenous Sami people. One of the world's most memorable, otherworldly experiences is standing atop the precipitous North Cape, the late-night sun eerily hanging over the Arctic Ocean. There is even a museum in town devo [...]
ted to the North Cape. The area is also famous for the Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve, where literally millions of arctic birds flourish during the summer nesting period.
Hammerfest ‐ Aug 15

11 AM - 11 PM Founded in 1838, Hammerfest was razed repeatedly over the years by storms, fires and most savagely by retreating German soldiers at the end of World War II. Now almost completely rebuilt (it was Europe's first city with electric street lights), Hammerfest is known for its colorful homes lining the sea, contemporary attractions and passion for welcoming visitors to its pristine Arctic environs. The most avant-garde building is the striking Kirkegata church with its tent-shaped gabl [...]
e. But don't miss the whaling artifacts in the museum in Market Square, or the panoramic view atop Salen ridge.
Ålesund ‐ Aug 13

9 AM - 6 PM In 1904 much of Ålesund was destroyed by fire, but the town was quickly rebuilt in the period's popular Art Nouveau style. Soaring turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentation adorn the buildings throughout Ålesund, giving it a distinctive flair and earning the town a revered architectural reputation. An evening departure allows you plenty of time to explore its many attractions, such as the spectacular Art Nouveau Centre museum, scenic Town Park, and Atlantic Sea Park, one of Euro [...]
pe's largest aquariums. For a look at modern Norwegian woodworking, visit the impressive Gallery Cylindra. Many of Ålesund's squares feature sculptures commemorating significant events, including the town's rich fishing history and Norway's contribution to World War II.
Stavanger ‐ Aug 12

7 AM - 4 PM Chosen as the European Capital of Culture in 2008, Stavanger lies in southwestern Norway's stunning fjord region. Old Stavanger has been meticulously preserved with many of its wooden cottages converted into art galleries and boutiques. But it's the museums that set this cosmopolitan city apart. The Stavanger Museum alone consists of eight buildings exhibiting collections that include maritime, medical and printing artifacts. Outdoor enthusiasts may enjoy walking the nature trails a [...]
long the banks of nearby Lysefjorden, a classic fjord, or beholding the amazing view of the countryside from Pulpit Rock.
Kristiansand ‐ Aug 11

7 AM - 5 PM Founded in 1641 near the southern tip of Norway, Kristiansand once claimed the world's largest fleet of sailing ships. Today the proud city exudes an energy that peaks in summer, when your ship calls. The Posebyen old quarter boasts a collection of historic wooden houses surrounded by shops and restaurants. Museums abound and include the Agder Museum of Natural History and Botanical Garden, which opened in 1828. Kristiansand Zoo, said to be Norway's most visited attraction, covers [...]
150 acres of Nordic terrain where animals like red pandas, moose and Bactrian camels roam in wide-open spaces.
Oslo, Norway ‐ Aug 10, 2024