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Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea - with Smithsonian Journeys

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 Cruise Length
10 Days
 Cruise Starts
Helsinki
 Cruise Finishes
Copenhagen
10 Day Cruising the Historic Cities of the Baltic Sea - with Smithsonian Journeys Itinerary (Ponant)
Countries Explored: Finland, Estonia, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark
Cruise Line
Ponant
Ship
Ship Class
Ponant Explorers
Passengers
184
Crew
118
Launched
2018
Cruise Code
HELCPH9

Overview

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys. This cruise is part of a collection of Ponant voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the Ponant experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Join Ponant and Smithsonian Journeys for...read more an extraordinary 10-day voyage through the Baltic Sea featuring specially arranged, exclusive presentations and discussions aboard with former President of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize-laureate Lech Wa??sa while in Gdansk, Poland, and with former mayor of Copenhagen Bo Asmus Kjeldgaard while in Copenhagen, Denmark. The Baltic Sea has been a thoroughfare of trade since the days of the Vikings. We will visit the great cities that ring its shores and experience a comingling of cosmopolitan life with centuries of rich history.

From Finland's vibrant capital of Helsinki, Le Champlain sails first to Tallinn, an important hub for the Hanseatic League in the Baltic Sea around the 13th century. Its Old Town is a UNESCO Heritage site and retains remarkably well-preserved ramparts, public buildings, merchant houses, and warehouses. Spend a full day in cosmopolitan Stockholm, whose lively Gamla Stan (old town) located on a compact island beckons you to explore its narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the Royal Palace.

On Gotland-the largest island in the Baltic Sea-you stop at the beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby, once a stronghold of the Hanseatic League. Continue on to Latvia's capital, Riga, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which combines the charms of its Old Town with an impressive array of Art Nouveau architecture. Klaipeda is your gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Peninsula and an opportunity to learn the traditional art of beekeeping or to immerse yourself in the local food and folklore of Lithuania.

You sail next to Gdansk, a city with a 1000 year history whose shipyard served as the birthplace of the Solidarity Trade Union in 1980. The wave of dissent arising from the Solidarity movement helped lead to Polish independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Call at the small Danish island of Bornholm, whose lush farmland and rich herring fisheries share the land with the ruins of a medieval fortress and four of the ancient round churches for which Denmark is noted.

End with an overnight and full day to explore Copenhagen, which offers a chance to relive 800 years of royal history at the stunning Christiansborg Palace, once home to kings and queens and now home to the Danish Parliament. Here you will also have the opportunity to learn about the city's commitment to sustainability and its goal to become the world's first carbon neutral capital city by the year 2025.

Cruise Itinerary

 
Arrive
Depart

Day 1: Helsinki
--
22:00
Day 2: Tallinn
07:00
13:30
Day 3: Stockholm
07:30
18:30
Day 4: Visby, Gotland
07:00
12:30
Day 5: Riga
09:00
15:00
Day 6: Klaipeda
12:00
19:00
Day 7: Gdansk
08:00
19:00
Day 8: Ronne
13:00
19:00
Day 9: Copenhagen
08:00
--
Day 10: Copenhagen
--
--
Note: Ship ports may not be located in the starting & ending cities listed. Transfers to and/or from the ship port may be required.

Life Onboard Le Champlain

 Le Champlain
Le Champlain

You will love the onboard innovations, French gastronomy and sophisticated chic when you cruise on Le Champlain. Read more

Expedition Comfort
Expedition Comfort

Your ocean facing accommodation provides you a well appointed luxurious home as you explore the seas. Read more

Infinity Pool Days
Infinity Pool Days

Enjoy the views as you take a dip or swim in the resistant currents of the infinity pool. Read more

Inside The Blue Eye
Inside The Blue Eye

The chic innovative underwater lounge offers guests a chance to view and hear marine life. Read more

Nightlife and Entertainment
Nightlife and Entertainment

Enjoy the convivial social life in the main lounge or take in a show in the theatre. Read more

Relaxed Dining Settings
Relaxed Dining Settings

The two restaurants offer exquisite French gastronomy, both with outdoor settings and Ponant's impeccable service. Read more

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Brochure

Luxury Cruises

Ponant Luxury Cruises (2023-24)

Discover our range of incredible luxury expeditions and yacht-style voyages in 2023, exploring Antarctica, the Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean & Latin America, The Indian Ocean & Persian Gulf and Oceania & Polynesia. Includes a range of trailblazing polar explorations aboard Le Commandant Charcot. If you are a travel agent, please email brochures.aus@ponant.com...more with your details and number of copies to be ordered.

Availability Click on prices below to view cabin upgrades and details

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Ponant. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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