Seaside Capitals of the Baltic

16 days
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Large Ship Cruise
A sea teeming with cod and herring, on whose shores could be found rich supplies of lumber, iron and salt — it’s no wonder the Baltic was the object of many nations’ economic and political desires. The Vikings built a trade empire around it, the Hanseatic League grew wealthy from it and Denmark and Sweden fought wars for “dominium maris baltici,” control of t...
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Overview

Trip type
Large Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Discover and compare the cosmopolitan capital cities of Copenhagen, Tallinn, Helsinki and Stockholm.
    • Explore the palaces of the tsars in Saint Petersburg and examine the treasures of the State Hermitage Museum.
    • Learn about the powerful Hanseatic League of cities and merchant guilds in the German seaport of Rostock.

What's this trip about?

    A sea teeming with cod and herring, on whose shores could be found rich supplies of lumber, iron and salt — it’s no wonder the Baltic was the object of many nations’ economic and political desires. The Vikings built a trade empire around it, the Hanseatic League grew wealthy from it and Denmark and Sweden fought wars for “dominium maris baltici,” control of the Baltic. On this voyage, experience six beautiful and deeply historic cities that reflect and carry on the Baltic’s fascinating story.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityCopenhagen
End CityCopenhagen

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Small Ship Cruise

Destinations

  • Europe
  • Denmark
  • Estonia
  • Finland
  • Sweden
  • Germany
  • Russia

Attractions

  • Copenhagen
  • Hermitage Museum
  • Kronborg Castle
  • Stockholm
  • Tallinn

Activities

  • Culture
  • Educational/ learning
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Photography
  • Sailing

Trip includes

    • 14 nights of accommodations
    • 5 expert-led lectures
    • 12 expert-led field trips
    • An experienced Group Leader
    • Customary gratuities throughout the program
    • The Road Scholar Travel Protection Plan, 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage
    • Taxes

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1: In Transit to Program

In Flight

Day 2: Arrive Copenhagen, Check-in, Orientation

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Copenhagen Strand Hotel

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: If you arrive before rooms are available, you may leave your luggage with the concierge and go out for a walk or relax in the hotel. After...

Day 3: Copenhagen Field Trip, Free Time

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: Copenhagen Strand Hotel

Activity note: Walking about 1 mile; some cobblestone surfaces, one short, steep, slope to ascend/descend.

 

Breakfast: At the hotel.

Morning: Founded circa 1160, Cop...

Day 4: Helsingør, Louisiana Museum, Embark MS Zuiderdam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Walking 700 yards from motorcoach to park; uneven, cobblestone surfaces. In the castle, several steep, spiral stairs to ascend/descend; no elevators.

Breakfast: At the ...

Day 5: Kiel-Germany, Hamburg, Free Time

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Walking approximately 2 miles on cobblestones; some uneven ground.

Breakfast: The Lido Restaurant is cafeteria style for breakfast and offers dishes such as cooked-to-o...

Day 6: At Sea, Road Scholar Exclusive Lectures

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: N/A

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll meet with our Study Leader for an onboard presentation on topics related to the program theme.

Lunch: Aboard sh...

Day 7: Tallinn-Estonia

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 2 miles; uneven, cobblestone surfaces; steep hills, long flights of steps.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: From the U...

Day 8: St. Petersburg-Russia, Catherine Palace, Hermiage

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. At the Hermitage, walking about 1/2 mile indoors, about 1.5 miles outdoors; flights of stairs, crowded conditions. At the Hermitage, walking throu...

Day 9: Peterhof, Peter & Paul Fortress & Cathedral, St Petersburg

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. The drive to Peterhof is about 12.5 miles (20.5 kilometers), approximately 1 hour. Walking at Peterhof about 1.5 miles; flights of stairs up/down,...

Day 10: Helsinki-Finland

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach; walking a few hundred yards.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll have another full day field trip beginning with an expert led ex...

Day 11: Stockholm-Sweden, Fjällgatan, Free Time

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking about 2 miles at Gamla Stan; steep hills, cobblestone streets; those who wish may remain on the motorcoach.

Breakfast: Aboard ship....

Day 12: Stockholm, Sweden

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: N/A

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We'll begin our second day in Stockholm with a discovery of Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage list. It is the mo...

Day 13: At Sea

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: N/A

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll meet with our Study Leader for an informative presentation.

Lunch: Aboard ship.

Afternoon: We’ll have another expert presentation by our Study Leader.

Dinner: Aboard ship.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 14: Rostock-Germany, Free Time, Warnemuende

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: Walking about 2 miles, mostly even paved surfaces; short section with uneven, cobblestone surfaces and a few steps.

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll begin ...

Day 15: Copenhagen-Denmark, Road Scholar Lecture, Free Time

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: M/S Zuiderdam

Activity note: N/A

Breakfast: Aboard ship.

Morning: We’ll meet with our Study Leader to gain more in depth insights into the history and culture of Copenhagen. The ship is sche...

Day 16: Disembark, Program Concludes

In Flight  B

Activity note: Disembarkation will begin at 8:00 a.m. This usually takes approximately an hour, followed by airport transfers for those on Road Scholar group flights. If you are an independent traveler (POP status), see “Ground Transportation from ...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,395
Price per day$337
Last Updated: 8/2/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Road Scholar.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Michael

Dec 2023

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Our family of four, including two adult children, took the Bicycling: Day Trips to Paradise in Canada. This trip is entirely outsourced to the owners of the inn, th...

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Marsha

Nov 2023

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Travel Section Incompetent, Unhelpful, and Won't correct error

I booked a tour to Italy for May 2024. I cancelled in Oct. for a lot of reasons. Before I enrolled, I asked if Road Scholar would book the flights so that on the las...

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Jane Johnson

Sep 2023

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There is a nonrefundable deposit

Please know that Road Scholar will always keep a nonrefundable $100 deposit. I cannot find that buried in all the paper and fine print but they state it is there???...

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Tour Operator

Road Scholar

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Road Scholar, the not-for-profit leader in educational travel since 1975, offers 5,500 educational tours in all 50 states and 150 countries. Alongside local and renowned experts, experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural tours and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Programs For Whatever You Love to Do:

Much more than a tour, a Road Scholar program is a true learning adventure. Whether you join us in Seattle or Santiago, Beijing or Berlin, Road Scholar programs all share four unique attributes:

--Exceptional opportunities for learning and exploration through special behind-the-scenes access to the world's most fascinating treasures, led by our passionate and knowledgeable instructors.

--The shared fellowship of learning and warm camaraderie, whether a solo traveler or with a companion.

--Comfortable accommodations and appetizing meals.

--Excellent value.

Explore Your Mind and the World:

There are no grades or tests on Road Scholar programs. All that's needed is an inquiring mind, an adventurous spirit, and the belief that learning and discovery are lifelong pursuits.

Established in 1975, Road Scholar offers participants once-in-a-lifetime experiences delivered by local and world-renowned experts. Experience in-depth and behind-the-scenes learning opportunities, from cultural excursions and study cruises to walking, biking and more.

Our Most Popular Tours:

Adventures Afloat Cruises: On these educational cruises, you’ll traverse some of the world's most spectacular waterways, offering you a convenient and rewarding way to learn and explore aboard ocean liners, riverboats and small ships.

Independent City Discoveries: Combine structured learning with independent discovery — each program includes hotel accommodations and some meals, lectures, expert-led field trips and detailed outlines for four self-guided excursions.

Grandparent Travel: Discover and explore together with your grandchild through interactive learning experiences and field trips. Both you and your grandchild will share the joy of learning with other grandparents and their grandchildren, bridging generations and opening doors to discovery and friendship.

National Parks: From Denali to the Everglades and countless beautiful, historic places in between, field trips to America’s National Parks reveal what tourists can’t see on their own, with specialized experts showing you how to track wildlife or lead you to the spot with the most awe-inspiring view.

Outdoor Adventures: From hiking in the Grand Canyon to exploring France by barge and bicycle, to sharpening your golf or tennis skills, these active programs exercise the body and the mind.

Service Learning: From tutoring school children or helping restore a crucial forest habitat for wildlife, to assisting with artifact restoration and museum curatorial work, Service Learning adventures are an opportunity to make a difference in the world.

Small Groups: Love to learn in a small-group setting? Check out this collection of programs that have 10-24 participants.

Why Road Scholar?

You Can't Beat Road Scholar's Remarkable Value: Our all-inclusive prices have no hidden costs. Compare the price of one of our programs to what it would cost to duplicate the experience on your own (if that's even possible) and you'll see what we mean by "remarkable value."

Lifelong Learning and Lifelong Friends: When you participate in a Road Scholar program, you will not only expand your mind, you will be in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life.

Instructors Who Inspire: Road Scholar instructors are both experts in their field and lifelong learners themselves who are excited to answer your questions, hear your opinions and share in your experience.

Solo Participants Love Our Programs: Road Scholar programs are renowned for being inclusive, warm and welcoming for solo participants. We can either match you with a roommate or, on most programs, you can choose to room on your own.

Think Outside the Tour: The educational focus of Road Scholar programs makes us completely different from a commercial travel tour. Road Scholar programs offer educational experiences that answer the what's, the why's and the how-to's.

You Go Where Others Can't: We've been offering educational experiences since 1975 and we've made connections with educators and other local "insiders" all around the world, creating learning opportunities that show you the world in a way that just can't be done on your own or on a "tour."

We've Covered All the Bases: From expert-led lectures and field trips to comfortable lodgings and meals, we handle all the details, including the ones you might not anticipate. We've taken the worry out of the planning, so you can focus on your learning experience.

Peace of Mind Through the Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan: The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, which is purchased on behalf of every participant, provides 24-hour emergency assistance in the unlikely case of a medical emergency.

Scholarships for Those in Financial Need: Each year, Road Scholar awards $250,000 in scholarships toward programs in North America for those who do not have the financial means to participate.

Our Donors: Each year, thousands of donors contribute to our Annual Fund, helping to cover the gap between the tuition we charge and the actual cost of our programs.

What they’re known for
Popular global tours with a unique focus on educational experiences for mostly senior travelers.

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Logistics

Accommodation

,Copenhagen Strand Hotel: 2 nights  Copenhagen Copenhagen Strand Hotel is a three star hotel located in one of the original warehouses on the Copenhagen harbor front. The historic buildings have been restored and the hotel’s interior design offers a rustic style with a maritime touch, some bedrooms have view of the harbor and the promenade.
Guides
Mirela Slonjšek Mirela is a licensed group leader with over 15 years of experience. She holds a degree in Art History and Philosophy from Zagreb University. Born and raised in Croatia, Mirela enjoys sharing all aspects of Croatian culture with others. She has also led groups around Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and North America. She is fluent in English and Italian, has a great interest in Art and Architecture and was previously on the board of the Croatian Sommelier Association.
Ship & cabin information
M/S Zuiderdam
BB King's Blues Club on ms Zuiderdam BB King's Blues ClubDirect from Beale Street, our B.B. King All-Star band brings the best of Memphis music to sea. From funky and fast to soulful and smooth, the band does it all while you enjoy a signature drink or dance the blues away. B.B. King Blues Club — it’s good for your soul. The first ship in our Vista-class series, Zuiderdam began her inaugural season in 2002, and was renovated in 2015 to include new staterooms and dining venues. She embraces the latest industry and environmental technologies such as her use of a diesel-electric power plant for optimal energy efficiency and an Azipod propulsion system. Recently refurbished Zuiderdam now has 25 new staterooms and a popular new dining venue, offering more cruise opportunities and options. The Dive-In at the Terrace Grill features an outdoor bistro-style grill by the Lido pool, offering signature burgers, hot dogs and fries. Other Zuiderdam enhancements include an updated dining room, Neptune Lounge, Greenhouse Spa and Canaletto restaurant. At the heart of Zuiderdam, suspended in a three-story atrium, a Waterford Crystal Seahorse sets the mood for exquisite pieces of art to be seen throughout this elegant ship. Other notable pieces include a painting of Queen Beatrix by pop culture artist and icon, Andy Warhol, medallions by Frank Lloyd Wright, cast aluminum elevator doors inspired by the art deco work of the New York Chrysler Building, and a massive floral painting by Charles Ben. You will also discover a large collection of antiques and centuries-old paintings throughout the ship. Step aboard Zuiderdam as she sails the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, and the beautiful Pacific Coast.
Ship's Registry:  The Netherlands Passenger capacity:  1,964 Crew members:  817 Gross Tonnage:  82,305 grt. Length:  936 feet Beam:  105.8 feet Maximum speed:  24 knots Dedicated:  December 2002, by journalist Joan Lunden
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included

14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches and 14 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
roadscholar-21520RJ

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