Go inside the summer home of the Romanovs on a guided tour of opulent Catherine Palace; visit The State Hermitage Museum
5. ANCIENT TALLINN, ESTONIA Dock in walled Tallinn, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and the capital of modern Estonia. Experience Tallinn, past and present, on a drive through its modern suburbs and a walking tour along its historic cobblestone streets with your local guide. See restored St. Nicholas Church, once doubling as both a fortress and a church before the town’s protective walls were built and today a museum specializing in works of religious art, exquisite altarpieces, baroque chandeliers and medieval burial slabs, along with contemporary works by the town’s craft guilds. Meander through winding streets to Toompea Castle, the seat of the Parliament of the Republic of Estonia; and feel the energy of Market Square, serving as a marketplace since the eleventh century. After time to explore on your own, our shuttle will bring you back to the ship; we set sail for Russia tonight. Meals BLD
MEET TAUCK LECTURER ÅSA
ÖVRELID We’re pleased to announce that Tauck lecturer Åsa Övrelid will be sailing aboard ship on every departure of St. Petersburg &
the Baltic Sea. An experienced naturalist and a lecturer at two Swedish universities who has lived in both Finland and Denmark and currently resides in Stockholm, Åsa will offer expert insights on the Baltic Sea and marine archaeology; the history, economics and contemporary political situation of the Baltic region; and Russia and the Romanov Dynasty. According to guests who have sailed with her, she makes this cruise extra special and even more fun!
6. DISCOVERING ST. PETERSBURG Arrive in St. Petersburg, where your ship docks for two nights. Disembark for a day of sightseeing in Peter the Great’s “Window to the West.” Our guided city tour includes a stop at St. Isaac Square and visits to the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood, the 18th-century Peter and Paul Fortress and the Cathedral, burial ground of the Romanov Dynasty. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to your ship. Meals BLD
7. ST. PETERSBURG’S IMPERIAL TREASURES Tauck’s privately guided excursions today take you inside St. Petersburg’s most revered sights at the best times to see them to allow for more leisurely exploration. Depart for Palace Square and a visit to The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg; its vast collections reflect the development of art and culture through the ages, and rank among the world’s finest. Return to the ship for an early pre-theatre dinner that precedes a memorable night of cultural entertainment at St. Petersburg’s Yusupov Palace featuring a tour, champagne reception, and private Russian ballet and music performances! Meals BLD
8. CATHERINE PALACE (THE SUMMER PALACE) Head off into the Russian countryside today on an excursion to Pushkin (Tsarskoye Selo) for a guided tour of opulent Catherine Palace. The Romanovs’ summer home, the Baroque palace, built in stages that reflect the character of the empress in charge at the time, boasts a striking gold, blue and white façade. See the fabulous interior, including the infamous Amber Room, and stroll through its magnificent outside gardens. Enjoy traditional Russian folkloric entertainment during lunch ashore; your day also includes viewing the Leningrad Victory Monument, honoring the defenders of the besieged city during World War II. After lunch, enjoy free time in St. Petersburg before returning to the ship; your yacht sails for Helsinki, Finland, tonight. Meals BLD
40
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84