MS Europa Departures by Date

MS Europa Departures

History - A Majestic Baltic Sea Symphony - Kiel to Hamburg
MS Europa - August 28 - September 9, 2012

Along the coasts of the Baltic Sea, a variety of very different cultures have created a habitat full of exciting contrasts - magnificent St. Petersburg is just as captivating as enchanting Tallinn, charming Helsinki with its classicistic cathedral and the old Hanseatic city of Visby with its numerous church ruins. On board, you will be thrilled by virtuosi of classical music and stars of Russian literature who are brought back to life on the stages of the EUROPA. Glorious days throughout the Mare Balticum.

Highlights of this Cruise
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites: Malbork Castle*, the old
  districts of Visby and Tallinn* and the historic centre of
  St. Petersburg*
• From Dostoyevsky to Chekhov: Russian literature on the stages
  of the EUROPA
• Laureates & friends of the ARD Music Competition on board
• Art expert Dr Dr Volker Gebhardt on board
• Lecturer Wolfgang Peters, an expert on the countries, on board
• Golf & Cruise voyage with comprehensive golf package*

* These arrangements are not included in the cruise price.
   Subject to changes.

Kiel
Surrender to the appeal of the Alster and the River Elbe, of art and culture before you go aboard in Kiel - experience the beautiful Hanseatic city of Hamburg individually*.

Binz/Ruegen
Caspar David Friedrich painted them, and you have the chance to take photos of them today - discover Ruegen's famous chalk cliffs on the occasion of a walk near the Koenigsstuhl*. The Cape Arkona train* takes you to the steep coast at the most northerly point of the island. The white town of Putbus* was founded in 1810 by Prince Wilhelm Malte I. In 1837, he also commissioned the construction of the magnificent hunting castle Granitz*. From here, it is not far to the seaside resort Binz* with its beautifully restored seaside resort architecture.

Gdynia (Gdansk)/Poland
Elaborately adorned town houses, impressive St. Mary's Church, the city hall overlooking the Long Market - explore the old Hanseatic city of Gdansk* on foot. In bygone days, the crusaders were based at the defensive Malbork Castle* on the banks of the Nogat. Today, the Grandmaster's Palace and the High Castle are reminiscent of the days of the Teutonic Order.

Visby/Gotland/Sweden
After the Vikings, the Hanseatic League came to Visby*. The town thrived to become an important trade centre, the memory of the heyday of which is not only kept alive by the excellently preserved city wall - mediaeval half-timbered houses, the cathedral and the "Galgbacken", the gallows square, form an impressive UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. On the occasion of the bicycle tour to the steep rocky cliff Hoegklint*, you will experience Gotland's beautiful landscape and the fantastic views across Visby and the sea.

Tallinn/Estonia
It is a gem of the Middle Ages - the historic district of Tallinn is simply enchanting with the narrow cobblestone alleys of the lower town, the Gothic town hall or the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral on "Cathedral Hill". Estonia's natural landscape awaits you on the all-terrain vehicle tour to the Pakri* peninsula which, along with its coasts and cliffs, you will explore off-road.

St. Petersburg/Russia
Early in the morning, the EUROPA arrives in the city of tsars on the banks of the Neva River. You now have two days to explore the heritage of Peter the Great. A city tour* with canal trip shows you the sights from different perspectives and also takes you to the magnificent Saint Isaac's Cathedral, one of the largest domed churches in the world. In the halls of the blue and white Catherine Palace* in Pushkin, you will be thrilled by the reconstruction of the legendary Amber Room. Catherine II lay the foundation stone for the worldwide fame of the Hermitage* - in 1764, she purchased the first paintings of a collection which nowadays comprises more than two million works of art. Many of the exhibits are kept in the treasury* of the museum. On the premises of Alexander Nevsky Monastery*, you will visit Tikhvin Cemetery with the tombs of Rubinstein, Dostoyevsky and Tchaikovsky and listen to a little choral concert. The coast of the Baltic Sea reveals the glory of Peterhof*, the summer residence of the tsars. Stride through the interior of the "Russian Versailles" and marvel at the Golden Cascade at the steps of the palace in the garden. In the evening, the EUROPA will set course for the next port of call.

Helsinki/Finland
The white cathedral proudly towers over Finland's capital city and forms the climax of the classical Senate Square. The large organ-shaped monument in Sibelius Park which you will see on your city tour* impressively pays tribute to the well-known Finnish composer. You can also explore Helsinki in a very relaxed manner from the water*, passing Uspenski Cathedral and the fortress Suomenlinna.

Stockholm/Sweden
Sailing past the skerries, the EUROPA reaches the Swedish capital and stays for the night. As we travel along the waterways of the "floating city", you will see buildings such as the royal palace, the opera or the Vasa Museum. Bicycles are ideal for exploring the Royal Djurgarden*. The former royal hunting ground is nowadays a green oasis not only for the citizens of Stockholm.

Kalmar/Sweden
In the Middle Ages, the city on the shores of the Kalmarsund in the south of Sweden was an important trade hub. Today, it augurs some leisurely hours ashore. A stroll through the picturesque historic district could take you to the stately castle dating back to the 12th century, to the impressive cathedral built in the 17th century and to "Tripp Trapp Trull" - three old wooden houses in order of ascending height.

Kiel Canal
An ultimate seafaring experience before it is time to say goodbye - the EUROPA sails from the Baltic Sea back to the North Sea through the 100 km long waterway.

Hamburg
Leave the EUROPA to embark on your return journey or enjoy the maritime world a little longer and discover Hamburg individually*.