Travel-Learn Program
Scandinavia and Russian Splendors
When: July 31, 2013 - August 15, 2013 (iCal)
Description
“As close to perfection as is humanly possible.”
Join us for an extensive voyage on Oceania Cruises NAUTICA to celebrated cities in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Our journey will begin in Stockholm, a city built upon fourteen islands. Next, we will depart for Helsinki, followed by three days in St. Petersburg. We will then head to Tallinn, a medieval town dotted with Baroque palaces, then to Riga, the “Paris of the Baltics,” and to Klaipeda. Our cruise will take us to Copenhagen, and finally to the port of Warnemünde, where we will begin a scenic drive to Berlin, and onwards to Amsterdam. We will step back in time in 14th-century Bruges before concluding in London via Dover. We are sure to experience the splendors of Scandinavia and beyond on this sea-swept adventure. Optional excursions at each port of call are available at an additional cost.
Activity Level: Moderate
Featuring Faculty Host:
Dr. Joanne Berger-Sweeney
Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences
Cost
Price From: $5,799 (if booked by March 31, 2013)
Includes cruise and air; per person, based on double occupancy.
To avoid the disappointment of a sold out program, Register Now!
Contact
Usha Nand Sellers Ed. D., Director Tufts Travel-Learn Program, at usha.sellers@tufts.edu or 617-627-5323.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Depart the U.S.A.
Day 2 – Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden and transfer to Nautica cruise ship
*Please note: At each of the following ports of call, we will have the opportunity to spend time at leisure, explore on our own, or choose the excursions listed
Day 3 – Stockholm, Sweden
Spend the day independently discovering the city and its historic buildings. There are numerous sites to visit, including the Old Town, the medieval Gamla Stan, the elegant Royal Palace, and picturesque parks. In addition, the impressive Vasa, a magnificently restored 17th-century warship that sank in the harbor on her maiden voyage is a stop of interest for some. *Optional excursions include: Highlights of Stockholm and the Vasa Museum, Ice Bar & Old Town, Drottingholm Palace & Theater, Stieg Larsson’s Stockholm
Day 4 – Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki’s unique combination of historical buildings, stunning modern architecture, public parks, and its open-air market, may interest some of our travelers to explore on their own. For others, a harbor cruise past forests, villas, and the Suomenlinna fortress, a ruined fortification spanning five islands, could be among several alternate activities for their choosing. Also available is the option to visit historic, colorful Porvoo, Finland’s second-oldest town. *Optional excursions include: Highlights of Helsinki, Beautiful Haikko Manor, Nordic Walk & Sauna
Day 5, 6 & 7 – St. Petersburg, Russia
A three day stop in St. Petersburg will allow for many opportunities to independently explore this city of onion-domed cathedrals and palaces. A visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress, fabulous cathedrals, and palaces – from the immense Winter Palace, now the Hermitage Museum, to the fabled Catherine’s Palace, and Peterhof outside the city, are among many of the choices. Other venues include: an evening of ballet or traditional Russian song and dance, a day trip to Moscow to see the Kremlin Towers, the Armory Museum’s world famous Fabergé eggs, Red Square, Lenin’s Tomb, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. *Optional excursions include: Highlights of St. Petersburg, Grand Imperial Evening of the Tsars, Peter the Great’s Grand Palace – Peterhof, An Evening of Russian Ballet, The Hermitage, A Wealth of Art and History
Day 8 – Tallinn, Estonia
Today a stroll on our own through this beautifully preserved medieval town can lead to discovering numerous sites, including the city’s upper and lower levels, the Guild Houses, Baroque palaces, the famous Apothecary shop, and the exquisite Town Hall. Or, choose to visit a lovely recreated rural Estonian village by the sea. *Optional excursions include: Highlights of Tallinn, Tallinn & Old Town
Day 9 – Riga, Latvia
Today’s port of call is Latvia and its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Riga. This lavish and vibrant metropolis has been deemed the “Paris of the Baltics,” and with good reason. This city is rich with cobbled medieval streets, Art Nouveau architecture, large parks, and a historic Old Quarter. Spend the day independently exploring this popular European destination. *Optional excursions include: Turaida and Sigulda, Charming Riga – The Pearl of the Baltic, Riga – Jewish Heritage Tour, Art and Architecture of Riga
Day 10 – Klaipeda, Lithuania
Today will provide for independent exploration of a city originally founded as a fortress in the 13th century; held at times under Prussian, Swedish, Russian and German rule; and currently the third largest city in Lithuania. Klaipeda is the keeper of a truly fascinating and complex history. Scattered remnants can be found in the Old Town, where a single surviving tower of the once glorious red-brick castle remains. Today, this city is the springboard to the stunning Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 11 – Copenhagen, Denmark
For some of our travelers, cruising the canals of Denmark, a visit to the quaint old harbor at Nyhavn, the beautiful Rosenborg Castle, and of course, the famed statue of the Little Mermaid will reveal an undiscovered side of this city. Venturing into the countryside to witness panoramic vistas, fairy-tale castles, and the village of Fredensborg, are some other alternatives. *Optional excursions include: Castles of North Zealand, Scenic Copenhagen by Sea, Tivoli Gardens & Canal Cruise, Scenic Copenhagen & Ice Bar Experience
Day 12 – Berlin (Warnemünde), Germany
Today’s time in the bustling city of Berlin will provide an opportunity to independently check-out its numerous sites. Take a scenic drive to this German capital and see landmarks including the Brandenburg Gate and the glorious Charlottenburg Palace; stroll down Unter den Linden, see the Berlin Wall, and take a boat ride along the city’s canals; or visit one of the city’s many museums, these are among many of the options available. Alternatively, discover charming Warnemünde’s lovely Gothic Church, market square, and seaside promenade. *Optional excursions include: The Berlin Experience, Amazing Rostock, Meckleburg Countryside & Narrow Gauge Railway, Fairy Tale Castle Schwerin
Day 13 – In Transit: Kiel Canal
A day of leisure on the ship as we sail to our next destination.
Day 14 – Amsterdam, Netherlands
In the picturesque canal city of Amsterdam, independently take a boat ride past sturdy old houses and under quaint bridges. Perhaps, later, visit one of the city’s superb museums that house many of the Dutch Masters’ most outstanding works, or learn about Anne Frank and the city’s fascinating Jewish heritage. An opportunity to journey into the Dutch countryside and see historic windmills and the intricate porcelain works in Delft is also available. *Optional excursions include: Traditional Holland & Windmills, Amsterdam – The Heart of Holland, Volendam & Marken, Amsterdam and Jewish Heritage, Amsterdam & Anne Frank
Day 15 – Bruges (Zeebrugge), Belgium
If you prefer, step back in time to the 14th century, meander along Brug’s narrow streets past gabled buildings and through the bustling market, in this medieval gem. Other options include a boat ride along the city’s canals; spending the day exploring Brussels and its famed Grand Place or Antwerp, home of diamonds, Rubens, and Bruegel, taking in the verdant countryside along the way. *Optional excursions include: Bruges – A Medieval Gem, Brussels in a day, Historic Antwerp, City of Rubens and Diamonds, Bruges & Belgian Chocolates Demonstration
Day 16 – London (Dover), England - Disembark
Today marks the end of our journey as we disembark and transfer to the airport for our return flights to the US.
*Price and Itinerary are tentative and subject to change
617-627-5323|usha.sellers@tufts.edu
