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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  National Geographic Explorer

Itinerary:  Exploring the Baltic's Historic Waterways

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 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy | Testimonials

National Geographic Explorer debuts in the grand city of St. Petersburg, Russia, during the famous "white nights." Sail through eight countries united by the Baltic Sea, encountering fascinating cultures and long-neglected histories. Explorations of Scandinavian capital cities and interesting towns are balanced with peaceful island stops for reflective nature walks.

Days 1-4 : Petersburg/Embark Ship

St. Petersburg, with its grand palaces, canals and parks, is an illustrious start to our journey. We check in to the five-star Grand Hotel Europe and spend three days exploring St. Petersburg's imperial luxuries and artistic bounty: the Hermitage, with its renowned art collections, the grandiose Peter & Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter the Great's Summer Palace at Petrodvorets, with its gilded fountains and grand cascade, and the opulent palace of Catherine the Great at Pushkin. On one evening, dinner will be on your own with the option to attend a musical performance at Catherine's private bijou theater in the Hermitage. On Day 4 we are the first guests to embark National Geographic Explorer, docked in sight of the grand Hermitage Museum. With champagne in hand, we gather on deck for the ship's thrilling departure from St. Petersburg along the Neva River. In the evening, we meet our fellow guests and staff members at a welcome reception and dinner. (Day 2: D; Day 4: B,L; Days 3 & 5: B,L,D)

Day 5 : Tallinn, Estonia

Our first stop is the capital of Estonia, Tallinn, known for its awe-inspiring city walls and narrow, well-preserved medieval streets. Our walking tour includes the scenic Old Town (a World Heritage Site) and Town Hall Square, where a new breed of entrepreneurs have proudly opened an array of shops, cafes and galleries. A highlight is the vista from Dome Hill of Tallinn's picturesque assortment of spires and gables. Our ship will remain here late into the evening, so those who wish may have dinner ashore or continue exploring on your own. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Helsinki, Finland

After a leisurely morning at sea, we make a scenic approach to Helsinki, tying up right in town. The Russian influence on Finnish architecture is immediately evident on our guided walk. Highlights include the magnificent Cathedral Tuomiokirkko, the busy open-air market and a ferry ride to the Suomenlinna Fortress (a World Heritage Site), located on a group of islands which strategically dominate the sea approach to the city. (B,L,D)

Day 7 : Swedish Archipelago

Today we wind our way through the enchanting islands of the archipelago. At Bullerö Nature Reserve an afternoon of swimming, hiking and kayaking works up our appetites for a feast of local salmon. And in true Swedish tradition, a sauna and a dip in the cool Baltic Sea round out the day. (B,L,D)

Day 8 : Stockholm

The city that "floats on water," Stockholm is built on 14 islands. Our exploration begins with a Zodiac cruise along Stockholm's scenic canals. A guided walk takes us through the cobbled streets of the Old Town Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace and the famed Vasa Museum with its remarkable 17th-century warship, raised virtually intact in 1961.(B,L,D)

Day 9 : Visby, Gotland, Sweden

During the Viking Era, and for several hundred years onwards, the island of Gotland and especially the city of Visby, became a center of trade in the Baltic Sea. Visby is a well-preserved, walled city (a World Heritage Site) with streets from the Middle Ages and gardens ablaze with flowers, earning the city its nickname "the city of ruins and roses." See the superb Viking exhibits at the Fornsal Museum and explore the botanical gardens. (B,L,D)

Day 10 : Riga, Latvia

A beautiful Hanseatic city dating from 1201, Riga is dominated by its jumble of eclectic architecture from many periods. The historic city center is a World Heritage Site, recognized as having the finest collection of art nouveau buildings in Europe. We explore the Old Town and 14th-century Riga Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 11 : At Sea

Time at sea to hear talks about the Baltic's intriguing history and exciting future. (B,L,D)

Day 12 : Gdánsk, Poland

Homeland to our notable guest speaker Lech Walesa, Nobel Peace Prize winner and former President of Poland, Gdansk is known as the birthplace of Solidarity. We dock at the historic shipyards with its moving Solidarity Monument, and stroll the red-brick inner city with its old merchant's houses and 15th-century Artus Court. (B,L,D)

Day 13 : Christiansø & Bornholm Islands, Denmark

Land by Zodiac at tiny Christiansø for a morning of reflection and photography in this artists' village that now occupies the site of an 18th-century castle. Continue to verdant Bornholm, rich in natural history, and see the ruins of ancient Hammershus Castle. (B,L,D)

Day 14 : Lübeck, Germany

Today we explore lovely Lübeck, designated a World Heritage Site and once the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, Europe's first Common Market. A boat ride along the canals gives us an overview of the Hanseatic and Renaissance architecture. After lunch, join a guided walk exploring this culturally rich city. (B,L,D)

Day 15 : Copenhagen, Denmark/Disembark/Home

After breakfast, disembark in Copenhagen and have a brief stop to see and photograph the famed statue of The Little Mermaid en route to the airport for flights home. (B)

Ship Description: National Geographic Explorer

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  Sail the high seas on luxury expedition ship National Geographic Explorer

The National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship accommodating 148 guests in 81 outside cabins. It is fully stabilized, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing comfort. The National Geographic Explorer houses technology for sea exploration, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, hydro-phones, underwater HD cameras and a Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV). Additional accommodations include multiple dining venues, a lounge area designed specifically for educational presentations and a luxury wellness spa.

Public areas include two restaurants, a lounge and bar, library, observation lounge, spa, fitness center, and sauna. A mud room with lockers provides storage for guests’ expedition gear. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.

Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes. Each has private facilities and climate controls.

Expedition Equipment: Hydrophone, kayaks, remotely operated vehicle (R.O.V.), snorkeling gear, Splash-Cam, underwater video camera, video microscope, and Zodiac landing craft.

Services include a full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, Wellness Specialist, LEXspa Therapist, and Video Chronicler. There is internet access for guests, a business center, and laundry. Our "Open Bridge" policy allows guests to learn about the art of navigation and state-of-the-art navigational equipment from our Captain and Officers.

Cat 1 C Deck - Cabins 301-308. Double with porthole.	Cat 2 C Deck - Cabins 317-320, 335-336. Double with window.
Cat 2S C Deck Solo - Cabins 309-312, 329-334. Single cabins with window	Cat 3 D and E Deck - Cabins 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228. Double with window.
Cat 3S D and E Solo - Cabins 105-106, 203, 208. Single cabins with window.	Cat 4 C Deck - Cabins 313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350. Long double with window.
Cat 5 C Deck - Cabins 341, 343. Oversize double with window, no balcony.	Cat 6 D Deck - Cabins 209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224. Double with balcony.
Cat 7 E Deck Suites with no balcony - 101-102. D Deck Suite with balcony - 213.	Cat 8 D Deck - Suites with balcony. 215, 219, 230.